As those of you that have used the molds purchased from Glows ( now Candle Mold Vault) know, these are very differant than those you find listed on Ebay or many of the websites selling candle/soap molds made of silicone.
First off, you will notice size of end product. Most if not all all that you find elsewhere are very small in size. I wouldnt cinsider them to really be candle molds, they are in my mind soap molds.
You then notice the type of silicone used to make the mold...... most is very soft, very poor detail, and starts breaking down fairly fast... now for most candle makers that isnt so huge a problem.. few make hundreds of candles, same style a month. or expect a mold they paid very little for to last too long.
The Molds we are offering both Used and the New ones are and will be made with the Professional Candle Maker in mind. For Real production candle making work. The used molds were in fact used in a factory, and even though used, are still in very good shape and have much life left in them. that is how they are made.
Now the reality of this also means it comes at a cost.Selling the remainder of the used molds is one thing, but, as we begin offering the new, we will be forced to take the new costs of Silicone into mind when pricing the new molds. We are NOT going to cut corners and cost and build molds of a lessor than Professional grade.
I also want to mention, we have been being contacted more and more by former customers of Pourette Mfg. Co. that had custom mold work done by them...... we are now opening up this as an option to anyone. If you have some work you would like done contact us via the website and see what we can do for you.
Happy Candlemaking!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Prep for the Move Continues.......
I just wanted to mention how nice it is getting to know those of you that have called and emailed with questions, requests about the change over and new additions to the mold line. It really helps that so many of you already have items in mind so that we can place them on the list for getting made up quickly once everything arrives here.
I really had no idea when I walked into this that it was going to end up being about about 9 1/2 tons of molds, masters and equiptment to move from AZ to Iowa. lol That still gives me pause every time I think about it. Plus just the easy things like knowing what is placed where once here.
Right now we are working behind the scenes to get that all set up so we can work this as smoothly as possible. We are very excited and ready to get to work on all this and show you all just what is available.
If you have questions, requests, or simply need help. please feel free to email or call, We will do what we can to help.
Happy Candlemaking!
I really had no idea when I walked into this that it was going to end up being about about 9 1/2 tons of molds, masters and equiptment to move from AZ to Iowa. lol That still gives me pause every time I think about it. Plus just the easy things like knowing what is placed where once here.
Right now we are working behind the scenes to get that all set up so we can work this as smoothly as possible. We are very excited and ready to get to work on all this and show you all just what is available.
If you have questions, requests, or simply need help. please feel free to email or call, We will do what we can to help.
Happy Candlemaking!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Instructions on how to make Silhouette Candles.
What is a silhouette candle?
Well...it's not really a candle per say, It's actually a wax "decoration" They do have wicks but they are intended to be back-lit and not burned. It takes very little wax to make one, allowing you to have a larger profit margin.
How do you make one? It's easy!
1. Pour your cores (Most of these have two molds to them, the basic design and then a base that the design will sit on..)
2. Using a melted Micro b-845, Glue the base to the core design.
3. Depending on how you want your finished "candle" to look there are several ways you can add detail. Typically you would pour your cores with no dye, then over dip then in whatever color you want, adding paint or oiled metallics(rub &buff) and finishing off with a dip into some gloss. Check out the video below to see how a snowman silhouette was made.
Originally Posted by Glowlite Candles
Well...it's not really a candle per say, It's actually a wax "decoration" They do have wicks but they are intended to be back-lit and not burned. It takes very little wax to make one, allowing you to have a larger profit margin.
How do you make one? It's easy!
1. Pour your cores (Most of these have two molds to them, the basic design and then a base that the design will sit on..)
2. Using a melted Micro b-845, Glue the base to the core design.
3. Depending on how you want your finished "candle" to look there are several ways you can add detail. Typically you would pour your cores with no dye, then over dip then in whatever color you want, adding paint or oiled metallics(rub &buff) and finishing off with a dip into some gloss. Check out the video below to see how a snowman silhouette was made.
Originally Posted by Glowlite Candles
I received a few emails about the flamingo candle, and since the majority of the questions were in regards to the 2 tone color, I want to show how it’s done.
I want to start by mentioning that novelty candle making can be a bit different than making pillars or jar candles. There may seem like there are a lot steps to it, but the learning curve is pretty short.
I trust that you have completed your own research and are using the typical safety techniques associated with candle making. So much of it is trial and error. That's part of the beauty of making your own candles. If you don't like it, you can always re-melt it.
This little tutorial explains how “I” made the candle, just because it works for me and the materials I use, doesn't mean you will get the same results. You will need to do your own testing and practice practice practice.
Materials: You need your core candle. Two pots of wax with concentrated dye: one pot green, one pot pink (make sure your pots are deep enough to dip the candle into. You’ll also need some black paint (cheapy acrylic paint is perfect, I get mine at Micheals Craft store for .69 cents) a paintbrush. Last but not least you want to finish it off with some spray gloss (this is what I used for the candle) or a bucket of dipping glaze. It’s up to you to decide if you want to use this stuff, but it really makes those colors pop!
When making your core candles, don't forget to leave the wick long. You'll be holding the wick while you make your dips into the colored wax or into the dipping glaze. If you pour your cores and add your wick later, make sure you secure the wick well enough that it doesn't pull out of the candle. (Its sucks to lose a candle in a tub of dipping glaze.)
Heat both pots of your concentrated dye mix to about 180. It doesn't really matter which color you start with, I started with pink; holding the bottom of the candle I dipped the top part into the wax, after two dips, I set it aside for a moment while I checked my temps for the green dye, I then took the bird and dipped the grassy part into the green dye mix. The more you dip, the thicker the layers will be, So don’t do to many.
Now get out your black paint and paintbrush and paint the legs, eyes and the face part..or you can elimate that altogether, it’s really up to you. I did search online to see what a real flamingo looked like. I didn't find any with black faces but I think it looked better than without.
Finish your flamingo off with a coat of dipping glaze or spray gloss, and trim the wick. Viola you’re done.
Posted by Glowlite Candles
Some tips on wicking the candle molds
Many of the molds I sell don't have any wick holes to shove a wick through. So I want to show you a few different ways you can wick the molds. Depending on how the mold is designed there are a few different ways you can do it..you can either drill a hole in the silicone and use a sewing rod to thread the wick through the hole, or you can cut a slit in the mold and squish the wick into the slit.
1. The knife method
Get a knife. Find the center point of the piece and use that knife to make a slit, doesn't have to be very deep only as deep as you would need to fit the wick in the slit and close the mold.
2. The loop turner method
For molds that you would thread a wick through you'll need a few tools, first and foremost you need the mold. So get one of those. Now you need to go search for a tool called a loop turner 9 1/2" long. A sewing, craft store either online or big box should have one. Its good to have a cordless drill handy to make your first hole, that way you can push the loop turner through it. 1/8" drill bit works good.
Step one: Find the spot. Make sure your hole is centered properly.
Step Two: Drill it.
Step Three: Push the loop turner through the hole, put wick into eye, and pull the turner through the mold.
The molds I sell are made of silicone and each mold may be a different type, some are super soft while others may be a bit harder. Either way both of these methods work great for those who don't want to drill the finished piece. However, if you are doing large volume production then drilling the candles would be much faster.
Originally Posted by Glowlite Candles
1. The knife method
Get a knife. Find the center point of the piece and use that knife to make a slit, doesn't have to be very deep only as deep as you would need to fit the wick in the slit and close the mold.
2. The loop turner method
For molds that you would thread a wick through you'll need a few tools, first and foremost you need the mold. So get one of those. Now you need to go search for a tool called a loop turner 9 1/2" long. A sewing, craft store either online or big box should have one. Its good to have a cordless drill handy to make your first hole, that way you can push the loop turner through it. 1/8" drill bit works good.
Step one: Find the spot. Make sure your hole is centered properly.
Step Two: Drill it.
Step Three: Push the loop turner through the hole, put wick into eye, and pull the turner through the mold.
The molds I sell are made of silicone and each mold may be a different type, some are super soft while others may be a bit harder. Either way both of these methods work great for those who don't want to drill the finished piece. However, if you are doing large volume production then drilling the candles would be much faster.
Originally Posted by Glowlite Candles
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Candle Molds: Glowscandlemolds.com/catalog is no more.........
Candle Molds: Glowscandlemolds.com/catalog is no more.........: "The website is shut down. I moved the info from the main page here. This blog will stay open for a bit longer. I haven't decided yet when it'll get deleted. Most of the important info can be found on the new owners blog. The link for thier blog is located on the candlemold-vault.com site.
We have some great news!! The folks at the Candle Mold Vault are going to be taking over all of our inventory. That includes the masters. What this means is that they will be making molds! So be on the look out for molds you missed or pieces you've never seen before. I think you're going to love all the new molds they'll have available. Check out their site at http://candlemold-vault.com/ That site will be the new home for the molds, don't forget to save that to your favorites. This transition is going to take about a month to do. We have a lot of packing to do to get them to Des Moines, Iowa. In the mean time please direct any mold questions to Steph at the candle mold vault. He'll take good care of you. You can reach him at 1-515-282-3578 or email at candlemagician@mchsi.com
Customers of Glows Candle Molds: Our customer list and information will NOT be passed on to the Candle Mold Vault. We will be contacting all of our customers through email regarding this change over.
Posted originally by Glowlite Candles
We have some great news!! The folks at the Candle Mold Vault are going to be taking over all of our inventory. That includes the masters. What this means is that they will be making molds! So be on the look out for molds you missed or pieces you've never seen before. I think you're going to love all the new molds they'll have available. Check out their site at http://candlemold-vault.com/ That site will be the new home for the molds, don't forget to save that to your favorites. This transition is going to take about a month to do. We have a lot of packing to do to get them to Des Moines, Iowa. In the mean time please direct any mold questions to Steph at the candle mold vault. He'll take good care of you. You can reach him at 1-515-282-3578 or email at candlemagician@mchsi.com
Customers of Glows Candle Molds: Our customer list and information will NOT be passed on to the Candle Mold Vault. We will be contacting all of our customers through email regarding this change over.
Posted originally by Glowlite Candles
Friday, April 22, 2011
Lets talk basics.... Wax
Since wax is a basic for those of us that make candles, and it has a big effect on the way the molding process works and ends up looking in the final product. I wanted to mention how very important it is to be using the correct wax and correct wax formulation. This can be differant between mold types. Silicone, 2 piece Plastic, rubber, etc. As well as the type candle you are making.
But ALL Candle Makers should have basic formula's they have developed and use time and again. It shouldnt be left up to chance. this can cause problems with the finished product.
Remember. Test, find the formula that works for you and the mold type and write it down........ and keep it handy to be used again and again!
Happy Candlemaking!
But ALL Candle Makers should have basic formula's they have developed and use time and again. It shouldnt be left up to chance. this can cause problems with the finished product.
Remember. Test, find the formula that works for you and the mold type and write it down........ and keep it handy to be used again and again!
Happy Candlemaking!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Spray Gloss vs Dipping Glaze
Adding a finishing gloss to your candles will make them look more professional and they make the colors of your candles seem more vivid.
If you're wondering which one to pick. I’ve said it before and I'll say it again. You as the candle maker need to test them out to see which ones are best for you and the type of candles you make. I recommend buying both and give them both an equal try.
Spray Gloss
There are several types (brands) of spray glosses out there. Candle Luster and Candle Kote are two that I use. The Kote does seem to leave a bit more shine to the finish but both of those and a few other brands are pretty darn equal when it comes down to it.. Spray glosses are really simple to use, you shake the can and spay the candle. Letting it dry for 8-12 hours is a good idea.
What I dislike about spray glosses is that you have to use them outside. (not the place for my candles in the AZ summer) Your fingers get sore after a while..and here is the biggie..Whatever this stuff is made from, it does react to certain plastics. When you’re packaging your candles for shipment, I do not recommend packing them in foam sheets..It will ruin your finish.
Dipping Glaze.
By far this is the most economical way to add a gloss to your candle. A little goes along way so don't be too intimidated when seeing what the cost of 5 gallons of this goo is.
It leaves an almost glass like coating which makes for some amazing looking candles. It's a liquid acrylic and thick as all hell so you may want to warm it or dilute it.
The issues that I've had with the glaze are "user inexperience" as I've only been using this stuff on and off for less than a year.
I've had some difficulty with getting the candle completely coated in the glaze. On occasion there will be bare spots where the glaze doesn’t seem to want to stick to the candle. I’m guessing this is because at some point in time before dipping it, I have touched the candle and the oils from my hands have marked the candle and the glaze won’t stick because of it. (no biggie, I can fix this by making sure I only pick up the candle by the wick)
I've also had some bubble issues. grrr!! perfectly good candle gone to waste.
Regardless of the problems that I've had this is still the best type of gloss finish for me.
Here are links to online candle making suppliers that sell either the glaze or the spray.
GeneralWax
Bittercreek
If you're wondering which one to pick. I’ve said it before and I'll say it again. You as the candle maker need to test them out to see which ones are best for you and the type of candles you make. I recommend buying both and give them both an equal try.
Spray Gloss
There are several types (brands) of spray glosses out there. Candle Luster and Candle Kote are two that I use. The Kote does seem to leave a bit more shine to the finish but both of those and a few other brands are pretty darn equal when it comes down to it.. Spray glosses are really simple to use, you shake the can and spay the candle. Letting it dry for 8-12 hours is a good idea.
What I dislike about spray glosses is that you have to use them outside. (not the place for my candles in the AZ summer) Your fingers get sore after a while..and here is the biggie..Whatever this stuff is made from, it does react to certain plastics. When you’re packaging your candles for shipment, I do not recommend packing them in foam sheets..It will ruin your finish.
Dipping Glaze.
By far this is the most economical way to add a gloss to your candle. A little goes along way so don't be too intimidated when seeing what the cost of 5 gallons of this goo is.
It leaves an almost glass like coating which makes for some amazing looking candles. It's a liquid acrylic and thick as all hell so you may want to warm it or dilute it.
The issues that I've had with the glaze are "user inexperience" as I've only been using this stuff on and off for less than a year.
I've had some difficulty with getting the candle completely coated in the glaze. On occasion there will be bare spots where the glaze doesn’t seem to want to stick to the candle. I’m guessing this is because at some point in time before dipping it, I have touched the candle and the oils from my hands have marked the candle and the glaze won’t stick because of it. (no biggie, I can fix this by making sure I only pick up the candle by the wick)
Here are links to online candle making suppliers that sell either the glaze or the spray.
GeneralWax
Bittercreek
Originaly postet by glows candle molds
Metallic over-dipping
In the past when I wanted my candles to have a gold, silver or copper finish, I would buy metallic spray paint. The end results were beautiful but the process of spray painting candles isn't very fun. It's time consuming and messy. Taking about 1/2 hour to spray 20 sm. candles, 20 mins getting all the paint out from underneath my nails, then a few hours before I would have feeling back in my index finger.Hoping that metallic over-dips would free me from having to ever use spray paint again, I purchased a few pounds of each color and set to work testing them.
They don't mix well at all with wax. You have to stir like crazy, dip your core, then stir again before you can dip again. The metallic stuff hangs out at the bottom of your vat and no matter how much I stired the dye would not incorporate fully in to the wax.
The finish was duller than I would have thought it would be, but a coat of gloss does help.
It's been about 4 months now since I started playing around with the metallic over-dips. Yes, they can be a pain in the ass but I've decided that I like em anyway and I'll continue using them.
originally posted by glows candle molds
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
New Site is up and we're adding
What a weekend that was... The new site looks so much better and is easier to navigate. But, most importantly, I started adding the used silicone molds for sale. We also have some mega-great news from Elizabeth. A first look of what's in store for the silicone molds that will be BRAND NEW.
A gorilla candle mold is just one for those who remember it from the early days.
But, on the other hand, you also need to take a look at the used molds since some of those are the last molds in existence and we won't be able to remake those.
Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed. Click here to sign up.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Welcome To The Blog
We want to welcome you to our new blog.... first of all we want to Thank Elizabeth @ Glows Candle Molds for all her help and great customer service. With her help we are trying to make the change over as seamless as possible for her former customers.....we will be moving her key posts from her own blog here. her tips and tricks on such things as wicking the silicone molds etc. why reinvent the wheel. right? when she did it so well?
Please be sure and sign up for our mailing list on the site.. to be kept up to date on the molds as they become available.. and any other news or announcements as they happen. If you have questions, suggestions, please send us an email from the site or give us a call. we want to make the change over as smooth as possible and hope you will be both pleased and excited about the many new items that will be added in the coming days... many of which were not a part of the "Glows" collection as well.
Happy Candlemaking!
Please be sure and sign up for our mailing list on the site.. to be kept up to date on the molds as they become available.. and any other news or announcements as they happen. If you have questions, suggestions, please send us an email from the site or give us a call. we want to make the change over as smooth as possible and hope you will be both pleased and excited about the many new items that will be added in the coming days... many of which were not a part of the "Glows" collection as well.
Happy Candlemaking!
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