The Art of Candle Making

Candle making is an art form that dates back thousands of years, evolving from a necessity for light to a craft that brings warmth and ambiance to our homes. At Candle Subscription, we honor traditional techniques while incorporating modern sustainable practices to create artisan candles that are as beautiful as they are eco-friendly.

The Rich History of Candlemaking

The earliest candles weren't wax at all—they were rushes dipped in animal fat, dating back to ancient Egypt around 3000 BCE. The Romans improved upon this design with wicked candles made from tallow, while beeswax candles emerged as a luxury item in medieval Europe, primarily used in churches and royal households due to their pleasant smell and cleaner burn.

The 19th century brought significant innovations with the introduction of stearin wax and paraffin, making candles more accessible to the average household. However, as electric lighting became widespread, candles transformed from a necessity to a decorative and aromatic addition to the home.

The Modern Revival: From Paraffin to Plant-Based

Today's candle renaissance focuses on sustainability and health. While paraffin (a petroleum by-product) dominated the 20th century market, modern artisans have returned to natural waxes like soy, coconut, and beeswax. This shift represents not just environmental consciousness but a desire for cleaner burning, longer-lasting candles.

At our studio, we exclusively use 100% soy wax derived from American-grown soybeans. This renewable resource burns cleaner than paraffin, with minimal soot and a longer burn time that allows you to enjoy your candle for more hours.

Our Small-Batch Process

Creating the perfect candle involves science, artistry, and patience. Our process begins with selecting premium ingredients:

• Sustainable soy wax that's biodegradable and supports American farmers
• Cotton and paper wicks that are lead-free and precisely sized for each candle
• Phthalate-free fragrance oils and essential oil blends that release consistently throughout the burn
• Natural botanicals like dried flowers, herbs, and fruit segments for decorative elements

The Six Steps to Creating Our Signature Candles

Each of our candles passes through six careful stages of production:

1. Wax Preparation

We melt our soy wax to precisely 185°F (85°C), the optimal temperature that allows proper binding with fragrance oils without compromising their aromatic properties.

2. Fragrance Blending

Once the wax reaches the correct temperature, we add our custom-blended fragrances, stirring slowly for 2 minutes to ensure even distribution while avoiding air bubble formation.

3. Vessel Preparation

While the fragrance and wax bond, we prepare each container by centering and securing the wick, which has been selected specifically for the diameter of the vessel to ensure even burning.

4. The Pour

After allowing the wax to cool to 135°F (57°C), we carefully pour it into each container, moving slowly to prevent air bubbles and ensure a smooth surface.

5. Curing

Patience is essential in candle making. Each candle cures for a minimum of 48 hours, allowing the wax to fully set and the fragrance to properly bind. This waiting period is crucial for optimal scent throw.

6. Finishing Touches

Finally, we trim each wick to the perfect length (¼ inch) and add decorative elements like dried flowers or custom labels before packaging each candle by hand.

The Art of Scent Creation

Perhaps the most creative aspect of modern candle making is fragrance development. Our in-house perfumer works with over 300 different notes to create unique seasonal scents that evoke specific moods and experiences.

We layer top notes (the first impression), middle notes (the heart of the fragrance), and base notes (the long-lasting foundation) to create complex, evolving scents that transform your space throughout the burning experience.

Sustainability Beyond the Wax

Our commitment to eco-friendly practices extends beyond our wax selection. We source containers that are either recyclable or designed for reuse, and our packaging is made from recycled materials and printed with soy-based inks.

By focusing on small-batch production, we minimize waste and ensure that every candle receives the attention it deserves. This artisanal approach results in candles that not only look and smell beautiful but align with values of environmental responsibility.

The Candle Making Journey: From Our Hands to Your Home

As your subscription candle makes its journey from our studio to your home, it carries with it hours of careful craftsmanship and generations of candle-making tradition. Each flickering flame represents our passion for creating moments of warmth, tranquility, and beauty in your everyday life.

We invite you to experience the difference that artisanal candle making brings—where science meets art, and tradition meets innovation, all in pursuit of the perfect glow.