Candle making in Georgia is an ancient tradition that continues to this day. Candle makers in the state often make traditional Beeswax or Soy candles, which consist of a wick encased in wax. The two main ingredients for candle making are wax and wicks.
Wax has various melting points and hardnesses, allowing the crafter to decide how thick or thin their candles will be when set. On the other hand, wicks can be made from several materials including cotton paper and vegetable fiber. To meet the needs of every type of customer, artisans create specialty items such as pillar candles, novelty shapes, scented candles, layered tapers and tealights.
When looking at the history of candle making in Georgia it becomes clear that it has been around for generations. People first started to make simple beeswax and tallow candles using clay molds to shape them by hand. Gradually over time candle makers began to experiment with different ingredients and new tools like presses and metal molds which they used for faster production. This allowed for more intricate designs that could only be achieved with these tools.
Modern candle makers use large vessels called ‘melters’ with poured molds as a form of automation for producing larger quantities compared to traditional methods used by Georgians before them – although primitive hand moulds remain largely in use today throughout the state no matter how large or small a producer is.
In addition to the melter process modern candle makers also utilize immersion blenders along with holding tanks where additives are added either hot or cold before being sent into the main vat where heated wax awaits its next phase in life – becoming one of many fantastic creations.
With so many creative possibilities available due to technology advancements within recent years – Georgia’s niche craftspeople continue to expand boundaries previously unseen furthering why people everywhere remain incredibly intrigued by it’s never ending potential.
History of Candle Making in Georgia
Candle making in Georgia has been an activity since colonial times. The first candle makers of Georgian ancestry were the Cherokee, who used to make candles using animal fat and beeswax. As a result, candle makers of Georgians managed to produce a high-quality wax for their candles. Over time, these traditional techniques were adapted with newer technologies for improved production and efficiency.
The early settlers of Georgia developed a wide range of processes in candle making, which included pouring the beeswax into molds, dipping the wick into vats of hot wax, and rolling it around frames to give the candles distinctive shapes.
Nowadays, candle makers are able to use modern technology such as vacuum pumps and wax melting tanks that greatly reduce the amount of time needed for candle making. In addition, there is now greater access to beeswax from around the world that can be blended with different materials in order to create unique scents.
Unique techniques used in Georgia just for Candle Making
- Rolling – consists of wrapping melted wicks around sets of dowels or rods so they dip alternate ends.
- Dipping – involves placing precut wicks into boiling hot wax until desired thickness is achieved.
- Molding – involves pouring melted wax into preformed molds to shape finished candles.
- Extrusion – a method where molten wax is mechanically extruded through dies into various shapes.
Major Styles of Candles Commonly Found in Georgia
Candle making has been around for centuries, with its beginnings in ancient Greece and Rome. Georgia is home to a plethora of candlemakers that offer unique, one-of-a-kind products that are perfect for any occasion.
Georgian candles come in a variety of sizes, shapes, scents, and styles. There are candles made from traditional beeswax as well as soy waxes, paraffin waxes, and other vegetable-based waxes. Different styles found in Georgia include votive candles which are ideal for spiritual settings or used to make soothing scented arrangements.
Pillar candles are tall cylindrical containers considered elegant and modern while taper candles have dripless wicks which makes them great for dinner table décor. Traditional container candles present the most opportunities for crafting with many color, texture and scent combinations as well as gelcandles which have increased transparency levels creating fun projects that can display items within the gel base.
With each style of candle comes their own particular method of construction like molding or dipping out of wax or hand pouring the material into molds or free form vessels. Molded candles come with intricate designs easily changing the shape but limiting fragrance choices while dipping techniques require fewer tools and work within limited space allowing faster production and higher profitability while still delivering beautiful products but having slightly less control over shape retention after hardening.
Hand pouring is often accompanied with added coloring allowing vibrant stores that can be modified through trial and error following recipes (or even concoctions) created by the makers themselves giving an endless sea off options from a single pour load.
No matter the type though each technique requires patience to ensure no air bubbles break through and proper curing procedures to maintain wick burning functionality all leading toward getting the desired finishing product from velvet matte finishes to crystallized sparkly pieces depending on additives selected when producing each candle type uniquely crafted in Georgia.
Popular Regions for Candle Making in Georgia
From Alpine and Columbus to Macon and Savannah, candle making in Georgia has been a popular activity for both hobbyists and artisans alike. The mild climate in the Peach State allows for candle makers of all levels of experience to pursue this craft. There are many events throughout the state that celebrate the tradition and skill of candle making.
- Festival of Chimes & Christmas Lights – Thomasville
- Newnan Candlelight Tour – Newnan
- Lanier Candlelight Lantern Tours – Lake Lanier Islands
- American Indian Festival – Macon
The Festival of Chimes and Christmas Lights in Thomasville is one of the oldest candle-making celebrations in Georgia, having first commenced over 30 years ago. Each year, thousands of people come together to create luminarias or decorative foot candles to light up their own part of town. The proceeds generated from this event are then donated back to the local community for various charitable causes.
Newnan’s Candlelight Tour celebrates its more than 130 years as a place for candle making history. Professional artists demonstrate their unique skills at creating handmade candles, with hundreds turning out each year for this event. The Tour features both day and night ribbon cutting activities, selling custom crafted scented tapers, napkin holders among other items.
Also home to one of the state’s biggest candlelight lantern tours is Lake Lanier Islands on which visitors can take an enchanting journey through a sea of glowing lights accompanied by top entertainment acts from around Georgia. Hundreds flock this picturesque location each year during December holidays.
The American Indian festival held in Macon is another major attraction that includes demonstrations on hand dipped candles as well as other crafts such northwestern tribal medicine wheel crafting using natural materials found around the area like cotton bolls, pinecones and twigs.
Best Sources of Wax and Supplies in Georgia
Georgia is home to many makers of wax and suppliesthat have been an essential part of candle-making for centuries. From small local manufacturers to larger specialty shops, the following list provides some of the best sources in the state.
- Wax Group Industries: This family-owned company has been producing quality wax since 1965 and offers a variety of sizes and types. They offer natural and low-melt waxes that are good for pillar candles, votives, tapers, tealights, melting pots and more. They also offer wick tabs as well as color additives.
- Rochelle’s Wax Emporium: This specialty shop is located in Atlanta and specializes in stock plastic molds for creating your own custom candles, plus hundreds of scents to choose from. A wide range of waxes are available here including soy, paraffin, and beeswax along with tools such as thermometers, melting pans and wicking equipment.
- G-Wax Company: This local manufacturer produces high quality wax blends designed for use in all styles of candles. Their paraffin based waxes come in a variety of forms including blocks, flakes and liquid pours that can be used in conjunction with their premium scent selections.
- The Georgia Candle House: Located in Savannah, this shop specializes in handmade candles made with organic palm oil. Their products include numerous types that contribute to environmental sustainability such as beeswax and coconut tapers. Along with often hosting workshops on the art of candle making they also provide custom labels for bulk orders.
Common Problems and Solutions in Candle Making
Candle making is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby but there are a few common issues that many candle makers in Georgia encounter when they are getting started. The most important thing to remember is that some trial and error will almost always be involved in the process of creating the perfect candles.
Using the Wrong Wax
Paraffin wax is often recommended for beginners as it is widely available, affordable and melts easily. However problems can arise if it’s not of decent quality. To get great results from your paraffin wax, try using high melt grit free wax which has been specially designed for candle making. Soy or beeswax candles also offer good results but require some specialist equipment such as boiling pans and thermometers.
Candle Doesn’t Hold Its Shape During Cooling Process
This is usually caused by the wick not being centred correctly when the liquid wax was poured into the moulds or containers. Other causes could include pouring the wax at too low a temperature or overworking it once its in the mould – either way this can lead to air bubbles forming in your candle during cooling, which then cause it to lose shape or become misshapen.
To prevent this from happening again, ensure that your wick is centered correctly before you pour in your melted wax, follow any instructions left by your supplier for how hot/cool it should be lit accordingly.
Not Getting The Scent Right
Using essential oils, fragrance oils or blends can add an exciting twist to many candles however sometimes people don’t quite get them right. Essential oils are believed to offer therapeutic benefits when used in aromatherapy so unscented candles might work best if you want those effects instead of a strong aroma.
The amount of scent you use will need to be tailored depending on what kind of material you’ve used and its resistance level, so trial and error may be necessary here too. Try starting with small amounts and gradually increasing until you get it just right – less is more.
Local Experts on Candle Making in Georgia
Candle making is becoming more and more popular in Georgia. As a result, it has become easier than ever to find candle-making classes and courses that cater to novice and experienced hobbyists alike.
There are a variety of different schools, workshops, and online classes available for those interested in learning the craft of candle making in Georgia. These courses range from beginner level instruction to professional classes offered by experts who have experience creating a wide array of candle types.
Whether you’re looking to learn the basics of candles or expand your skillset to include more advanced techniques like sculpting, scent blending, or pouring wax, there are plenty of opportunities available throughout the state. Here is a list of some popular classes and courses for learning candle making in Georgia:
- The Candle Academy – located in Columbus, this comprehensive five-week course covers all the basic aspects of wax crafting including molding, pouring techniques, wick selection, scent selection, packaging design and much more.
- Wax Workshop – based out of Avondale Estates near Atlanta offers a variety of candle-making sessions such as “Intro to Candle Making” which explores simple styles such as votives and tapers, “Modern Methodologies” introduces you to modern constructs such as cutouts and specialty shapes.
- Soy Power Candle Co. – situated in Tucker just outside Atlanta boasts several long-form workshops that cover topics such as jelly jar candles with an oil rig effect on top or meltable layer cakes with embedded designs.
- The Art Of Alchemy – offers two-hour classes at their location in Carrollton which focus on aromatherapy blends with natural essences combined with dyeing segmented wax sections for intricate image displays
Conclusion
Georgia is known for its hot summers and temperate winters, making it the perfect place to enjoy some candle making. Whether you have been crafting candles for years or are just getting started, the south has plenty to offer by way of candle-making experiences. With everything from teach-yourself classes to private workshops with experienced teachers, anyone can find an excellent option in the Peach State.
Finding your perfect candle-making experience starts by researching local favorite classes and shops. The internet is full of resources about well-renowned instructors and popular programs that could be a great fit for your specific interests and goals.
It’s also important to consider your own skill level when looking at class offerings – while some programs may have much more structure than others, it’s important to pick one that allows you to get the most out of your creative endeavors.
Once you’ve narrowed down a few possibilities, take the time to visit the locations in person if possible – this will give you a better feel for what kind of environment you can expect and help you decide on the best option for yourself. If visits are not possible, reach out directly with questions for more information on timing, curriculum, materials provided, cost and anything else pertinent to making a decision.
Ultimately, taking classes on candle making in Georgia can also help foster real connections with other crafters passionate about their craft – so be sure to pay attention to how welcoming and easygoing different places are before enrolling in something long-term.
Trade shows and exhibitions are always available as excellent sources of inspiration; if it doesn’t quite meet your needs as an instructor or workshop atmosphere these events might still be great options for finding new ideas or techniques worth exploring further.
Finally, don’t forget that both conventional forms of retail (department stores) as well as specialty shops rich in handcrafted pieces should not be overlooked either – supporting local makers is always a plus.
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.
