Kalamazoo Candle Making: An Introduction
Candle making is an ancient craft, with roots going back centuries. Kalamazoo, Michigan is no exception; it has a rich tradition of candle making that dates back to at least the 1840s. Home makers and small business owners alike have been making beautiful, aromatic candles using the traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
What Makes Kalamazoo So Special?
It’s not just the age of this craft in Kalamazoo, or even the wide variety of beautiful scents and colors associated with the candles made here that make it so special. It’s the fact that this is a craft that is based on a unique combination of materials, skills, and processes that have been used in the area for hundreds of years.
Material & Ingredients Used In Kalamazoo Candle Making
When it comes to materials and ingredients used in Kalamazoo candle making, traditional methods are still heavily relied on. Typically, locally harvested beeswax is mixed with essential oils, fragrances, pigments and natural dyes. This is then blended with a variety of wicking styles that are used to shape the candles.
Candle Molds & Tools Used In Kalamazoo Candle Making
To shape the candles, a variety of candle molds and tools are used. These include various styles of molds, dip-tubs, candle forms, and specialty tools such as drippers, chillers, and wax melters. With these tools, artisans create various sizes, shapes and motifs for their candles.
Reactivating The Scent In Kalamazoo Candles
Once the candles have hardened and cooled, they can be waxed and finished with a variety of techniques. This includes waxing with paraffin wax and melt-point wax, adding scented oils and drizzling melted wax over the top of the candles. In order to reactivate the scent in Kalamazoo candles, the candles must be re-scented every two to three years with additional essential oils.
Kalamazoo Candle Making Today
Kalamazoo candle making is still alive and thriving today. Artisans make beautifully crafted, aromatic candles in a variety of colors and scents, using traditional materials and techniques. If you want to learn the craft of Kalamazoo candle making, the Kalamazoo Candle Making Association offers classes on the subject. Make Kalamazoo candles part of your next craft project and experience the time-honored craft that has been enjoyed for centuries.
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.
