I can't tell you how happy I am that the Easter Bank Holiday is here. It gives me a significant amount of time to focus on my next range, The Zodiac. As I type, I have my wax melting away to make the Gemini candles with Aries and Taurus already made; only 9 more to go. Launch date coming very soon so keep your eyes peeled.
In this episode, I wanted to talk about candle supplies and the suppliers I use. As mentioned in a previous post, I started out by melting down old candles to make new ones. When I started my research into what supplies I would actually need to make fresh, brand new candles...lets just say I was like a kid in a sweet shop, the amount of choice and options of supplier is incredible.
Firstly, lets talk Wax...when I bought my first supplies, I opted for Paraffin wax in the main due to it being cheaper than soy wax. I wasn't sure if candle-making would turn out like my other past hobbies and fall by the wayside so didn't want to spend too much money. However, I very quickly transitioned over to Natural soy wax blend. I think mainly to be kinder to the environment in my own little way and I'm still using the same wax (Nature Wax C3) today. I use Supplies for Candles for my Wax and have since the very beginning - https://suppliesforcandles.co.uk/
Next, Containers...in the past, I've typically used either 20cl or 30cl as I like a bigger candle but if you start looking there are no end of options available. I used clear glass, coloured glass, tins, you name it but for my business I chose the matt black containers as I wanted a very clean, classy style. A great company to use for containers is Randalls Candles as they have so much choice and also containers which you don't get everywhere such as Windsor and Oxford - https://www.randallscandles.co.uk/
The final major supply is Fragrance. Now, I will try and keep this succinct as honestly this is my favourite part of building my candle ranges so I could talk about this forever. You have the option of essential oils or fragrance oils. I use fragrance oils as the ranges these suppliers have seems to be never-ending. I've had to learn that I shouldn't necessarily pick scents that I like (floral) as everyone is different but the joy of these companies is a lot of them offer wax melt samples so before you commit to buying larger quantities, you can order these samples for a couple of quid to test them out. I highly recommend checking out Fragrance Oil Direct. Another bonus is they supply all the CLP information and Material Safety Data Sheets which are important documents to have if you are thinking of running a candle business - https://www.fragranceoilsdirect.co.uk/
A final mention would be to check out Candle Shack. They have all the supplies as highlighted above along with different wick options both cotton & wooden wicks, safety labels, dyes, candle making equipment etc - https://candle-shack.co.uk/
The key point when it comes to making candles whether it be for pleasure or as a business is research and testing. You need to invest the time in understanding what your supplies will do and what they need to make an optimal product. Its also important to work out what matters to you also. For example, do you ultimately want a product which is cruelty free/vegan? Do you want to make on a small or large scale? Then spend the time trying different methods and ways of constructing your candles, its all trial and error until you find the winning combination of you.
Next time, I will talk about the designing element as I think this blog is quite long now and I'm conscious that my wax for my Gemini candles is about ready.
Whatever you are doing, enjoy the Bank Holiday and maybe an Easter egg or two :-)
Love Jen x