Spring has officially sprung, and what better way to shift your home into the new season than by adding a fresh scent — so we're talking candles! Whether you want to boost your home décor skills by creating a relaxing atmosphere, impress your friends with your crafty skills, or enjoy the sweet scent of success, making candles is a fun and creative activity.
With simple ingredients and basic equipment, you can create a wide range of beautiful, fragrant candles that will brighten up any room. But if you're not looking to do all this at home, don't worry. In the western suburbs, there are many incredible boutique candle shops that will help you craft the perfect candle, even if you're a beginner. So all you have to do is enjoy your creation!
CIVINTE Candle Bar is a luxury home fragrance company based in Illinois that has set out to redefine elegant living by providing a healthier alternative to traditional candles. The company specializes in creating exquisite home fragrances and decor, using only 100% natural soy and coconut-apricot waxes blended with the finest quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils. Each candle and melt is individually hand-poured with love and attention to detail. CIVINTE's commitment to using only vegan, organic, and natural ingredients makes them stand out from other candle companies.
In addition to offering a variety of candle lines, CIVINTE also holds private events, including their famous Candle Bar. The Candle Bar is a two-hour private event where guests can enjoy making candles while celebrating a special occasion. Whether it's a birthday celebration, ladies' night, bridal group, or just for fun, the Candle Bar is the perfect way to spend time with friends and loved ones while creating something unique and special. With CIVINTE's attention to detail and commitment to quality, guests can be sure that they will have a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Einnim Candle Bar + Apothecary is a unique retail experience outside of Chicago that offers customers the opportunity to create custom aromatherapy products and handcrafted apothecary products using an impressive selection of over 30 premium essential and fragrance oils. In addition to pre-made candles and body products, customers can sign up for private blending sessions for two or private parties for up to 10 people. With a commitment to using natural elements and providing customers with an organic experience, Einnim products are cruelty-free and tested on the owner before production and consumer purchase.
Launched in May of 2020, Einnim was created to help fellow immunocompromised individuals find a way to cope with the uncontrollables of society. At Einnim, each product is made with intense attention to detail, and the brand's dedication to providing a lasting experience for customers sets them apart from other retailers. And if you love their candles, you can always check their calendar for their upcoming candle-making events!
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Warm Wick is a Brookfield-based luxury aromatherapy brand specializing in crafting natural soy wax candles. The candles pay tribute to the Latino roots of the founder, Yezenia Tejeda, who was inspired by her parent's ability to bring emotional comfort and relaxation through their own aromatherapy practices. Each candle is hand-poured and made with premium fragrance oils blended into 100% natural soy wax, making them sustainable and eco-friendly. Warm Wick candles are inspired by Latinx heritage, culture, traditions, food, and nature. Yezenia's personal experiences and the strength of the Latinx community have shaped the journey of Warm Wick, and the company is committed to sharing this rich culture with the world.
Despite the company's success, Yezenia prefers to produce high-quality candles in small batches, ensuring each candle meets the brand's standards for excellence. Through her creative expression, testing, and minimalist refinement, Yezenia continues to craft candles that respect the natural raw ingredients used in each one. Warm Wick's commitment to sustainability, eco-friendliness, and quality has made it a sought-after brand among candle enthusiasts. The company's dedication to sharing Latinx heritage and culture through aromatherapy is genuinely inspiring. If Warm Wick sounds like the place for you, take a look at their website to check for upcoming candle-making classes.
When you take a candle-making class, the instructor will walk you through making your very own candle step-by-step. Are you curious about the process before you go, or are you looking to try it at home? Take a look!
Candle-making is usually broken down into a few steps:
Melting the wax:
The first step in making a candle is melting the wax. The type of candle wax you choose will depend on your personal preference and the style of candle you want to make. The most common types of candles are soy candles, beeswax candles, and paraffin wax candles. Typically, the wax will come as a block or wax flakes.
To melt the wax, you will need a double boiler, a pot with a smaller pot, or bowl inside. Fill the larger pot with water and place the smaller pot inside. Add the wax to the smaller pot and heat over low heat, occasionally stirring, until the wax has melted completely. It's essential to keep a close eye on the wax and never leave it unattended, as wax can easily catch fire.
Adding fragrance and color:
Once the wax has melted, it's time to add fragrance and color. You can use essential oils, fragrance oils, or candle dyes to add scent and color to your candle.
For fragrance, add 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax. If you're using essential oils, use a little less as they are more concentrated. For color, add a few drops of liquid candle dye or a small amount of candle color block to the melted wax and stir well. Remember that the wax's color will change as it cools, so it's best to add a little bit at a time until you achieve the desired color.
Pouring the wax:
Now it's time to pour the wax into your chosen container. You can use a variety of containers for candle making, such as mason jars, tea cups, or other glass jars of your choice.
Before pouring the wax, make sure the container is clean and dry. If you're using a container with a lid, it's best to leave it off until the wax has completely cooled and set. To pour the wax, hold the wick in place and slowly pour the wax into the container. Leave about a 1/2 inch of space at the top of the container to allow for shrinkage.
Inserting the wick:
Once the wax has been poured, it's time to insert the candle wicks. The wick should be centered in the candle and held in place until the wax has cooled and set.
To center the wick, tie it around a pencil or chopstick and place it across the top of the container. The wick should be centered and straight. Once the wax has cooled and set, remove the pencil or chopstick and trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the wax.
Cooling and trimming:
The final step in making a candle is cooling and trimming. Allow the candle to cool and set completely, which can take several hours, depending on the size of the candle.
Once the wax has cooled and set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the wax. This will help the candle burn evenly and prevent the wick from smoking. You can also add a label or decorate the container to personalize your candle.
Making a candle is a simple and rewarding process that anyone can do at home. With a few basic supplies and creativity, you can create a beautiful, fragrant candle that adds warmth and ambiance to any room.
What are the different types of candles?
Candles come in different shapes, sizes, and forms, each with its own unique purpose and aesthetic appeal. One popular type of candle is the container candle, which is poured into a container or jar and often has a longer burn time. Pillar candles are cylindrical and come in varying heights and widths, making them ideal for decorative use. Taper candles are tall, slender candles with a narrow base that gradually widens towards the top and are commonly used in formal settings or as a decorative element on a dining table. Finally, votive candles are small, usually less than 2 inches tall, and come in various colors and scents. They are often used as accent pieces or for lighting purposes.
How long do most candles burn?
The burn time of candles can vary depending on their size, type of wax, wick, and other factors. On average, a typical 8-ounce (230g) candle made of soy wax or beeswax can burn for approximately 40-60 hours. Larger candles, such as pillar or multiple-wick candles, may burn for longer, ranging from 60-100+ hours. However, smaller candles, such as tea lights or votive candles, usually have a shorter burn time of 3-8 hours. It's always important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper candle use and never leave a burning candle unattended.
Can I make candles burn longer?
Yes, there are several ways to potentially extend the burn time of candles:
Trim the wick: Keeping the wick of the candle trimmed to about 1/4 inch (6mm) before each use can help the candle burn more slowly and evenly, reducing the amount of wax consumed.
Use quality candles: Higher-quality candles made of natural waxes, such as soy wax or beeswax, tend to burn longer compared to lower-quality candles made of paraffin wax or blends.
Avoid drafts: Burning candles in a draft-free area can prevent the flame from flickering excessively, resulting in uneven burning and a shorter burn time.
Allow for a complete melt pool: When lighting a candle for the first time, let it burn until the entire surface has melted into a liquid pool of wax reaching the edges of the container. This helps prevent tunneling and promotes an even burn for subsequent uses, maximizing the burn time.
Avoid burning for too long: Burning candles for extended periods, such as more than 4 hours at a time, can generate excessive heat and cause the candle to burn faster. It's recommended to extinguish the candle after a few hours and allow it to cool before relighting it.
Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe and proper candle usage, and never leave a burning candle unattended.
How do I clean up spilled wax?
Cleaning up spilled wax depends on the surface it has landed on, but the following are commonly suggested:
Hard surfaces (e.g., countertops, floors): Allow the wax to cool and harden. Then, carefully scrape off as much wax as possible using a plastic scraper or the edge of a credit card. Use a cloth or sponge soaked in warm soapy water to clean any remaining residue. If needed, you can also use a mild solvent like rubbing alcohol to remove stubborn wax stains.
Fabrics (e.g., carpets, clothing): Allow the wax to harden completely. Then, gently scrape off as much wax as possible with a plastic scraper or your fingers. Place a clean cloth or paper towel over the wax spill and use a warm iron on a low setting to melt the wax, which will transfer onto the fabric. Replace the cloth or paper towel as needed until all the wax is removed. Finally, use a stain remover or spot cleaner to treat any remaining residue.
Furniture or other delicate surfaces: If the spilled wax is on a delicate surface, such as wood or painted furniture, you should first allow it to harden completely. Then, gently scrape off as much wax as possible using a plastic scraper or your fingers. If there is still residue, you can use a hairdryer on low heat to gently warm the wax and then wipe it away with a soft cloth. Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive cleaners that may damage the surface.
Remember to always be cautious and avoid using excessive force or sharp tools that could damage the surface when cleaning up spilled wax. If you're uncertain, it's best to seek professional advice or consult the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning to avoid damaging your surface.