Newbie looking for kit

[edacsac]

Hi all,

I'm new here and looking for a candle making kit as a Christmas present for my GF. I want to get her a kit and see if she likes it. I've done some searching here, but I guess I have some specific questions.

As far as price is concerned, I like the prices at Dick Blicks:

http://www.dickblick.com/zz614/96/

But the kits seem kinda generic?

I would like to come up with something that would allow her/us to get creative and innovative, but still be in a beginner price range and be easy to expand upon. I had figured get a simple kit, then accent it with extra fragrence, dyes and molds. Or would the kit form peak be better? I guess I'm looking for a kit that allows you to dabble in different styles or creativity? I'd like a kit that would hold interest, but I'm not ready to spend $150+ in case it's really not her thing.

I see there is wax, soy, beeswax and some other waxes. From experience, where would be the best place to start? Pillar? Votive? It would be cool to get both in a kit... I was scratching soy off the list because it uses jars to hold the candles, because in my (inexperienced) mind alot of the "creativity" would show up on the outside of the candle so-to-speak? Are there kits that let you try everything?

I can search for this as well, but any good book recommendations from what I've described above?

Thank you very much!!

[edacsac]

Let me add to or clarify my question after doing some reading:

Can I get a kit that lets you try both container and free standing candles? Like a kit that has supplies for container and votive and pillar, but doesn't duplicate the common supplies?

If I have to choose, I think I'd get a soy container kit, but I'd like a combo kit.

[artcwolf]

I haven't seen a combo package, but if you have a Michael's Arts and Crafts store close to you you will save on shipping. They sell both of those kits for i think $35.99.

They also sell a kit with 3 plastic votive molds, 1 pound of wax, dye, fragrance, thermo, and a pouring pot.

[DonC]

You could always get really creative and put together your own kit from your own supplies. That way, she would have everything you want her to have and it would have a more personal touch as well.......:highfive:

[Valien]

I'm looking picking up a kit from Peak's. They seem to have a nice complete kit and from reading what others here have said it's a good and inexpensive way to start.

I've not checked out Michael's so I can't comment on what they have.

[Breanna]

Hi, my very first kit was a Pillar kit from peaks and it is well worth it as you get a lot with their kits and their Fragrances oils (FO's) are the Best!! JMHO

[Vio]

I was looking into kits and decided against them because I'm going to get wax locally, but Peak has a great soy kit that has tin containers which are pretty forgiving looking if you ask me. It has the 4 pound pouring pot which is a good value and a thermometer. http://www.peakcandle.com/products/Soy-Container-Candle-Starter-Kit__K1004.aspx

[terryb44256]

I started with a votive starter kit from peaks... i found out afterwards that i have a couple of local companies i could have gone to, but after trying some of their scents i found peaks to be a lot better...