You know that show on the Science Channel called How It's Made? I'm kind of obsessed. I just think it's fascinating to learn how so many of the things we take for granted—from Q-tips to couscous—are actually made. Candles are another one. We've all bought the cheap kind, and paid for it in the process, whether with smoke marks on the ceiling or a tablecloth full of wax. Well, smack dab in the middle of the country, in Kansas City, Missouri, there's a group of artisans still making candles the old-fashioned way. They're called Creative Candles, and as a magazine editor, I've been using them for years. Everything about their candles—the craftsmanship, the attention to detail, and especially the colors—are fantastic!
Last month, while Jaithan and I were doing a series of flower workshops at the candle factory, we had a chance to learn firsthand how they're made. The building itself went from an old, distribution warehouse for electronics to a place where beautiful candles are crafted by hand.
I love all the layers of wax on the floor, like a cool, modernist painting.
The celebration candles (1/4-inch tapers in 6- and 15-inch lengths) are super chic, especially on cakes and cupcakes. Here's a rack of hot pink, 72 connected pairs in all! These I can see on a decadent chocolate cake decorated with pink garden roses on a hotel silver cake pedestal. And the black ones will definitely be making an appearance on the Halloween special this fall, so stay tuned!
Did you know that Creative Candles are the artisans behind such private label candles as Pottery Barn, Bloomingdale's and Simon Pearce? With a little luck, there might even be a package with my own name on it come holiday!
Finally, a moment with our favorite Kansas City candlemakers, Pam Fleischer and Ken Weiner. Both have been such loyal friends and colleagues, and I want to thank them so much for the exciting, insider tour.
For the full photo album from the factory floor, including lots of great captions on how all their tapers, votives and pillars are crafted by hand, click here. Then, for the next two weeks, if you want to pick up a few of your own for birthdays, holidays and everyday entertaining, visit Creative Candles, enter EDDIE09 at checkout, and you'll receive 15% off any purchase of $50 or more! Finally, the part you've been waiting for...
To enter a giveaway for a fantastic taper gift set with 4 pairs of 1/2-inch by 12-inch tapers in honeysuckle, together with 2 modern glass candle holders, simply leave a comment!
Love their candles! Pick me!
Posted by: Sylvia Smith | August 24, 2009 at 04:56 PM
These candles are so beautiful. I love the way a candle lit room makes the atmosphere magical and special.
Posted by: Ellen | August 24, 2009 at 04:37 PM
Loved this story Eddie - keep up the good "insider" stories - I know you will have your own line of candles with them some day!! Lisa
Posted by: NenaghGal | August 24, 2009 at 08:46 AM
As always, I love to see the endorsement of lovely hand-crafted goods. It's such a shame that they seem to be disappearing so rapidly these days. Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Suzanne | August 23, 2009 at 07:57 PM
i love checking your blog to see what you are up to! you are such an inspiration and i love candles too!!
Posted by: Ellice | August 23, 2009 at 05:11 PM
I remember making candles as a child on a field trip to a Shaker Village and absolutely loved it. What a lost art.
Posted by: Elle | August 23, 2009 at 03:15 PM
I received these candles as a wedding favor last night. How timely!
Posted by: Amy | August 23, 2009 at 01:21 AM
Hope I'm not too late!
Posted by: joy! | August 22, 2009 at 06:10 PM
What beautiful candles! I love your blog...
Posted by: Annie | August 22, 2009 at 09:54 AM
This is a simple beautiful set! I agree with you, fuschia (sp?) is the best color. I like it with lime or deep maroon. The last time I attempting candle-making, I forgot myself and poured part of the extra wax down the sink. Fortunately, I caught the mistake quickly and remedied the goof with hot water. I think I'll stick to just buying candles. Thanks for the contest!
Posted by: Sheryl | August 21, 2009 at 08:03 PM
It's dark in here, I need some light!!
Posted by: The Countess of Nassau County | August 21, 2009 at 07:21 PM
Great giveaway guys!
Posted by: layersofmeaing | August 21, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Beautiful candles and great tour. It's nice to see how they're made.
Posted by: Marcie | August 21, 2009 at 11:57 AM
Pick Me! Pick Me! I love you both!!!
Posted by: Marge | August 21, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Pick Me! Pick Me! I love you both!
Posted by: Marge | August 21, 2009 at 10:55 AM
How nice of you!
Posted by: marylu2 | August 21, 2009 at 10:31 AM
What a fantastic candle source! I will definitely be using these guys in the future..... love the elegant tapering
Posted by: Lindsey E. | August 21, 2009 at 09:48 AM
Love candles!! I burn them often.
Posted by: Dixie | August 21, 2009 at 09:39 AM
Thank you for this source!!! These candles are wonderful. Hot pink is my favorite, so I love these. My daughter's favorite color is lavender/periwinkle. Maybe sometime they will do that color too.
I would love these honeysuckle candles!!
Posted by: Judy | August 20, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Thanks for getting us the discount. Hope it isn't too late to join the fray for the candles. Most of my house is painted this same soft color, and I'd love the candles.
Posted by: Joyce Bentley | August 20, 2009 at 10:49 PM
beautiful! i would love to have these.
and thanks for all the inspiring stories! :)
Posted by: kjl | August 20, 2009 at 10:10 PM
I love the candles!
Posted by: angie | August 20, 2009 at 08:48 PM
Simply....lovely!
Posted by: sherri | August 20, 2009 at 07:42 PM
pick me! thanks, eileen
Posted by: eileen | August 20, 2009 at 04:26 PM
Pretty! I hope I win!
Posted by: lisa | August 20, 2009 at 04:13 PM
Oh how lovely! I am sure we all know the torments from cheap candles! Yuck! These would be such a treat for anyone.
Posted by: Katie | August 20, 2009 at 01:23 PM
I love honeysuckle. Beautiful candles-Thanks for sharing the pictures. I love to know how things are made-Moderm Marvels on the History Channel is the show I always watch. I will have to see if I have the Science Channel because I think I would like How It's Made just as much.
Posted by: Tara | August 20, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Those candles look amazing! What a cool tour to go on. Awesome.
Posted by: Erica | August 20, 2009 at 12:04 PM
So beautiful for fall when everyone wants to feel cosy again...
Posted by: Bee Balm Gal | August 20, 2009 at 12:01 PM
thank you so much for sharing your photos - what a great tour!
Posted by: Stacilyn | August 20, 2009 at 11:41 AM
beautiful! yes, please!
Posted by: Brittany | August 20, 2009 at 11:37 AM
What beautiful candles. Count me in the giveaway. I love reading your blog and seeing what you are doing.
Posted by: Debra | August 20, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Hi Eddie
I have been fascinated with candles for as long as I can remember. When I was a boy at home I ordered a candle making kit from "Lee Wards" (no longer around I think) and with my Mother's help began my quest for candle making. I still love candles. I would be like a kid in a candy store in Creative Candles. Thanks Eddie. Ciao!
Posted by: ralphie | August 20, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Beautiful! Count me in for the giveaway. :)
Posted by: Juice | August 20, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Thanks for the opportunity to win these beautiful candles. I would love some!
Posted by: Julie Earnest | August 20, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Doesn't everyone love candles? These are gorgeous. Count me in!
Posted by: Snap | August 20, 2009 at 09:08 AM
These are so beautiful! Just in time too because I need new candles for my mantle, maybe I'll have to spice it up with some hot pink ones :)
Posted by: LindsB | August 20, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Love this entry on the candles...who knew that they made them for some of my favorite stores?! Love your blog!!
Posted by: Laura | August 20, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Beautiful -- the color of old scrimshaw or the yellowed pages of a book. Love them, and your blog. You and Jaithan should be very proud.
Posted by: Nick | August 20, 2009 at 02:27 AM
I am still SO sad that I missed you in Kansas City:( pink puffy heart the fabulous candles. The color is perfect for a great fall display!
Posted by: suzanne | August 20, 2009 at 01:54 AM
These are beautiful candles. I love the variety of colors!
Posted by: Erin | August 19, 2009 at 11:11 PM
Love the candles...thanks for the beautiful giveaway!
Posted by: Cathy | August 19, 2009 at 09:58 PM
Who was it in Elle Decor who loves their gray candles? Love the blog Eddie.
Posted by: shoshana | August 19, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Oh those tapers are so very sleek and elegant. I once almost burned the house down making candles. I think I'll leave that now to the experts!
Posted by: Nancy in California | August 19, 2009 at 08:10 PM
This was such a treat to read! I love candles. I'd love to be entered into the drawing.
Posted by: Rhea | August 19, 2009 at 07:39 PM
thanks! i want to enter the contest!
Posted by: Amy Tai | August 19, 2009 at 07:16 PM
Beautiful! I bet it was a lovely tour, I'd love to be entered into the drawing.
Posted by: Artie | August 19, 2009 at 07:10 PM
I'm glad your back from your Halloween trip. I love your closet bar. I'm taking note I have a dumbwaiter I've been trying to turn into a bar for years. Thanks for a chance to win the candles.
Posted by: Beth | August 19, 2009 at 07:01 PM
Thanks for sharing how these candles are made. My dad made bayberry candles in a very old mold once when I was a little girl. they smelled heavenly and lasted forever. The bayberry grew at our neighbors house and I remember picking lots of those waxy berries. Making the candles was a lot of work which is probably why he only made on batch of them.
I could think of tons of ways to use these beautiful candles.
Posted by: Karin | August 19, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Fascinating to see the candle factory. I love the amazing color selection!
Posted by: Thom | August 19, 2009 at 05:28 PM
Didn't win the spoons
Maybe I will win candles?
Eddie Ross pick me!
Here is a little haiku entry. :)
Posted by: Mandinka | August 19, 2009 at 05:23 PM
OH OH OH! I HOPE I WIN! I've heard great things baout these candles and would LOVEt o try them! They would make my fireplace glow magnificiantly!
Posted by: Sarah | August 19, 2009 at 04:43 PM
In love with the celebration candles and can barely wait to get some for the future! Thank you for the fabulous tour!
Posted by: Audra Blair | August 19, 2009 at 04:34 PM
all those beautiful colors!
Posted by: Jodi | August 19, 2009 at 04:02 PM
Lovely, lovely, lovely! I am a candle horde - they're taking up all the space in my linen closet, ha!
However, I'm of the belief that one can never have too many candles - so I must enter the giveaway & let it be known that I must win... Seriously. These would be ideal for my next little dinner party - how wonderful would it smell?!?
Mmm... Honeysuckle = perfection.
Thanks, I'm crossing my fingers :-)
~ A
Posted by: Arlynn from Fleur De Licious | August 19, 2009 at 03:47 PM
The only thing missing is th ewondrful candle wax smell.
Posted by: Beverly | August 19, 2009 at 03:15 PM
How fantastic! I sure would like to win these beauties!
Posted by: Sharyn Mraz | August 19, 2009 at 03:00 PM
These candles are so beautiful and nothing beats the glow of candlelight! Thanks for sharing your tour and thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Maureen | August 19, 2009 at 02:52 PM
I love Honeysuckle. we had some growing on the wall of our garage in my childhood home in Jersey.
Posted by: Jean | August 19, 2009 at 02:45 PM
oh yes, please! these are lovely!
Posted by: Belle on Heels | August 19, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Thanks, Eddie for all your wonderful ideas, tablescapes and journeys to all the wonderful places you visit! I have learned so much and I know that vintage is not gone at all! You have renewed it to a new height. Those candles are gorgeous and I can smell the honeysuckle as my Dad grew a vine on the arch going into my childhood home in The Bronx!
Posted by: Maureen aka Mao | August 19, 2009 at 02:10 PM
I love your blog, and I have got to get some of these candles to decorate around my new house!
Posted by: Meghan | August 19, 2009 at 01:20 PM
Absolutly love the blog and the great informative post. Love using candles to adorn my parties tables! The honeysuckle color scheme you picked is adorable!
Posted by: Stephanie | August 19, 2009 at 01:04 PM
So nice to learn about this company and their beautiful candles. That floor is amazing - one could do a whole photo series of the floor alone.
Count me in for the draw please. I could use a little pick-me-up!!
xo Terri
Posted by: Terri | August 19, 2009 at 12:50 PM
I always wondered who made the pottery candles! Also, the scissors in that picture are beautiful!
Posted by: Katy | August 19, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I love, love, love the candle colors-especially the hot pink!
Thanks for keeping us so inspired with your blog!
Posted by: Barbara Ann | August 19, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Those are such a lovely colour!
Posted by: Shauna | August 19, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Love candles....and now I know to only buy the "good" ones.
Posted by: Lorraine Kisch | August 19, 2009 at 11:58 AM
I've been searching for some hot pink candles. Now I know where I can get them. Thanks for the post Eddie.
Posted by: Alicia | August 19, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Fabulous! I remember seeing Creative Candles for the first time on your bday cake on Top Design and loving their shape!
Posted by: Sarah (Matters of Style) | August 19, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Eweee, pick me, pick me.
Posted by: Jena Simms | August 19, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Eddie, you're right. We do take too many things for granted. Thanks for this look at a fascinating company that makes beautiful things. Now, send the candles. . . .
Posted by: Anne | August 19, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Love the candles, would love to win.
Can't wait to see your show on HGTV.
Posted by: nancy | August 19, 2009 at 10:24 AM
thanks fo rthe insider look!
Posted by: Brian | August 19, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Beautiful candles, gorgeous colors. Looking forward to a little shopping thanks to your 15% discount. I'd, of course, love to try out the honeysuckle tapers you're offering as well. Thanks for the intro. to this wonderful manufacturer.
Posted by: MicheleFromBoston | August 19, 2009 at 10:01 AM
I hadn't heard of Creative Candles before, but appreciate you bringing this great company ~ and their products ~ to our attention. Beautiful, quality candles are wonderful to use, whether you're sitting alone enjoying a good book and glass of wine, or using them to highlight a dinner party table. Thanks also for the link to them.
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn Rounds | August 19, 2009 at 09:46 AM
Beautiful candles!
Posted by: Melaka | August 19, 2009 at 09:42 AM
Eddie, I'm so glad ya'll got to tour the factory. Talk about loveliness!! even the floor is cool. We love "How It's Made" here too...me and my boys, 12 and 9. We've seen how simple everyday balloons get made...fascinating. Love your giveaway and can't wait to see if you get your name on a lovely!! Thought about you on our road trip to N.C. cause I got to shop for dishes and silver pieces. :-)
Posted by: Denise West | August 19, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Great giveaway Eddie! Keep up the good work.
Posted by: jan | August 19, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Thank you for sharing this resource. I am so frustrated by poor quality candles--look forward to trying this in all the scrumptious colors.
Listened to Jaithan and you interviewed by the gals from The Skirted Roundtable--how much fun were you having! Aren't they terrific? Such an innovative extension of the blogging world.
Posted by: Cindy McMahon | August 19, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Eddie & Jaithan - thank you for continuing to share your great ideas and fantastic resources!
Posted by: Damion | August 19, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Honeysuckle, did you say? A perfect color as we say good bye to summer and hello autumn. I love their candles! Thanks and enjoy! xoxo
Posted by: Joyce | August 19, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Really enjoyed the tour pictures. Would enjoy having those honeysuckle tapers even more! Those would look great in my dining room with my spicy nutmeg wall color. :)
And, I am so getting those hot pink celebration candles! :) Thanks to Creative Candles for allowing your fans a discount!!
Posted by: Melissa Irvin | August 19, 2009 at 09:09 AM
the candle story and the colors are wonderful...no surprise coming from you...
thank you...nina
Posted by: nina v | August 19, 2009 at 09:00 AM
Lovely candles. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Kimberly | August 19, 2009 at 08:51 AM
Eddie,
I have been a fan since I saw you on Martha's show last fall. I almost go into withdrawal when you are away and too busy to post. Many of your design suggestions are now being used in my own abode. By the way, do you do weddings???????? Next April?????????? Beautiful Kentucky?????????
Posted by: Jay | August 19, 2009 at 08:28 AM
You make my day every time I see a pop up on my email saying you have a new posting. Especially love your flea market tours and finds. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Louise | August 19, 2009 at 08:24 AM
I absolutely adore these candles! I can just imagine how beautifully it would compliment my dining room table with the blue toile table cloth I have on it right now.
Thank you for sharing this tour with us!
Posted by: Gloria | August 19, 2009 at 08:09 AM
Candelaborate!
Posted by: Anne | August 19, 2009 at 08:06 AM
The colors are gorgeous! So vibrant and ready for a party.
Posted by: KateRose | August 19, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Lately, I have been "burning both ends"- so I need some new candles to taper myself!
Posted by: pve | August 19, 2009 at 07:36 AM
How neat is that floor art? Love to win the candles to create a romatic evening. Congrats on your own label!
Posted by: Mary | August 19, 2009 at 07:24 AM
Thanks for showing us these candles!
The colors are fabulous!
I'd love to have the rust and cream ones for fall. I will be visiting their site.
Posted by: Eloise | August 19, 2009 at 07:08 AM
Thanks for a great blog and sharing your projects. LOVE THEM!!
Posted by: Chris | August 19, 2009 at 06:50 AM
Hi Eddie and Jaithan, Welcome back to "Blog World", like Wendy, I too missed you very much! Glad you had a good time in KCMO! What lovely candles they make at Creative Candles. I love candles and the glow they give. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine! Love to you both
Posted by: Frances Jackson | August 19, 2009 at 02:33 AM
This is just what I need-off to use the discount now and crossing my fingers for the draw. Thanks Eddie, love your blog.
Posted by: Linda | August 19, 2009 at 02:26 AM
What beautiful candles! They would look stunning in my house! ;)
Posted by: Molly | August 19, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Hi Eddie and Jaithan,
Love those top-quality candles and so excited that you'll have your own label from the best! Great factory tour.
Congrats on the Real Simple piece too. Your adventures keep moving dreams into reality!
xoxo
Evy
Posted by: Evelyn Weiss | August 18, 2009 at 11:53 PM
of course I'll leave a message! I would love 2 win!!!
Posted by: lakeitha | August 18, 2009 at 11:52 PM
I was so sad to miss the class and tour when you and Jaithan were here in Kansas City. Well....my birthday is next week!! It would be so fun to win!
Posted by: Karena | August 18, 2009 at 11:15 PM