Brooke Martin
Votive candles are a versatile option to elevate the ambiance of any room. They are often sold independently, without a container, and require a votive holder to burn safely. When it comes to packaging votive candles, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can package them in clamshells, which can also be used as molds during the candle-making process. Alternatively, you can use a Display Box, which is suitable for displaying and shipping multiple candles to customers. Additionally, you might consider including UV stabilizer to preserve the colour of the candles during exposure to UV rays or fluorescent lighting. Ultimately, the packaging you choose will depend on the number of candles you wish to package and your desired presentation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Clamshells |
| Molds | Plastic, Octagon |
| Mold cleaner | Paper towel, mold cleaner or Pam-type cooking spray |
| Wicks | Flat braided wicks |
| Wax | 143 Melt Point Wax 4045 H, Pillar and Votive Blend Wax |
| Scent | Sea Mist fragrance oil, 160 fragrances |
| Color | Seafoam Dye Blocks, white, black |
| Size | Less than 3 inches tall, base no wider than 1.5" in diameter |
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What You'll Learn
Clamshell packaging for votive candles
Votive candles are a versatile option that can enhance the aesthetic of any room. They are typically small, less than 3 inches tall, and are sold independently, meaning you need a votive container to burn them safely. Clamshell packaging is a great way to showcase your votive candles. These containers are clear, sturdy, and can be used for storage, display, and as moulds for your candles.
Clamshells are available at wholesale prices from suppliers such as Bulk Apothecary and Fillmore Container. They are a cost-effective option, often priced at 49 cents each, allowing you to sell your handcrafted candles at a value price point while still making a fair profit. The containers are also versatile, as you can leave the votives in them as gifts or take them out, wrap them, and reuse the clamshell as a mould.
When using clamshells as moulds, ensure that your work area is clear and ready for the craft process. Measure and weigh your wax and fragrance, and be cautious when working with the moulds as the lip may be sharp. Prepare the moulds with rubbing alcohol and a clean paper towel, then centre the wick pin in each mould. Melt your wax, add your chosen dye, and pour it into the clamshells.
Once the candles have set, place them in approved votive holders, add warning labels, and follow candle-burning safety rules. Clamshell packaging offers a professional look for your votive candles, making them ideal for gifts or retail.
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Using votive moulds
Next, you'll want to prepare your votive moulds. Even new moulds may have a thin layer of oil from manufacturing, so it is recommended to clean them with a small amount of mould cleaner or cooking spray on a paper towel. Be cautious of the lip of the mould, as it may be sharp. If using wick pins, ensure they are straight and centred in each mould before placing the moulds in a convenient arrangement for pouring.
Now, you can begin melting your wax. While the wax is melting, weigh out the desired amount of fragrance oil or colour dye. Once the wax is melted, add any fragrance or colour, stirring until fully incorporated. Then, slowly pour the wax into the moulds, being careful not to pour too quickly to avoid bubble formation. Ensure the wax is level with the top of the moulds.
After the desired amount of votive cups are filled, there should be some wax left for a second pour. If using wick pins, let the wax cool completely, which may take about two hours. If not using pins, you will need to insert the wicks after the candles cool. The votives should release easily from the moulds. If they do not, a few minutes in the refrigerator can help the wax contract. Once removed, press or tap the top of the wick pin until it releases, and replace it with a pre-tabbed wick, trimming it to about a quarter of an inch.
Finally, place your votive candles into approved votive holders and add warning and custom labels. Your votive candles are now ready for sale or gifting!
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Choosing the right container for your votive
Votive candles are typically sold independently of their containers, so it's up to the customer to select the right container for their votive. This is an important decision, as it will impact the candle burning experience. Votive candles are designed to melt across the top and create a liquid melt pool, like regular container candles.
When choosing a container for your votive, opt for one that is as close in width to the candle as possible. This will ensure that the candle creates a melt pool sooner. If there is a large gap between the votive and the holder, the candle will take longer to form a melt pool. While this doesn't affect the quality of the burn, it does produce a different look as the wax spills down the sides of the container.
Votive holders come in a range of sizes and shapes, so it's important to measure your votive candles before purchasing holders. It's worth noting that no two glass votive holder companies use the same width for their holders, so it may be worth stocking up if you find a brand that offers a snug fit for your votives.
Clear plastic clamshells are another option for displaying and packaging your votive candles. These can be used as moulds for your candles and also as containers to store, showcase, and gift your votives.
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How to make mottled votive candles
To make mottled votive candles, you'll need the right materials and equipment. Votive candles are small, usually less than 3 inches tall, and require a container to burn safely. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make mottled votive candles:
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Ensure your work area is clear and ready for the candle-making process. Gather all the necessary materials, including wax, fragrance, dye, wicks, and moulds.
Step 2: Measure and Weigh
Using a digital scale, weigh the wax and fragrance according to the recommended proportions. For example, you can use 1 lb (454 g) of IGI 4625 Pillar and Votive Blend Wax and 1 oz (28 g) of fragrance oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Votive Moulds
Wipe the moulds with rubbing alcohol and a clean paper towel or lint-free cloth. Centre one votive wick pin in each mould, being cautious of the sharp mould lip.
Step 4: Melt the Wax
Begin melting the wax in a double boiler or on a hot plate. While the wax is melting, prepare the dye by breaking off the desired amount of the dye block. The amount of dye added can be adjusted to achieve the desired shade.
Step 5: Pour and Cool
Once the wax is melted, carefully combine the wax, fragrance, and dye. Pour the mixture into the prepared moulds, following all safety guidelines and instructions. Allow the wax to cool and solidify.
Step 6: Release the Votives
The votives should release easily from the moulds. If they don't, place them in the refrigerator for a few minutes to allow the wax to contract. Then, remove the candles from the moulds and replace the wick pins with pre-tabbed wicks, trimming them to about 1/4" (6 mm).
Step 7: Package Your Votive Candles
Once your candles are ready, you can package them for storage, display, or gifting. Clear plastic clamshells are a popular option for packaging votive candles. They showcase the candles while keeping them clean and contained. Alternatively, you can use moulds that double as containers, allowing you to display the candles professionally.
Remember always to follow candle-burning safety rules and use holders specifically rated for votives to enjoy your handmade mottled votive candles safely.
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Using votive pins to position wicks
When making votive candles, votive wick pins are an essential tool to ensure the wicks are centred and stable. Here are some tips for using votive pins to position wicks effectively:
Firstly, prepare your votive moulds by wiping them with rubbing alcohol and a clean paper towel or lint-free cloth. This ensures that your work area is ready for the candle-making process. Place one votive wick pin in the centre of each mould to secure the wick in place. The wick pins are designed to be auto-centred, creating perfect wick holes and ensuring stability during the wax pouring process.
However, some users have reported issues with crooked wick pins, which can leave a ridge of wax around the base of the candle. To address this, use a sharp paring knife to carefully shave off any excess wax. Alternatively, you can rub the candle base on a hot plate to melt the wax ridge. To prevent the ridge altogether, ensure that the wick pins are straight before inserting them into the moulds.
For optimal results, it is recommended to remove the wick pins while the wax is still warm. Tap the moulds on a hard surface to release the pins easily. If the wax has cooled completely, removing the pins may require more effort. Additionally, be cautious when handling the moulds as the lip of the mould may be sharp.
Overall, votive wick pins provide stability and convenience when creating votive candles. By following these steps and making any necessary adjustments, you can effectively use votive pins to position wicks and achieve desirable results in your candle-making endeavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Votive candles are small, short candles that are often sold independently, meaning you'll need a votive container to burn them safely. They are often confused with tea light candles, but tea lights come in self-contained cups.
Votive candles are packaged without a container, so you will need to select a container for the votive to burn inside. Votive clamshells are a great way to store, display, and package your votive candles.
Votive candles come in many different sizes, but they are typically less than three inches tall, with a base no wider than 1.5" in diameter. The packaging should be slightly larger than the votive candle to ensure a snug fit.
The packaging material should be clear and thick enough so that it doesn't break easily. Plastic and glass are commonly used materials for votive candle packaging.
You can buy packaging for votive candles online from suppliers such as Bulk Apothecary and CandleScience.
