Candle making is one of the few crafts I've not got around to trying, but looking at the lovely shop Fourteen Candles makes me want to give it a go.... they are gorgeous, but in the meantime, I know where to stock up on my candles!
Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Tanya, I’ve just turned 23 and I currently live in Bridport, Dorset with my fiancé and beautiful little cat.
What do you make?
I make lovely handmade candles and candle gift baskets.
Why do you use that medium?
I make candles because I have always loved candles in my home. It seemed the obvious choice for me.
When/ how did you start crafting?
I started crafting when I was 21. I found an old candle making kit that my mum had bought for me when I was a child. Typically, I didn’t find it a very interesting gift at the time so it stayed in its box for years. I eventually tried it out when I was bored at home one day and was so pleased with what I had made that I have carried on since.
I make lovely handmade candles and candle gift baskets.
Why do you use that medium?
I make candles because I have always loved candles in my home. It seemed the obvious choice for me.
When/ how did you start crafting?
I started crafting when I was 21. I found an old candle making kit that my mum had bought for me when I was a child. Typically, I didn’t find it a very interesting gift at the time so it stayed in its box for years. I eventually tried it out when I was bored at home one day and was so pleased with what I had made that I have carried on since.
When did you start selling your stuff - where do you sell?
I first set up my own website in January 2010 (www.fourteencandles.com). In November & December 2010 I started to attend craft fairs and Christmas fetes, in December 2010 I set up a folksy shop, and in Feb 2011 finally had my first sale from my website!!
Do you also have a day job, or is this your main job?
I work in the head office of a well known fashion retailer Monday to Friday. My candle making is weekends and holidays only. I would love to have enough candle orders coming through to become self employed and work from home permanently making candles.
What do you love about your medium, what do you hate?
I love the easiness of candle wax – if you go wrong just melt it down and start again. I’ve just invested in a large amount of container wax which I am particularly enjoying using. Although I hate the fact it comes in large slabs rather than beads – makes it much harder work and messier in the kitchen.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Ideas just pop into my head most of the time, sometimes it works out, other times it only works in my mind! My mum is also a great inspiration, we chat for hours about candles and what I could make next, she also helps search through charity shops for vintage teacups and containers. She has the patience of a saint and has helped me so much; I think I would have given up if it wasn’t for her support.
What is your favourite music to craft to?
I mostly listen to my local radio station (Wessex FM) when I am making candles as it gives a good mix of music to bop along to.
What is your favourite piece of your own?
Currently, my favourite item I have made is my chocolate scented tea lights in gift box. They’re fab – they look and smell great.
Where do you do your crafting?
In my kitchen, much to my fiancés horror as I make quite a bit of mess!
Thank you Tanya for taking part! Good luck with your shops!!!
Thank you for featuring me.
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