Introduction to Candle Making in Old City Philadelphia
Candle making is an old art form, likely hundreds of years old in Old City Philadelphia. Historically, candle making was an important source of illumination for homes and businesses in the colonial era and provided a way to light up dark spaces before electricity became widely available. Nowadays, candle craft is more symbolic in nature – various candles such as taper candles and votives create ambience and set festive moods for special occasions. In Old City Philadelphia there are several famous candle makers who have been creating their own unique designs using traditional materials and methods for years.
The history of candle making has a deep connection with Philly – Benjamin Franklin, who was born in the city, helped represent American candle makers seeking better lighting conditions during their times. More recently, many smaller businesses have emerged that specialize in producing hand-crafted candles by incorporating time-tested techniques such as burning paraffin wax. Catholic cathedrals throughout the area have often sought out specific handmade pieces to use both inside and outside the buildings to commemorate important religious celebrations.
Candlemakers also play an important role in preserving a very positive memory for tourists visiting Old City – it provides them with a reminder of how life used to be in this region many years ago with the production of tangible products. Additionally, many scented candles can evoke feelings of nostalgia within people’s hearts so they can remember fond memories from their childhood days or past holidays spent with family members.
There is no doubt that candle making remains an integral part of the culture here in Old City Philadelphia today – from small shops to big corporations, experienced artisans create fabulous intricately designed creations that bring further prestige to this iconic city’s name. Thus, it is apparent why this veteran craft continues to be a beloved tradition; not just locally but globally as well!
Supplies for Candle Making in Old City Philadelphia
Supplies for Candle Making in Old City Philadelphia
Materials: Wax (beeswax, soy wax flakes, or paraffin wax), essential/fragrance oils, wicks, candle jars and containers, thermometers.
Tools: Melting pots/double boilers, stirring sticks, measuring cups and spoons, cutting tools (mixing knife for wax blocks), wick clips, wicking rods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Supplies: Purchase a quality wax for the cleanest burning candles; choose a container that can withstand the temperature of the hot wax; select a high-quality essential oil so that it will disperse well into the melted wax; use enough wick to ensure complete combustion of the candle’s contents.
Places to Buy Necessary Supplies Locally: Candles Plus Inc., CandleFrenzy.com, Art Supply Warehouse LLC, Candle Making Supplies Outlet Co., Millers Factory Outlet
The Process for Candle Making in Old City Philadelphia
Step 1: Prepare the Wick
The first step in candle making is to prepare the wick. Begin by cutting a piece of pre-waxed wick which is a cotton string surrounded by wax that makes it easier to shape. Use one of the many wick sticks available at most crafting and hobby stores or make it yourself using light objects such as paperclips, clothespins, chopsticks, etc. If you choose to make your own wickstick then you will need a suitable jig that can hold the wick evenly in place while shaping. Secure your chosen object of choice tightly across two flat surfaces and stretch out the length of the pre-waxed string until it is taunt on each end before dipping it into melted wax multiple times.
Step 2: Prepare Wax for Melting
The next step involves preparing enough wax for pouring. Depending on what type of wax, you can either buy clear blocks or large chunks for melting. We recommend that you use 100% natural beeswax as this type tends to burn longer and smells nicer when lit. Begin by heating a double boiler over medium–low heat before adding your preferred amount of wax chunks until all pieces are melted down and combined together into liquid form.
Step 3: Pour Wax into Containers
Once your melted wax is safe to handle without burning yourself take it off the heat and pour carefully into prepared containers such as mason jars or tempos depending on what kind of candles you wish to create. Make sure every container has been previously cleaned before use as any contaminants could cause your candles to not burn correctly when finished. Fill each container with enough liquid wax until they are three-quarters full while also fitting the standing prepared wicks inside each jar so they are completely up straight. Cover jars with lids or something else to keep dust away during cooling process if desired.
Step 4: Let Wax Harden & Trim Wick
After all containers have been filled with liquid wax let them cool down naturally for 24 hours so that the contents can harden properly. Once cooled check if containers are steady enough for transporting and trim any long parts from each flame with scissors so that no more than 1 cm remains after trimmed off before burning candles safely later on.
Resources for Candle Making in Old City Philadelphia
Courses and Classes:
Local craft stores such as Michael’s, A. C. Moore, Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores and Hobby Lobby all offer a variety of classes related to candle making in the Old City Philadelphia area. Additionally, workshops are offered at various galleries throughout the city that focus on learning new techniques or honing existing skills with wax and wick.
Sources of Inspiration: The most common sources of inspiration for candle making can be found in popular stores like Anthropologie, where customers can buy the scented candles they admire or take note of their patterned wax and imaginative designs. Similarly, luxury department stores like Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus may carry expensive designer brands that give ideas for high-end scented candles that could be replicated with a bit of elbow grease and research. Visiting local flea markets or antique shops may also yield inspiring ideas for original candles that capture the city’s cultural heritage.
Craft Festivals: Every spring and autumn, the Pennsylvania Guild Of Craftsmen hosts festivals offering unique products created by its members along with other carefully selected craftspeople from across the region. The festivals are held inside state parks near historic sites such as Old City Philadelphia, where customers can meet crafters to discuss projects while admiring a variety of handmade items that could spur their own creativity in candle making.
Supplies: Local suppliers like Urban Outfitters provide many unusual supplies such as vintage molds, glass containers, appropriate waxes (including soy) and unique fragrances to make candles at home or in an industrial setting. Additionally, consumers can search independently via Etsy (an online marketplace) for mold makers that offer one-of-a-kind pieces made specifically for crafting memorable centerpieces like decorative candles for any occasion. Specialty stores like Beekman 1802 Mercantile in NYC may also have unexpected finds such as old tins with nostalgic labels providing additional decorating ideas that can be discovered during visits to Old City Philadelphia.
Organizations: The International Guild Of Candle Artisans is one professional organization open to all styles of candle makers seeking educational resources or career opportunities related to their craft whether selling in boutique shops or teaching at classrooms nationwide. American Candle Making Association is a newer organization providing tools specific to American candle industry standards; membership is required but free educational webinars lasting up to two hours are available enough times each month so anyone interested can stay abreast on trends and safety precautions concerning candle production no matter if produced locally or exported overseas .
Conclusion
Making candles in Old City Philadelphia is an incredibly rewarding experience not only for the person learning this craft, but also to their community. By getting up close and personal with the materials, techniques, and tools of candle making, they can learn valuable skills while gaining appreciation for a unique form of art that has been around for centuries. Beyond developing a deeper understanding of candle making itself, participating in this practice brings many benefits to the surrounding area by connecting individuals from different backgrounds and giving them access to creative resources. It also provides many opportunities for local entrepreneurs, including creating new businesses and adding more jobs in the area. Not to mention, Old City Philadelphia offers a vibrant atmosphere as well as cultural influences that can be incorporated into the design of these handmade creations. For all these reasons, candle making in Old City should be explored and encouraged as a creative practice.
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.
