Candle craft: how to choose it well?

The candle has changed a lot over time. Formerly used mainly to light up, it has now become an object of decoration, a way to perfume its interior and sometimes even a little ritual that one likes to find at the end of the day.

But not all candles look alike. Behind a pretty container are the choice of wax, wick, perfume, but also many tests before obtaining a satisfactory combustion.

Handcrafted candles have this particularity: behind each product there is a craftsman, a workshop, choices of raw materials and real know-how.

So how do you recognize a quality candle? What is the difference between different waxes? Why Some candles Are they more expensive than others?

I myself make artisanal candles in my Astucier workshop in the Marne. So I take them backstage to help them choose them better.

What characterizes the creation of an artisanal universe for a scented candle?

Handcrafted manufacturing is not simply about melting wax and adding a fragrance. A creation requires several steps, from choice of raw materials to combustion tests.

The craftsman usually works in small series. This allows him to follow directly the manufacture of his candles and to change his recipes or his collection.

At Astucier, this work takes place in my workshop in Somme-Tourbe, in the Marne. My hand-crafted candles are therefore made in France, of human size.

A creation that requires testing

Before a new candle joins my shop, I perform different tests. The size of the container, the wax used, the quantity of perfume or the wick can change its behavior.

A change that appears to be minimal may have an influence on the flame or on how the flames scents spread.

It is this invisible part of the work that also makes ithistory craft manufacturing: test, observe, adjust and sometimes start over.

Why is the wick so important?

One could easily think that the wick is only a detail. Yet it is an essential element.

The wick shall be selected according to the diameter of the container, wax and formulation. If the wick is too small, the surface may not melt properly. If it is too big, the flame can become too large.

The craftsman must therefore test several parameters to determine which strand is best suited to his recipe.

A successful candle ultimately rests on a balance between the different components rather than on a miracle ingredient.

Wax, perfume, wood wick or not: what should be looked at for your interior?

When you buy a candle, its appearance often attracts your attention first. However, what is at the heart of thisInterior Just as much worth your attention.

The nature of the wax, the choice of fragrances, the wick and the way in which the whole was formulated directly contribute to the quality of the product.

Which wax to choose at the workshop?

There are several types of waxes used to make candles. They may be of mineral, animal or plant origin.

Vegetable wax is today very present in the artisanal world. Some are derived from soybeans, but there are other plant materials.

Choosing wax, however, is not just about looking at its origin. Its melting pointits behaviour when heating and its ability to restore scents must also be taken into account.

It is the balance of the set that allows to get a pleasant candle to use.

How is the perfume chosen for a candle collection?

Perfume is often the most personal part. Some like gourmet notes, others prefer fresh, floral or woody compositions.

Fragrances give their personality to scented candles. The same room can thus take on a completely different atmosphere depending on the scents chosen.

Our olfactory memory also plays an important role. A smell can remind us of a person, place, vacation or childhood memory.

This is what I especially like in this universe: a candle does not only diffuse a smell. It can also awaken an emotion or accompany a particular moment.

Why choose a perfumed candle crafted and its universe?

Choosing artisanal candles is first of all easier to know who makes them and how they are made.

In my case, behind Astucier, there's Sandrine, farmer and soapmaker. The candles complete my world of soap and care, always with the same desire: make on my scale and be able to explain what I do.

A human-sized French manufacture

I make my creations in my Somme-Tourbe workshop. This manufacture made in France allows me to remain directly involved in each step.

An artisanal production in France obviously does not work as a production of several thousand copies. The quantities are smaller and the time spent on each series takes an important place.

This is also what makes it possible to regularly propose new ideas and to change the world of the brand over the seasons.

Why is the price sometimes higher?

The price of a candle does not depend solely on its weight.

It includes the raw material, container, wick, perfume, label, packaging, but also the work necessary to make the product.

Pre-market trials also have a cost.

A small craftsman also does not buy his materials in the same volumes as an industrialist. The price therefore partly reflects this mode of production.

This does not mean that a high price automatically guarantees quality. To compare two candles, look at their composition, their origin and the information given by their manufacturer.

A craftsman must be able to answer your questions and explain his choices.

How to choose and use its olfactory atmospheres for your interior?

The choice of a candle remains above all a matter of taste. If you don't like her perfume, even the most beautiful composition in the world will remain at the bottom of a closet.

So start by thinking about the scents you like and the atmosphere you want to create.

Choose your scents according to your desires

For a warm atmosphere, you can turn to gourmet or woody notes. If you prefer something lighter, some fresh or floral compositions will probably be more suitable.

Seasons can also guide your choice. At Christmas, hot, gourmet or spicy notes naturally find their place in the house. When the good days come back, our olfactory desires can evolve towards cooler chords.

The right choice, however, is the one that gives you pleasure. There is no perfect scent for everyone.

If you like to change perfume regularly, the melts are also interesting. Perfumed melts are used in a suitable diffuser and allow you to easily discover different scents.

Maintain the wick well

Once your candle is chosen, a few simple gestures allow you to enjoy it in good conditions.

Before each use, check the condition of the wick and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. A properly maintained wick promotes more regular combustion.

During the first ignition, leaves enough time on the surface to melt properly, without exceeding the recommended duration. Always place your candle on a stable and heat resistant surface.

And of course, never leave a flame unattended.

An artisan candle to offer

Handcrafted candles are also a nice gift idea. A birthday, an invitation, a party or simply the desire to please is enough.

The choice can become even more personal when you know the tastes of the person. A sweet, fresh or woody fragrance does not tell the same story.

You can also combine a candle with other products from the shop to compose a box and create more personal attention.

Frequently asked questions about handcrafted candles

What is a homemade candle?

One artisan candle is manufactured on a small scale by an artisan who intervenes directly in its manufacture. The choice of wax, container, fragrances and wick requires different tests before marketing.

How to recognize a quality candle?

Don't just rely on his appearance or his price. Look at the information on its manufacture, origin and use tips. The transparency of the manufacturer also allows you to better understand what you are buying.

Why do you have to cut the wick off a candle?

Maintenance of the wick helps to maintain a suitable flame and a more regular combustion. Always follow the length and advice of your candle manufacturer.

Scented candle or melt: what to choose?

It all depends on the experience sought. A candle combines the diffusion of the perfume with the pleasure of the flame. The melts allow for easy change of smell and use with a spray burner or diffuser.

How much does it cost?

The price varies according to the raw materials, the container, the size, the manufacturing work and the positioning of the craftsman. It is therefore difficult to determine a single price for all handcrafted candles.

Is a handcrafted candle a good gift idea for Christmas?

Yes, because it allows you to choose a smell according to the person you wish to offer it to. It is an easy to customize gift that can accompany a real moment of relaxation at home.