Backyard Entrepreneur^TM

Candle Maker

You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.-- Bob Hope

Make money as an entrepreneur working from making unique candles in your backyard.

Once upon a time, long ago, folks took an empty milk carton and cut a tiny hole in the bottom.  They inserted a long piece of string for the candle wick and used masking tape to hold the wick in place at the bottom and to close the hole.  At the open, top side, they laid a pencil across the top and wrapped the string tight to hold it in place and centered. 

They filled the carton with crushed ice.  They melted a parafin block purchased at the grocery store.  Folks back then used parafin to seal the top of Mason jars after filling them with homemade jelly. They melted the wax on top of a double boiler so that it did not get too hot and start a fire or scorch.  When the block was nearly melted, they tossed in a crayon with the paper wrapping removed, of course. Then they very carefully poured the colored wax over the crushed ice.  After it had hardened, they removed the paper carton and had a lovely block candle with lacy-looking sides. Except for the parafin, everything else was found around the house.  The milk cartoon was headed for the trash, the crayon would have eventually ended up on the floor, stepped on, and tossed in the trash.  The crushed ice was found in the refrigerator.  The string and the pencil were found in the junk drawer in the kitchen.  So, for the cost of a block of paraffin, one made a beautiful candle.  There was no thought given to adding a scent in those days. There was no thought to the indoor pollution or the harm buring paraffin can do to the lungs.

Because candle making is messy, you might consider doing this in a backyard workshop you build for this specific purpose. And make your candles only from soy.

 Become an Ecotoxicologist

Ecotoxicology is a scientific discipline combining the methods of ecology and toxicolocy in studying the effects of toxic substances and especially pollutants on the environment. Candles are a contributing factor to indoor air pollution.  There are many other things in the home that do so as well.  Because candles bring a warmth and sense of well being to your home, you need to burn them.  At the same time you want to breathe clean air.  The solution is to run a good quality air purifier at all times and burn only soy candles.  See our Environmentologist page for more information.  Enjoy candles, but prevent indoor pollutants.

You have a variety of waxes to choose from today from soy, beeswax, and gel.  Soy is better.  You have all kinds of molds, too.  There are tea lights and tapers, plus all kinds of designer shapes. Colors come in block, powder, and liquid. And of course, there are the multitude of fragrances.  When the candles are finished, there are all kinds of decorations that you can add for a personal touch.  Box and sell.  Don't forget the market for advent candles at Christmas time. Make your own special line of birthday candles. Find a special occasion, design a candle for that special time, and make this your special niche.

Candle Day

Check out Candle Day in Australia celebrated to recognize Amnesty International, defender of human rights.

© Backyard Entrepreneur^TM 2007

Link to Us. Contact us if you wish to have your site listed here as a resource for candles.

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