In Peterborough, Ontario, Heather Downer creates candles ... pillars, votives and melts.
"I use paraffin mottling wax with a cotton wick. The wax is a high quality; my supplier is Village Craft and Candle. I have 3 scents: winterberry, sugar spruce and tropical sunset. Colours of deep violet, violet, passion pink, butterscotch and gray. Pillars are available scented and unscented. All my candles are prepared in my kitchen, hand poured.
"I use paraffin mottling wax with a cotton wick. The wax is a high quality; my supplier is Village Craft and Candle. I have 3 scents: winterberry, sugar spruce and tropical sunset. Colours of deep violet, violet, passion pink, butterscotch and gray. Pillars are available scented and unscented. All my candles are prepared in my kitchen, hand poured.
The candle store that I was a regular customer at sold and the new owner moved the business to another area. I thought of buying that business but the timing was off and I didn't want to be in a store. I wanted something I could do at home. My son suggested I make my own candles so, I did some research, found a supplier and started making candles last fall. This will be my first craft show so I'm very excited."
Which item do you have the most fun creating?
"All my candles but the melts I can do more in less time because the 3x6 pillars take hours to det. I have also started making flowers out of wax as decorations which I will bring as props for the May 4th show.
The wax flowers are a lot of fun. I think Halloween will be even better."
"All my candles but the melts I can do more in less time because the 3x6 pillars take hours to det. I have also started making flowers out of wax as decorations which I will bring as props for the May 4th show.
The wax flowers are a lot of fun. I think Halloween will be even better."
Music videos and safari videos play in her kitchen while Heather makes candles there.
What's the most difficult part of the process?
"Watching the wax temperatures to add the scent at the right time."
What is your favourite piece of work that you have created?
"I did make some zodiac candles but have since re-melted the wax to make the flowers for spring as props for the Artisan show."
What's the most difficult part of the process?
"Watching the wax temperatures to add the scent at the right time."
What is your favourite piece of work that you have created?
"I did make some zodiac candles but have since re-melted the wax to make the flowers for spring as props for the Artisan show."
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
At the post office I was told the box containing a candle smelled great; she had no idea what was in there until I told her it was a scented candle.
People have also commented on the colours.
At the post office I was told the box containing a candle smelled great; she had no idea what was in there until I told her it was a scented candle.
People have also commented on the colours.
My creations are a passion, I really enjoy making candles."
What are you doing when you're not creating?
"Thinking of things I can make for Halloween, Christmas and other occasions."
What are you doing when you're not creating?
"Thinking of things I can make for Halloween, Christmas and other occasions."