Save Money on Candle Making Supplies
Save Money on Candle Making Supplies
Candle making can be a great past time, hobby, or business venture.
While the supplies for candling making are remarkably inexpensive, the cost does start to add up over time.
There are many ways you can cut back the cost of the candle making supplies, but I caution you not to sacrifice the quality of the products you purchase just to save a few dollars.
This is especially important for those who sell their candles. If the quality of the product goes down because you are buying wax and other supplies that are of less quality, you will end up costing your business money over the long haul.
Keep a list of the candle making supplies you use. Include the brand, the price, and the amount of the item you get for that price.
This will help you compare the prices with sales you run across and know if you are getting a better deal or not. Many craft stores run sales on candle making items before and right after the holidays. This can be a great time to stock up.
Checking online auction sites including Ebay and Yahoo Auctions can often be an excellent way to find the same candle making products you use at a discounted price.
It could be that the seller of the items doesn’t have the time to make candles anymore or they simply have moved on to other things.
If you use a large volume of candle making supplies on a regular basis, consider buying them wholesale. You will pay more up front for your supplies, yet overall you will save a considerable amount of money.
You can search such wholesalers on the internet and compare prices. Many online wholesalers offer free shipping as well so that is another area where you can save money if you normally purchase your candle making supplies online.
If you know other people who make candles as well consider buying in bulk and sharing the cost as well as the supplies. This is an easy way for everyone to get a discount as well as reduce the cost at the time of purchase.
Some of the discount candle making products on the market are very comparable to the quality products you already use.
A good way to tell is to compare the ingredients. You can research the necessary ingredients of each item on the internet.
If the discount products contain all the major ingredients as the candle making supplies you already use, then give it a try.
It is recommended that you only purchase one or two items at first to test the quality. Keep track of where you purchased the discounted items so you can return to that retailer or online store if you are happy with the quality of the products.
Containers and holders for your candles are one area you should never spend a great deal of money on. I won’t recommend buying them for regular price unless they are for a wedding or other very special occasion.
You can buy mason jars, extra glassware, votive holders, and many other containers to use candle making at thrift stores and garage sales for a very reasonable price.
You might also check the online auctions to purchase large quantities of candle making container and holders at a very good price.
The supplies used in candle making can cost you a great deal of money over time. To save money on the quality supplies you use, take the time to compare prices both online and at local retailers.
Take advantage of discounts and sales throughout the year at craft stores. Be cautious when looking at discount candle making supplies.
You want to make sure they offer the same quality that you are already using. Finding supplies at online auctions and buying them in bulk are also great ways to save you money on candle making supplies.
Candle Making Basics
The use of candles for light and heat is known to have existed in ancient times. The remains of candles have been found in the caves of France.
It is believed that cavemen used them while painting and etching on the walls. It is believed those candles where made out of animal fat.
The Egyptians used candles as well by dripping beeswax onto leave stems. The burning process of a candle involves the four basic elements of matter which are solids, liquids, gas, and plasma.
Today candle making is a fun hobby or craft. For some, it is a very profitable business venture. Candle making provides you with they ability to create wonderful designs and crafts out of your candles.
There is no limit to the shapes, sizes, and colors you can make your candles in. A candle is a device to provide light or fragrance.
Candles have become very popular for the wonderful aromas more than for their ability to produce light. Some candles give off a popular smell such as vanilla or jasmine. Others smell like a chocolate cake or cinnamon rolls.
The body of a candle is generally made of paraffin wax. It can also be made out of beeswax. Paraffin wax is a natural wax that comes from plants.
This wax can be purchased from Petroleum Refinery or the Specialty Wax Processor. Beeswax is also considered a natural wax, and is taken from honeybees. This is the substance the bees use to construct their honeycombs.
A wick is placed in the center of the wax before it dries. The wick is made of cotton fibers that have been braided together.
The wick is very thin, but also very powerful. Sometimes candle makers will use a wick that is wider than normal to increase the size of the flame.
Safety is a very important part of candle making. The temperature of the hot wax can result in severe burns. There is also the risk of fire.
Make sure your candle making area is set up properly and that you have a fire extinguisher in the area. Clean up spills quickly as they will become very slick, leading to falls if you walk across them.
To make candle making fun instead of frustrating, start will making simple candles. This is a great opportunity for you to discover what works well with your set up and gives you the chance to make necessary changes.
Initially, work at implementing good safety habits and melting your wax at the proper temperatures. You will also want to experiment with your cooling process.
Once you have these areas down, you will start to relax and the process will become more natural to you. This is the right time to start experimenting with dyes, scents, and shapes for your candles.
The candle making process is easy to follow if you take your time and learn from your mistakes. Those who are impatient and take multitasking to an extreme will most likely not enjoy the art of candle making.
However, it is very enjoyable by those who have plenty of time to take with the process and who enjoy creating things. Candle making supplies aren’t expensive so use the best you can. This will also help ensure your candles form well and burn properly.
Making Column Candles
Column candles are very similar to taper candles, but they are wider and usually shorter. The top of column candles isn’t pointed like on a taper candle. Instead, it greatly resembles the top of a volcano.
Column candles are very pretty and distinct. They have a classic look to them that is timeless. These candles have a ridge design rather than a smooth design like the column candles.
They add beauty and charm to any environment. Making your own column candles is very easy.
Column candles burn for hours on end, making them a great investment of both your time and supplies to make them. On average, column candles burn for 35 hours.
Column candles do not produce smoke or dripping, making them very popular. Some people experience frustration looking for holders to put their column candles in. They will fit all standard tea light holders and spiked base holders.
You will need some basic items to start making column candles including wax, molds, wick, color, and fragrance. The fragrance is option, but definitely adds appeal to your column candles.
To melt the wax properly, you will need a double boiler. You will want to make sure you use high quality paraffin wax to make your column candles.
Bees wax looks beautiful, but does not hold up well with the structure of the column candle. Too much heat will cause a column candle made of bees wax to ooze all over, creating a mess as well as a candle that isn’t too pretty to look at.
To ensure the design of your column candles is perfect, coat the inside of the molds with a special spray for them. You can also get the same results using a non-stick cooking spray.
After you have melted the wax, dip the wick in it. You will want the wick to be several inches longer than the top of your mold.
Insert the wick from the bottom of the mold. Hold it securely in the middle of the mold by tying the top of the wick to a pencil that lies across the top of the mold.
This is the point in the process where you will want to add any color or fragrance to the melted wax. As soon as you have mixed it together, pour the hot wax into the molds.
If you allow the wax to start cooling before you pour it the candles will have lumps in them. You can remove your finished candles from the molds as soon as they have completely cooled. Snip the excess wick to about 1/4 inch of the top of the candle.
If you want to be more creative, you can add leaves or pressed flowers to the candles using a thin layer of decoupage medium onto the back of the object. Immediately press it onto the candle, holding it in place for a few seconds.
To make ice crystal column candles, put crushed ice in the mold before adding the hot wax. For additional craft ideas, consider looking in a book or on the internet. You will find some really neat column candle crafting ideas that are quite simple to imitate.
Column candles are very unique in their look and appeal. You can make them without any difficulty. These candles make lovely centerpieces as well as personalized gifts.
You can find all the supplies you need to make quality column candles at your local craft stores as well as on the internet.
Making Candles: A Fun Hobby Or Craft
Candle making is a fun hobby or craft. For some, it is a very profitable business venture. Candle making provides you with they ability to create wonderful designs and crafts out of your candles.
There is no limit to the shapes, sizes, and colors you can make your candles in.
A candle is a device to provide light or fragrance. Candles have become very popular for the wonderful aromas more than for their ability to produce light.
Some candles give off a popular smell such as vanilla or jasmine. Others smell like a chocolate cake or cinnamon rolls.
The body of a candle is generally made of paraffin wax. It can also be made out of beeswax. Paraffin wax is a natural wax that comes from plants.
This wax can be purchased from Petroleum Refinery or the Specialty Wax Processor. Beeswax is also considered a natural wax, and is taken from honeybees.
This is the substance the bees use to construct their honeycombs. A wick is placed in the center of the wax before it dries. The wick is made of cotton fibers that have been braided together.
The wick is very thin, but also very powerful. Sometimes candle makers will use a wick that is wider than normal to increase the size of the flame.
Safety is a very important part of candle making. The temperature of the hot wax can result in severe burns. There is also the risk of fire.
Make sure your candle making area is set up properly and that you have a fire extinguisher in the area. Clean up spills quickly as they will become very slick, leading to falls if you walk across them.
The candle making process is easy to follow if you take your time and learn from your mistakes. Those who are impatient and take multitasking to an extreme will most likely not enjoy the art of candle making.
However, it is very enjoyable by those who have plenty of time to take with the process and who enjoy creating things. Candle making supplies aren’t expensive so use the best you can. This will also help ensure your candles form well and burn properly.
Candle Making 101
If you’d like to try your hand at candle making, set aside two hours one day next weekend, and start with an easy project, using your old candles to test the waters.
If it’s instant gratification you crave, you’ll see the fruits of your labor in just a couple of hours with a minimum expenditure for supplies.
People often speak of candle making and soap making in the same sentence as if they are similar experiences. The process is not the same. If you have thought of making your own soap, try candle making first.
The process may appear similar, but it’s simpler and safer. When you make your own candles, you are simply melting wax, not conducting chemical experiments in your kitchen.
We’ll give you a play-by-play preview of the process, but consider this an overview. Before you actually set up shop and play candle maker for the afternoon, download a proper set of step-by-step procedures from the Internet.
You’ll find hundreds of candle-making projects available online, but start by recycling your old candles just to get a feel for the process.
In fact, in this overview, we’ll describe the process of melting down your old candles and turning them into brand new votive candles.
If you enjoy the experience, which is similar to cooking, then you’ll want to order more supplies before beginning your candle-making hobby in earnest.
With a little practice, you can give unique, hand-made holiday gifts, and delight your friends with something that you personally created.
Safety First
Anytime you work around an open flame, you have all the ingredients for a potentially dangerous situation. Work carefully and mind your safety P’s and Q’s at all times.
Candle making requires your undivided attention. Don’t even think about multitasking while working with hot wax.
Materials and Preparation
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather the following equipment:
Old candles – anything that you would otherwise throw away
Votive wicks, pre-tabbed
Votive molds (metal is best)
Scissors
Silicone spray for metal votive molds
Old saucepans to create a “double boiler”
Candy thermometer
Oven mitts
To minimize cleanup, cover your burners with aluminum foil and spread old rags or newspapers over a flat work area.
Prepare the Molds
If you prepare your molds in advance, you won’t have to scramble at the last minute, and risk the possibility of your wax cooling before you can pour it.
Spray the inside of each mold with Silicone per the instructions on the can.
Place a pre-tabbed votive wick in the mold, and set aside.
Melt the Wax
This process requires your undivided attention.
Remove old wicks, labels, etc. At a bare minimum, clip the burnt part of the wick.
Melt the wax.
If you’re using old jar candles, you’ll need to melt the wax in the jars separately.
Pour the Molds
Allow the melted wax to cool to 160 to 180 degrees F.
Pour the wax into the prepared molds.
Allow to cool and shrink.
Melt wax for the repour and allow it to cool to 180 degrees F.
Repour to top off the molds.
Allow to cool.
Remove the candle from the votive holder.
The key to successful candle making is preparation and setup. If you have everything prepared and within easy reach, you’ll have a smooth melt to pour process.
If you haven’t prepared in advance, the wax may cool faster than you can prepare your work area and molds, costing you additional time.
That’s all there is to creating brand new candles from your candle remnants. If you enjoy the process, you can progress to creating your own custom candles from scratch, giving them as gifts, or even starting a brand new career path.
Operating a Successful Candle Making Business
Making candles can be great fun. Some people choose to take their love of this art and make money doing what they enjoy spending their time on.
There are many areas of the candle making business you need to consider before embarking on such an adventure.
Knowing how to make quality candles isn’t enough. You need to educate yourself on ways to promote your candles, ordering supplies, offering customer service, and determining a price for your candles.
We all know candles are a very popular item, so the market for such products is out there. However, that market can’t purchase your candles if they don’t know about it.
You will need to establish a plan including where you plan to sell your candles, and then come up with a handle of ways to get attention to them. There are many places to sell candles.
You can do so from your own home or rent space at craft shows. Often word of mouth will result in orders. You can also choose to advertise on the internet.
Advertising online can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Write about your business on a blog or purchase services from a web hosting company.
They often offer excellent tools for setting up a web page and directing traffic to your site. In addition, they provide the shopping cart and even credit card processing for you. Most web hosting companies charge $20 per month, which isn’t a bad investment.
Placing your candles on Ebay or other online auction sites is a great way to generate sales. As you accumulate feedback for selling a quality product you will get more buyers.
Before you can do any advertising, you will need to decide what types of candles to sell. You will generate more sells if you show pictures of your work with each type of candle you sell.
People buying candles want to visualize the product they are purchasing. Once your business starts turning a profit, consider buying supplies in large quantities to get a discount.
The secret to being a successful candle making business is selling the product at a fair enough price that the consumer will buy it.
Yet you also need to cover the cost of your time and supplies, while making a reasonable profit. Don’t be tempted to cut corners on the quality of your supplies as this can greatly alter the quality of your product.
Once the word is out that your quality is poor, you will have a hard time maintaining sales.
To generate business, offer promotions. You can offer free shipping for your candle products at the online auction sites to have an advantage over the competition. Many auction surfers will buy a product with free shipping over one with low shipping.
You can also offer a free candle with the purchase of three or even to send a personalized card if the buyer is going to use the candle as a gift.
Many successful candle making companies offer personalized service. This means customers can ask for a particular type of candle in a color and you will make it for them.
This often costs the customer more, but they are likely willing to pay it. Make sure you communicate well with your customers and know exactly what they want before committing to such a project.
Every business experiences issues that come up. This is to be expected. Customers are likely to be more forgiving of such issues if they are provided with quality customer service.
Make sure customers have a way to get into contact with you. Work out a resolution to any issues that you will both be happy with.
It is best to outline return policies on your website as well so that there is a place customers can review such information.
Choosing to start your own business is a wonderful and exciting time. Selling your own candles gives you a business where you can be proud of the quality product you are making.
Taking the time to learn the basics of the business before jumping in will help ensure this is a fun business venture for you and hopefully one that is going to be quite profitable.
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