Introduction to candle making

Candle making as a craft is also an art form. The creative potential for making beautiful candles is often endless. The plethora of different colours, scents and moulds will invariably lead to the production of beautiful and unique candle creations. The materials are delightful to work with; the soft texture of wax, the kaleidoscopic of the colour dyes, and the aromatic scents – all contribute to treating the senses. The gentle pace of making and burning candles is not only wonderfully calming but a refreshing change from the frenetic pace of our everyday lives.

Candle making as a hobby, is relatively inexpensive and highly rewarding. Nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own hand-made and decorated candles and it is not difficult. You can dye your candles exactly the colours you want to match your surroundings, and you can infuse them with your favourite scented oils. Candle making is never a dull experience as there are many different techniques to learn.

Candle making covers a wide range of techniques, both traditional and modern. The most basic and traditional way to make candles is the dipping method which has been used for centuries. You can experiment with dipping and moulding candles, and then develop these techniques further and create decorative designs through painting, flowers and leaves, stencilling and carving, to make stunning and unusual candles.

Candle industry facts

• U.S. retail sales of candles are estimated at approximately $2 billion annually, excluding sales of candle accessories.
• There are more than 350 commercial, religious and institutional manufacturers of candles in the United States, as well as scores of small craft producers for local, non-commercial use.
• Candles are sold principally in three types of retail outlets: department stores; specialty (gift) shops; and mass merchandisers, including drug store chains, supermarkets, and discount stores. The U.S. market is typically separated into seasonal (Christmas/Holiday) business at roughly 35%, and non-seasonal business at about 65%.
• Types of candles manufactured in the U.S. include: tapers, straight-sided dinner candles, columns, pillars, votives, wax-filled containers and specialty candles. Many of these come in different sizes and fragrances, and all come in a range of colors.
• Candles are used in 7 out of 10 U.S. households.
• Candle shipments increase substantially during the third quarter of the year because of the seasonal nature of candle sales during the end-of-year holiday celebrations (including Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa), since candles play a large role at this time of year (religious occasions, gifts and decorations).
• Candle industry research indicates that the most important factors affecting candle sales are scent, color, cost and shape. Fragrance is by far the most important characteristic, with three-fourths of candle purchasers saying it is "extremely important" or "very important" in their selection of a candle for the home.
• Candle manufacturers' surveys show that 96% of all candles purchased are bought by women.
• Two-thirds of candle purchasers say they use candles once a week or more often. Women are more frequent users than men, and younger people tend to use candles more often than older adults.
• Candle users say they most frequently burn candles in the living room (42%), followed by the kitchen (18%) and the bedroom (13%)
• Consumers say they typically burn candles for just under three hours.
• Nine out of ten candle users say they use candles to make a room feel comfortable or cozy.
• Candle purchasers view candles as an appropriate gift for the holidays (76%), as a house warming gift (74%), a hostess/dinner party gift (66%), a thank you (61%) and as adult birthday gifts (58%).
• Tea lights are the most frequently purchased type of candle, followed by votives and container candles.

Source: National Candle Association

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