| Author | |
Tami
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 27 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1066
|
| Posted: Sept 28 2011 at 11:46am | IP Logged
|
 |
|
Last year, after Advent/Christmas, I was able to get the leftover candle stubs (beeswax) from our church (we use those oil-filled tapers the rest of the year  - sorry, I digress)
Anyway, I took them with the thought of melting them down and creating Christmas ornaments for some of the staff as gifts this year.
I have not worked with candle making in 20+ years, so I'm a bit unsure of myself, to say the least! 
I'm searching for a mold with a Chrismas theme, preferably. Does anyone here have any experience with this and suggestions?
I looked at House on the Hilll they have some lovely molds, but some seem pricey and too ornate. Is that possible (the ornate part, not the pricey part - that I know is possible! 
__________________
God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: Sept 28 2011 at 12:36pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I love this idea, Tami!!
Several years ago, in a beautiful, small (and old) parish which my mom and dad have been a part of for YEARS, they were cleaning out the Sacristy at the request of the new priest. He wanted to throw away several old things, and a group of wax Christmas ornaments was among the group to be discarded. My mom rescued them and sent them to me. I cherish them. They're quite detailed and lovely!! Here is a neat article detailing the rich history associated with wax Christmas ornaments.
I have to tell you, that though the House on the Hill molds are pricey, I think they are gorgeous!!! I don't think they're too ornate at all, but I'm sure there is some kind of silicone spray you should use before you pour the wax into the mold so that it pops out of all the detailed corners easily. (??) House on the Hill has this mold release spray which claims to work well for wax.
Because the House on the Hill molds are pricey, but of such lovely quality, could you consider just one or maybe two for the first year? I know you mentioned making some for the staff, but I can't help thinking what a wonderful family tradition this would be to begin!!!! Gathering the leftover beeswax candles from church and melting them into Christmas ornaments! I just can't think of a better way to recycle the leftover wax! It's positively inspiring! I've been saving all the beeswax candle stubs that we use, from our blessed candles, and I think this would be a fitting way to reuse them! And just think what family treasures these special molds could be! They could be treasured family heirlooms that you consider passing on, one to each child, at the time they get married.
Fantastic idea, Tami! I'm so glad you asked about it! I hope someone with more experience with wax molds chimes in because I'm sitting here with my pen and my little notebook ready to take notes! 
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Non Nobis
Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
|
| Posted: Sept 28 2011 at 12:39pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I forgot to add - KHLMolds has some plastic molds, not nearly the quality of the House on the Hill Molds, but not nearly the price either. She mentions they are suitable for beeswax with low temp melting.
Edited to add that there are some other nice ones in the Miscellaneous section - a nativity scene, a couple of angel molds, and a nice bird with nest scene that would also be nice.
__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: Sept 28 2011 at 1:14pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
this is a little bit off topic.. because I know nothing about making wax ornaments, but Jen's suggestion of having an ornament for each child to take with them reminded me of this article and I thought it might be fun to read about The 12 traditional ornamants for a new bride when you're considering what molds to get.
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
MaryM
Board Moderator
Joined: Feb 11 2005
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13104
|
| Posted: Sept 28 2011 at 1:33pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
The House on the Hill molds are indeed gorgeous. Haven't taken that step yet though. Did want to say that I wrote an article on making Christmas beeswax ornaments for O Night Divine blog a few years ago. You can use very simple and inexpensive candy plasitc molds for this and they turn out very pretty as well. There are many possibilities.
There are links in teh psots to some companies and I'll link some of the other supply places later, too.
__________________
Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Tami
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 27 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1066
|
| Posted: Sept 29 2011 at 8:59pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thank you all for the links and input. I can't wait to start reading and get this project underway.
I'll update along the way…
__________________
God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Christmas themed candle molds
