Monday, January 23, 2012
Where To Sell Wax Art
Shows And Fairs
This category is probably the best possible outlet for wax art. This would include county and state fairs, street fairs, craft shows, craft fairs and any similar venue. These are usually outdoors and outdoor shows will generally produce more sales so this is a great market to target. Indoor shows can be good, but generally get substantially less traffic without a substantially lower booth fee
As a general guideline, always try to do the biggest shows possible. You will sell a lot more at a show with an attendance of 40,000 than at a show with 4,000 people You can expect to pay higher booth fees at bigger shows, but usually you will sell a lot more. Keep in mind that your labor cost (yes, your time is worth money) will be the same either way, so why not maximize sales for the time spent.
Flea Market/Swap Meet
This could be classified with shows and fairs with one big exception - people go to flea markets expecting to haggle over price. Personally, I don't enjoy haggling and find people offering me less money for something than I paid for it somewhat offensive. So I do never do any shows that are flea markets or associated with flea markets (as in Craft Fair and Flea Market). If you don't mind the haggling, some flea markets have the potential to produce big sales.
In Store Display
I have seen several stores try to market a make your own candle section in their existing store. This may do better in a candle shop than in other types of stores, however I have never seen anyone actually stop to make their own candle in this type of setup. Although some locations (such as tourist areas) might do well with this type of setup, most probably won't. You'll have to decide this for yourself.
Birthday Parties
The past decade or so has seen a big rise in popularity of professionally hosted children's parties. As a parent I understand the attraction - no work, no mess, no cleanup, Just have a good time and leave all that for someone else to take care of. Basically this has given rise to a fairly new industry - party planners for kid's parties. Some businesses specialize in this, offering a variety of party types. Other businesses offer parties in their specialty only - such as ice skating, bowling, bakeries, arcades, laser tag, plaster craft, etc
The popularity of this leads to several possibilities. If you own a business specializing in craft parties, wax art is a potential candidate for one type of party. If you own a candle store and have a spare room that could be decorated up nice, this has great potential as a new revenue source Even if you don't have a storefront, there is some potential for doing the wax art portion of a party m people's homes (more on this later).
The major pitfall to all this is having to work with kids. If you don't have a lot of patience or don't like to be around kids this is not your best option.
Customers that book a party expect things to go smoothly - after all that's why they are paying a professional (you). It's vital that you plan everything out, are well prepared, and act professionally at all times. Don't just plan for everything going smoothly - you must have contingency plans in case things go wrong. Sit down and make a list of every possible thing that could go wrong - and how you will deal with it.
Remember that a successful party with lots of happy children and parents will often result in multiple bookings for more parties
On Location
As mentioned previously there is some market for doing wax art on location. This could be as simple as providing the entertainment for children's parties, or a larger operation entertainmg corporate spouses during a convention.
Another on location possibility is fund rising. Many non profit organizations host bazaars and other events to raise funds. Although some actually offer booth space to vendors for a fee (treat these like craft fairs). Some don't allow outside vendors, but may be interested in a partnership. Basically you would kick back a portion of the sales in exchange for booth space. Sometimes these organizations will even provide free help working the booth with you.
Summary
With the ideas explored in this chapter you should by now have formed some idea of how you plan to market your wax art. These are some of the most popular marketing methods, but don't stop there - you may come up with a new and unique approach that will do even better.
Overall I have to say that the show / fair booth is the best way. I have seen to market wax art, and most people that market it this way do well. Read more.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Candle Making Safety
• NEVER leave melting wax unattended Not even m a double boiler Not ever
• NEVER overheat wax. It will spontaneously combust when it reaches the flash point (about 375 degrees F). Do not heat above 212 degrees F (such as m a double boiler). If using a torch, always keep it moving to prevent overheating the wax. The fumes from overheated wax can cause severe illness - in case of an accident evacuate the area and ventilate it
• ALWAYS keep wax away from open flames - it is flammable
• ALWAYS use a thermometer It is essential for safety that you always be aware of the wax temperature
• ALWAYS use a double boiler temperatures up to 200 degrees F can be achieved this way. You do not need to make the wax any hotter than that If you don't have a commercial double boiler, use an old pot for the water and a smaller pot inside it to melt the wax in
• NEVER put water on a wax fire. Wax is essentially oil, and water may splatter the flaming wax
• ALWAYS keep a pot lid, and a dry chemical (ABC Type) fire extinguisher handy when heating wax. Use the pot lid to smother tiny fires m the melting container. A fire extinguisher is useful if you set the curtains on fire, or have some other major accident These items should be kept outside of any area that may be affected by fire but still within easy access
A FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT YOU CAN OWN IF YOU ARE MELTING WAX
• Wear loose clothing. If you are wearing tight clothes and wax splashes you it will be in immediate skin contact. If wax gets on your skin, run it under cold water immediately - then peel off the wax
• Don't pour wax down the drain unless you want an expensive visit from your plumber
• NEVER let candle making get so routine that you get careless
Following these safety rules and taking precautions against fire will help you relax and enjoy your candle making even more
THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF CANDLE MAKING EQUIPMENT YOU CAN OWN IS AN ABC TYPE,DRY CHEMICAL FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
Read more.
Candle Burning Safety
Burning Safety
• NEVER LEAVE A BURNING CANDLE UNATTENDED!
• Always burn candles on a heat resistant surface. Candle glass may become hot and damage furniture. A good heat resistant surface can be made from a ceramic tile (cover bottom with felt to protect furniture, or an old dinner plate
• Keep all burning candles away from children and pets
• Position candles away from flammable objects
• Do not bum candles to the very bottom
Burning Tips
The following burning tips will help you get the most out of your candles
• Always keep the wick trimmed to 1/4 inch (6 cm)
• If a candle bums unevenly it is m a draft Rotate the candle 90 degrees periodically to keep burning uniform, or move it to another location
• Candle should be burned a minimum of 1 hour for each inch of diameter. This allows the wax pool to cover the entire surface, improves scent throw, and extends the burning time
Read more.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Pouring Technique
Benefits:
1. Quick and easy
2. Requires little or no practice
Drawbacks
1. Not easily portable - require substantial equipment if doing this in public
Materials
1. Fire extinguisher - you must have a dry chemical fire extinguisher (ABC type) if you are using this technique
2. Double boiler setup - this can be either a commercial double boiler or just a pot set inside another pot. The pot used to hold the wax should have a handle and pour spout for convenience.
3. Heat Source - a stove or hot plate. if electricity not available, then a propane camp stove may be used
4. Thermometer - you must monitor wax temperature
5. Water source - you must have enough water to maintain pot of boiling water for the duration of the fair
6. Protected area - you must have a way of isolating customer from hot wax, stoves, pots, etc...this must also be stable as it as hazardous if knocked over
7. Paraffin wax - this can be some of your granulated wax, or less expensive pure paraffin wax
Do not try this technique without reading the safety instruction.
Step 1
Prepare the double boiler - put several inches of water in the outer (larger) pot. Place on heat source. Add wax to the inner (smaller) pot and place inside the outer pot. This will not be usable for food again, so don't use your good cookware.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES
Never place a pot of wax on direct heat! Never let all the water boil off - check it often!
Step 2
Place the thermometer in the wax pot. Try to regulate the heat so that the wax stay at about 150 - 160 degrees F. Pouring it too hot will cause it to soak in too much. Pouring too cool will prevent it from flowing properly. It may necessary to adjust the wax temperature depending on the ambient temperature. On hot days you can pour a bit cooler, on cold days you may need to pour a bit hotter.
Step 3
Once the wax is melted pour it across the top of the candle allowing it to flow to all edges.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES
Use caution when handling hot wax!
Step 4
Allow the wax to cool and the candle is complete
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES
Never let the customer handle the candle until the wax has cooled! Read more.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Torching Technique
Propane Torch
Commonly used by plumbers to "sweat" copper pipe. Available in self igniting models (recommended).
Benefits:
1. If you have any showmanship skills at all this can attract customers to your booth
2. Highly portable - does not require electricity
Drawbacks
1. Requires the use of an open flame
2. Requires practice to use it safely
Heat Gun
Used most commonly for stripping paint and wallpaper.
Benefits:
1. Easier for beginner to control
2. Does not have an open flame (the nozzle still get hot enough to burn though)
Drawbacks
1. Requires use (availability) of electricity
2. Takes longer to heat up
Do not try this technique without reading the safety instruction.
Step 1
The wick must be protected. This is most easily done by wrapping a small piece of aluminum foil around the wick. Failure to protect the wick may result in the wick being charred or actually igniting.
Step 2
Play the flame or heat across the surface of the candle. It must be kept moving at all times to prevent overheating the wax. Continue until all surface is liquid, then remove the foil and allow to cool. This take substantial amount of practice, so don't try it for the first time at a show - get the hang of it beforehand.
Step 3
The complete candle.
Read more.
Plastic Warp Technique
The only materials needed are plastic cling wrap (from any supermarket), and some rubber band.
Step 1
Make sure the container is completely filled to the top edge. This will help prevent the design from shifting around and looking messy.
Step 2
Bend the wick over so it lays flat against the wax. This will allow us to position the plastic wrap as tight as possible without puncturing it. Note how the granulated wax is filled to the very top edge - this is vital when using this technique.
Step 3
Place a piece plastic wrap over the top and bring it down the sides. Make it as tight as possible.
Step 4
Position the rubber band to hold the plastic wrap tightly in place. NOTE: narrow rubber bands are useless for this so you should use rubber bands that are at least 1/4 inch (7 mm) wide.
Read more
Top Sealing
The solution is to seal at the top. This is actually the hardest part although depending on the technique choosen it is still not to difficult. There are three common top sealing methods which will be covered in detail in this site.
1. Plastic warp
2. Torching
3. Pouring
Read more.
Basic Wax Art Set Up
Basic Procedure
1. Start with a clean container
2. Fill the container with wax using a spoon
3. Grasp the pre waxed wick with both hands and straighten it
4. Insert the straighten wick into the center of the candle
5. Trim the wick with a wire cutter to approximately 3/8 inch (12 mm) above the wax surface
6. Optional - add seceral drops of scent oil near the wick
The candle now ready to be burned. If you plan to transport the candle it will be necessary to seal the top. Read more.
Granulated Wax Uses
You can also use the granules to refill old, used candles that are contained in some form of container. If you fill those up with the wax particles, they will melt and blend with the old one and in essence become one (and big once again).
Some scented granules are strong enough to stand as potpourri. Add them in an open container and leave them in a room. You will find that the unlit scent can hold its own. They can also be mixed with traditional potpourri as a sort of scent refresher. Just add them to the mix instead of scent oils, and you have instant refills.
Finally, scented granulated wax is used to form candles. Granules are easier to melt, and because some granulated wax already comes pre-scented, you save an entire step in making scented candles. Melt the granules as you would with the wax, and follow with the succeeding steps (adding a wick, cooling, forming into shape, etc.). Read More.
About Granulated Candle Wax
As far as candles are concerned, leave the notion of the candle as being a solid piece of wax. Instead, think of it in smaller pieces, or grains of candle wax packed together. For this to work, one must have a container to hold it in shape.
Granulated candle wax has become more associated with scented candles. Scented candles make use of scented oils to give out pleasant smells. The oil is mixed with the candle wax during the manufacturing process, and they literally burn with the wax when it melts. However, an unlit scented candle already smells good—but not strong enough to cover smells or, for example, make a room smell good.
When used with granulated wax, scented oils are literally just spilled over the particles. This gives them more surface area to adhere to—for example, cover an entire grain with oil. This combination makes a product that lasts longer and provides scent stronger.
Granulated wax also provides good value for money in terms of volume to cost. In a traditional candle, air pockets are hidden from plain sight. If you slice a “packed” candle in half, you will notice that it has “unfilled” holes. If you use granulated wax, while air will be obviously present between the granules, you get more packed candle. Read more.
Wax Art Material
Wax Art Wax
This probably seems pretty obvious This is available in a wide range of colors. You will need to obtain granulated wax art wax 1ll as many colors as you plan to work with.
Container
Because we are making candles, a glass or metal container should always be used. Glass is preferable since it is transparent and the colorful wax will be visible. Suitable containers include votive holders, apothecary Jars, and metal tins. If you are on a tight budget, baby food jars will work.
Wicking
Since we are making candles, a candle wick will be needed. Pre waxed wick is stiff and easily lnserted into your finished candle. An alternative technique preferred by some wax art crafters is to use a pre-tabbed and waxed wick Both methods are illustrated 1n this site.
Scent Oil
This is optional If you wish to scent your candles, a bottle of scent oil and a pipette (or eye dropper) will be needed
Spoons
Plastic spoons are used for placing the wax into the container
Wire Cutters
Used to trim the wick
Stick Or Dowel
This is optional, but may be used to create decorative effects 1ll the candle A paintbrush handle also works well
Finding Supplies
A full line of wax art supplies can be found
Read more.
What Is Wax Art
As noted above, wax art contains some special ingredients and color so don't confuse it with granulated pure paraffin which has no color or hardeners. The term wax art derives from sand art For those not familiar with sand art, it is the filling of bottles with colored sand to make a decorative display. Wax art has the advantage of being functional as well as decorative - you can burn the candle. Once completed, sand art is basically just a dust collector on your shelf. Read more.
Wax Art Introduction
Scout leaders and teachers love it as it is well suited to working with children or large groups since no heat is required . It can be a highly profitable business . Wax art has something for everyone
Those who want to just make a few wax art candles can skip the business section of this site. Those who plan to work with groups (scout leaders, teachers, etc .. ) should read the business section as many of the same setup concepts apply when working with groups. Read more.
Pricing Simplified
Materials Cost
Use the following step by step procedure to calculate your average cost per ounce of wax formula
1. Add the cost per pound of all the scent oils you use, and divide by the number of scents to find average price per pound
2. Divide the number in step 1, by 16 (assuming you use an ounce of scent per pound of wax, if not divide by the appropriate number)
3. Add in the cost of any additives used per pound of wax including dye
4. Add in the cost per pound of wax
5. Add .05 or so to cover wick cost
6. Add together steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 to get your cost per pound
7. Divide the total from step 6 by 16 to get your cost per ounce
8. Multiply the cost per ounce from step 7 times the weight of the candle
As you can see, once you have an average cost per ounce, you can weigh a candle and multiply that cost times the number of ounces to determine your material cost for any candle. Read more.
Setting Prices
Your actual cost to make any product is the cost of materials and labor plus a percentage of your overhead.
Looking back to your business plan, this probably seems hopelessly complex for your small business. But have no fear, there is a simpler way that works well for the small candle business. Read more.
Setting Company Policy
This article will help you m setting company policy for your business. These are not hard and fast rules, but more like a list of things to consider when setting your company policy
Keep It Simple
While your company policy should present your stance on almost any circumstances you might encounter, it should be written m easy to understand language.
People have an inherent distrust of legalese (they don't want to need a lawyer to review it), doubletalk, hype, lots of conditions, fine print, ambiguous wording, etc... Those are the tools of shady businessmen, and you need to earn the trust of customers to be successful in the long term. Keep it as simple and straightforward as possible. If someone has to question what it means then it is too complex
Let It Be Known
The best thought out company policy is absolutely useless if the customers don't know what it is. The following list are some ways of letting the customers know your policies before transacting business with them. Not all apply to every type of business
• Post legible, printed Signs where they will be noticed. Above the cash register for instance
• Put a copy on the back of order forms / invoices
• Put a copy in your catalog / brochure
• Devote a page of your web site to it. Every page on the site should have a link to it - don't bury it and make customers have to search for. Read more.
Planning Your Business
Even if you are a talented sculptor - don't carve it in stone. Business plans evolve over time and you will likely need to modify it often to adapt to changing circumstances. But you do need a starting pooit so sit down and follow the guidelines here to draw up your own
Be as detailed as possible, but be prepared to come back and fill in additional details. For example, your cost to make something may have to wait until you do some research on purchasing ingredients
Business Plan Outline Guide
This outline shows some of the things you should take into consideration when drawing up your business plan. Please note that these are just samples and you should give each topic ample thought Once completed, it will also make a handy checklist of things to do to launch the business
1. Put your goals in writing. How much per year would you expect to make? Are you looking for a full time business? Part time for extra income? Try to be realistic, many start ups make little money the first year or so, (let alone the kind of income i know you are thinking at the moment)
2. Products - List the products you intend to offer if possible include an estimated cost to make per item
Such as
• Candle 1 - est cost 2.37
• Candle 2 - est cost4.63
Read more.
Marketing To Friend
They can also turn into a great sales force as well, since their acquaintances will also come in contact with your candles. Friends that work in large offices can often become great salespersons just by displaying several candles on their desk and taking orders for you. I don't pretend to understand the psychology of it, but people like to buy things while at the workplace and you will find a ready market there
The difficult part of this marketing strategy is perceived guilt about making money on friends and family although it is usually a good idea to treat them better than strangers (such as with a nice discount), there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to earn a modest profit on them After all your time is worth money, and you are providing them with a top quality product if you have a friend that is selling lots of candles for you, treat them like gold. Give them some form of commission (either a cut of sales or free candles if they prefer)
Summary
• This is a great marketing technique for those who want a small part time candle business
• Investment needed - No additional expense is occurred in marketing aside from a few sample candles
• Income Potential- Low to Medium / Low
Read more.
Marketing Strategies
Being Your Own Boss
• No one to boss you around
• Make your own hours
• Set your own salary
• Reap the full rewards of your efforts
But don't dwell on that - this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare and you must be prepared to take the good with the bad
• Long hours when necessary
• Lean paychecks when business is off
• Heavy responsibilities - especially once you start hiring employees (you then become responsible for their livelihood as well as your own)
• Problem customers
• Poor decisions
If you are not a highly motivated person, then being self employed is generally not a good idea. Behaviors that are acceptable (to you, not necessarily to your employer) as an employee are totally unacceptable as the owner of a business. Things such as poor attendance, laziness, procrastination, carelessness, etc... will kill a business as surely as selling stuff for less than you pay for it will although it might take a bit longer. This does not mean you cannot have the occasional "off day", but you will need a lot of self discipline to make your business work. Read more.
Is The Candle Business Right For You?
1. Do you like to make candles?
2. Do you have a reasonable amount of time to spend?
3. Do you want the responsibilities of being your own boss?
4. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make your business successful?
If you answered no to any of the above, think very carefully before going into the candle business. Like any business it requires a lot of effort to be successful. Read more.
Answers To The Big Questions
Q: Can I really make money making candles?
A: No. You have to sell them to make money
Q: Can I really make money selling my candles?
A: Yes
Q: How much money can I make?
A: That depends on factors such as how much effort and dedication you put into it some creativity and salesmanship also helps, but is not required for success
Q: How much money do I need to invest?
A. Figure a bare minimum to be about 100 dollars in supplies, although more would be better There will also be other start up costs depending on your marketing strategy. Read more.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Scented or unscented? Both!
Do you want to make use of your creativity? Then it is time to get that beeswax from used candles, find some simple and shallow containers and get you hands working for some votive candles.
With the variety of style and the versatile sizes ready to be used at their best in whatever occasion, votive candles are really worth any amount of money you could spend. When you want to have the taste of the greatest votives finding out means or researching, are the answer and it could be your source of your own creative ideas as well. What else do you want to know? We are more than willing to tell you more.
Did you know that votives, these candles that were actually made for some moments you share by those people who have passed away especially your loved ones? Now, they become more popular and the purpose for using them is not as narrow as it used to be. The most common wax used for traditional votive candles is paraffin wax.
This makes this kind of candle last for a long time compared to other types. This makes it also as something that could really be depended on whenever you need a long-lasting performance from candles. Volatile candles would surely be the best choice for you when all you wanted is to enjoy that sparks of light as you add the mood to a certain occasion.
Commonly, votives are used for different purposes be it scented votives. Scented votives could be used with your own purpose in mind. They could give that sensual effect to any place in your house where you choose as a venue for any gathering.
When it comes to unscented votives, they are in demand for churches and other spiritual activities.
When you need votive candles, there are a lot of them being it colored and scented, you could find them through many websites. But, you have to be very careful in comparing the products. Or if not, you could learn online if how you could start making votive candles. You may be surprise of your own initiative.
And who knows, this could be a business venture soon? Read more.
Scented and Profitable: Candles of Course
Besides that effect being brought by the candles you have at home, there could be more than that. You could have that aroma you want. You can have that relaxing and soothing effect. They could be given to you by scented candles.
Scented candles would surely bring a different ambience to any dull place. With the scent you want, you would surely feel the ease and the rare atmosphere they could define. They could also be that source of soothing and relieving aroma. Well, not just any candle could give that to you. When you are looking for the quality, style and elegance, you have some websites to guide you and let you choose the right.
Scented candles could remind you of the most beautiful things in life like the flowers, the scents of the food we love like cookies, fruits and spices. You could find that relaxing scent and they could even serve as your therapy whenever you feel stressed.
You could give it a try making your own candles too. You could play with the aromas you want and colors to meet what you want and what you need. You could start by mixing or testing small amounts of scent so that you will not have troubles if your candles would smell strong.
The following are the most recommended scents: lemon, lime or orange scents to enhance your energy, or vanilla, jasmine, rose and sandalwood scents for romance. Their scents may leave different effects as well. Explore these scents and explore the various effects that you would surely fall in love with.
As you become better in scented candle making, it could surely be a good business venture.
What do you think is missing in your candles? Well if it is not the colors and whatsoever factors they have, you may think about the scent. It could be very appealing to both the sight and the nose. You just do not know how much they could make you feel relaxed and at ease whenever you are stressed out. For the best ones, why not look for and light out and enjoy both sight and the scent. Read more.
Make shot glass candles for fun and profit
You could see these things in drinking places, poured with liquor being shared by fun-loving people. This is of course an instant when a single shot glass means a lot. Have you ever wondered about the other benefits of just a shot glass? Well, there is one exciting and very useful innovation with a shot glass, which is using them to make candles. Yes, we call hem shot glass candles.
Shot glass candles are really artistic and they could be very useful for the home and whatever place you think you would need them, not as mere light source but as well as having decorative purposes.
You could make our own shot glass candles. The steps to make are easy and economical. Out of these easy steps and with a small sum of money, you would be able to start a good hobby, a good small business and a good polish for our creativity. This is also a means of recycling or re-using old candles.
• Cut old candles into pieces and place these pieces in a container. When you want to use a certain color, you could use uncolored wax for your convenience.
• Place the container into another container of boiling water. Wait until the candle pieces melt.
• When you see that the wax has melted, his is the right time o put some dye for color.
• Prepare your wicks. Cut them as they fit to the shot glasses.
• Place these wicks to the shot glasses.
• Pour the wax into the shot glasses but make sure that it does not submerge the entire length of the wick.
• When the wax has nearly set, you see to it that you adjust the wick to the center of the shot glass. Leave the shot glasses in order for the wax to completely set.
These are so simple steps to follow, make sure also that when you choose shot glasses for candle making, and choose the thicker ones for they are much safer. For wicks, you could tie it around a toothpick before letting it lay in a shot glass. Remember to cut ¼ of it before lighting it up. Read more.
How to make gel candles as gifts
Though for most people the tag price of your present may “tickle the spine”, it is beyond denial that a “personal” touch expresses more sincerity for the receiver. Your creativity plus a few tips from us would make that special person feel extra special because of your own custom gel candles.
1. Prepare the following materials:
• Ceramic containers like mugs or any fancy-shaped figurine that could hold the candle wax when melted and cooled. Glasses are also great.
• Gel wax,
• Candle wicks
• Pencils
• Pot (for melting wax)
• Candle scent and color (non alcohol-base)
• Sharp scissors
2. With the use of a pencil, twine the wick around it but leave some of the wick free that it could reach the bottom part of the candle container. It must be straight down the center of the container.
3. Put the pencil with the twined wick on top of the container; allow the wick to hang down the center of the container. As what the directions tell, melt the wax by cutting them into cubes first to hasten the melting.
4. Add color and scent but make sure that they will not make the wax cloudy.
5. After the melting, pour the gel wax into the container you have prepared. Fill the container but set a limit. Before getting to the next step, make sure that the wax turned gel fully cools down.
6. Check out the wick if it really takes the focal point of the container.
7. Trim the wick to ¼ of its total length.
8. You could tie a ribbon around it or stick a piece of fancy paper with a special message or a mini-picture of the receiver. Give it with the purest sincerity.
As you follow these quick and easy steps, you could unravel both the artist and entrepreneur in you. This way of preparing gifts would tickle your resourcefulness and creativity. Moreover, it may be an initiation of your new business specializing in candles. They are making it big on the market today. Read more.
How to make a gel candle with an aquatic theme
Trendy- bracing some dashes of style, candles could be very good accessories for the home. In order for you to bring that fun atmosphere of the beach, why not bring that sand and sea mood at home?
These helpful tips may let you try more options:
1.Find a container that would best hold into form the candle you have in mind. Make sure that you will be using non-flammable containers. Use glass if available, they could show the gel, choose something with a touch of aqua blue.
2.Plan to have the wick like about 1.5 inches from the sides and dribble a spot of hot glue on the bottom of the container you used.
3.Stick the wink on the hot glue and let it cool down for a few minutes. Don’t use cotton as core wick, zinc is the best choice.
4.For the gel, cut the gel wax into small parts or cubes and place it into a container and heat it up. Make sure that the heat is not too hot or too cold. 200 Fahrenheit could make it melt well.
5.Maintain the advised temperature until such time that the wax would melt and turn into a smooth and a bit thick liquid. For more attractive effects, you could use coloring materials that would create a better effect to the product.
6.Do not use coloring materials that would make the gel lose its transparency. Ignore the use of water-based and paste dyes as a combination. They do not complement each others components.
7.Pour ¼ of essential oil or gel scent for more effects that would make the candle “marketable”. When pouring such, add more wax cubes if there is a “cloudy” effect on the liquid.
8.Scents you use must be alcohol-free. For the aquatic theme, choose a “cool” scent than those which are fruity or musky.
9.When you are about to pour the candle liquid on a container, set a level mark and make sure that the liquid will not pass over it. Put some seashell beads, aquarium gravel, sand, aqua blue glitter, pebbles, and others. Do it by layer.
10.Make it a point to preheat the container (150 degrees). This would minimize the presence of bubbles that may ruin the form of the finished product.
11.Then pull up the wick and be sure that it goes up in the center of the candle. Let the candle cool down for 3-4 hours. Trim the wick at about ¼ inch.
12.You could vary the designs of your aquatic candles by mixing and matching colors and objects like starfish and clouds, sand and stars, boat prints and pebbles are just a few of the numerous possibilities.
The sea, sand, bikinis, waves, hats, flip flops… the beautiful sights one summer afternoon could be reflected by your home made candles. This could set off as a mere past time but entrepreneurial opportunities may knock on your door. Gel candles are easy to make, affordable, convenient, and they could be those attractive possessions of your home. Read more.
For the perfect mood as you have tea
Tea light candles are these tiny works of candle artistry that you may want to have in your own chosen places for they are surely going to turn the mood for serenity, romance, and relaxation. There are a lot of wonderful things you could get from these tiny but valuable candles.
Small but useful as they are, you could get them at 1 to 2 inches in diameter and 1 to 1 and a half when it comes to height. They could be bought in packages ranging from a few numbers of pieces to a hundred. This is a great option for you to choose from. You would be able to think of how many candles you would need and in response to your needs and your objectives.
Tea light candles are really great add-ons to your dinner table or anywhere in your dining room. But, those that are unscented could be a better choice since if they are aromatic; you and those who are around for a meal would get carried away with the scent and not the meal you prepared.
With their small size, you could feel free to light out some pieces and leave them for they could last for a long time. This is a proof that you will not waste money. They are affordable and are very practical for you. They could be really “in” for any special occasions or even for ordinary days. If there are occasions and you want gather visitors in your patio, you could put tea light candles around as you savor every moment shared with those people you choose to be with.
For ordinary days, they could make it special. When you soak yourself in a bath tub, you could place these candles around to soothe your mood and feel relaxed. In this case, you could enjoy the aroma of scented candles.
And if you want to have these tea light candles, you could learn how to make them online. There are websites that could give you a step by step means of making homemade tea light candles.
Experience that glow that could set you free of the negative feelings, try lighting out tea light candles. Read more.
Floating with beauty and style
Floating candles could really bring that different twist in what you knew or believed about candles. They define elegance, romance and creativity. For really tested and proven quality floating candles is what you need. They could really be a mood setter and they could really stay up for a long time. Set that mood you wanted, save much and celebrate.
There could be nothing more romantic than floating candles freely moving on water. These things would mean a lot to some people and some occasions. You could never know how wonderful the effects are unless you try it out for yourself. These could really be the one you have been looking for as that great addition to your preparations for any ordinary day or special occasion.
When you want to create a very romantic mood in any part of your house or other places, you may need candles. For more dramatic effect, the use of floating candles would be a very wonderful idea. You can just have a container of water, let the candles freely float. They could be great messengers of the expression you want to tell.
There is this unique effect when one uses candle in a certain occasion. For the added effect, floating candles could really be your secret weapon. When you are interested about the idea of having them as your way of creating a really rare but special mood, we have something for you to try out and enjoy. They would define to you what the real worth of floating candles is.
Are you running out of gift ideas? What do you think could be a creative way of preparing a gift that is uniquely great? Are floating candles in your mind? If not, we are now telling you that you should think about it. It is the best idea we could share to you. When you want to give out the best floating candles, choose those that are certified water resistant and artistic, you would have the best pick if you choose it. Read more.
Customize that Candle, be Creative!
Through time, the uses of candles have been changing. For some countries, they are basic tools for worship. They would always be found on churches, temples and other worship places. Cakes come with candles too; this gives them the “symbolic” touch. This makes them as part of ceremonies such as inauguration, commencement activities and the like.
Today, candles are a part of a growing industry. They are making it big on the market especially the “gel candles”. What makes gel candles so in demand for costumers? Well, since it is made of mineral oil and plastic polymer, it could last long and in fact, it is so easy to make. At home, one could try making these gel candles without too much hassles and expenses.
You could follow the steps below:
1.Find a container that would best hold into form the candle you have in mind. Make sure that you will be using non-flammable containers. Use glass if available, they could show the gel.
2.Plan to have the wick like about 1.5 inches from the sides and dribble a spot of hot glue on the bottom of the container you used.
3.Stick the wink on the hot glue and let it cool down for a few minutes. Don’t use cotton as core wick, zinc is the best choice.
4.For the gel, cut the gel wax into small parts or cubes and place it into a container and heat it up. Make sure that the heat is not too hot or too cold. 200 Fahrenheit could make it melt well.
5.Maintain the advised temperature until such time that the wax would melt and turn into a smooth and a bit thick liquid. For more attractive effects, you could use coloring materials that would create a better effect to the product.
6.Do not use coloring materials that would make the gel lose its transparency. Ignore the use of water-based and paste dyes as a combination. They do not complement each others components.
7.Pour ¼ of essential oil or gel scent for more effects that would make the candle “marketable”. When pouring such, add more wax cubes if there is a “cloudy” effect on the liquid.
8.Scents you use must be alcohol-free.
9.When you are about to pour the candle liquid on a container, set a level mark and make sure that the liquid will not pass over it.
10.Make it a point to preheat the container (150 degrees). This would minimize the presence of bubbles that may ruin the form of the finished product.
11.Then pull up the wick and be sure that it goes up in the center of the candle. Let the candle cool down for 3-4 hours. Trim the wick at about ¼ inch.
These steps are so easy to follow. You do not need to let go of your cash every time you need candles at home. You could pour out your own artistry and put a personal touch in the candles you use. This would be a very good past time as well as a way of cost-cutting. In the long run, this may be a great start of putting up your own candle business.
With just a low amount of capital and your determination to make it big, you may have the heart of an entrepreneur beneath your chest. Read more.