Author Archives: Sue

About Sue

I started making candles in 1969. I opened my first shop in Camden Town, London in 1971 and gthen moved to The Markedt in Covent Garden in 1989. When I closed the shop in 2004 I decided to create a website to reflect my love of candles and candle making. I have written two books on candlemaking and still make candles for my own enjoyment! Business/Trade customers please visit our two wholesale sites:- www.coventgardencandles.co.uk wholesale for the catering trade www.cgccgifts.co.uk for gift shops, florists and designers

Oil Burners

Oil burners went out of fashion for a while, but seem to be regaining their popularity.    We are really pleased, as they are great not only for diffusing scented oils but also for gently melting scented wax melts.  We are having a grand SALE of oil burners at the moment and several models are available at only £2,00 each!!  Some of them are on the site at 75% off!
moon oil burnerGreen Glass oil burner green glass agtomiserjewel oil burner

Use with scented or essential oils.
Pour a little water into the oil burner and drip a few drops of your oil on the water.   Place a tea light under the oil burner and the water and oil will vapourise and fill your room with delicious scent.   Choose a scent you love, lavender for relaxation, chamomile to calm you, but of course scent is very evocative and personal so what scent you love best will depend on you!
Use with wax melts or candle tarts.
Place the wax melt, also known as a wax tart, in the top of the oil burner.   Put a T light in the
base and light it.  The heat from the T light will gently melt the wax and release the scent into your room.   To clean the oil burner after use I recommend putting it in the fridge and the wax should then just fall out when it is really cold.
Using Oil Burners Safely
Never leave a burning candle unattended.  Only using a 4-5 hour T light, as a larger T light may not have enough room to burn safley. This will depend on the size of your oil burner and how much air can get to the candle.

So take advantage of our amazing offers and infuse your house with wonderful scents!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate with giant sparkler flares.

ice fountain flare

We call them celebration flares because they are perfect for special occasions.  They are also known as desert flares or ice candle fountains.  Use them at weddings, birthdays,anniversaries, surprise parties and they always produce a smile!  They are perfectly safe for indoor use, and virtually smoke free.   They burn with a really impressive stream of sparkley flame which shoots out from the silver  tube container.  Watch as they sparkle and sizzle for about 45 seconds!  Ours are high quality, easy to light and burn no hotter than a candle. They are non toxic (Namas tested, non toxic and safe around food)

They come with a little pointed plastic container at their base so you can put the directly into the desert, cake etc.. Alternatively I often wrap a baked potato in foil and place that beside the cake.
base celebration flare

How to use our Celebration Flares safely!
Mount the fountain and spiked holder firmly in the cake or dessert, preferably on a metal tray so that it is fully supported.  Do not place the fountain in soft cream or any food if it is likely to fall over when burning.
They are for use in cakes, desserts, ice creams etc, in well ventilated rooms.  They are not to be used near to or above flammable articles, table cloths, clothing, hair, glazed china or pottery where damage may result from falling particles.  They conform to European Standard EN14035-15. and burn no hotter than a candle.
Never hold the flare when it is alight, and use only under adult supervision.  The tube will remain hot after use,
Cost:-
They cost £2.50 each, and we can now offer them as a bulk discount item at £43.20 for a case of 24, which works out at £1.80 each.

To watch our video showing what the celebration flares look like as they burn please click HERE

Which wicks for oil lamps or oil candles?

Oil lamps have been used for thousands of years.   The early oil lamps used various plant based oils, olive oil is thought to have been the oil primarily used in the Mediterranean. The wick used was any fibrous material, typically linen, papyrus or other plant fibers.  Thankfully now wick are easily obtained and are made either from:-

Cotton Wick. A cotton wick will not burn for ever and will have to be replaced.  They are the most common wick used, but they do have slight disadvantages.  If the oil lamp is lit and left on until there is no oil left the wick will keep on burning.  The heat produced when it is not burning oil but itself can produce so much heat that the oil lamp may shatter.  So remember never to leave a room when a candle or oil lamp is alight.  We also sell wick which has an metal collar, 4mm in diameter in 15cm lengths. Metal collar at widest is 1.2cm and the part that goes down into the oil lamps is 5mm in diameter.  The wick  should be adjusted so that it is between 1/4″ to 1/2″ above your lamp.  Experiment with the height until you get a smooth flame shape.

                                 Cotton oil lamp wick        Wick with metal collar

Fiberglass Wick. Fiberglass is the most satisfactory wick. It used the oil efficiently and economically, is smoke free and gives a good flame shape.  It’s big plus of course is that it does not burn itself, just the oil, so does not need to be replaced.    Experiment with the height of the wick above the lamp, but for a smooth topped flame I would suggest that about 1/4″ above the top of the lamp is about right.

Indoor or outdoor use?  All our wick are suitable for both!  Except:-

Bamboo Torch Wicks  Our replacement wicks for outdoor bamboo torches.
bamboo torch wick

So enjoy your modern oil lamps, a far cry from the basic lamps used in Roman times and before!
old oil lamps old oil lamp

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Use Candle Sand

Using our powdered wax or coloured powdered with our container wicks is the easiest way to create an instant candle.
You will need:-
i)   A suitable container.  It must be non combustable, either glass or metal.  Make sure if using a glass that it is at least 7cm in diameter.
It is very important that the candle flame does not touch the glass as the glass will shatter if the flame touches it, so do not use a container that curves in at the top.
ii)   Container wicks.       Container wicks are ready primed (that is that they have been dipped in wax so they are stiff) and fixed to a small metal disc, known as the sustainer.

container wicks with sustainer
iii) The wax.   The CANDLE SAND comes in three different types. Either our 2 kilos bags of wax and stearin mix, our five kilo bag of wax pellets of our jars of coloured or scented candle sand.
wax and stearin mix              pellated wax          GOLD AND SILVER CANDLE SAND

Ok so now you have everthing you need together!  Time to make your candle

1).  Place the wick and sustainer in the middle of the container.  Either support it with a toothpick or pencil, or  use a piece of cardboard with a hole in the center.
Container candle ready to be filled

3. Pour the wax granuals around the wick.
Pouring wax granuels into glass
4. When you have finished filling the glass cut the wick.   Shake it gently to even out the granuels.   Your candle is now ready.
glass with candle sand

5. Light your candle.  Burn it for at least 3-4 hours depending on the diameter of your container and the molten wax will seal the wax in.

Of course you do not have to use a glass.  You can adapt this idea for filling silver bowls as centerpieces for wedding tables.  Using several wicks is another great idea.   It is a really economical and pretty way to make your own candles!

Multi wick candle sand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Light paths at events with candle flares

Flares and bamboo torches are perfect for those special outdoor summer occassions. Why not decorate our garden torches with roses to lighten up the
paths to your wedding venue?
                                                        Garden torch for WeddingGarden torch for WeddingGarden torch for Weddingbamboo torch replacement wick

We sell replacement wicks for the bamboo torches at £3.60 for a pack of two. The
are available in three heights, 65cm, 120cm and 140cm.

You fill the torches with lamp oil and they will burn will a bright flame for hours.
Use either plain lamp oil or our citronella scented lamp oil.
If you want colour try our trumpet flares which come with a wonderful choice of summer colours.  They burn for approximately 5 hours, which is a long lasting time for a garden flare!

trumpet garden flares

wedding venue with bamboo flare

Outdoor candle ideas – summer is finally here

Thank goodness the sun seems to have arrived and we can start the glorious season of barbeques again.  We have a huge range of citronella candles, outdoor hurricane lamps bamboo torches and garden flares, well worth a look at our outdoor candle section.

I will do some blogs on our flares and citronella candles and hurricane lamps  soon, but today I just want to hightlight a couple of T light holders newly added to our site which are ideal for the garden.  Of course the great promblem with garden candle light is the wind, so any candle holder which shields the flame is
ideal.
jute bolsius holder                          relight holder
Both these candle holder fit the bill perfectly.  The one of the left has a jute base and the one on the right concrete.  The concrete based one is designed to be used either with a t light or our wonderful coloured plastic refills which burn for about 24 hours and available in 8 colours.

 

turquoise refill candlesPink Refill Candles

Our refill candles, which come in a 8 different colours can be found in our T light Section

 

 

 

 

How to burn candles…

Ok. I know light a match and sit back and relax!!  Actually all candles  burn differently and apart from safety considerations you
should follow a few simple guidelines to get the most from your candles.

Firstly, Pillar Candles. All candles are no more or less than a controlled fire.  Pillar candles are usually made with an outer layer of wax which is harder and of a higher melting point than the inner wax which forms a shell as the candle burns down.

To make sure your candle can be easily relit and does not smoke or drip we advise the following:-

1. First, be sure you are burning your pillars out to within 1/4 inch of the sidewall (edge). Otherwise, you run the risk of “tunnelling” your candle. Most manufacturers recommend burning your candle for about 2 hours  in diameter – thus a 60mm diameter candle should burn for about 6 hours before extinguishing,  . Aways leave the candle alight for long enough for the pool of wax to reach the outer edge of the candle. If you do not do this the candle will probably smoke when you relight it.  If you candle tunnels and you are left with a tall wax wall, trim the excess wax off whilst is is still warm but with the candle unlit.
2. After putting the candle out always make sure the wick is upright and in the middle of the candle. The best way of extinguishing a candle is to dip the wick down into the wax and lift it back up again.
3. Never leave foreign objects, such as used matches, in the candle, They can burn like a wick and both ruin the candle and
be dangerous,
4. Never put pillar candles too close together. always leave at least 2 cms between each candle.
5. If the flame of the candle flares out at the top it is smoking. Take a pair of scissors and trim the wick.
6. Always put candles on suitable holders and make sure that the surface they are on is level.
7. Do not burn in a draught.how-not-burn-candlesThe above picture shows how NOT to do it.
a. The candles positioned too close together.
b. Old matches have been left in the candle.
c. The candle on the left is smoking (notice the flame is flared out at the top).
d. The candle on the rights has tunnelled.

How to burn container candles.
1. For best results let the candle burn long enough so that it is within 10mm from the edge of the glass or tin.
2. Keep the wick trimmed to no more than 1cm.
3. Container candles are best when not burnt for much more than four hours at a time.
4. Throw them out when there is about 10mm left in the bottom of the container, this prevents the bottom becoming too hot.
5. Always burn on a level surface.
6, If putting a candle into a glass jar or hurricane lamp always make sure than you clean out any wax when you remove the candle. Putting a candle onto old wax will mean the candle may not be level.  If a flame touches the edge of the glass the glass will break!

How to burn Dinner Candles
1.
Always use a suitable candle holder.
2. Never burn in a draught – they will drip.  We do sell drip rings which are great if you cannot avoid a bit of a breeze.  If you buy our classic self fitting candles then you can use our candle followers which shade the flame as the candle burns down and prevents dripping.
3.Keep the wick trimmed.

Self fitting classic candles

Self fitting classic candles

Candle gutterer

Candle gutterer or follower

Candle drip ring

Candle Drip Ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to make solid beeswax candles

Beeswax candle are much sought after and make wonderful presents.  I love their
smell and their smooth texture.  Pillar candles, unlike dinner candles, will really give off that wonderful honey smell as there will be a pool of wax to diffuse the scent.  Tapered candles give off much less scent.
beeswax handipped                 handipped beeswax        beeswax handipped

Firstly, Handipped beeswax candles:
The drawback of making these is that you have to have quiet a lot of beeswax, which is expensive.   The great thing about making them is that when you use beeswax you will get thicker layers than when you use paraffin wax.  You will need a tall dipping can and some 1″ wick.  (You can use an oil tin such as an oil tin; cut off the top and make sure it is thoroughly clean. Put tape round the top of the can to ensure that it is safe and you cannot cut yourself on its edge.  Then place in a water bath. NEVER heat wax directly over your heat source).  Each candle will need between 7 and 10 dips.   Dip them with a smooth arm action.  Leave time between dips for the wax to cool. When finished hang them up so they are separated.  They may bend if you do not make sure that they completely set before standing them upright.

How to Make Solid Beeswax Pillar Candles
                                               Solid beeswax pillar candle

Beeswax does not contract and can be impossible to get out of the mould.    However use cooking oil which is a natural release agent and works wonders in steel or plastic moulds. Rub a thin layer onto the inside of the mould with a soft, lint-free cloth   Stand the mould upside down on an old newspaper to let the excess oil drip away. Give it a final rub with a soft cloth.   Alternatively I have used cooking oil sprays quite effectively.   Set your mould up using a wick 1/2 larger than usual. Then set your mould up in the usual way.  Heat the beeswax in a double boiler and pour your candle at approximately 185 F.  When you top it up make sure that you are very careful not to top it up over the original level of the candle.
NB You can add stearin to the beeswax to make it harder if you wish.  

How to make beeswax candles in a rubber moulds.

Rubber mould are very well suited to beeswax and of course you can extract them easily.  You will find instructions for using rubber moulds here

How to make beeswax candles in glass dinner candle moulds
We suggest you dont try this, as the candle may be very difficult to remove. Handip instead!

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How to use oil and oil lamps

How to use  Oil Lamps and Pure Refined Lamp Oil.

1. Lamp Oil. Our pure refined lamp oil is very clean and long burning. It is impossible
to give an accurate burning time as much will depend on the size of the wick etc. However as a very rough guide about .05 of a litre will burn about 1 hour, so it is a very economical way of giving out a warm flickering light. Pour it carefully into your oil lamps, we sell a small plastic funnel which makes it easier.

small round oil lamp           glass-covered-wick          

2. Wicks. Candles on the web sell a variety of wick for oil lamps. Make sure
that the wick is always dry. It should be about 2-3mm above the wick holder. This is not
artibitary but gives an idea. You will soon see once lit if the lamp is burning with too small or large a flame. Every now and again if carbon has accumulated on the top trim it slightly.
If you find it difficult threading a new wick through its container stiffen it by wrapping celloptape around the top. Make sure you  remove the celloptape before you light the lamp!

3. Coloured Lamp Oil. Since 2009 the EU has forbidden the sale of coloured lamp oilin bottles. However we sell small bottled of coloured tint which are great, especially since you can mix the colours
N-Oil-tints                      lamp with coloured oil

 

4. We do not advise scenting the oil in any way as scented oil burnt in an oil lamp does not produce much scent! This is because in order for the scent to diffuse you would need a well of hot oil which of course an ordinary oil lamp does not have as the oil burns straight off the wick.

How to make your own wedding favour candles

A1smallgoldringThis is really easy, and economical!  This shows a 60 x 40mm bulk buy candle, which work out at just 38p each, a gold applique wax ring which costs .65p and two sheets of water slide decal paper which will add £2,00 to the total, making a wonderful personalised wedding favour for only £1.23!!  So- lets begin….

The first thing to do is to print out your labels using an ink jet printer and our decal paper.
For those of your who are not that computer literate open up Word. Then go to file and start a new document.  Then click the mailing tab at the top, then the label icon.  Choose the size of the label you need, how many rows and columns.  Now type in your names and the wedding date in one label and centre it. Then all you have to do is copy and paste to fill out the entire sheet.

Laels for Wedding Favours   lanbels for candle wedding favours cutting the water slide transfer  spraying varnish deca                                 

soaking-the-decal   decal onto candle  smoothing-the-decal-on-candlewax-gold-ring

        

Once printed spray the sheet with any matt varnish.  We do not sell this but you can buy it in any craft shops.  I buy mine from Amazon and it costs around £4.00 a can.  Wait until the varnish is dry (the purpose of the varnish is to prevent the ink smudging). Then soak the label in a bowl of water for a few minutes. Take it out of the bowl and  gently slide it off its backing onto the candle.  Smooth out any bubbles or creases gently with a soft cloth or tissue.

Ok, that is  it apart from gently taking a gold ring wax applique  from its backing and pressing it  firmly onto the candle.  They will look really prettyon your weddking tables either on your own, or you can put them in a small organza bag.

One last point!  Of course you  do not have to use the smallest candle, any size will do.  Also the same technique looks great as a wedding table centerpiece!

Please Visit our Candle Wedding Favour Page