Switching the subjects here for this post. I have a friend, she sells soap at craft shows. I’ve watched her prep, decorate and create some magic–I’ve even used them for gifts. It was inspiring and I wanted to start small with all of this. So, I bought materials to make candles. Why candles? I love walking into a house that smells so amazing. Not just any smell, but the smell that matches the personality of the home and family. It’s been a slow masterpiece in the works, but I’ve thus far created five amazing scents (I keep calling them flavors–but they are NOT edible haha!). My friend joined me in my first craft show at the TZ Bucking Bulls event at Castle Rock, CO on February 14th. Also, a side note, super fun event if you like watching the upcoming as well as the accomplished bull riders take the challenge on bulls named “Satin” or “Threshold.” It’s impressive–and the clowns are entertaining. There’s this terrible idea that the belt around the bulls are attached or squeezing their flanks (and other parts) to make them buck. Not true. It’s a belt, like what you and I wear. Unlike us, the bull doesn’t like wearing belts and the only way he can get something off of him is by moving his body–in this case with some pretty powerful kicking and thrusting. I grew up going to these events with my paternal grandparents and didn’t really appreciate them (other than the petting zoos and such). Now I crave that nostalgia experience and I commend the talent of these cowboys and cowgirls!
Okay, back from the squirrel chase. My friend and I set up our booth and enjoyed each other’s company. Many of our customers came over to check out the “best smelling corner in the arena.” As you can imagine the smell otherwise with all that bull….s. 😀 It was fun. I have stickers, and candles, and tea lights as well as these fun lotion candles and wax melts. Yep that’s right! You enjoy the aromas of the lotion melts, then when it’s cool enough to touch, ya rub it in your skin (Exit 408 is not responsible if you can’t be–don’t burn yourself)! The ingredients are organic waxes, fragrance oil, coconut oil, vitamin e, cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil….to name a few cocktails of goodness! I’m trying to stay with essential oils, however the “throw,” or smell is hard to notice. The fragrances I use are pure compared to some of the big company candles you buy at many big box stores. I wanted to keep the candles as clean as possible, and as simple as possible (taking on the more minimalist style). I’m still working on perfecting the products–as well as creating new blends of delicious smells for the sniffer. I jokingly tell my support group I need a white coat–I’m a chemist in the kitchen with all the eye droppers! Also, piece of advice? When you’re attempting to try out new smells and your nose gets over whelmed, grab some good ol’ coffee and viola! A clean palette to start fresh!
Okay….back to the craft show. We met some great crafters and shared some tips and tricks–mostly I absorbed some of the master’s inspiration. I won’t be doing any craft shows in the next few months because wildfire season is kicking into gear (it’s not just the fires themselves it’s the prescribed burning, public outreach, trainings, physical trainings and meetings)! It’s already super busy! I will post my upcoming craft shows as well as when the products are available online. I have a Facebook page and an instagram for a quick follow as well 🙂 That way you can easily follow this adventure and I advertise opportunities to become a tester!! Stay tuned!
If you are interested in starting your own candle making crafts, I’ve linked some [affiliate] links at the bottom of this page to get you started! I will caution wooden wicks. I’ve gone through a few brands and I can’t seem to keep them lit! They say the key is to keep them trimmed close to the wax (oxygen movement and flammability). I tried with the brands I’ve used. I also tried soaking them in oil and in the melted wax–nothing seemed to work. I’ll keep testing it out. I really enjoy the organic hemp wicks as well as the wax that is promoted below. As far as scents, you’ll have to do your research. Amazon has a few essential oils that are…ok. Not my favorite. I would look into specialized stores such as Bramble Berry or Wholesale Market. Happy creating!
