Technique to ExpressionFrom Technique to Personal ExpressionTechnique to Expression

Once you get used to the techniques involved in candle making, your focus will move from the technical aspect of the process and you will have the time to think more critically about the kind of candle you want to create. This is when technique gives way to expression. At this level, decisions regarding the shape of your candle, the proportions of your scents and how you will finish your candle are no longer dictated by the instructions you are following, but rather by a sense of what works well together.

This doesn’t mean that you are not following any guidelines. In fact, at this level, you have a good understanding of your materials and how they will behave. You know what kinds of experiments are likely to work and what kinds are likely to be a waste of time. Expression doesn’t preclude experimenting with new ideas, but now you have some idea about whether or not those ideas are worth trying.

Often, people like to experiment with different proportions of different scents. This is a good way to start to develop your own style and have fun with the process. Blending different scents can result in interesting and complex fragrances that evoke different emotions. Often, a variation in the proportions can change a candle from an uplifting scent to a calming scent or from a common fragrance to something a bit more unusual. You will have gained enough experience to be able to anticipate the results of your efforts and to know how to achieve the results you want. You will also learn to trust your instincts.

Sometimes, you will make mistakes. But most of the time, you will know what works well together and be able to develop new and interesting combinations. Aesthetics are another way to express your own sense of style. You can play with different surface textures, vessels and finishes. Some of the imperfections that you would have previously tried to eliminate can become part of your unique style, if that’s the kind of look you are going for. The important thing is to be able to recognize when you need to maintain a level of quality and when it’s okay to leave things a bit rough around the edges.

The important thing is to be able to recognize when you need to maintain a level of quality and when it’s okay to leave things a bit rough around the edges.