A friend organized a trip to a nearby candle making factory and store for the homeschooling group. Having made candles at home many times we went into the tour feeling like we had a lot of information already under our belt. We hadn't however, seen candles being made in a larger commercial production. It was extremely interesting.
The business has been around for 100 years, being passed down through the generations. The current owner talked a little about how the trends of candles have changed from necessity to beauty. Despite these trends there hasn't been a decrease in their demand. The machine used to make tapered candles was amazing. It was a pedal operated carousel which could dip 2000 candles in 4 hours, it is from the turn of the 20th century and they still use it today.
We were also able to watch them make tea lights, create custom orders with pots and jars people had dropped off to be filled and saw how to make a snow effect with slightly cooled wax. After watching all these different candles being made the kids got a chance to give it a try. They each made two different dipped candles or ornaments, with a choice or 8-10 colours. They were also given a jar to fill with wax sand, layering around the wick until the jar was filled. The top layer of wax was heated to create a seal.
While we still love our beeswax kitchen variety best, we learned a lot and had fun.
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