Online Class: Candle Making 101

"The Radiant Journey: Crafting Candles from Passion to Profession"

The gentle flicker of a candle's flame whispers tales from epochs gone by, illuminating the rich tapestry of human history. Candles have been our trusty companions through time, from ancient clay lamps to the ornate candelabras of palatial mansions, and now, to the scented luxuries that adorn modern homes. Step into this luminescent world and uncover the art and science of candle making, a craft as enchanting as the dance of a candle's flame.

Course Highlights:

🕯️ Chronicles of the Flame: Begin by tracing the footsteps of our ancestors. Uncover the evolution of candle making, understanding its historical significance and its transformation into today's cherished craft.

🕯️ Wax Wonders: Dive deep into the heart of candle creation—the wax. Discover the distinctive properties of paraffin, soy, beeswax, and more. Each wax type offers unique possibilities, and mastering them is your key to crafting perfection.

🕯️ Design & Aesthetics: Beyond the traditional, explore contemporary candle designs. From the ethereal beauty of ice candles to the elegance of votives, you'll be equipped to create stunning pieces that evoke awe and admiration.

🕯️ The Symphony of Scents: Perfume the air with your creations. Delve into the aromatic world of essential oils and fragrances. Craft candles that don’t just light up rooms but also stir emotions and memories.

🕯️ The Business Blueprint: A flame not just of passion but also of ambition burns within many. For those keen on turning their craft into commerce, we offer insights into market analysis, business strategy, and brand-building. Learn how to identify your unique selling proposition and position yourself in the bustling marketplace.

🕯️ Nurturing Your Candle Community: Engage with a global community of candle makers. Share, learn, and grow together. Whether you're troubleshooting a challenging design or seeking inspiration for your next creation, this supportive community will be your guiding light.

🕯️ Resource Repository: Your journey doesn't end when the course does. We equip you with an extensive list of suppliers, forums, and platforms, ensuring you have all you need to continue your radiant voyage in candle crafting.

Enrolling in this course is more than just learning a skill; it's about embracing a legacy, understanding the beauty of transient flames, and crafting pieces that touch souls. Whether you wish to rekindle an old hobby, spark a new passion, or ignite a business venture, this course is your beacon.

Join us on this luminous journey. As you mold wax and wick, you're not just making candles; you're weaving stories, crafting memories, and lighting up dreams. Let's illuminate the world with your creations, one candle at a time. Embrace the glow!

The history of candle making is intertwined with the history of humankind itself. For thousands of years we have been engaged in the process of containing fire for light, warmth, cooking, and religious ceremonies. Candles are an important part of this heritage and to a certain extent still are today. Understanding the basics of this history helps us to appreciate more fully the true meaning of the power of a candle. 

This lesson will take you on the fascinating journey of the history of candle making. You will learn about:

• The First Candles.

• Candles in the Middle Ages.

• Candle Making in America.

The First Candles 

No one knows exactly when or where the first candle was made and used. However, evidence of the earliest candles, called rush dips or rushlights, have been found in ancient archeological digs throughout the world. Interestingly, the very first candles were not unlike some of today's ones that are more fashionable. Naturally formed hollows in stones were filled with animal fat, called tallow, and rush or other plant material was placed inside to soak up the fat. This then, was lit to form sustainable light, a candle. 

Over time, vegetable oils were used instead of tallow. Olive oil especially was popular in warmer European climates. A sign of the high value these early societies placed on candles is that certain early rush dips were made out of valuable stones such as quartz and lapis lazuli. 

Rushes, a pithy fibrous plant, were used effectively to form torch like candles. Their outer layers were peeled off and the inner, absorbent fiber was soaked in animal fat. This made them easy to light and to carry, allowing a portable form of illumination for hunting, foraging, or visiting nearby villages, whether for warring or peaceful purposes. Rushlights evolved over time into more advanced versions of this same basic layout. 

Candles in the Middle Ages

With the Middle Ages came important changes in the making of candles. Previously, due to the fact animal fat from sheep, cow, or pigs was used, candles gave off a pungent, unpleasant smell. Pork fat was the worst and relegated to the poorest people while sheep fat, although still foul smelling and giving off a black smoke, was considered the highest quality and therefore the most valuable. 

Candle Making in America 

Much of candle making in America today takes place on an enormous commercial basis. The hub of this industry is in Syracuse, New York. Companies here produce thousands of different kinds of candles and use ingredients from all over the world. Many smaller, boutique, candle making enterprises exist throughout America too.