Best Sellers

So, I didn't think these would become as big of a hit as they have. I suppose that's what I get for underestimating what has now become my best selling candle. - Perhaps I should underestimate my candles a little more often so I can be surprised over and over again, huh? Haha. Just kidding.

I thought everyone might like to see what's good this season in my neck of the woods, so here's the current list (and photos) for Summer 2012. If more items make the list, I'll post photos and information for anyone interested. :)

"Be Mine" Cupcake Candles - (front to back:) Casanova Cupcake - Apple Cinnamon Scented; Sweetheart Cupcake - Berries 'N Cream Scented; Precious Cupcake - Cinnamon Bread Scented

Snickerdoodle Jar Candle

Thanksgiving Blessing Jar Candle (Apple Pie, Pumpkin Pie and Vanilla Scented)

Cappuccino Jar Candle

Cranberry Jar Candle

French Vanilla-tini

Key-Lime Colada Martini

Double Espresso Martini

Strawberry-Kiwitini

Cookies 'N Cream Martini

Chocolate Martini

For details on how to get your own "Be Mine" Cupcake Candle(s), Jar Candle(s) and/or Martini Candle(s), please go to www.etsy.com/shop/CandlesByLisaTN (to order or contact me) or (for contacting me or to get a sneak peak at new items)  www.facebook.com/CandlesByLisaTennessee   - Some candles are listed on Etsy, others are custom order only. Pricing is on Etsy.

Local Customers may still order in person or over the phone but please do not leave voicemails containing your order. If leaving a voicemail, simply leave your name, phone number and state that you are interested in ordering candles. I will call you back ASAP during business hours: 10AM-9PM.

How to Make an Ice Candle

Difficulty: Easy  

A Great Craft to do with Your Kids!


Things You'll Need:

4-6 Ice Cubes (shape does not matter, amount will depend on cup's size) 
Paper Cups
Paraffin Wax 
Double Boiler 
Pre Tabbed Waxed Wick (Cotton or Zinc Cored)

Scent of your choice

Candle Coloring  
1-2 Popsicle Stick, Skewer Stick, or Wick holder (optional)


 Things you should know before going to the store for ingredients and making your candle:

• You can use any size cup, but if you use 4 oz cups or smaller, your candle won't turn out as good. "Hot Beverage" paper cups do not work as well due to their thick linings, but they will work if nothing else is available. And the cup MUST be PAPER, NO styrofoam or plastic because the wax will melt both.
• Paraffin is the best for this type of candle, and is most of the time, cheapest. You can get it in 10lb blocks at local craft stores, or in 1lb blocks at your local grocery store in the Candy Making aisle.
• Food Coloring does not work for coloring wax. Do NOT use crayons to color your wax! They can clog your wick and create a serious fire hazard! Candle coloring comes in blocks or in liquids. If making candles with a child, coloring blocks are best because they don't create as much of a mess.
• Popsicle stick(s) (or whatever you chose to use, if anything) is/are used simply to keep the wick from slipping to one side or the cup when you pour in your wax. You simply prop the wick up against the stick(s). 

Directions:

1. Fill bottom pot of double boiler with water, place your wax in the top pot, and melt wax completely. Scent and color your wax once completely melted. Lower temperature on your stove before moving on to step 2.
2. Place your pre-tabbed wick in the bottom of the cup, as upright as possible.
3. Place ice around wick until your cup is 3/4 full of ice.
4. Fill cup over the level of ice, but be careful not to over fill the cup.
5. Allow to cool completely for about 15-30 minutes.
6. Over the sink, carefully begin tearing paper cup apart, and pulling it away from your candle.



Gardenia Scented Ice Candle with Zinc Cored Wick
Please note:
Because of the holes in Ice Candles,
the candle will not burn as long as other candles of their size.
Place in a candle holder or on a plate before burning.
Keep away from flammable furnishings, pets and children when burning.


And You're Done!! Easy, huh?! Feel free to comment on this post if you have any suggestions on other methods of making Ice candles, or if you'd like to have instructions for how to make another candle or a paper box. Also comment if you've made a candle from these instructions, and would like to tell how it went! :)

~*Handmade Bridal Bliss*~

            I still get so excited when I get to make a beautiful candle, and get feedback such as I've seen and heard going to other crafters. And sometimes, I look around or make sure I'm on the right webpage when I get compliments, because it means so much to me. (Yes, I admit I'm a bit of a dork. ;) )

     But as excited as I get over creating something of my own, and getting compliments, I can't deny that other peoples' talent for making such beautiful items out of simple materials like wax has always amazed me. I still look at other people's items on Etsy.com and think to myself, "Wow. I wish I could do that!" or sometimes, "I wonder if google might have some DIY instructions for that." - Which is pretty much how I've learned as much as I have about things I was doing wrong when I made candles, and how I could correct the problems. But while making the candles and getting compliments is great, selling them can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. 

    Luckily for me, and probably quite a few other crafters, weddings are happening, EVERYWHERE! In my neck of the woods, where there's a wedding, there's a bride who wants a little bit of a personal touch. And where a personal touch is called for, crafters are welcome.

   Being a shop owner on Etsy, I have a world of crafters right at my fingertips. These crafters have different unique skills and are able to create, in my opinion, magnificent works of art for each aspect of a wedding. Yes, this includes THE WEDDING GOWN! - If you go to the links beneath the photos, you'll find that many of these items are "made to order" or "customizable".
  

Ivory A-Line Wedding Gown - Made by
 Ariel Taub - Visit her online shop at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArielJenniferTaub 

As you can see, this is not just sewing. This requires talent! 

White Satin Mermaid Wedding Gown - Made by
 Jenny Sanschagrin - Visit her online shop at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/PeachesandQueen

(Don't we all wish we could be as skinny and
perfect looking as the models? haha)

Something Old, Something new, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue.

(I can't help with the something borrowed though, sorry! haha)

Something Old - Vintage Angel Skin Bracelet - Made by
LillyputLaneDesignCo - Visit their shop at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LillyputLaneDesignCo

Something New - Pink Quartz Gemstone Necklace
Made by: SweetCarolineCreatio - Visit her shop at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetCarolineCreatio 

Something Blue - Navy and Regal Jeweled Satin Garter -
Made by: GarterLady - Visit her shop at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/GarterLady

   

And of course, as a candle maker, I can't forget the Unity Candle....

Damask Monogram Unity Candle - Made by:
SouthernBellWeddings - Visit the shop at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SouthernBellWeddings


I can't resist adding one of my own candles to the list.

Champagne Candle - Strawberries and Champagne (Victoria's Secret Type) Scented -
Perfect as a bridal gift, a wedding favor for the guests, or just for show (at the reception or at home!)
Made by: Lisa Skelton - Visit my shop at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Candlesbylisatn



I hope you enjoyed this little tour of the wonderful world of weddings from Etsy.com as much as I enjoyed finding everything. (Now I'm really wishing my husband and I could do our wedding all over again so I can get some of this stuff for myself! :P)

~Inspiration meets Reality~

    Inspiration can't be summed up in just a few words, so instead of typing out a bunch of lists for my first post, I'm going to show everyone some examples of what/who inspires me and what the results of my inspirations are.

This photo compliments of: snappygourmet.com 

Cookies 'n Cream Martini Candle

My Niece Lily and My Nephews Jonah and Ezekiel

Kid Inspired Cupcake Air Fresheners - Blue Train inspired by Ezekiel, Red Truck inspired by Jonah

Lily's Blueberry Cobbler Ice Cream - Inspired by Lily

My Papaw (and me, 1 year old) - I love and miss you!

<> C7AH7BFKNCJV

Holiday Cheer Candle - Reminds me of Thanksgivings and Christmases when I was growing up, which of course reminds me of the family members who have passed away.

    As you can see, my inspiration comes from a number of sources, so I would've been typing forever if I had typed out a list everything that inspires me.

I'm planning on posting some "How-To's", and some other things I've learned from experience and from other sources.