Anyone make container candles?

[Bettacreek]

I'm researching this as one of my next ventures... Would love to talk candles with someone!

 

[savingdogs]

I've never made them, but I would like to try. I love using scented candles, it is my favorite way to add fragrance to a room. Since I have been using the soaping fragrances, it makes me think about candles too. Those sites have so many choices and prices of stuff however, I need to know more about it before jumping in. I researched soap about a year before making my first batch so I tend to move slowly on new projects. Partly because I don't have cash to waste experimenting. But it sure would be nice to have my own candle supply. I'd like to control the scents and use some of my love soap fragrances. I adore the Black Amber and Lavender scent, I'd love to smell that one in a room.

 

[Boogity]

Are you guys talking about a jar of wax with a wick? I'm not familiar with the "container candle" part.

 

[ORChick]

DH once made a very pretty bowl, but the glaze wasn't food safe so I turned it into a candle. I bought some wicking, and some beeswax, cut 3 lengths of wick and weighted the ends (I have since bought some things specially made for the bottoms of candle wicks, but the first time I just tied small metal nuts from the junk drawer in the garage onto the ends), melted the wax in an empty coffee can (in hot water, double boiler), and poured it into the bowl. I used a couple of disposable chopsticks to help hold the wicks upright. Beeswax shrinks a lot as it hardens so I had to add a second layer. I didn't add any fragrance as I like the scent of the beeswax. When it burns down I remove the remains of the wicks and do it again. Which reminds me - Autumn is here, and I need to re-make my candle

 

[Bettacreek]

SD, I'm the exact same way. I want to get candles made for the holiday season this year though, so I'm putting a major rush on it, especially since I want to start lotions for next year as well!
Container candles are exactly that, wax in a container with wick(s). I have been reading so much varying information on candles though, so that's definately putting a halt on production. :/

 

[savingdogs]

I saw a whole slew of interesting glassware at the Goodwill when I was there the other day looking for a mixer. They were not very expensive, but they had interesting old fashioned shapes and would make great candle holders. I was wondering how much scent is needed to add to the paraffin.

 

[Bettacreek]

Just be careful, many glass containers are not made to withstand the heat generated by a candle and could shatter. I don't know if dishwasher safe would make them candle safe or not.
I'm planning on going with soy wax... It's up to 12% FO in candles (that's for soy wax, not sure if it's different for paraffin)

 

[hoosier]

A couple of years ago, I bought some from a BYC member. I forget their name, but it was the North Coast Candle Company out of Ohio. They were very nice.

 

[Bettacreek]

Rushed research is frustrating!!! I feel like I'm never going to get the straight up, no bull, flat out facts that I want. I want soy candles and I don't want to waste money on waxes or fragrances that won't produce decent candles. Grr. :/

 

[hoosier]

LilRalphieRoosmama was the name of the person on BYC. I don't know if she is still active on the forum or not. Hers were soy, in canning jars, and had great fragrance. She could probably steer you in the right direction.