Hibiscus Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 You are awesome! someone asked if I could carve candles and as much as I want to it would be like making those darn beaded flowers when they are done it's so very hard to part with them! Those are all so beautiful. I've only read a little about them. Are they difficult and time consuming? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lindsaycb Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Oh those are simply incredible! I would like to know really how long does it take you? I'm assuming you dip multiple candles all at the same time & carve them together to get them to look alike, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwinMom Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Those are soooo cool. I love them. Where can someone get instructions to even try and attempt one of those???? I would love to 'try" my hand at one of those. The key word is try....lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aspencreek Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 WOW, I am totally impressed. You really are doing great at craving. I still can't believe that you have only been doing this for a short time and look at your skill already. Very impressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angelwings1 Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Those are very beautiful. I love them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Dallas_Texas_Dean Posted August 30, 2006 Author Share Posted August 30, 2006 Thank you all SO MUCH for your generous words and encouragement. It is something I have discovered that I love doing.....but in my opinion, MUCH easier than getting a container wicked properly or getting a fragrance oil to throw well enough to please me. Grumpy.....I would say that it takes me about 30 minutes to do each one. That includes the dipping process. Some of them are dipped up to 25 times....some not so many.....that part takes the time. Once the candle has been dipped, you have to move fairly quickly because the candle starts cooling. After a few candles, you learn not to "dilly dally". I think that you have to work on speed first and than work on making them perfect. OFCILYNN- I get my pigments from John at candlefun. I have ordered from BCN as well. craftyinala- I got my instructions from candlefun. I bought all 4 of his videos. It is an easy way for me to learn. Hibiscus- I think that the most difficult part is learning to use the knife ...how to slice...not too thin, not too deep...and to keep it consistent. Working quickly is another challenge. I have a tendency to want everything to be perfect, so in the beginning I wanted to linger too long in each area. Have to just learn from it and move on. lindsaycb- takes me about 30 minutes......and no, you only do one at a time because of the cooling issue. If you dipped multiple candles they would all start cooling and you couldn't do all the necessary cuts. Some of the candles have over 35 cuts, so they have to be done without lingering. The way to get two the same is just to carve them in the same manner, not to carve them at the same time. Makes sense? TwinMom- To my knowledge, other than ordering books, John (www.candlefun.com )is the only one actually teaching candle carving. He has 4 videos but of course they are for teaching using his system. There are several ways to do anything. This is the one I saw first and wanted to learn so I latched on. As you know, there are very few people in the candle making community willing to teach others how to do what they do......for whatever reasons. That goes for any kind of candle. The IGCA convention is the best place to learn IF you prefer structured classes and educators. (which I had been needing and looking for well over a year) There are 4 days and several classes to choose from. ..An awesome opportunity for education junkies. Sure beats the ol' trial and error method that seems to be the only alternative. Of course, there has always been and will continue to be AWESOME information and many helpful people on this and other message boards that are willing to take the time to share their knowledge and help you work through those kinks with your candle and B&B projects. I wouldn't want to leave the impression that THIS is not available! It has been very helpful to me and the people here have been wonderful. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in this to give it a shot. Candle carving is a lot of fun, not THAT difficult and a little different than what you might otherwise be doing. Of course I expect that it will take me years to get to the point where the REAL carvers are at.....but I am happy with the progress I have made in the month I have been doing them. Now, if I could just learn to make a container candle I am proud of! Thanks again everyone.Happy Pouring/Carving!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 They are absolutely beautiful! Congratulations! :smiley2: :smiley2: :smiley2: :smiley2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alajane Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 Add me to your fan club! I, too, have always wanted to learn to do this--thanks for the website, I'm looking forward to checking it out.Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carriegsxr6 Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 I like the candles in the top row of the last pic. They look like angels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 THose a really cool!! I knew I should have gone to that convention damn it. Keep it up! Let's see some more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 WOW!! I sure can't pick a favorite...they are all very beautiful. Good job, be proud of yourself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everito Bandito Posted August 30, 2006 Share Posted August 30, 2006 A natural born candle carver you are. Those really do look great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapbuddy Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 They are beautiful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvcandlecrazy Posted August 31, 2006 Share Posted August 31, 2006 I had wanted to go to that convention, knowing that I might get to have a class or two in some type of candle making skills, but it just wasn't in the cards for me this year~but maybe next time?? And now I know which one I what for sure~WOW and the angel candles you carved are Magnificent!! You can see the "Angel" standing there and that is so Awesome. They are all beautiful candles! Hope you sell them all and if you don't~ you know how to get my address lolSue Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammapajama Posted September 1, 2006 Share Posted September 1, 2006 Gorgeous!! You have mastered them so well.Went to a shop years ago where they were carving right there for the customers. It was amazing to watch! They had a line out the door just to look... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
von691 Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 Those are totally awesome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcandleattic Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 Of course I expect that it will take me years to get to the point where the REAL carvers are at.....but I am happy with the progress I have made in the month I have been doing them.Now, if I could just learn to make a container candle I am proud of!Thanks again everyone.Happy Pouring/Carving!!I've been carving for about 2 years (I go on spurts of a month here, a month there, so not the full 2 years, but I started 2 years ago, I should say) and I am no where near as good as that!! I can make a mean seascape carving, but that's easy. Just a few cuts and a few gouge twists, but your carvings are AMAZING!!Keep up the good work. One of these days when I have a full month to 2 months, I want to do nothing but carve from morning til night to get that good at it! lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sally Posted September 6, 2006 Share Posted September 6, 2006 Michael your candles are beautiful.I once saw a woman demonstrating carving candles , she had been doing it for years & yours are easily as good as hers were.Do you ever burn them?Sally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christy Doc Holley Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: love the butterflies!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mizbizzyb Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 Dang...I haven't visited this section in months...and this is what I am missing!Michael ~ those are awesome!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cozyaromas Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 Michael-I think cut-n-carve is your specialty, I really love butterflies and I think those cut-n-carve butterflies are beautiful. I would love to purchase a couple of those to display as a centerpiece. Don't forget to let us know when you ready to start selling those beautiful creations.Keep up the good work!!!!:highfive: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kimberly Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 OMG Michael...I had no idea your carving talent had progressed this fast! Those are awesome! Vibrant colors!The last set reminds me of a feather duster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisasoaps Posted September 19, 2006 Share Posted September 19, 2006 those are stunning. what a beautiful job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candlebug Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Wow Michael!! I must say you have found your niche in candles! Awesome work! I will be able to brag soon that I was there and knew Michael when he first started doing cut and carve and how I was with him at the IGCA convention where he learned the process!! Very proud you!!Now for the obvious plug for the IGCA conventions. Join up and come to next year's convention, you will learn so much. Just lookie at what Mikey learned! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donita Posted September 23, 2006 Share Posted September 23, 2006 Michael......those are way cool. I haven't had the nerve to try one yet......I have been so in love with Bruce's work.....and now you are up to 47. I should try one but it scares me. Looks too hard for me......but I should do it...right? I won't show anyone because I know it won't be as good as yours.......Donita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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