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Original poster

Any Candle makers here?

31 replies

speakout · 01/01/2018 13:31

Hi, I am looking to make candles to sell.
Ideally the candle in a tin variety.
How hard is it? Any advice about colours and fragrances in particular?

I am a novice at this.

OP posts:
Indigo911 · 01/01/2018 13:37

It’s quite an art to get the aroma of the candle to fill the room when it’s lit. I’ve made them before and they always smelt nice and strong when cold, but as soon as they were lit the fragrance wouldn’t do much. Think I was using the wrong size wicks.
I make wax melts instead for oil burners and they are so easy to do. The bakery type scents have been the most popular ones I sell, followed by the themed ones (christmassy scents like pine or mulled wine for Xmas time, pumpkin spice for autumn etc

Original poster
speakout · 01/01/2018 13:54

Thanks I appreciate that.

Do you have a good supplier for the synthetic fragrances? I was thinking of using essental oils.
And soy wax?

OP posts:
Indigo911 · 01/01/2018 13:57

Use the cb135 soy wax as it’s best for scent throw. I just get mine on amazon. Whicksnwhacks are good for wax, pots, fragrance oil etc.
Sensoryperfection are good for a wide range of fragrance oils but can be a little pricey. Craftovator are cheaper for fragrance oils and I find them good quality, but they don’t have such a good range and mainly just stock the well known scents

Original poster
speakout · 01/01/2018 14:07

THanks so much.

OP posts:
Original poster
speakout · 02/01/2018 20:17

THose sites have been really helpful thanks.
I am also looking for label design software ( easy to use) - any ideas?

OP posts:
lucysmam · 02/01/2018 22:54

I've just bumped a thread I want to read through in the morning, might (or might not) be useful to you :)

Giraffesarequitetall · 02/01/2018 23:00

Just to warn you that as an accountant who has a client who does this, it is hard to make lots of money at it. The fragrances in particular are very expensive in addition to the wax, wicks, tins etc

My client has spent years building up the business and still would be better off shutting her business and getting a normal job, sorry to say that but thought you should have a realistic view of how much you can make.

Original poster
speakout · 03/01/2018 21:49

Giraffesarequitetall

I have my eyes open, don't worry. My craft business is already turning £80K pa and margins are high. I already sell candles as part of my wider product range but have new ideas I want to explore as a way of growing my business and incorporate better branding.

I only work hard for good profit!

OP posts:
FiveGoMadInDorset · 03/01/2018 21:58

CB135 is no longer in production,

FiveGoMadInDorset · 03/01/2018 22:01

Go onto the forum Taking the Wick, .ots of great information and support on there

Original poster
speakout · 03/01/2018 22:06

Thanks.

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WelshMoth · 04/01/2018 08:13

I don't find soy great for scent throw to be honest so I'm considering a smaller batch of paraffin wax to experiment. I also used a higher than 7-10% fragrance balance (I think Jo Malone is 7%) and the scent isn't great, which I'm really disappointed at.

Fragrance isn't cheap, even if you're able to source reasonably-sounding prices wax.

I'm making candles as favours for a wedding and it's turning into a costly venture.

To be honest, places like Ikea and The Range sell candles at a really
Cheap price with quite a potent fragrance - I really don't know how they do it!

Original poster
speakout · 04/01/2018 08:24

Welsh- I had actually considered using bought candles- already coloured and scented and melting them down for tins!
As you say Ikea/the Range/Home Bargains are so cheap.

OP posts:
WelshMoth · 04/01/2018 09:33

Tempting!
You risk losing the fragrance in the process though.

WelshMoth · 04/01/2018 09:36

We're missing a trick somewhere.
Bulk buying and business accounts obviously make it profitable for candle companies but even after loads of research, I'm unable to source cheap but quality oils.

CanIBuffalo · 04/01/2018 09:37

Would you be telling your customers that you'd made the candles in that way? It seems quite dishonest otherwise.

Original poster
speakout · 04/01/2018 12:57

CanIBuffalo I can't see it's dishonest.

Simply as a a source of wax these candles seem better value than buying raw material.

I could add my own fragrance.

OP posts:
WelshMoth · 04/01/2018 13:38

But leaving ethics aside, re heating the wax would lose the fragrance.

Original poster
speakout · 04/01/2018 15:37

Using candles as a source of wax is hardly unethical surely?

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WelshMoth · 04/01/2018 21:44

Perhaps Buffalo means that you'll be adopting the scent you're buying and selling it as your own.

Anyway, I have no opinion on that.
I'm really frustrated that I can't seem to source fragrance at a reasonable price.

Original poster
speakout · 04/01/2018 21:52

Indigo suggested Craftovator upthread for cheap fragrances, have you tried that?

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WelshMoth · 04/01/2018 22:26

Will go and have a look. Thanks!

ElanorGamgee · 05/01/2018 10:08

Fresh skin have fantastic fragrances. I do 10% and the smell is amazing.

WelshMoth · 05/01/2018 11:45

Elanor I really rate Fresh Skin but not used them in candle making (only burners).

What blends do you use?
How do you measure your 10%

Thanks!

Original poster
speakout · 05/01/2018 13:30

I can vouch for Fresh Skin, great quality, good price. I use the essential oils in other products I make ( not candles)

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