Candle Making For Fun or Profit

Learning to Make Candles for Fun or Profit

2009-07-30T22:56:00.000-06:00

Candle making has virtually exploded onto the scene in recent years, as people have flocked to the craft as a hobby or with the desire to sell their handmade candles for profit. Whether it's a hobby, craft, or you're selling your candles, come along with us to learn how to make candles for fun or profit.

Selling Your Candles - Fundraising

2009-07-25T16:43:00.000-06:00

While many candle makers learn and perfect the craft as a hobby, there are others with goals to make money from the craft. Of the many ways to sell your candles, setting up fundraising programs is one option that you may wish to consider.

Establishing a fundraising program featuring your candles is a great way to multiply your sales force in an economical manner. While hiring and managing a sales force may not be possible, fundraising can be a great way to have many people selling on your behalf. It also allows you to leverage your ability to sell without you doing most of the work.

Here's how a typical fundraiser works. You find organizations that need to raise money and make an arrangement with them to sell your candles for you for a portion of the profit. You agree to supply each candle to them for a discounted price, and when they sell each candle at a pre-determined retail price that is higher, the organization keeps the difference for their cause.

The percentage of the discount can vary, but is usually somewhere between 20-50% below the pre-determined retail price. The greater the percentage the organization gets to keep, the more they will get excited and promote your product, so be as generous as possible when establishing the profit-sharing arrangement.

Typically, no money exchanges hands between you and the organization until they have collected all of the candle orders. This way, the organization does not need to come up with money out of pocket to give to you. They simply take orders, collect money for the products ordered, and turn one combined order in to you. You then collect your negotiated price for each candle, and they keep the difference. Fundraising is a win-win situation for both parties, and is a great way to get your product out into circulation.

The types of organizations looking to conduct a fundraiser are seemingly limitless. Churches, schools, sports groups, charitable organizations, awareness programs and more are all excellent candidates. All you need to do is seek them out and be willing to work with them.

Not only do you have the opportunity to make good profit yourself, but you are helping an organization in need as well. And while there are many fundraising programs out there for them to choose from, many organizations are tired of the traditional candy and cookie dough sales, and are looking to do something more unique. Candles are an attractive option.

While it is true that fundraising can be a huge help in growing your business, it is not without work on your end. You need to be sure that you have the production capacity to fill the organization's order in a timely manner (3-4 weeks at most).

You also need to be sure that you can offer them a simple process with easy-to-follow instructions, and fundraising materials to help them collect orders. Be prepared to provide the organizations with samples of your candles as they will want to be able to test your product before agreeing to sell it. Assuming that you make a quality product, this is usually a great thing because the more they love your candles, the more excited they will be to sell them.

There are many ways to create a successful candle business, and fundraising is only one of the many ways it may be possible. Explore your options and decide what the best fit is for you and your ultimate goals.

Selling Your Candles - Consignment

2009-07-25T16:42:00.000-06:00

While some candle makers learn and perfect the craft for personal enjoyment, chances are that most of them have thought about selling their candles to generate some supplemental income. Some even choose to replace their income entirely at one point or another. And with so many ways to sell your candles, where is the best place to focus your attention? While no one can answer that question for you, there are benefits to each way that may affect your decision.

Here we present an overview of consignment, showing you some of the benefits of consigning your candles and providing you with information to make a decision about whether or not this method may work for you.

The basic concept of consignment is placing your candles for sale in an already established business where the business owner agrees to sell your candles for you in return for a percentage of the selling price. Some business owners will charge you a fee for shelf or booth space as well.

An example of a consignment situation would be a Store Owner charging the Candle Maker $50.00 a month for a certain amount of consignment space in the Store Owner's store. In addition, for each candle that is sold in the store that month, the Store Owner keeps 15% of the retail price as a consignment fee and pays the remaining money to the Candle Maker.

If the store is selling a large number of candles, this arrangement can be lucrative. If not, you can end up owing the Store Owner more money each month than money you have earned.

Another situation may have the Store Owner charging the Candle Maker a higher percentage of the sale as their consignment fee (likely 25 - 40%), but with no fee charged for consignment space within the store. Each consignment situation is different, so you will need to be fully aware of your obligations, as well as the costs involved.

When considering consignment there are several things you must consider. First, how much will the Store Owner take in fees each month? How many candles would have to sell each month in order to break even? How much traffic does the store get? Is it likely that the store has enough patrons that would be interested in hand poured candles? What other products does the store offer? All of these questions are important to consider prior to making a commitment.

One option that offers a great possibility is to sell your candles through 'craft malls'. A craft mall is a retail store that sells the vast majority of its merchandise using a consignment situation. Craft malls are mainly comprised of many small, independent sellers all looking to sell their wares.

Many craft malls are willing to limit the number of crafters selling a particular type of item. For example, one craft mall may allow only one or two candle makers to rent space. Again, you have to do your homework to see if a craft mall situation makes sense for you. Keep in mind that most craft malls will require you to sign a contract for renting space for a specified period of time, so be sure to research thoroughly before making a commitment.

If there are no craft malls available in your area and you are still interested in consignment, consider asking a complementary local business if they would be willing to consign your candles. Home decor and furnishing stores and gift shops are excellent possibilities. You might be surprised who will be willing to work with you, and you may be able to negotiate a great deal.

There are many ways to create a successful candle business, and consignment is only one of the many ways it may be possible. Explore your options and decide what the best fit is for you and your ultimate goals.

Selling Your Candles - Wholesale

2009-07-25T16:25:00.000-06:00

While most candle makers start out making candles as a hobby, many eventually choose to turn that hobby into a full-fledged business. Whether through retailing, fundraising, consignment or wholesaling, there are several choices to expand your business into a valid part-time or full-time enterprise. Here we'll discuss the topic of wholesaling as an option for building a solid business.

The concept of wholesaling is simple. Basically, you sell your candles to resellers at a reduced price so that they can turn around and sell your candles at a higher price to their own customers.

The way you do this and still make a profit yourself, is that the resellers agree to purchase large quantities of candles in exchange for the reduced price. So while you may be selling your candles at half a typical retail price, you are also selling far more candles than you usually would if you were selling them one at a time.

When considering wholesaling there are a few extremely important things that you must keep in mind.

In order to sell profitably at wholesale, your pricing is crucial. You need to determine a reasonable retail price for your candles, and be able to cut that price at least in half to sell them at wholesale.

Most resellers want to be able to charge at least a 100% mark-up (double the wholesale price) to even consider buying from you at wholesale. This means that if they buy it from you for $5.00, they need to be able to sell it to their own customers for at least $10.00. This 100% mark-up by retailers is commonly referred to as a 'keystone' mark-up.

So, if you are going to sell your candles at $5.00 each wholesale, then you need to make sure you are still making a profit on the candle at $5.00. Ideally, your total costs, including sufficient pay for your time, should be no more than 50% of the wholesale price, with 30-40% recommended.

The most common mistake novice candle makers make is not truly knowing their costs, and setting their retail price too low. This makes it almost impossible to sell at wholesale in the future because they are not charging enough for their time. Don't sell yourself short. Do your research and see what other candle makers are selling comparable candles for. Then back out your costs and time to make sure that you can afford to set a fair and profitable wholesale price.

There are many ways to go about finding wholesale clients to sell to. You can make personal sales calls to local stores and shops, you can consider hiring sales representatives to do this for you or you can sign a representation agreement with one of the many wholesale showrooms around the country.

There are also numerous 'gift shows' held around the country several times a year where buyers visit for the sole purpose of purchasing wholesale merchandise to resell. These shows can yield great results, but are extremely expensive, and you will need a lot of orders to offset your costs. For this reason, wholesale trade shows are often best left to experienced candle makers that have a substantial promotional budget and the production capacity to fulfill an onslaught of orders.

There are also a number of online wholesale directories available for consideration. Typically, you pay a fee to advertise in their directory, but you receive great exposure to resellers looking to purchase products. Again, if you choose to participate in these directories, make sure that you have the production capacity to meet demand. The last thing you want is to have orders from customers, and not enough finished product to fill the orders, or the ability to produce it quickly.

There are many ways to create a successful candle business, and wholesaling is only one of the many ways it may be possible. Explore your options and decide what the best fit is for you and your ultimate goals.

Selling Your Candles - Retail

2009-07-25T16:23:00.001-06:00

Have you ever thought about selling your candles for profit?

While many people start making candles as a hobby, the huge interest in candles makes it possible to earn a nice part-time or full-time income by selling your candles to others. You can sell wholesale, on consignment or set up fundraising programs. The most common approach is to retail your candles. Here we'll introduce you to retailing so that you can determine if this method is a good fit for you.

One of the most common ways most candle makers get started in retailing is to sell their candles at craft shows. One of the benefits of craft shows is that local people like to buy from local crafters. So, if you can find enough craft shows in your area to keep you busy, then this may well be an avenue that is successful for you.

Another benefit to craft shows is that people appreciate the amount of time and effort that goes into hand crafted items. At craft shows, you are presented with an opportunity to sell yourself and explain how your candles are hand poured. This really sets you apart from those who simply resell candles that are made by larger companies, giving you a distinct advantage at these events.

Craft shows also present you with the added benefit of gaining exposure and building opportunities for word-of-mouth referrals. You can't be at a craft show every day, so the rapport you build with your customers will generate income from re-orders and referrals to their friends and family. It is imperative that you have business cards available, as well as ordering and delivery procedures in place for the future orders you will hopefully receive.

Some of the drawbacks of craft shows are that they are not always readily available, and when they are, they tend to not be equally distributed throughout the year. While you may find an abundance of shows at the holidays, it will be harder to find venues to sell your candles in March and July. There may be other options, though, such as Farmer's Markets, festivals that sell space to vendors and other similar situations.

A reality of craft shows is that they are a lot of work. They are usually day long events that require the set up and tear down of a booth each time, and require a succession of hours spent on your feet. You're bound to get tired!

Instead of, or in addition to, selling at craft shows, many candle makers have taken steps to put up a website. Whether this is a fully functioning website capable of accepting orders or simply an online 'catalog' where current and potential customers can go to see what they want to order and give you a call, a website is an excellent way to grow a candle business.

Another retailing option is selling your candles at home parties. Try booking some parties with your friends and family. Chances are there will be someone there that would also like to book a party. This can be a great way to grow your business.

While some candle makers have aspirations of opening their own candle store featuring their hand-crafted products for sale, this is a goal that requires a serious amount of time and money, and is most often left for extremely experienced and well-established candle makers only.

There are many ways to create a successful candle business, and retailing your candles is only one of the many ways it may be possible. Explore your options and decide which option is the best fit for you and your ultimate goals.

Molded Candles Troubleshooting Tips

2009-07-25T16:21:00.008-06:00

With any worthy craft there are bound to be minor troubles. If you have ever spent any amount of time pouring candles, you will find yourself troubleshooting eventually. Each candle type presents its own special challenges, and here we are going to cover the most common concerns and frustrations related to molded candles.

While molded candles can be made with a variety of waxes, this article primarily addresses common issues that arise with the use of paraffin wax as natural waxes sometimes have their own troubleshooting issues to address.

One of the most common questions concerning molded candles is what to do if the candle will not come out of the mold. Typically this is caused by one of the following reasons.

You may have overfilled the mold causing the wax to set over the lip of the mold. If this happens, gently break away some of the dried wax from the lip and try not to go over the lip of the mold when you pour in the future.

Another reason is that your mold may be dented. If this is the case, you will most likely need to purchase a new mold. When molds are not in use, make sure they are stored in a safe place, preferably in their original packaging to prevent dents.

Sometimes the wax may have not had time to cool completely and is still adhering to the mold. Simply allow it to cool completely and try again. Lastly, you may be using a wax that is too soft. Make sure you are using a wax specifically made for making molded candles.

Another common problem is the formation of white spots all over the surface of the candle.

If you experience this, you may have added too much fragrance oil. Consider reducing the amount of fragrance oil or consider adding vybar to the wax mixture to help the wax retain the oil. This problem may also be caused by the candle cooling too slowly. If this is the case, try using a water bath to cool the candle more quickly.

If the surface of your candle has frost marks, typically the wax was too cool when it was poured, or the mold was too cold when the wax was poured into it. Make sure that you pour the wax between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit (82 to 93 degrees Celsius), and make sure your molds are at room temperature before pouring into them.

If you experience your candles caving in or forming a well in the top, both of these issues are most likely a result of not poking relief holes in the wax after the first pour. Always make sure to poke relief holes in the wax after the first pour to make sure the tension is released while the candle is cooling. As the candle cools, do a second pour making sure that the wax is cooled enough to support additional wax, but not yet completely cooled.

There are numerous issues that may arise when pouring molded candles. Just keep in mind that other candle makers have probably experienced them too, and there is almost always a way to correct the issue if you seek help. Try checking online candle making message boards to see if the issue has been addressed there - most likely you'll find a discussion about the problem, as well as solutions to fix it.

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Container Candles Troubleshooting Tips

2009-07-25T16:19:00.000-06:00

With any worthy craft there are bound to be minor troubles. If you spend any amount of time pouring candles, you will eventually spend some time troubleshooting. Here are the most common concerns and complaints about container candles and tips to alleviate some of the frustration all candle makers undoubtedly feel at one point or another.

While container candles can be made with a variety of waxes, here we're going to primarily address common issues that arise with the use of paraffin wax as natural waxes sometimes have their own troubleshooting issues to address.

One issue is the presence of lines on the inside of the glass. Most often, this problem occurs for one of two reasons. Either the container was not preheated before the wax was poured into it, or the wax was too cool when it was poured. To avoid this issue, try preheating your containers using a heat gun, or your oven on the lowest setting, before pouring into them. Also, try to pour your candles when the wax temperature is between 155 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit (68 to 79 degrees Celsius).

Another common container candle issue is when the flame burns a tunnel down the middle of the candle. Typically, this is caused by one of two reasons. Most often either the wick used in the candle is too small, or the candle was not burned for a long enough period of time. If you are experiencing tunneling, try using a larger wick size or consider double wicking.

If this alone does not appear to be the problem, pay attention to the length of time you are burning the candle. The ideal burn time is long enough for the melt pool to form completely across the top of the candle before extinguishing. When wicked properly, this should occur in one to two hours.

Another common issue is the formation of discolored splotches on the sides of the candle. Usually, these splotches are the result of either having too much fragrance oil in the wax mixture or from having too much of the wrong type of additive in the wax.

If you believe that fragrance may be the issue, try reducing the amount of fragrance or adding vybar to the mixture to help the wax retain the oil. If you believe that additives are the issue, just remember to always use the least amount of additives necessary to achieve your desired result.

If you experience problems with the wick smoking too much when the candle is burning, you may have one of the following issues. The wick you are using may be too large, the wick needs to be trimmed, or the candle is in an area with too much draft. Try using a smaller wick, keep your wick trimmed to about one quarter of an inch, and make sure that there are no drafts where you are burning the candle. Also keep in mind that some waxes do tend to smoke more than others.

If your wick will not stay lit, your wick may be too small or you may have used too much dye and/or fragrance oil. If the wick is too small, it cannot consume wax fast enough to keep it above the wax level. Try using a larger wick to correct this. If you believe you used too much dye or fragrance oil, reduce the quantity and try again.

When container candles cool, sometimes the tops appear bumpy or rough. If this happens to you, consider placing the candle in the oven on the lowest setting to re-heat the wax. Let it cool again and see if the problem persists. Another technique is to use a heat gun along the top layer of the candle to re-heat it. Again, let it re-cool and see if this corrects the issue.

If you are still experiencing the problem, consider doing a top pour on the candle. A top pour uses leftover wax from the candle by re-heating it and pouring it over the already cooled candle creating a new, smooth top layer. If you use this technique, be sure to use leftover wax otherwise you'll have a top layer of a different color.

If your problem is that the top layer of the candle keeps cracking as it cools, then it's likely that your candles are drying too quickly. Try placing them in a warmer place to cool more slowly, or consider wrapping the containers in aluminum foil so they are insulated and slower to cool.

There are numerous issues that may arise when pouring container candles. If you have other issues not covered here, try searching online candle making message boards to find solutions. Just keep in mind that other candle makers have probably experienced them too, and there is almost always a way to correct the issue if you seek help.

Selecting Dyes for Beautiful Candle Color

2009-07-25T16:17:00.000-06:00

More often than not, candle makers choose to enhance their craftsmanship by adding dye to their candles. While some candle makers choose to leave their candles naturally colored, most crafters want to enhance the decorative aspect of their products by creating vibrant colors. In today's market there are a number of ways to achieve these results. Let's cover the basics of beautiful candle color.

The main thing to keep in mind when dying your candles is that one dye never looks the same in different waxes. Each wax binds with and reacts to dye differently, so experimentation is almost always necessary. If you have used additives to make your candles, this will also affect how the dye appears. As you begin to experiment with dye, keep in mind that it is always better to add too little than too much. You can always go back and add more if need be.

One technique you may find particularly helpful as you begin dying your candles is to keep detailed notes of the amounts of dye and color combinations as you try them. That way, if you achieve a result you are happy with, you know exactly how you achieved it. For example, if you use three drops of navy blue and one drop of purple liquid dye to make the perfect blueberry muffin colored candle, then when you go to replicate the exact same color later, you know exactly what dyes to add and in what proportion.

Visiting any of the candle making supply websites, you will quickly become aware of all of the different varieties of dye available. While you may be able to purchase dye elsewhere, these specialty candle supply sites are the best source for quality products designed specifically for candle making, dyes included.

Keep in mind that no matter what type of dye product you use, each product offers its own unique benefits and it's up to you to determine what type appeals most to your own preferences and needs. Remember that all dyes can be blended to create your own unique color combinations. If you are not familiar with how to blend colors to achieve color variations, you can purchase color charts that will help familiarize you with color blending.

Liquid candle dyes are the most common type of dye used. They are highly concentrated and offer the benefit of being able to adjust the tint one drop at a time. This makes for a controlled process that can be easily duplicated.

Dye flakes are another option. Also highly concentrated, it is best to use a digital gram scale for precise measuring, as the size of the flakes will vary. Dye flakes produce a rich color that is resistant to fading and bleeding.

Pigment chips are another option. Chips are also less prone to fading and bleeding. However, pigments do not actually dissolve in the wax and any color particles not suspended in the wax should not be poured. This can make them a bit tricky to work with for beginners.

Powdered candle dyes are yet another dye option. Powdered dye is the purest form of dye as this is what the other dyes are made from. If you choose to use a powdered dye, keep in mind that they are extremely concentrated, and a little bit goes a very long way.

Because of the highly concentrated nature of candle dyes, they will dye anything they come into contact with. It's a good idea to keep a liquid dye remover handy in case you have an accident.

There is no 'best' dye. Rather, it's a matter of personal preference. Get input from other candle makers to narrow down your options. Then just experiment to find the best option for you.

Scenting Your Candles

2009-07-25T16:16:00.000-06:00

By far, one of the most complex and costly areas of candle making is the selection and use of fragrance. Fragrance is usually the most expensive ingredient in your candles, and will most often be the determining factor in whether or not your candles are a hit or a miss.

The number one reason people purchase candles is for the fragrance, and for this reason, fragrance is vitally important.

When adding scent to your candles, you have two fragrance options available - natural or synthetic fragrance. Each of these fragrance options offers their own benefits. It is up to you to determine your ultimate goals, as well as who your target market is, when determining a fragrance option to choose.

If you choose to produce naturally scented candles, then you will be working with essential oils. Essential oils, unlike fragrance oils, are oils naturally derived from plants and flowers. They are highly concentrated, and usually much stronger than most fragrance oils, so it can be easy to overuse them.

Essential oils are also more costly than synthetic fragrance oils. Typically, essential oils do not burn quite as well as synthetic fragrance oils, and are harder to blend with wax. While they can offer a very good scent throw, they tend to lose their scent faster than their synthetic counterparts making for a shorter shelf life.

Because of their all-natural qualities, many natural wax candle makers find that essential oils are an excellent choice because their customers appreciate an all-natural product.

Fragrance oils are the other option. Fragrance oils are man-made, being synthetically produced by various perfumeries. For the best quality of fragrance oils, it is strongly encouraged that you purchase your fragrance oils from a specialty retailer that specializes in candle making. These candle supply retailers usually seek high quality oils and the oils they carry are made specifically for candle making.

Many candle supply retailers have their scents custom-blended. For this reason, a scent with the same name may smell very different when you buy it from various suppliers. Many of these candle supply retailers offer customer feedback and comments related to specific scents they sell. This information can help you determine what fragrances others are having success with and you may pick up tips on how they are successfully using the scent in their own products.

There are literally thousands of fragrance oil scents available for purchase, so using this type of information can help you narrow your options. When deciding on those you'd like to try, many candle supply retailers will offer sample size containers of each scent so that you can try them economically prior to purchasing a larger size.

When working with scents, consult the websites of the suppliers that sell your fragrance oils and wax. Their websites usually offer a wealth of information. When you look up your wax instructions, there is usually information about the amount of fragrance to add for the best scent throw, and when during the candle making process it is best to add the fragrance for best results.

A typical rule of thumb for adding fragrance to candles is one ounce of fragrance for each pound of wax. However, this is not a steadfast rule. Some candle makers choose to measure fragrance in teaspoons or percentages instead of ounces. And, some waxes will hold more fragrance than others. Each wax and fragrance is different, so plan on doing a lot of testing and trying a lot of fragrance and wax combinations before getting your best results.

Also, remember to test for both cold and hot scent throw in your candles. There can be a big difference in how a candle smells sitting on the shelf compared to how it smells when it is burned. It is important that your candle smells great at first whiff when the jar is opened so that customers can experience the scent. It is even more important that the candle has great fragrance as it burns as that is what brings your customers back for more.

How to Select the Best Wicks for Your Candles

2009-07-25T16:14:00.000-06:00

When people first begin making candles, they are often surprised by just how many wicks there are available. This can make it a bit complicated to determine the best wick for each type of candle.

Choosing the right wick can be the ultimate difference in whether your candle is a raging success, or a not so subtle failure. Proper wicking makes all the difference when it comes to the life of the candle, how well it burns and whether or not it even stays lit.

Wicks come in one of two options, either pre-tabbed or on spools.

Pre-tabbed wicks are most often used in container candles and votives. They are stiff wicks of varying lengths with a metal base attached. The wick is connected to the tab by a longer metal piece referred to as the wick collar or neck, which also come in a variety of lengths.

The purpose of a wick tab is to stop the candle from burning once the flame on the wick reaches the metal neck of the tab. This extinguishes the flame before it can reach the bottom of the container, which can cause the container to overheat and break.

Spooled wicks are most commonly used in pillars and tapers and can either be used without tabs, or tabs can be attached by hand.

Wicks are available in a variety of materials. From cotton, to hemp, to paper, to those with metal cores, each wick offers different benefits and has certain situations in which they are best used.

Each individual wax may have certain wicks it will or will not work with best. Most wax suppliers will offer this information and make suggestions for appropriate wick choices for each wax. Certain wicks may burn too hot or too cool for the type of wax you are using, so it is important to pay attention to this information if you want to make the best candle possible.

When you first begin choosing wicks, it is recommended that you spend some time researching wicks in either a book about candle making or online at one of the many candle making supply websites. Wicks come in a variety of sizes, described by a series of numbers which can be complex to understand at the outset. Learn what these numbers mean by reading the description for each wick line you may be considering.

The diameter of your candle will help determine what size of wick you will need to use. Typically, the larger the diameter of the candle, the larger the wick size you will need.

When making container candles, you want to make sure that your wick is big enough to melt the wax of the candle completely across the top. You also want to prevent 'tunneling', which is when the wick burns a hole down the center of the candle leaving a tunnel of wax around the sides of a container. You also want to make sure that the wick is not too large which can cause the candle to burn faster than it should, causing excessive smoking or soot as well.

Finally, keep in mind that there is no exact science to choosing proper wicks. While manufacturers may be able to recommend certain types of wicks that will work well, you still may need to experiment to see what works best in your candles. Ultimately, you'll discover the wicks you most enjoy working with. And by testing different wicks, you'll be able to learn which wicks produce your desired results.

How to Select the Best Paraffin Wax

2009-07-25T16:13:00.000-06:00

Selecting the ideal paraffin wax to use in your candles requires an analysis of several key factors.

First, you need to determine what type of candles you are going to make. For example, the type of paraffin one would use for container candles is very different from the type of paraffin one would use for pillar candles.

Next, you need to determine what wax traits are most important to you. Is it important that your wax is easy to work with? Do you want one that requires little or no additives? Are you looking for the strongest scent throw possible? Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preferences and finding the best wax to match your desires.

Paraffin comes in many varieties. Some are soft and scoopable, while others are harder and must be cut from slabs. Typically, the softer the wax, the lower its specific melting point will be.

The melting point is the term used to describe the temperature at which the wax will begin to melt. Melting points of paraffin wax range from approximately 127 degrees Fahrenheit (53 degrees Celsius) on the low end to 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) on the high end. The higher the melting point, the harder the wax.

One of the benefits of lower melting point paraffin waxes is that the softer wax helps to retain the fragrance of the candle until it is burned. This trait makes lower melting point paraffin waxes ideal for container candles. In addition to their wonderful ability to retain scent, these low melting point waxes are extremely malleable and almost never requires the use of additives.

While some candle makers may love the benefits of these softer waxes, they can be sticky to work with, and they tend to emit more soot than some other waxes. While the stellar scent throw may be a benefit, some may not feel that the drawbacks are worth it. Again, it comes down to personal preference.

Medium melting point paraffin waxes are most commonly used for votives and sometimes containers. A medium melting point paraffin will be harder to the touch and will keep its shape better than the lower melting point paraffin waxes.

It still manages to hold scent fairly well, but this type of wax often requires use of additives, thus resulting in more experimentation in making your candles. The medium melting point paraffins typically come in blocks, and can either be chipped off or cut off in chunks for use.

The higher melting point paraffins are usually reserved for making pillars, hand-dipped tapers, molded, and shaped or carved candles. These waxes are used for making such candles because of their extreme firmness, and because these types of candles do not often require the stronger scent throw of other types of candles.

The firmness of the wax makes them ideal for molded and shaped candles because they will not cave in on themselves while cooling. High melting point paraffin waxes will almost always require the use of additives, and they do not retain fragrance as well as the softer paraffin waxes.

Many craft stores have begun carrying a small range of paraffin waxes. However, these waxes are typically of mediocre quality and are not intended to meet the needs of more serious candle makers. For a wide array of quality choices, visit one of the many specialty online candle making supply websites.

Not only do they offer a wide variety of waxes, but they also offer detailed instructions on how to work with each one. You'll also find the other supplies you may need, making these websites excellent one stop shops for purchasing all your candle making supplies.

Candle Making Additives

2009-07-25T16:09:00.000-06:00

As new candle makers consult various candle making resources for instructions and troubleshooting, it is highly likely that the use of additives will be mentioned at one point or another.

Most newcomers, and even a few experienced crafters, may find it helpful to review a few of the most common candle making additives - and when and why they should be considered for use.

Before getting into detail about each individual additive, there are a few things to keep in mind when working with these products. Use of any additives in your candles will almost always affect the way the dye works with your wax. Your dye recipes may need to be adjusted when using additives.

Also, additives will most likely have an effect on your wick size. Because additives are often used to increase the wax's melting point, you may need to adjust your wick size accordingly.

What are the most commonly used additives? Here are several you may likely have a need for at one time or another.

One additive you will hear frequently discussed is vybar. Vybar acts as a binding agent and is used to make wax more opaque. Vybar can also be used to reduce air bubbling and mottling effects in your candles.

Stearic acid is another popular additive. Stearic acid helps increase the scent throw of your candles by making it possible to add more fragrance oil to the wax. This additive also helps your candles achieve a smooth, even finish.

Several companies also produce what is referred to as a Universal Additive. This additive has several functions, some of which are to help in mold release, harden wax, bind oil to wax, increase opacity and lengthen candle burn time.

One additive that most candle makers will find extremely beneficial is UV Stabilizer. If you sell your candles outdoors or under fluorescent lights, you may want to seriously consider incorporating this additive into your finished product.

UV Stabilizer is added to candles to help prevent candle fading and to improve the stability of the color. When exposed to light, some candle dyes will fade severely. In other cases, dye and fragrance oil may not react well together and over time, the color may fade. The use of Universal Additive helps combat these pesky problems.

Other products that you may sometimes see advertised as additives are beeswax and petrolatum. Beeswax is often added to wax blends to increase the overall burn time of a candle. Petrolatum is commonly used to soften the wax and to increase the melt pool.

Every additive has one or more specific, intended uses. As you gain candle making experience, familiarize yourself with these additives and consider whether or not they may benefit your candle products.

Some candle makers choose to not incorporate additives at all. Some wax blends are pre-blended and sold with the additives already included. Check with your suppliers and consult various resources if you believe your candles may benefit from one of these many additive options.

How to Select the Best Natural Wax

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Selecting the ideal natural wax to use in your candles depends on several key factors.

For one, you need to determine what type of candles you are going to make. For example, the type of natural wax you would use for container candles is very different from the type of natural wax you would use for taper candles.

Next, you need to determine what the most important wax traits are to you. Is it important that the wax is easy to work with, requires very little to no additives, or offers a stellar scent throw? Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.

The first and most common form of natural wax is soy wax. As the name implies, soy wax is made from soybeans, and is an all-natural vegetable wax. Soy wax, because of its composition, burns cleaner and cooler than paraffin wax. It contains fewer toxins and carcinogens than paraffin wax, but also tends to be a
little bit more expensive.

Because soy wax is made from an agricultural product, many people like the fact that soy wax supports the agricultural economy versus the petroleum industry, of which paraffin is a by product.

Soy wax is most often used in container candles and votives, and very often requires the addition of additives to eliminate some aesthetic concerns and to increase fragrance retention and scent throw. Although soy wax offers many environmental and health benefits, it can be tricky to work with.

Another natural wax to consider is beeswax. While beeswax is the longest burning of any candle wax available, it is also one of the most expensive. Beeswax is most commonly used to make taper candles, and while it can be used in other types of candle making, most people find it simply too expensive to use in most applications.

A common way that beeswax is often used is to blend it with other waxes. Because of the burn life of beeswax, many candle makers choose to experiment and develop a unique wax blend that includes beeswax, giving them the results they wish to achieve without significantly driving up costs.

There are other types of natural wax that you may encounter from time to time.

Two of these are palm wax and bayberry wax. Because of how they are derived, both of these waxes are considered to be vegetable waxes. Bayberry wax is derived from the berries of bayberry bushes. It is known as a very hard wax and has a natural bayberry scent. Palm wax is a wax derived from palm trees.

Both of these waxes are slightly more expensive than paraffin wax, and are most often used as additives or in blends with other types of waxes.

When considering using natural wax in your candles it is important to consider your personal preferences as well as your target market. If you feel strongly about supporting the agricultural industry and about offering a vegetable based product, then soy or other natural waxes may be a great option for you. If you plan to sell your candles at farmer's markets or to natural food stores, than you probably want to choose a natural wax as opposed to a paraffin wax.

While natural waxes do tend to cost slightly more upfront, if you market your candles to the right clientele and plan to take the time to educate people about their benefits, then most consumers are also willing to pay a little more for your product. The choice all boils down to your sales goals, your buyers and your personal preferences.

Paraffin Wax vs. Natural Waxes

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If you are a connoisseur of candles, then no doubt you have heard the great debate: paraffin wax vs. natural wax. While some candle makers choose to offer two separate candle lines, most crafters choose to focus their efforts on one type of wax or the other.

Although each wax offers its own benefits and drawbacks, one wax is not necessarily better than the other. It is up to you to decide which wax appeals to you and which you would prefer to work with. If you plan to sell your candles, you may also wish to keep in mind the types of shoppers you will be selling to when making your wax decision.

Paraffin candle wax has been around for centuries, and is most likely the wax that the majority of candle purchasers are familiar with. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct, and therefore it indirectly supports the petroleum industry. In today's marketplace, this fact alone has caused some long time candle makers to abandon their previous affinity for paraffin wax. As petroleum is a major component of paraffin wax, it also tends to emit more smoke and potentially hazardous toxins than its natural wax counterparts.

While there may be drawbacks to using paraffin, there are also many benefits. On the whole, paraffin tends to hold fragrance better, longer and easier than natural waxes. Typically, the scent throw (or strength of the scent emitted) from paraffin candles is stronger and can fill larger spaces more effectively. It is also typically easier for a candle maker to get fragrance to hold in the wax, avoiding fragrance 'seeping' issues. Overall, paraffin waxes tend to be less finicky than natural waxes, and require fewer additives and adjustments.

As an alternative to paraffin, natural waxes, such as soy, beeswax and palm wax, have become readily available to candle makers, and many are gravitating to these waxes for their natural and beneficial properties. While natural waxes may be slightly more expensive than paraffin, they are still an affordable option.

Because the scent throw of natural waxes is typically softer than paraffin, sometimes attaining a strong scent throw, or getting heavier amounts of fragrance oil to blend well with the wax, can be a challenge. Aesthetic concerns are also usually more of an issue with natural waxes. Soy wax, for example, is prone to 'frosting', a white residue that can form on the tops and sides of the candle. Natural waxes may also have a tendency to form bubbles which make the candles less attractive to the eye.

On the flip side, there are many benefits to natural waxes. Overall, they do burn cleaner with less soot than paraffin candles, avoiding sooty build-up on walls. They also clean up with just soap and water in the event of a spill. Finally, they tend to appeal to many people because of their agricultural origins. Rather than support the petroleum industry as paraffin does, natural wax candles support agriculture.

Consider who you are selling your candles to, and what your own personal preferences are, when selecting the best wax for you. Regardless of which you choose, either type of wax is capable of producing excellent candles that you and your customers will enjoy.

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Votives, Pillars and Molded Candles

2009-07-06T20:03:00.002-06:00

Most people choose to begin their candle making experience by making container candles, but a select few choose to begin with molded candles. Most often molded candles, such as votives and pillars, are a next step for somewhat experienced candle makers.

While making molded candles is not necessarily more difficult than making container candles, they do demand a bit more technique, a few more supplies and most often require a greater time investment in determining the best use of additives and learning the molded candle craft.

The main difference between container candles and molded candles is the use of molds.

Instead of pouring melted wax directly into a container where the candle will set up permanently, molds are used to cool the candle into a desired shape and are then released from the mold. Using molds requires the use of a release agent to make sure the mold comes off the candle once it is done cooling. Although candle molds can be purchased at most craft and hobby stores, you will find a much wider selection at one of the many specialty candle supply retailers online. Depending on the volume of molded candles you are making, you will want to be sure that you purchase enough molds to keep you continually pouring, keeping in mind that the molds will have to remain on the candles until the candles are hard enough to remove the mold.

Another difference between container and molded candles is the type of wax used in their production.

Molded candles use medium to high melting point wax. The waxes are typically much harder than those used for containers. When purchasing your wax, be sure to read the wax descriptions to see if it is made for use in the type of candles you are planning to pour. For example, many wax suppliers even go so far as to
name their waxes with descriptors such as 'votive blend' or 'pillar blend'. The more time you spend choosing your wax, the better the likelihood you will produce candles you are happy with.

Votive candles are one of the easiest molded candles you can make. They also require less wax to make than pillar candles, so they are ideal for the beginner. If you are unhappy with your initial results and need to make adjustments, it will require less wax to experiment with votives than it will with pillars.

Pillar candles are the other common type of molded candles. While votives tend to be offered in a few standard sizes, the size and shape options for pillars are far more varied. Not only do they vary in height, but also in diameter and shape.

The best resource for detailed instructions on how to make molded candles is the retailer where you purchased your wax. If you chose to purchase wax and supplies from one of the many online, specialty candle making retailers, they typically offer detailed instructions for each type of wax they sell. Simply look up the wax you choose to work with and go from there.

Many of these sites also offer message boards where you can pick up some valuable tips from experienced molded candle makers to help you save time and money on troubleshooting. If you choose to buy your supplies elsewhere, there are many books available on the subject of candle making that are sure to take you in the right direction.

Specialty Candles

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The wide variety of specialty candles available in the marketplace has opened the door for the everyday candle maker to try something new and possibly create their own, unique candle line. Specialty candle making is typically reserved for more experienced candle makers, but the option is also there to anyone new to the craft.

Relatively new to the scene, yet becoming increasingly more common, are gel candles. Gel candles are made from a specially processed mineral oil that produces a clear, rubbery texture. Simply put, gel candles have a unique look that resembles a gelatin dessert.

While some candle makers are choosing to produce simple, unencumbered gel candles, others have chosen to go even further by adding non-flammable embeds to their gel candles, giving the appearance of objects suspended in midair. For example, adding fish shaped embeds into a blue tinted gel candle will produce the appearance of fish swimming in water.

The use of embeds is not only limited to use in gel candles. They can also be used in paraffin and soy. While paraffin and soy waxes are not transparent like gel, the addition of embeds can add texture and color to semi-translucent wax, and are very popular in creating unique and unusual designs in pillar candles.

Another hot trend in the specialty candle market is the production of bakery and food item candles. Candle makers have flexed their artistic muscles by creating candles that look like pies, complete with crust and realistic looking fruit. You'll see everything from hot chocolate candles poured into cocoa mugs complete with floating marshmallows to candle tarts that look like amazingly realistic muffins and donuts. The possibilities are endless if you have a little bit of creativity - as well as ample time and patience.

Yet another rising trend in specialty candles is the popularity of wickless candles. These candles are created for the sole purpose of melting in or on a candle warmer, and will never actually be burned with a flame. Wickless candles can be jar candles, without the wick, made to set on a warmer in their container. The melted wax produces scent, without the need for an open flame.

Another wickless variety is the wax tart. These wax creations are scented wax poured into molds. When they set up they are solid pieces of scented wax that are placed into simmer pots or wax melters to melt the wax.

These wickless options provide the wonderful fragrances of candles but without an open flame, making them perfect for people who have burn restrictions in their living or work spaces. Wickless candles and tarts are increasingly popular in schools, hospitals, dorm rooms, nursing homes and anywhere an open flame is not allowed.

Part of individual's success in the candle industry is their ability to get creative, try something new, and promote their unique creations in the marketplace. While improving on an old standard is always a smart way to grow your business, there is also much room for success in innovation.

Container Candles

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When you first begin making candles, the most important question you must ask yourself is what type of candles do you want to make? With all the different candle types to choose from, knowing where to start can be difficult.

Most people begin candle making because they want to be able to make their own candles to fragrance their homes. With that goal in mind, learning to make container candles is probably the best and easiest way to get started.

Container candles are considered one of the easiest types of candles to make. The whole purpose of a container candle is to scent the air. While they may not always turn out looking the best to begin with, it is almost impossible to truly mess them up. As long as you start with all of the necessary supplies and a good set of directions, you will soon be on your way to creating awesome container candles.

Before you get started, you will need to answer a few simple questions. What type of wax are you going to use? What type of container are you going to pour into? What fragrance do you want to use in your candle? Do you want to dye your candle with color or not? Once you know the answers to these questions, you can begin buying your supplies. To make a basic, single pour container candle you are going to need the
following:

Jar - most people begin with 16 oz. jars because they are to make a 16 ounce candle, making it easy to calculate proportions
Wax - a 'one pour' paraffin or soy wax is recommended
Wicks - use a wick that is appropriate for your container diameter and type of wax
Fragrance - select a fragrance you like and that is appropriate for your type of wax
Dye - use a dye that works well with the scent and type of wax you are using
Double boiler - to heat your wax to the ideal temperature for pouring
Pouring pitcher - to pour your melted wax into the prepared container
Thermometer - to ensure that your wax is the ideal temperature for adding
ingredients and pouring melted wax into your container

While there are many other supplies you could use, these supplies are the essential ones to make a container candle. When choosing your wax, keep in mind that you will want a wax specifically recommended for container candles. Most candle supply retailers will describe their waxes by sharing when and how they are best used. Sometimes you will even find the word 'container' in the actual name of the wax.

Next, you will need good, easy-to-follow instructions.

Typically, the best place to go for candle making instructions is the supplier where you purchased your candle wax. For example, if you purchase your wax from an online candle supply retailer, they will have detailed instructions for each and every wax they sell. Simply look up the specific instructions for the wax you have decided to work with. Many of these sites also offer message boards and instructions on how to select appropriate jars and wicks, and can be a wealth of information.

If you choose not to research or buy online, there are a number of books available on the subject of candle making as well that can guide you step by step in making the perfect container candle.

Making container candles is a great way to introduce yourself to the art of candle making. While you will run into challenges, and may need to make adjustments as you strive to make perfect candles, you'll get better as you continue perfecting your craft. The more experience you gain as you pour container candles, the better equipped you will be to expand your candle making skills into different types of candles in the future.

Candle Making Equipment and Supplies

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When considering all the various candle making supplies available to today's candle maker, the list seems virtually endless. It seems a daunting task to determine what is truly necessary for candle making versus what may be simply helpful. Let's cover the most basic necessities and briefly identify some of the common equipment and supplies that you may find to be helpful.

Two of the most important supplies that you will need for candle making are a double boiler and a thermometer.

The double boiler is necessary for melting your wax in a safe and efficient way. Double boilers may be purchased or even created simply by purchasing a pouring pitcher and placing it into a pot of boiling water. The thermometer is essential for determining when to add additives, fragrance and dyes, and for ensuring that
wax is removed from the heat at the appropriate time. Often a candy thermometer that you find at a discount store can work just as well as a thermometer marketed specifically for candle making.

Obviously, the key component in any candle is wax. The type of wax you choose to work with is entirely up to you and is usually a very personal decision. Some people will work only with paraffin wax, while others will work only with natural wax options.

If you are making container candles, you will need a different wax than if you are making votives. To determine what type of wax you will need, it may be helpful to consult a book on candle making. A great alternative is to explore some of the many candle making supply websites you can find online. You'll find
a variety of waxes when you shop online. Most of the candle making supply websites provide excellent information about which wax is best used for what purposes.

Another essential supply is wicks. The variety of wicks available can seem a bit overwhelming. Wicks come in both pre-tabbed and un-tabbed varieties, so make yourself familiar with both options. A couple of things that you will want to look into and consider when choosing wicks are the size and diameter of the candles you are making, the type of wax you are using and whether or not you are making a paraffin vs. an all natural candle. All of these things will ultimately factor into your wick decision.

If you are scenting your candles, you will need to choose fragrance to work with. Again, this is an area that requires some research. Some fragrances are more concentrated than others and their reaction in different waxes may vary. Some work well in paraffin, but not in soy. You may need to adjust the amount of fragrance oil you use based on the type of wax you are using.

If you choose to use dye, be aware that dyes come in a variety of forms. There are liquid dyes, powdered dyes, dye chips and more. Make yourself familiar with what is available and how each is used.

You may also want to consider these handy items to make your candle making more efficient: wick stickers or glue dots to secure your wicks in place, wick clips to keep your wicks straight, a digital scale to accurately weigh your wax and fragrance, wax additives to correct a particular wax issue, candle molds if you are making molded candles and a heat gun for preheating containers and smoothing candle top imperfections.

The number of candle making supplies and options is amazing. As you gain more candle making experience, you will begin to learn which supplies and equipment will best meet your personal candle making needs.

Candle Making Books

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Even experienced candle makers once had to conquer the candle making learning curve. No one just automatically knows exactly how to make the perfect candle. All candle makers have to learn the process and seek information and instructions to perfect their techniques. With all of the resources available today, just what is the best way to go about learning the craft of candle making?

If you visit any national bookseller, be it online or a traditional brick and mortar store, you are bound to find numerous books on the subject of candle making. Each book may offer you a unique perspective and may focus on a specific type of candle making. For example, you may find three different books on candle making - one features container candles, one features molded candles and yet another features specialty gel candles.

You can also find candle making books elsewhere. Many arts and craft stores are carrying books on candle making these days. And, it's possible that you may find what you need at your local library. When choosing a book, make sure that it covers the type of candle you are most interested in making.

Pictures can be extremely helpful so look for one that shows lots of examples. Also make sure that your book contains a section on safety. Candle making can be a dangerous hobby if not done correctly and everyone needs to be well informed.

Another great candle making resource is online retailers that specialize in selling candle making supplies. You can learn a great deal by simply reading about the products they have to offer. These online retailers are also your best bet for purchasing your supplies. They offer the highest quality merchandise and almost never require minimum orders, making it easy for small, budding candle makers to purchase their start-up materials.

While many arts and craft stores have begun carrying candle making supplies, their selection is often extremely limited and their quality is usually inferior to the products available through true candle making suppliers.

Hands down, the best resource for learning to make top quality candles is experienced candle makers themselves. You will save yourself countless hours and money by learning from their mistakes. Their experience is priceless. They can advise you on how to avoid mistakes that you would otherwise learn from trial and error.

While most experienced candle makers will have certain information they may not be willing to share, you will be surprised at how open most are and how willing they are to give advice. If you do not know any experienced candle makers personally, there are several great message boards available online where candle makers ask questions, share experiences and exchange information. Using these boards will help you immensely.

While the art of candle making may be a fairly complex art to master, it is a worthwhile endeavor that will offer you countless hours of fun and fascination. And if you happen to be one of the many Americans who spend a substantial amount of money purchasing high quality candles, over the long run you just may find candle making to be the most economical hobby you ever perfected.

How to Get Started Making Candles

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Making the decision to try your hand at candle making is easy. Figuring out where to go from there is a bit harder. While many of the big, national craft stores sell candle making supplies, their offerings are not always of the best quality, and their selections tend to be extremely limited. To obtain your supplies, it's advisable to visit one of the many internet sites devoted to the craft of candle making.

On these specialty websites you will find not only a wide variety of waxes, fragrances, wicks, containers and accessories, but many will also contain message boards full of valuable information for newcomers as well. The best way to learn how to make candles is to communicate with and learn from those who have already done it.

You will not only gain valuable knowledge, but you will very likely save yourself time and money by not replicating the many mistakes they have most likely made. A large part of learning the craft is trial and error, and you may be surprised by how willing others are to share their experiences.

Once you have done some research, decided what kind of candles you are going to make, and have an idea as to how you are going to go about making them, it is time to buy your supplies. The most important thing to keep in mind is to buy only what you need. With as many supplies as there are available, it's tempting to want to buy anything and everything that looks appealing.

Keep in mind that you are most likely going to make adjustments in your supplies and techniques as you get going. While bulk buying may offer significant cost savings, it is advisable to purchase in smaller quantities when you're getting started until you know that you are pleased with your end result. It doesn't make much sense to purchase fifty pounds of something that ends up not working to your satisfaction.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most of the online candle supply retailers do not require a minimum purchase. Because of this, you do not have to be limited to just one supplier.

Shop around. You may find better prices or widely different offerings from one supplier to another. Suppliers closer to you may save you substantial money on shipping so see what you can buy close to home when possible.

Finally, as holds true in so many areas, cheaper is not always better. When it comes to candle making, you pay for quality. As you will quickly learn, you do get what you pay for. This becomes very apparent as you start working with your waxes and fragrances.

While getting started making candles can be intimidating, just keep in mind that many others have conquered the task before you. Listen to those willing to share and learn from their triumphs and mistakes.

You may even want to consider purchasing a book on the subject. However you choose to go about learning, just keep in mind that even the most experienced candle makers can always learn something new as well. Don't be afraid to experiment, and most of all, have fun in your new endeavor.

Candle Making for Fun or Profit

2009-07-06T17:08:00.000-06:00

Candle making has virtually exploded onto the scene in recent years, as people have flocked to the craft as a hobby or with the desire to sell their handmade candles for profit.

Most people tend to gravitate toward candle making as they begin to realize just how much money they spend on candles. While learning the craft takes an investment of both time and money, it can be time well spent as it is easily achievable to make your own candles that are of comparable, if not better quality, than what is already available in the mass marketplace.

There are many reasons people burn candles: as air fresheners, to set a certain mood, for religious purposes, as a source of light, even as a tool to sell houses. And with the wide variety of candles available today such as container candles, pillar candles, gel candles, natural wax candles and candle tarts, there is bound to be a candle making specialty that appeals to anyone looking to have some fun with a new hobby or to grow a hobby into a substantial, thriving business.

The candle industry has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years. The demand for candles is huge, and more and more people are beginning to look to candle making as a fun hobby, or as a way to supplement or entirely replace their income. Making candles part-time and selling them at various local craft shows or through local retailers is an excellent way to earn some extra cash.

For those individuals looking to take a more substantial leap into the craft, and perhaps even leave their current job, there are numerous ways to do so. Some candle makers wholesale candles to other retailers all over the country. Others set up their own websites and sell their candles at retail from an online store. Still others make their fortunes by primarily promoting their candles through fundraisers held by non-profit organizations.

While some people do see candles as a way to earn a living, others are choosing to continue their candle making activities purely as a hobby. There is much enjoyment in creating the perfect candle. By making your own candles, you can create candles designed specifically for your own personal tastes.

Maybe you prefer natural wax to paraffin wax and have a hard time finding natural wax candles. Now you can make your own. Maybe you can never find your favorite scent in a color you like. Not a problem. You can simply make some for yourself in any scent or color you desire. If you are truly a candle lover, learning to make your own candles can be personally rewarding - and a lot of fun!

Whatever your ultimate goals may be in making your own candles, it is a craft worth learning to do right. There are many books on the subject and the internet is filled with helpful hints, tips and resources. Dive in, dig deep and you will be amazed by the fantastic candles you can create. And the best part is, you get to say that you made them yourself.