We scoured the Internet to find some new and inspiring candle container ideas for you to try! Whether you’re looking for a dazzling centerpiece or a gift for a dear friend, these DIY ideas take candles to a whole new level.

Teacup Candles

This blog shows us how to upcycle vintage teacups into cute candles. We think these would be perfect for bridal shower décor or gifts!
You can buy the supplies to make teacup candles on our site!

• Soy Wax: Not sure which you like best? Try out sampler set!
• Wicks

Learn how to make them:
http://theresakistel.com/diy-teacup-candles/

Bottle Candles

The newest candle trend going around is wine bottle candles. You can buy them from companies online, but they are very inexpensive to make yourself! Whether you want to remember a special event or just hate to throw away a beautiful bottle, you can transform them into your own candles!
You can buy the supplies to make bottle candles on our site!

• Soy Wax
• Candle Scents: Try Champagne, Peach Bellini, Pina Colada, Sangria, Mojito 
• Wicks

Learn how to make them:
http://discoveringlifesstitches.blogspot.com/2013/01/wine-bottle-candles-diy.html

There are numerous ideas out there for making candles in creative containers, from fresh fruit to seashells and tin cans! Think out of the box! Don’t forget to stock up on supplies from Candlewic, then share your creative candle creations with us on Facebook!

Despite our continued cold spell here in the Northeast, summer will soon be upon us. As you plan your summer vacation, be sure to also plan for those possible rainy day activities. Sand candles have been around for a very long time and can make a memorable gift from your summer vacation. The other thing to consider when making this candle is to use up "scrap wax" you may have recently generated. Since each candle can be of a different design and shape using different color waxes will not effect the finished product.

Materials

• Tub / Bucket
• Water
• Glass or solid object
• Wax (141 Melt point)
• Wick
• Dyes or (Color Blocks)

Instructions

Fill the tub/bucket up with sand. Add water (you will have to experiment with the amount of water since sand texture varies) and try to pack the sand as tight as possible. The tighter it packs and the less water you use, the more consistent the outside shell of the candle will be.

Once the sand is packed tightly, take the cup or object and form a "cavity" in the sand. Once the cavity is formed, take your wax and pour at around 195-205°F. The wax can already be colored or you can now take color blocks and swirl them on top.

Once the wax gets a film on top, place the wick assembly into the wax. As the wax gets a little harder you may want to add shells and other non-combustible decorations.

CRAFT SHOWS, FESTIVAL AND CARNIVALS
While in the past your market may not have been these venues, in today’s environment, it may be necessary to start doing these types of shows.  With the exception of the enormous shows, these venues normally have a very low exhibitors cost and can get decent attendance. Many publications are saying that local show attendances are up because people still like to go out and can’t travel as far as they used to. In addition it provide a market for products the larger retailers just do not offer.

These shows also offer the added benefit of getting close to retail cost for your candle. Normally cash or credit cards are provided and you can gain valuable information from the face to face contact with your customers.

Check with the coordinators of these events and find out if they need door prizes. Use this as an opportunity to send candles from orders that were cancelled or overrun. The show organizers will love the door prizes and you can get some publicity from donating the candles. 

The more you can cater your candles to these events the more success you are likely to have. For example if it is a Strawberry Festival, be sure to have your predominate candles scented with all of your strawberry fragrances. If the event is historic in nature, try offering beeswax candles or tapers and other colonial type candles.   

While at the show be sure not to bury yourself behind the counter, be out in front and be ready to answer any questions your customers may have on the product. As tough as it can be for many of us to take time to strike up a pleasant conversation with people passing by, you never know what you may learn. Offer a drawing with a nice prize at the end of the show and have people sign up for the prize. Depending on how you market your candles, capture either the entrant's email address or mailing address (be sure to check out our February 09 issue on Database Marketing for more on this subject). 

Many towns have “Market Days” where they set up an outside area on a regular basis during the summer months and merchants bring home grown products, hand made products and other summer needs.  Be sure to bring some unique candles that may not be found in the traditional retail store.