Did you know that making candles is an art form? Candle making in NYC (New York City) is no exception. The Big Apple has a vibrant candle-making community, where artisans can be found creating unique candles that boast quality craftsmanship. From intricate designs to custom fragrances, the possibilities in NYC are truly endless when it comes to candle making.
NYC-based Artisan Companies There are many artisan companies based in NYC that specialize in producing one of a kind handcrafted products for customers who appreciate the beauty and skill involved with traditional candle making. These companies include renowned brands such as Brooklyn Candle Studio, Candle Maker Co and MadeByHansum. All three companies have been featured recently on popular home décor and lifestyle websites like Vogue and Architectural Digest.
Cymbology & Custom Fragrances Another great aspect of candle making in NYC is Cymbology. This practice involves using different fragrances to create special aromas which are then blended together to make unique scents for each individual candle they produce.
There are several well-known fragrance houses in the city such as Root Bazaar, Owl Scents and Juniper Ridge who can help you create your own bespoke signature scent. Additionally, these firms offer customizing experiences including personal labels, customized packaging or wax color choices allowing you to design your own beautiful candles that reflect your personality.
Passing On Craftsmanship – Workshops & Classes In addition to selling handmade products, many of the candle makers based in NYC also offer workshops and classes for those interested in learning more about the industry or honing their own skillsets related to this craftsmanship.
These personalized events allow participants the opportunity watch first-hand how professional artisans blend colors and ingredients for their projects while providing insight into techniques ranging from dipping wicks into wax melted at specific temperatures all the way up to embedding objects within your oyster shell creations.
Through these workshops individuals gain access to independent makers’ tricks of the trade which help foster their knowledge about candle making while also being exposed to a creative community that’s passionate about this ancient artform.
Popular Candle Making Techniques Used in NYC
Candles have been around since the beginning of human civilization, dating back more than 5,000 years ago. For centuries, candles have been used for rituals, as decorative objects, and to provide light in darkness. In recent times, candle making has become a popular and rewarding hobby for many people. New Yorkers especially can enjoy this hobby by utilizing a range of techniques used in the candle making process.
Cold Process Soy Candles: This is one of the most popular methods used to make handmade candles due to its natural materials and ease of use. This technique involves blending beeswax and soy wax together while heating them over medium heat.
Fragrance oils are often added at this point in order to add scent to the candle. Once melted down, it is then poured into a pre-heated container which can come in any number of sizes or shapes according to your preference.
Beeswax Candles: Beeswax provides an especially warm glow when lit up with its unique yellow hue. Clear beeswax sheets are layed together and cut into shape using a heated blade in order to form each individual bee’s nest candle mould. Usually cotton wicks are added when these molds are filled with liquid beeswax so they burn evenly and slowly when lit up.
Types Of Moulds Used By Candle Making Artisans In NYC
- Basic Moulds – These come in basic shapes such as triangles, circles etc.
- Votive Moulds – This type holds the melted wax easily and are better suited to make prayer or votive candles with added scents.
- Novelty Moulds – These detailed moulds come in all sorts of odd shapes such as teacups or other culinary themes.
Fragrances That Are Popular With Candle Makers From NYC
- Ancient AmberA sweet blend of musk, sandalwood, jasmine and violet.
- Moonlit Ocean Top notes are sea salt & beach rose followed by bottom notes of sea musk & driftwood.
- Lemon Spice ChaiA warming combination Of black tea leaf & ginger grounded by creamy nutmeg & sweet honey.
Different Types of Candle Making Waxes Used in NYC
Candle making in NYC is an age old art that continues to be practiced by artisanal crafters and local businesses alike. Candles offer a unique way to set the mood of any event, decorate a space or provide a creative gift idea. But no candle can truly reach its full potential without the right wax. In New York City, waxes of various types are used in candle making, some of which include:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is one of the most common types of wax used in NYC for making candles. Paraffin wax is produced from petroleum or shale oil, however there are now renewable paraffin options as well. This type of wax is popular because it has a low melting point and can be easily worked with. It holds color dyes and fragrance oils nicely as thatit provides rigid form to the candle ensuring consistent burning throughout the entire hor process.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another type of wax that can often be found in candles made around New York City. Beeswax usually has to be imported due to its cost, but those who use it claim it produces smells unrivaled by other types of wax.
This is largely due to the fact that beeswax is composed mostly of esters which interact with oxygen molecules when heated, releasing fragrance into the air through combustion instead of just melting away like other waxes do. It also doesn’t require additives such as foaming agents either making it healthier for people to breathe in during candle burning sessions than many alternatives on the market today.
Soy Wax
Last but not least, soy wax has risen in popularity over recent years for its sustainable properties and natural composition. Soy beans are harvested from plants grown all over the U.S., including NYC itself, and they convert into compounds such as hydrogenated vegetable oil or hydrolysed soya bean protein esters which act as structure building material for candles when solidified over heat.
Moreover,, soy candles burn slower than paraffin ones, meaning a single purchase could last much longer even at an increased cost depending on user habits.
Different Types of Candle Molds Common in NYC
Candle making in NYC is an interesting and popular craft. With a range of supplies available at most craft stores and the city’s abundance of candle-making resources, many craftspeople have taken up the hobby. One of the most common types of candle molds found in New York City is metal molds.
These are especially popular because they are easy to use and provide uniform shapes and sizes for candles. They also come in a variety of shapes, allowing one to make whatever type of wax candle that their heart desires. From small taper candles to larger tea light candles, metal molds make it easy to produce a large number of identical candles quickly and easily.
Glass molds are also quite common in NYC when it comes to making candles. They allow for more intricate shapes such as figures or even more abstract designs, while still producing flawless-looking candles when removed from the mold.
Additionally these molds can often be used for longer burn times resulting in higher quality candles with less waste material overall. While glass molds are not as strong as metal ones, they do provide a unique look to any creations they are used for that can add some character and life into homes across New York City neighborhoods.
Finally one of the most interesting methods for creating wax candles found in NYC is by being crafted from natural objects such as fruits or vegetables like apples, pineapples, pumpkins or squash. This method often requires extra care during preparation since frequent scorching may occur if it is too close to the heat source during melting process.
However if done correctly these can provide incredibly unique looks while carrying more complex scents than regular wax could offer alone due to containing other natural components at their core. This creates an experience unlike any other found throughout New York City candle shops so no matter what type one decides on each wax creation will have its own special qualities which adds no shortage of interesting flavors & smells into homes around town.
DIY Candle Making Projects Using Everyday Items Found in NYC
Learning how to make candles is a creative and fun hobby that can be done with everyday items found in NYC. With some basic ingredients and some patience, anyone can take up candle making, turning it into an enjoyable weekend activity or even the start of a business venture. With that in mind, here is what one needs to get started with candle making at home.
Ingredients and Supplies
The most important items for making candles in NYC are wax and wicks. There are different types of wax from various sources such as beeswax, paraffin or soy wax. For wicks, natural cotton or polyester material will do the job nicely.
In addition to these two, one will also need essential oil for fragrance (optional), food coloring (optional) and heat source such as double boiler or microwave oven. All of these materials can easily be located within NYC stores or online websites.
How To Make Your Own Candle
Once you have all the necessary supplies, begin by melting your desired type of wax with a low-temperature heat source until the wax reaches a liquid form. While letting it cool down, make sure to combines your essential oils into the liquid – this helps add some nice scents into your homemade creation. If desired feel free to add food colorings for extra unique visual effects.
Once cool enough lightly press your wick into the container (ensure its standing straight) before slowly pouring the warm wax mixture into it; take care not to pour too quickly as this could cause overflow. Once done let it cool and harden properly away from any direct sunlight, once ready you have made your very own complete home crafted candle – congratulations.
Creative Ideas To Keep In Mind
Candle making in NYC presents many opportunities for creativity whether for crafting unique gifts, designing elegant home décor pieces or even just plain artistry – times hassle of course.
Think outside of the box when creating candles; maybe combine colors together look even try capturing things like mini floating flowers inside transparent candles which can be achieved my adding certain chemical ingredients during process step 1 when preparing the wax combination – definitely something worth experimenting with if in possession of those supplies already.
Pros & Cons of Shopping for Supplies in Different Areas in NYC
When someone wants to start making their own custom candles, it is important to know the pros and cons of shopping for supplies in different areas within NYC. Knowing what each individual store offers can benefit candle makers in terms of quality items, quantity availability, customer service, and cost.
- SoHo District: Here candlemakers can find top-of-the-line supplies such as custom wicks, fragrant oils and exclusive scents not available in other parts of the city. Additionally, they offer many different shapes and sizes-great for unique candle designs. This district also has air conditioned shops which are great during hot summer days in NYC. However, prices may be higher than those found elsewhere.
- Midtown Manhattan: Many well known nationwide companies such as Michaels Crafts have an outlet here which makes this area a great starting point for finding basic supplies like waxes at reasonable prices. On the other hand, more specialized items or tools may not be always available as stores are mainly geared towards being more general hobby shops.
- Chinatown Area: Candle makers situated in this area will enjoy extremely competitive prices and the fact that there are dozens of “mom and pop” stores catering to their craft needs. The downside is that store sizes tend to be limiting which means items like dye powders tend to run out quickly or come in limited quantities.
Helpful Tips for Making Eco-Friendly Candles in NYC
Living in New York City can often mean living sustainably. NYC provides many resources and ways to make sure your lifestyle is as green as possible. One of the best ways to do this is by making your own eco-friendly candles. By choosing natural materials, essential oils, and non-toxic dyes, you can create beautiful DIY candles that not only look great but also reduces energy waste and supports a healthier environment.
Types of Wax
When making eco-friendly candles in NYC, the type of wax used is an important factor to consider. Beeswax is a great option since it produces very little soot compared to other materials and it burns longer.
For those looking for a vegan option, soy wax is a great choice as it’s made from renewable sources such as vegetable oils or palettes. If you are looking for an all-natural wax that still has a pleasant scent, then try palm wax or coconut wax.
Essential Oils
Essential oils provide an additional boost when making your own candles in NYC because they add therapeutic benefits through aromatherapy while also creating a festive atmosphere when lit. Citrus essential oils tend to have energizing effects that promote alertness while floral scents bring calming sensations that can reduce stress levels in individuals burning the candle. When selecting the essential oil for your candle creation, choose from among pure and organic options.
Coloring Your Candles
It’s possible to add color to your homemade eco-friendly candles without having to use harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients. Instead of using artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances, opt for natural food coloring infused with herbs such as spirulina powder or turmeric powder to give your candles both color and aroma benefits at the same time.
It’s important to understand how much coloring should be added per candle so the flame doesn’t smoke or emit odorless white fumes when lit.
Where to Find Resources & Classes About Candle Making in NYC
Candle making in NYC is a popular and fulfilling craft for both experienced artisan and beginner hobbyists. With the city’s bustling metro area filled with dozens of art supply stores, workshops, and unique retail boutiques you can easily find everything you need to start exploring the world of candle-making.
Whether you want to create your own personalized pieces for home decor or design candles for friends or family as thoughtful gifts, learning all about candle making has never been easier.
If you’re interested in taking a class on candle making in NYC a great place to begin is unrolling local workshop events online or checking out your local art supply stores. Many of these offer classes at various skill levels from beginners to more advanced practitioners.
During your sessions with an experienced teacher, you’ll learn how to properly use molds, carve intricate shapes on top of the wax, and produce different types of candle scents such as lavender, pine apple or honey almond.
You’ll also gain useful skills for troubleshooting stubborn wicks and selecting appropriate containers that help bring your candles to life. Additionally, if you don’t have time to attend classes then there are several books and videos available online specializing in teaching candle-making techniques along with tips on good safety practices when working with burning wicks covered in hot wax.
The variety of art supplies required for candle-making should also be explored when gathering materials for your new project. Depending on what type of wooden wick holders you need or selection of color wax dyes you’re looking for New York City is filled with many affordable stores like Anita’s Wax Works offering everything from beeswax sheets to fragranced paraffin tins perfect for crafting your own homemade candles.
Plus, special equipment such as soy wax melters allow novice users to practice dyeing their own candles without fear of burning themselves which can become invaluable later when it comes time to add intricate details such as designs or initials onto the finished product. As well there are many specialty sites located in NY providing unusual vessels used exclusively during the creating process including beautiful champagne glasses and unique ceramic ramekins specifically created for decorating bridal showers or birthdays.
Looking up examples online can help producers gain technical insight into some ideas about the art of candle-making but being able to apply those lessons through group lessons or individual training sessions within New York City itself certainly packs an especially powerful punch watching the magic happen right before your eyes.
Crafting handmade candles makes a wonderful custom gift that adds a unique touch whether giving anonymously or receiving from someone close as it’s surefire way infuse technology free sentiments between two people since time began.
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.
