To celebrate local makers and DIY, Your Home and Garden Deputy Editor Kristina Rapley tried her hand at a candle making class and was pleasantly surprised
What it’s like to make your own home made scented candle
I’ve always been obsessed with candles. There’s nothing better than lighting a few scented candles on a Sunday evening and basking in the glory of a clean house with no chores left to do. Bliss!
Brian and Emma Simpson from Candle Creations, New Zealand’s largest supplier of candle and soap making products, started their business in 2010. As customers discovered them, demand grew for lessons, so the pair now also run regular courses at their Auckland studio. They use 100 percent natural soy wax and zinc- and lead-free candle wicks and – should you decide to take up candle making as a hobby – all the vessels, scents and equipment you’ll need.
“We have all sorts of people taking our courses. Most just want to have fun and save money making candles at home; for others it’s the start of their own successful candle-making business,” Brian says.
I went into the class thinking it would be an absolute breeze and I’d be walking out with my homemade candle in no time. Turns out, there’s a bit of an art to it. The fun part comes first: picking out your vessels and scents (I went for a heritage floral theme with vintage gardenia, geranium and jasmine).
Brian explained that although it sounds easy enough to melt some wax, chuck in some scent, pour it into a jar and let it set, there’s actually quite a lot more involved. If you want your candle to set well (no air bubbles and a firm consistency), smell great (not too strong, not too subtle) and melt evenly and safely, you need to get your measurements right and that’s where things can get a little tricky.
The good news is that Brian and Emma provide really detailed instructions at their class as well as on their website. They also have a handy little starter kit you can buy for $65 with everything you need to get you on your way.
I’d highly recommend the class and I can’t wait to get started on my candle-making journey. I’m going to save a fortune and they will make perfect gifts for friends and family!
Brian and Emma run regular classes and offer private lessons for events or special occasions.
Visit candlecreations.co.nz for more information or call (09) 448 1920
Words by: Kristina Rapley. Photography by: Angie Humphreys.
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