Introduction
Candle making has been a popular craft for centuries, and Shropshire is no exception. The county of Shropshire, located in the West Midlands of England, has a rich history of candle making and its presence can be experienced through the winding streets and surrounding countryside that can inspire home-crafted candles. Candle making is not just an interesting hobby ” there are also benefits associated with it. Beyond being an art form that requires a great deal of creativity and focus, candles have therapeutic value as a result of their glow and scent. Additionally, much like other handicrafts which hone skills such as patience and fine motor coordination, candle making offers these same physical benefits. Mentally speaking, nearly everyone who practices this craft is able to relax while they work ” something that can be difficult to achieve in our modern day lifestyle. Whether you choose to create decorative scented candles or unscented tea lights for your windowsills ” learning the craft of candle making in Shropshire is both rewarding exciting!
History of Candle Making in Shropshire
Candle making has been an important craft in the English county of Shropshire for centuries. Historians believe that beeswax was collected from hives and used to make candles as early as Saxon times. During this period, wax candles were used in churches and monasteries to provide light during services and ceremonies.
The industrial revolution saw a shift from beeswax candles to tallow ones, as tallow was cheaper and more widely available. It has been suggested that the first professional candle maker in Shropshire may have established a workshop during this time, signaling the start of organized candle making in the region.
Though the process used to make tallow candles remained largely unchanged for over a century, modern technology eventually changed things again ” thanks to Thomas Tunstall Jr., who invented a rotary wax injection machine in 1876. This machine enabled higher production rates, increased accuracy of measurements and better quality control, revolutionizing how Shropshire’s candle makers produced their products. The invention also allowed Shropshire’s candle makers to create specific types of candles such as tapers, birthday cakes, novelty shapes and more.
To this day Shropshire is still host to a thriving industry of professional candle makers and their creations can be found all across the county (and beyond!).
Different Types of Candles in Shropshire
In Shropshire, the most popular types of candles are beeswax, soy wax and paraffin wax. Of these three waxes, beeswax is considered to be the highest quality and longest burning option. It emits a subtle honey-like scent and it is also non-toxic, hypoallergenic and natural. Soy wax candles offer a clean burning experience with no smoke or soot residue left behind. It also has excellent scent holding capabilities with many scented soy options available. Paraffin wax candles give off a nice glow but have the lowest quality of all three candle bases. They are also known to produce smoke which can be an issue for those with allergies or asthma. As far as scented options go, there are many wonderful choices in Shropshire such as lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, sandalwood and jasmine. All of these fragrances will make your home feel warm and inviting while creating a calming atmosphere to relax in.
Essential Tools and Strategies for Candle Making
Essential Tools for Candle Making:
Wax Pot – A wax pot is used to melt the wax and hold it at a stable temperature.
Candle Wicks – Candle wicks are placed in the vessel or container you want your candle to be made in. The wick will absorb the liquid wax and allow it to flame later on.
Thermometer ” A thermometer is necessary to measure the temperature of the melted wax so you get a uniform and consistent outcome when mixing it with other components such as colorants, scent, glitter, etc.
Mixing Spoon ” Mixing spoons are used for stirring the melted wax before pouring it into the wick tab (container).
Pouring Pot ” Wax can be poured from this container into your vessels once its ready.
Key Strategies for Candle Making:
1. Selecting the Right Wax and Scent ” Different types of wax burn at different temperatures, so use quality wicking cords for successful burning of your candles. Then decide whether you’ll need essential oils or artificially scented fragrances to scent your candle creations.
2. Using Colorants ” Adding colorants to your wax can give each of your candles a unique appearance, adding both beauty and appeal to them. Consider using natural colors like pigments and food dyes, as they won’t smoke off while burning and won’t damage your containers either.
3. Mastering Techniques – Candle making has various techniques that must be learned in order to get desired results with every new project you take on; this includes mastering how much colorant/glitter/scent should be added per batch of wax as well as how to create different shapes using molds or hand-fashioned designs that add uniqueness and character to each candle vessel creation!
Fun and Creative Ideas for Candle Making
-Make candles of shapes (trees, snowmen, animals, etc.) with different colored candles wax.
-Roll the candle in colorful glitter or lavender to give it a special sparkle and scent.
-Create candles with a combination of traditional beeswax and combinations of scented waxes such as apple cinnamon or ocean breeze.
-Incorporate natural ingredients like dried flowers within the candle for added decoration.
-Experiment with various shapes like hexagons, stars, circles and more for unique candles.
-Using molds made from old food cans, make pillar candles with decorative designs pressed into the surface.
-Using environmentally friendly soy wax instead of paraffin to create unique looking container candles from recycled glassware and tins.
-Enhance any candle by coating wick holder with colored beads or paint them with desired color before fitting fully prepared wick inside.
-Mix ground spices like gingerbread into melted wax to create delectable smelling votive candles that are perfect as festive gifts.
Where to Buy Supplies for Candle Making
Local Shops: In Shropshire, there are many local shops that sell a variety of candle making supplies. Popular craft stores such as The Works and Hobbycraft have branches in Telford and Shrewsbury while independent retail stores such as Wightman & Parrish located in Salop Street provide an impressive range of candle-making materials.
Craft Stores: Craft stores also offer a wide selection of supplies for handmade candles, including essential tools like wicks, molds, pouring pots, scents, dyes, waxes and more. Craft Corner in Castle Gate has been voted one of the best in the county for its selection and helpful staff. From basic starter kits to specialty ones complete with paints, glitter and more ” you’ll find everything you need here.
Online Stores: If you don’t have access to a shop or prefer online shopping then there are plenty of reputable vendors who supply materials within the UK or beyond. Natural Candle Supplies offer high quality ingredients at reasonable prices while The Creative Candle Company offer an array of attractive essential tools like needle-nose containers to intricate molds designs.
Candle Making Tips and Ideas
Candle making is an exciting hobby for people of all ages. Shropshire, in particular, has been known as a popular place for making homemade candles since the 1700s. With its rolling hills and scenic landscapes it’s easy to get inspired when creating something special in your own home.
For those just getting started, there are some basic steps to follow:
1. Start by selecting a type of wax that works best for you, such as beeswax or soy wax. When melting and pouring the wax into molds, many prefer to use double boilers to heat the materials safely and evenly.
2. Choose the perfect scent for your candle! A variety of essential oils can be used which will emit beautiful aromas into your living space when lit.
3. Lastly, create the wick! There are premade wicks available but welding cotton thread together can give you more control when you’re making different types of candles such as pillars or votives.
To get creative with candle making in Shropshire, think outside the box and combine traditional methods with modern trends such as adding flowers or glitter as decorations once dried. For an even more personal touch, personalised name labels can be added to further customise each creation!
Conclusion
Candle making in Shropshire dates back centuries and has been an essential part of life in the region. Practiced as a traditional craft, candle making is not only beautiful but has many physical and mental benefits. From learning new skills to reducing stress and anxiety, candle making allows people to explore their creativity by transforming wax into works of art. Candle making can also provide warmth and light for special occasions, offering comfort to those making or receiving them.
Shropshire’s candle-makers have kept the craft alive over the years, striving to create inventive and high-quality candles to suit all tastes. With a range of workshops available across the region, it is easy to start exploring this fascinating activity. Whether you’re looking for something fun to do with friends or an opportunity to relax your mind while creating something beautiful, candle-making in Shropshire is a perfect outlet for anyone interested in exploring their creative side. We encourage readers who are interested in taking this up as a hobby or perhaps even starting a business to delve deeper into what the craft has to offer and explore all that it entails, obtain the materials & develop this delightful skill further!
Welcome to my candle making blog! In this blog, I will be sharing my tips and tricks for making candles. I will also be sharing some of my favorite recipes.
