The tea lights that come in metal cups, can they be used as a refill?

Yes! Simply remove the metal tin cup from the tea light candle before you insert it in to the handcrafted candle.

How do the candles glow?

The candle begins with a crystal clear base of purified paraffin wax. Multiple layers are dipped in a sequence which allows the flame to light up the inner core and pass through the layers with a translucent glow.

How many hours do you recommend the candle burns before utilizing a tea light? And does the tea light still provide the glow affect to the handcrafted candle?

In order for a tea light to be placed in a hole with enough space, it will first require anywhere from 12-15 hours worth of burning the handcrafted candle. And yes! The tea light will still provide the glow affect to your handcrafted candle.

Do you recommend a certain replacement candle?

I recommend you use a high quality wax for your tea lights and votive candles. Other options are scented candles or battery powered LED lights. 

Do your candles put off any fragrance?

Using purified paraffin wax, the hand carved candles are not designed to be scented. Upon refilling the heat tunnel with a tea light or votive candle, scented tea lights or votives can be used. 

Will the artwork get ruined if I burn the candle?

The artwork on the hand carved candles will not melt when burning the wick, as it is recommended to do short burns to control the heat and pool of wax to create a pattern called a “memory tunnel.” As the wick continues to melt, the tunnel will grow deeper in the center of the candle to eventually become a placement holder for a tea light or votive refill, so you can enjoy your candle for years to come.

How should  I place the candle for display?

To ensure even melting, it is recommended that the candle is placed on a totally flat surface. If using a candle holder, be sure that the base of the candle is level and equivalent to the size of the candle. 

The candle is melting to one side, how do I fix it?

If the candle is melting unevenly, recenter the wick so it will have a consistent radial heat. If there is a “shelf” of wax to one side of the wick, then move wick from center to shelf to even out wax. Once wick is melting evenly, recenter and trim wick. 

How long does it take to carve a candle? Can I make changes to my design?

Candles are dipped and carved in less than an hour. Each design must be carved within 10 minutes while the wax is freshly dipped and malleable. In this discipline for candle carving, there is no reheating the temperature to carve the designs smoothly. 

How are the colors designed on each candle?

While each candle is designed with pigmented wax dipped in multiple layers, the artist will coat each application using pots of melted colors as a palette. Colors are designed from the inside out, starting with the translucent layers. Layers coated on the outside are for the carving and sculpting.

Why does/doesn’t my candle have a shiny finish?

The high gloss coating on some of the candle designs is an acrylic glaze. It is water based, and when coated on the candle it adheres to wax like shrink wrap. Not all candles are coated in gloss, as some colors look better with a softer matte finish.

Does the paraffin wax give off smoke or toxic fumes when burning the wick?

Each candle is made with an all cotton wick, and the wax is made of purified paraffin wax which could be used as ‘food grade’. Considering how well refined the wax is, there is no toxins which burn off while melting the wick.