The Lost Art Of Hand Candle Crafting

I am from Missouri. The state suprises me the more Iout of a basements, garages, spare rooms, and
explore her. Tonight I am staying in a hotel in Branson,kitchens. Back in the olde (purposely mispelled) days,
Missouri. Many of you are probably familiar with theconvieniences were a rarity. Candle distributers where
city, I am not. Evidentally I was here at the age of 5,...unheard of, and they definately couldn't import candles
but to be honest, if I can remember something thatmade in foreign countries buy the container full!
happened 10 years ago, I am doing pretty good... letThe wax was heated over fire... someone manually
alone 27 years ago!dipped the wicks. A lot of work, compared to today's
Anyway, enough rambling about my memory condition.standards, went into making a candle!
Many folks have visited Silver Dollar City. For those ofOk... by now you are asking me to get to the point.
you that don't know, SDC is a theme park modeledNext time you purchase a candle or candles (soy or
after the way of life in the hills of the Ozarks. Theparaffin), do you local chandler a favor and try a truly
visitor will witness many craftsmen / craftswomen,handmade / hand-dipped candle and check out the
one of these are the old-tyme (purposely mispelled)difference. Not only the way it looks, but the way it
chandlers.burns, how long it burns, and how it smells. You might
You may see an old man with a long white beardbe suprised, and you may change your preference in
dipping wickes in a vat of wax heated by a fire. Tocandle purchasing. The subtle differences in the wax
someone who has been making candles for severalalone will amaze you!
years, this was an incredible sight. Obviously to theYour local chandler puts a lot of time, effort, and love
average candle burner, not to great of a spectacleinto the candles they hand make. They take pride in
unless that casual candle user has not idea howtheir product. They are forced to produce a super high
candles are made... in large factories in China.quality product to stay competitive in the marketplace.
Seriously though,... a lot of work goes into hand madeSure, they may cost a little more, but as they say in
candles. Of course many candle companies are bornthe hills of the ozarks, "Ya pay fer what ya git!