Introduction
The process of making candles in Phoenix starts with selecting the proper wax for your needs. There are many types of wax to choose from, such as paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, or a blend of these different waxes. Once the wax is chosen, colorants and fragrances can be added to give the candle its desired look and scent.
Next comes the heating up of the wax. A double boiler or a dedicated wax melter is used to melt down the wax until it has reached its melting point. Once it has obtained the right temperature, it is then ready to be poured into molds. Be sure to use correctly sized molds because they will affect how much wax you will use and how quickly your candle cools down.
When all of this is done, wicks can now be attached to the tops of your candles. Ideal wicks are pre-tabbed so that they fit into place more easily and securely as they cool down. The tab should not extend too far past the top edge of your candle—it should just barely touch it—or else unburned wick may burn faster than intended when lighting your candle.
Finally, after about 24 hours (depending on size and type), your candles should have cooled down sufficiently for you to pop them out from their molds and trim any excess wick from each before using them!
History
Candle making in Phoenix has a long and interesting history. Going back to the early 20th century, there were numerous traditional candle making families, such as the Silvermans and the Mudds, who set up shop in the city and sold their goods at local markets. Decades later, in the 1950s, Swedish immigrant Alan Feller founded one of Phoenix’s first large-scale candle-making studios called Creative Candle Company. This eventually led to an increase of commercial production for businesses across Arizona.
In 1974, another significant figure entered into this field when Herman Dweck founded Alegio Candles. These candles quickly gained national attention due to their high quality and aesthetic beauty and were soon found in stores such as Crate & Barrel and Neiman Marcus. Around this same time, Alegio was influential in creating the candle industry of Phoenix which they joined with several other companies such as La Paz Candle Company and Luminaire Luxury Candles to create what is now known as “America’s Finest Candlemaker” association. Furthermore, many small business owners have kept alive traditional methods of wax work and continue to turn out hand-crafted pieces that are cherished all around Phoenix today. Thus, it is safe to say that over the years many passionate craftsmen have helped shape Phoenix’s candlemaking culture.
Current Popularity
In Phoenix, the popularity of candle making as a hobby has been on the rise in recent years. For example, many local yoga studios have started offering workshops that allow participants to make their own candles to take home. Additionally, local art supply stores have seen an increase in candle-making supplies being purchased, suggesting that many locals have also started taking up candle making from home. Furthermore, several tech-focused “makerspaces” have sprung up in greater Phoenix over the past few months and they offer classes on soy wax candle making. Finally, some craft stores host monthly Candle Making Meetups that allow citizens to come together to create their own unique scented candles. It is clear that locally crafted candles are becoming increasingly popular!
Candle Making Shops
• Tucson Candle Co.: Offering highly scented candles and wax melts made with 100% American-grown soy wax.
• Halcyon Candles & Gifts: Offering a variety of candle making supplies, such as paraffin, beeswax, palm wax, molds, dyes, fragrance oils and more.
• Desert Light Candle Company: Selling custom scented soy candles and supplies including waxes, wicks thread before also offering classes in candle making.
• Arizona Eco Candle Company: Specializing in hand-poured natural soy candles featuring phthalate free fragrances with an assortment of candle jars to choose from.
• Madd Candle Co.: Sells premium soy candles that are all handcrafted in Phoenix, AZ with natural essential oil blends.
• Scentsational Soy Candle: Offers clean burning eco-friendly soy candles and tarts for every occasion as well as crafting supplies for do it yourself enthusiasts.
• Papillon Farms: Offers a selection of wholesale raw materials for creating personal handmade candles like paraffin waxes, colored gel waxes, wicks and more.
Candle Making Events
Candle Making Events in Phoenix are a great way to learn the craft of candle making and get creative. From personal workshops to take-home kits and even virtual events, Phoenix offers plenty of ways to learn the art of candle making.
Virtual Candle Making Events – With the rise of virtual events, there are now lots of opportunities to safely explore candle making from home. Most virtual events focus on a specific type of candle or technique and include online lessons from experienced makers who will guide you through each step. Many times these events include a kit with all the necessary materials so you can get started right away!
Online Classes – There are also tons of online classes for beginners and experienced makers alike. These range from short tutorials with tips on scent selections, wick sizes, template designs, and basic techniques to open ended courses that cover everything you need to start crafting amazing candles at home. Additionally, many classes offer additional one-on-one guidance if participants have specific questions or issues they would like help with while they make their candles.
Local Resources
Flamestone Candle Supplies: This store offers a range of waxes, molds, and fragrances for candle making. They also offer a wide selection of wicks and pre-made containers. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable in the craft. Customers come away with everything they need to make the perfect candle. They are quick to answer any questions about the materials or provide help with ideas for projects. Reviews say customers always leave with a smile on their face!
Az Candle Supply: This store offers everything from bees wax to paraffin wax, along with lots of dyes, fragrances, and containers. Customers have given this store rave reviews due to its wide selection of products at great prices as well as their helpful staff that are eager to answer any questions or provide helpful information when needed. It’s the perfect place to go if you’re new to candle making or if you’re an experienced pro looking for quality supplies.
Arizona Craft Supply: Arizona Craft Supply is home to all your necessary items for candle making including waxes, jars, wicks, dye blocks, fragrances, and accessories like thermometers and melting tanks! Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced crafter needing some inspiration every now and then; this shop has it all! The prices are great too; so feel free to stock up on all your essentials!
Crafty Ideas
Candle making is a popular craft in Phoenix, and locals love to craft beautiful and unique pieces inspired by their warm desert home. Local candle makers often use traditional ingredients such as wax, fragrances, molds, wicks, and dyes to create one-of-a-kind designs and smells. Many of these crafty individuals combine the bright orange and yellow hues of the Arizona sunset with local knowledge about cactus flowers and blooms reminiscent of the Sonoran Desert landscape, creating stunningly evocative pieces. Other candle makers infuse unique scents like tangerine, saguaro blossom, or mesquite wood into their creations to share vibrant reminders of the beauty that Phoenix has to offer. Aromas of nearby citrus fields blended with mint plants from nearby Rio Salado can be both calming and invigorating in distinctive candles made by folks living in Phoenix. In short, locals have come up with creative ways to capture the essence of the city both through scent and design–all entirely handmade!
Conclusion
In conclusion, candle making is a great way to have fun and relax while creating beautiful pieces of art. Phoenix has become known for its plenty of candle makers offering a wide range of color and styles. Some notable local Phoenix candle makers include Leto Candles, Aura Artisan Candles, and Mountain Feather Studio. You can find their products on their websites or follow them on social media for updates and special offers. Leto Candles: letocandles.com; Instagram @LetoCandles; Facebook @LetoCandles; Aura Artisan Candles: auraartisancandle.com; Instagram @AuraArtisanCandle; Facebook @AuraArtisanCandles; Mountain Feather Studio: mtnfeatherstudio.com; Instagram @mountainfeatherstudio ; Facebook @MountainFeatherStudio. Making your own candles at home can be a fun and fulfilling experience, so find the right supplies in your local Phoenix area to get started!
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.
