Introduction
Candle making has been popular in Bend, Oregon, for many years. Home of the Cascade Mountains and Deschutes River, Bend offers stunning natural surroundings to inspire candle makers. The town has a thriving artistic community with art galleries and locally owned craft stores that provide waxes, tools, dyes and other supplies necessary to candle making.
In addition to buying materials locally, residents of Bend can join in on the candle-making fun by taking classes from professionals at area shops. In these classes people will learn tips on creating beautiful types of candles from different material sources like beeswax or soy and learn unique techniques for finishing them.
The Greater Bend Area also supports a plethora of local businesses dedicated to handcrafted candles and related products-pots, jars and wax melts. These businesses practice sustainable processes such as using organic materials and ethically sourced products.
If you’re looking for something extra special for your home, you can even pick up custom made scented candles gifted in handmade boxes perfect for any occasion, from weddings to birthdays or anniversaries – all made right in Bend! Whether you are looking to make your own candles or simply want a shopping adventure full of indulgence opportunities, Bend definitely has something lovely in store!
The History of Candle Making in Bend, Oregon
Candle making in Bend, Oregon dates back to the late 1800s when the city was first established. The original settlers of Bend used candles extensively as a light source, and candle-making became one of the earliest artisan crafts in Central Oregon. With the opening of a dry goods store in 1903 and the availability of wax and other materials, people started to make custom candles for their homes.
Historically most of the original candle makers in Bend were women who made candles as a source of supplemental income for their families. Popular forms included tapers and pillars, which were sold at local general stores and crafted individually for specific customers; as well as floating candles which could be found at town festivals or events.
The craft of candle-making has endured over the years and is still being practiced today by some locals in Bend. Although not many professional companies are dedicated exclusively to candle making, Bend can still boast a few establishments that specialize in this art form; offering everything from hand-dipped beeswax tapers to handmade soy candles with natural essential oils. Many local shops have also started featuring locally crafted candles, giving you an opportunity to find truly unique items while supporting your community’s artisans.
Different Types of Candles Made in Bend
Candle making has become a popular craft in Bend, Oregon, with many craftspeople crafting special types of candles. These artisans create a variety of candle styles including pour-over and hand-dipped candles made using soy or beeswax as well as unique custom designs.
Ada of Kauneot Candles is one such crafter whose creations offer scents like lavender, agave citrus and eucalyptus mint. Her candles are hand-poured with natural and recycled materials to ensure they are non-toxic and eco-friendly. A unique twist Ada adds to her crafts is an embedded crystal in the base of each candle that radiates energy while the wax melts.
Another Bend artist bringing light into homes is Alan’s Refined Waxwear. They use completely natural beeswax candles with plantable seed paper labels to reduce environmental impact where possible. Alan also offers aromatherapy candles that combine carefully selected raw essential oils with a mix of herb powders for added healing benefits.
Finally, Mounthaven Apiary & Candle Co. produces local beeswax tapers as well as molded pillars and jar candles in different flavors such as clove sweet orange, honey ritual, juniper berry sage, honey nectar pear and wild fox fig. The company pledges to donate 1% of its profits towards environmental conservation causes within Central Oregon region.
Benefits of Choosing Hand-Made Candles from Bend
When you choose hand-made candles from Bend, Oregon, you are supporting the local economy and helping keep skilled artisans in business. Not only is it important to support local businesses, but you are also getting something unique and special, as each candle is crafted by hand with a focus on quality. Hand-made candles often contain higher quality wax and scent combinations, allowing aromas to last much longer than store bought candles. You can also find creative and intricate designs that you might not find elsewhere.
Shopping locally has many other benefits as well. By choosing a locally made product, your money stays within the community which helps keep it thriving and vibrant. Shopping locally can also reduce your environmental footprint since products don’t have to be transported over long distances for purchase. Additionally, when you buy from a local artisan there is often an opportunity for customization ” something that is often not available when buying from big box stores in mass numbers. By supporting small businesses like those who produce handmade candles in Bend, Oregon, you are showing that their craftsmanship matters; an essential component of a sustainable local commerce ecosystem where everybody wins!
The Candle Making Process in Bend
Candle making in Bend Or has been a part of local history for nearly as long as the town itself. There are various stages and techniques to consider when learning how to make candles, such as getting one’s supplies, prepping materials, and completing the actual candle-making process. Because each candle is unique, there are many different types of wicks, waxes, and scents that can be used to customize the finished product.
To get started with candle making in Bend Or, one must first acquire all the necessary materials including wax (such as beeswax or soy wax), an appropriate container for pouring the molten wax into (glass jars work well for this), wick or wicking material (typically cotton string or bamboo sticks), a wick tab holder with adhesive backing if needed, fragrance or essential oils (optional but highly recommended for optimal scent), and a thermometer/heat gun/hot plate for melting and controlling temperature of the wax. Once all these components are collected, it’s time to begin implementation of the craft! Depending on the type of candle desired, prepping materials is often involved. For instance, if using jar candles then one must attach their wick securely within its heatproof tab holder before even beginning with molten wax and scent embedding.
To begin the actual candle making process in Bend Or, start by melting isopropyl rubbing alcohol over low heat until it reaches roughly 120 degrees celsius. Once attained add your chosen wax into mix slowly while continuously stirring every few minutes; this will also help disperse any added fragrances evenly too! Finally pour your desired temperature reached liquid ” usually around 90 degrees celsius ” into predetermined containers carefully away from any flammable surfaces and set aside until completely cooled for at least two hours prior to combustion-lighting! With just a little bit of patience you’ll soon be able to enjoy wonderfully handmade candles from home!
Tips for Creating the Perfect Candle in Bend
Local candle makers in Bend have lots of advice for those who want to make perfect, beautiful and long lasting candles. Here are some of their tips:
• Buy quality wax – Quality wax is essential for holding scent and making a smooth, even candle. Look for natural soy and beeswax, which hold scents well and produce consistent burning patterns.
• Consider the wick size – In order to achieve an even burn, you must use the right size wick depending on the wax used and the size of the candle container. Make sure to test the size of your wick before pouring your melted wax into containers.
• Measure properly – Using a thermometer when melting wax helps to ensure that it is not overheated or underheated. This will help you achieve consistent results every time when making multiple batches of candles. Additionally, be sure to measure out colorant, fragrance oil or other additives accurately as small differences can cause trouble down the line when it comes to curing time or burning properties.
• Allow for adequate curing time – Most experts recommend waiting at least 24 hours after pouring the melted wax into containers before lighting them up. This allows for proper curing which will result in longer lasting candles with consistent burning patterns from start to finish.
Events & Gatherings in Bend for Candle Makers
Candle making in Bend is a popular activity among those looking to explore their creative side. In the city, many events are held that cater to candle makers of all skill levels. Some gatherings focus on learning specific techniques for making different types of candles, others provide opportunities for candle makers to share their work and show off new products. Attendees can also purchase supplies and gain helpful advice from experienced crafters.
Organizers of these events often use social media groups or websites to advertise and promote their gatherings in advance. Many such events happen year-round with some held outdoors at local parks during warmer months. More formal workshops are often held at the Bend Elks Lodge or other locations around town, along with talks and demonstrations about different candle-making topics. Additionally, some stores in Bend hold classes taught by experts who specialize in different types of candles, such as soy waxes, beeswax candles, tapers, floating candles, scented varieties and more. Whether it’s an informal gathering or structured workshop, these events provide an ideal opportunity for people to connect with the warm and welcoming candle making community in Bend Oregon!
Local Resources for Candle Makers & Buyers in Bend
Physical Resources in Bend:
• The Candle Factory: This specialty store is located on Northwest Galveston Avenue and offers a wide selection of wax-making supplies, as well as pre-made candles and accessories. They also offer classes so customers can learn how to make their own unique candles.
• Village Candle Co.: Located in the Old Mill District, this store has a wide selection of scented candles with various styles and colors, as well as candle making supplies. Customers can take home DIY candle kits or participate in any of the hands-on workshops to whip up custom creations.
• White Buffalo Candles & Gifts: This shop on Colorado Avenue has a variety of handmade candles including votives, pillars, and jars. Along with regular scents, White Buffalo also stocks seasonal fragrances such as peppermint and apple cider.
Online Resources for Candle Makers & Buyers in Bend:
• Lone Star Candle Supply: A Texas-based company offering an array of waxes, wicks, containers, tools, equipment and kits that can be shipped directly to your home from their online store.
• Nature’s Garden Candles: An e-commerce store specializing in natural handcrafted soy candles. Customers can purchase all the necessary ingredients to make their own creations here with no minimum order requirement.
• Natures Garden Wholesale Candle Supplies: With headquarters located just outside Portland, Oregon this wholesale supplier carries high quality candle making materials without further markups or added costs due to its localized warehouse space.
Conclusion
Bend, Oregon is an optimal city for candle makers of all interests and skill levels. With its access to nature and abundance of supplies, the city makes it easier than ever to explore the practice of candle making. There are numerous natural ingredients at a person’s fingertips, such as beeswax, soy wax and essential oils that one can use in the creative process. In addition, there are plenty of resources for guidance and tips for candle making in Bend. The stores specialize not just in selling components but give suggestions on how to make different types of candles from professional practitioners.
Beyond these supplies and resources, there is also a thriving community in Bend that focuses on the arts ” including emerging tastes in candle making. By becoming involved with this artistic niche through classes or local panels, one can join together with other like-minded individuals to create unique pieces of art every day. This coalescence is what truly distinguishes Bend as a prime destination for creative endeavors such as candle making ” a place where creativity can thrive within a supportive ecosystem! Therefore if you’re looking for an inspiring environment to craft your own candlesticks and adornments, look no further than the beautiful city of Bend!
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.
