Care Of Magical Candles

How Are They Made?

Character Candles are produced in small batches, originally in my kitchen and now in my shed.  (I am so happy to keep the mess outside now!)   I select fragrances and wax, melt, and then pour.  Each candle has three layers and each layer must cool before pouring the next layer.  One batch of candles usually takes 2 days to pour. 

After they are cooled, I use a cloth and paper towel to remove any dripped wax from the outside of the candle jar.

I design, print, hand cut, and apply each label myself. 

Can I Order a Specific Character Directly From You?

I don't generally do pre-orders or anything like that. I list the candles when I have time to package and ship them, and it is always first come first served. However, if you follow my facebook page, I always update there when I add new product. They sell fast but I try to list new candles about once a week.

If you wish to purchase 20 or more of the same character, or have a similar large scale project you would like to discuss, feel free to send me a message. 

My Candle Arrived Broken.  What Can We Do?

When shipping glass all over the world, every now and then things break.  I will do what I can to make it right.  Snap a quick photo of the broken item, email it to me at Mudinmybloodstore@gmail.com along with you order number, and I will do my best to get a replacement sent.  Don't throw the wax out! The wax will still melt nicely in a wax warmer or it can fit inside a small Mason jam jar and still be burnt. 

Tips for Burning your Character Candle

Preventing memory rings.

As with all candles, the first burn is the most important. To begin, candles should burn one hour for every 1 inch in diameter of the actual candle size- enough to liquefy the entire top layer of wax. If the wax is not allowed to liquefy or to melt from edge to edge of the jar or tumbler, it will create a “memory ring,” especially if this is the first time the candle is lit. Once a candle has this “memory ring,” it will continue to tunnel and to burn that way for the life of the candle.
Candles should not be burned for more than four hours at a time.
It is recommended that after burning for four hours, candles be extinguished, allowed to cool for two hours, and trimmed before relighting.

For safety’s sake.

Always burn candles well away from drafts, other heat sources, and anything flammable. Make sure burning candles are out of reach of children and pets. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

How to Store Your Candle Properly

The candle wax and fragrance oils we use in our candles are sensitive to both temperature and light, so please be careful when storing candles for an extended period of time. If you store your candle, be sure it is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or intense light. Keeping it in a dark place like a cupboard or box will protect it from fading and discoloration.
Since our candles can be sensitive to extreme cold and heat, it’s best to store them between 50ºF and 85ºF. And be sure not to leave our candles in your car for an extended period of time (particularly on hot days) as they may melt or discolor. Extreme cold causes cracking and separation, so it’s best to follow our temperature guidelines. After long exposure to the cold, you should allow the candle to return to room temperature for a minimum of 2 hours before burning it to minimize potential damage.

My Candle is Tunneling.  What Can I Do?

  • There isn't a pretty or easy way to fix candle tunneling. Your best approach is prevention following the steps above. However, here's how you can try to fix a candle that has tunneled.
  • Put the candle inside a hurricane or vase and let it burn for a few hours. The hurricane keeps the heat around the candle to help melt the excess wax.
  • You can also wrap the top of the candle in tin foil (with an opening at the top) to get the wax to melt while burning. You may have to carefully remove some of the liquid wax as you go to keep the flame from drowning out. Let the candle burn until the entire top becomes liquid wax about 1/4" deep. This resets the wax and decreases your chances of tunneling in future burn sessions. If you just remove the dry hard wax down to the wick, it will likely tunnel again the next time as the wax around the edge still has never melted. Wax has a memory which is why it's important to set the stage right on the first burn.
 

How Many Different Character Candles Have You Designed?

A lot.  Here is my draft board with characters I have done and some brainstorming for new ones. Have an idea?  Let me know! I'm always looking for suggestions!