How To...
The candles I use are mass produced
dinner candles. I have occasionally painted other candles, when
requested, as a means of fundraising. The method is exactly the same.
As I am painting a water-based paint onto a wax surface, I need to
add a teeny dollop of washing up liquid to the water colour paint (If
I were a chemist, I might tell you this reduces surface tension). I
could use gouache acrylics or poster paint, but I get a lot more
colour for my money with proper water colours. They don't need to be
artist quality and, because of being blended with washing up liquid,
tubes are easier to use than blocks.
I spoil myself with sable brushes, too.
The detail I have on my candles is quite delicate, and sable brushes
will hold more paint than synthetic ones. So, getting down to the
actual painting...it is simply a matter of working with consistency
of the paint on the wax, and the amount of detail and design you
want. My advent candles require only one layer, which is so much
easier than adding layers (easiest with acrylics as they have a level
of water-proof quality once dry).
Before painting, I check the candles
thoroughly for defects and marks. Damaged candles can be used at
home. Bearing in mind I paint 30 candles in one sitting, I line them
all up on some soft fabric. (It's worth remembering that your
painting is going onto a very soft surface. It would be silly to
paint a mini masterpiece as your creation can so easily be scratched
off and ruined).
I start my candles with the little dots
at 1cm marks down their length. By the time I've laid down 30 x 24
dots, I know that I have my paint solution fairy close to how I like
it. I've also softened and got to know my brush, and I've settled my
hand and steadied my eye. The trickiest bit is obviously painting the
numbers. I now don't have to think about what number comes next, and
never miss a number, but I do have to try and keep the paint flowing
at a consistent thickness throughout. Sometimes my paintbrush
misbehaves, and sometimes my paint does, but mostly it's me that
isn't paying due attention. So, although it's a pleasant evenings
work, it takes a lot focus.
With all the numbers painted, I can
breathe, fill my wine glass up, and enjoy mixing the Christmassy
colours of greens and berry red. The holly leaves are painted with
just a few strokes. When that paint has dried, I can add the teeny
blobs of red and put each candle down on the fabric as complete.
Phew!
You'll see, they're wrapped in bright
colours and have an information slip to explain where the money from
the painted candle is going.
The joy of creating these advent
candles that burn down 1cm each day of December (unless, of course,
you forget to blow it out!) is that people tend to be very into
'tradition' at Christmas. Advent calendars and candles are part of
the ritual preparation for Christmas, and people who have bought my
candles for one year, come back the following year for more.
Personally, I don't want cheap chocolate, or glittery nativity
scenes. A burning candle helps me focus my mind and brings reflection
on the important things about Christmas (and they're not 'things').
For each of my trips to Nepal, I have
been able to boost my funds with these candles. In recent years, I
have directed the candle funds toward my flight costs. Donations of
money always go towards books and equipment to take in my luggage or
towards student education in Kathmandu. But my candles are crafted,
wrapped and sold after I have given my time, skill, and expenses.
Most years, I have money left from the sale of candles to go towards
transport costs, etc, while in Nepal.
Most candles are sold locally, and
friends have taken bundles at a time to sell on for me. Some candles
are posted, which costs just under £3.00 for five candles carefully
packed into a Pringles tube. This year I will see how sales fare on
Ebay. If you would like to buy candles for yourself or to gift to
friends, please get in touch.
