Nikola - Sept 8, 2025
Back To Basics
The evening breeze is laced with a chill and carries the earthy scent of fallen leaves… September is here. Although most of this month is ripe with Summer-end warmth there is no denying the time to go inward is creeping up on us. With this shift comes the honing in of our spaces and intentions to be set for how to best spend our time indoors. It is time to bring out our most beloved seasonal comforts and of course a favorite of ours are candles. There is no better season to consider the basics; so let us light our candles together.
TWhen burning our candles there are a few tips that accentuate the already naturally stable burn 100% beeswax candles possess. Let’s start from the tippy top; the wick. A wick should not be too long as it will create a larger than ideal flame that will travel down the wax more quickly. To optimize the burn time a recommended length is about ¼” long. As our candles are always handmade and our wicks trimmed one by one the length may vary slightly so using your discretion they may need some additional trimming before you light. Wicks are best lit where they meet the candle, holding the flame on the meeting place until both the wick and wax have ignited and a small pool of wax has formed.
TFeatured: Our church taper in celadon in a Fable Holder. Both available on our web site.
T This pool of wax will become a practice of awareness as the candle burns. It is a natural indicator of how long a candle should be burned. As you are enjoying the flickering flame and the fresh, pure beeswax scent wafting in comforting waves around your home, take note of the pool of wax. When the pool is just about to reach the outside of the candle is when your candle is ready to take a rest. Usually this happens around a nice leisurely 2 or 3 hours into the burn. Putting the candle out upon this marker helps to prevent “tunneling” where the wick becomes hidden inside a cavern of candle created by over-burning. Feel free to light again once the wax has returned to firm.
T Then, your candle needs a hug! Hugging your candle is just the adorable term for what to do next once it has firmed up a bit after its last burn. Pushing the wax gently back towards the wick helps get the absolute most out of your candles. This process is not entirely necessary for all shapes and sizes of candle but we find it useful for larger tapers, pillars or our Jumbo Cones. Soft and slow is the best way to hug a candle so as not to suffocate the wick. Your candle will love it!
TFeatured: Tall Josee Pillar in terra cotta.
T Of course safety is on our list of basics as cozy candle season sets in. That awareness practice of watching the wax pool not only will help your candle last longer but also serves as a safe guard when working with an open flame and flammable wax! Please always burn your candles within your sight on a level and flame resistant surface. Never try to perform any of the above wick or wax adjustments while your candle is lit. In the right environment your beeswax candle should be nearly dripless and burn evenly so avoiding a draft is just another way to maximize your candle’s life while also keeping safety in mind. And once it is time to put a cap on your candlelit moment we suggest a snuffer to prevent spills and drips.
T Retrim, relight and enjoy over and over again! Here’s to slow, cool nights and simple comforts!
TTOP PHOTO CREDIT: Max Flatow