The Art of Candlemaking
Have you ever had a horrible day? Have you ever tried to set the mood, but it just wasn't right? The solution to these problems is simple. According to Rathborne Candles, the lighting of a few candles would have fixed both situations. I have found solace in candles, and would like to share the wealth. Therefore, today I would like to tell you all about the three major steps in creating hand carved candles: the dipping process, the carving process, and the finishing process. But, before I do this, I would like to give you a brief summary of the history of candles. The candle is the oldest source of supplying light, with references of candles dating back to ancient times as early as 3000 BC. Although the history of candles is not recorded, it is believed that the Egyptians produced the first candles by dipping reeds into animal fat. According to the International Guild of Candle Artisans, evidence of candle holders from as early as the fourth century B.C. have been found in Egypt, and there are several references to candles in the Bible. The smelly animal fat candles were replaced by paraffin wax candles around the 15th century according to waxed out.com. Other materials used to make candles were beeswax and spermaceti,
Now that you have heard and seen how carved candles are made, I hope you gained an appreciation for the art. This art has been fading over the past few decades. According to a survey taken by the I.G.C.A., there were less than 3,000 candle artisans in America as of 1999. Although many of us have forgotten candles and become dependent on electric lighting, some of us have rediscovered the beauty and warmth of candlelight. The second step in carved candle making is the actual carving. After the dipping is complete, the hot candle is hung so that it is free to move. A sharp knife is dipped into clear hot wax to heat it up and to remove any dirt. According to Pony Point Candles, skipping this step could detrimental to the outcome of the candle, as it could lead to spots and rough cuts on the candle. Then, the actual cuts are made. The knife is held at about a 60 degree angle towards the center of the candle to make each cut. The time it takes to complete the carving process varies with the size of the candle, but the entire process, including the dipping, will take no more than 10 to 12 minutes. When this time has elapsed, the candle is done whether you are or not. made from the heads of sperm whales. Although beeswax is still used today, neither it or spermaceti would survive
Some common words found in the essay are:
Candle Artisans, Pony Candles, Rathborne Candles, , dipping process, candle dipped, step carved candle, animal fat, candle cut, history candles, color combination, candle artisans, references candles, carving process, colored wax,
Approximate Word count = 874
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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