Beeswax Candles

[Lesgold]

Hi Folks

I have decided to have a play making beeswax candles in order to utilise some of my surplus wax. About half of the wax that the bees give me is turned into foundation and the rest is sold to a company that produces foundation on a commercial scale. I have never made a candle before so I might be looking to the wizards on here for some advice from time to time. There doesn?t appear to be anything complex about the process but advice in relation to moulds, wicks, shapes that sell and processes that you use would be appreciated.

Could I start with a couple of simple questions. Am I wasting my time or will they sell at the markets?

If they are popular with the general public, what are the most popular shapes and sizes?

Any comments or help would be appreciated.

Cheers

Les

[BeeMaster2]

The person to ask is Bill Murray. He sells a lot of candles. My wife and I have made some but have not been able to sell very many.
Jim Altmiller

[NigelP]

In the markets I do....1oz blocks sell really well....for candles skep shaped ones are most popular. Others shapes sell only slowly.
Probably best you try and see what people in your area like.

[cao]

I agree with NigelP.  Blocks and skep shaped sell well.  Also I have sold the hand dipped candles.  They sell well also.  I sell them for about a dollar for an ounce of wax.

[Michael Bush]

I have some taper molds.  If you cast some tapered candles and dip them a couple of times they look like dipped candles.

[Lesgold]

Thanks for the replies. I thought I?d do a bit of research into candle shapes and skep candles immediately stood out. I didn?t want to say anything before hearing from you guys. Michael, your idea of dipping tapered candles sounds interesting. I?ve already ordered a couple of molds for beeswax blocks. 1oz. blocks would be handy for people who make beeswax wraps, lip balms, creams etc. Thanks for the feedback Nigel.

[The15thMember]

I don't sell candles, so I can't comment on that aspect, but I do make candles for my own family's use.  I have several different silicon Lyson molds, and I'm very happy with all of them.  I just recently got Lyson's votive-sized skep mold, and it's very cute.  I can see why they would be popular with people at farmer's markets and the like.  I also have a birthday candle mold that I purchased on Etsy.  The most difficult part about candles is finding the right sized wick for the various shapes and sizes of candle.  I'm still experimenting with several of my molds.  I get all my wicking from Waxing Moonshine, also on Etsy.  They have great prices, quality, and customer service. 

[Lesgold]

Hi Folks,

Thought I?d follow up with some of your advice and made a few samples for the next lot of markets coming up on Sunday. It will be interesting to see what the response is from the general public.


Cheers

Les