Thursday 9 August 2012

Making our Candles Part 4

Packing


Just a note on the care and time that goes into packing our candles.
Candles are very delicate and bruise very easily. Because the majority of our candles are sent via post or courier they can take a bit of a bashing so I wrap and package them so carefully.

Firstly with some polystyrene foam.
Wrapping - 1st layer - polystyrene foam
In polystyrene foam with Glo logo

 Then with some small bubble wrap.


2nd layer - small bubble wrap

 Then with some large bubble wrap.


3rd layer - large bubble wrap
In large bubble wrap



Sometimes they are packed in boxes like this but sometimes a layer of corrugated card is added before sealing in a plastic mailing bag.




Having taken such care making the candles the last thing we want is for them to arrive damaged, so this is an important part of the process. We don't make any profit from package and postage and are happy to receive glowing comments about the condition of the candles when they arrive at their destinations.

So that's it. Amopther time I will show you how we make some of our scented / aromatherapy candles.

If you ever have any questions please ask. We are always happy to show you around if you want to come and visit. Just contact jane@glocandles.co.uk






Making our Candles Part 3

Finishing Off - Pillar Candles

Once the candle is out of the mould we check for blemishes. Some can be rubbed out with a tea towel. As the candles are solid colour all the way through and not dipped we can rub pretty hard to remove marks and flaws.

Small water bubbles or white marks can be removed by using a hairdryer. This essentially melts the wax a little but when it cools down again it returns to the colour of the wax used.

Waiting to be finished



Checking straightness and
smoothing the bottom
A word about bottoms:

The bottom of the candle is in fact the top that you saw in the open mould. It is usually quite rough and needs flattening and moothing off. Candles of 75mm diameter and more are gently placed on a metal heated plate that melts excess wax and smooths it down. 75mm and under go under the rotary saw to make sure they are straight.
We then place a sticker with all important burning and safety instructions on the base.


The saw
Cutting the candle base






.




Polishing

TOP TIP!

I polish the finished candle with a shoe shiner which removes any smudges and fingermarks and gives it a beautiful sheen. Now all ready for packing.

Polishing the candle


Next time - not very exciting but I want to share how carefully every single candle is packed so it reaches you safely.