Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Bigger and better teardrop candles

I'm sure most crafters would agree that their products are in a constant state of evolution. As your processes improve, or you learn something new, your products improve as well. Candles are no exception, and I'm constantly learning as I go.

Last year I started developing some larger versions of the popular 'mini teardrop' candle. As I was working on these, I realised a few improvements could be made to the original version to help it burn for longer. I made a few prototypes, and did some tests, to discover that they worked best when made 20% larger. So I decided to name this new size the 'small teardrop', and to phase out the mini size, as it wasn't very economic to produce.

















The good news is that the new candles burn for approximately 16 hours, which is about four times as long as the original size. They are currently available at an introductory price of $10 each. This is only a $2 increase from the mini size, and you get a 20% larger candle which lasts four times as long. If you have been eyeing up the mini teardrops for a while now, they are now half price while stocks last. That means a set of 5 is only $20! Get in quick though, because once they are gone, there will be no more.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Happy New Year!

After a very busy leadup to Christmas, I had a lovely break in Nelson over Christmas with my family. We camped in my great-aunt's backyard in Mapua, and made the most of the sunshine. We even managed to miss the boxing day aftershocks.

I attended the Nelson market as a stallholder for the first time, and had a great day soaking up the atmosphere. It was something I'd wanted since I was a teenager, and first started selling candles. I even went in with some family friends once who had a stall, to see what it was like. All I can remember is having to get up at a ridiculously early hour of the morning!

I'm really looking forward to 2011. I hope to continue growing my business, and to earn enough to live off, as I have grown rather used to working for myself! I've got lots of great things planned, so stay tuned to keep up to date.

I have compiled a selection of some of my favourite photos from over the last month or so. Enjoy!

The view south from the front yard of where we were camping.

The view north.

Ruby Bay.

Cable Bay.

The Nelson Market

From A Craft Christmas Market at Goodbye Blue Monday, December 18th.

Gorgeous bird boxes made by the lovely Lindy from Maisons de Birds – A Kiwi Christmas Market, Hokitika.