So you want to create a custom candle

I’ve been getting a lot of people reaching out lately interested in the process of making a custom candle. And yay! I love that you are interested in that. And I want to set you up with reasonable expectations. I don’t keep a price list available to send over email, because making the custom candle is truly a collaboration. We get take your vision and form something new together.

If creating a custom candle has crossed your mind, I want to share my top 5 questions to start thinking about to see if you are ready to set up a call.

1. Why do you want to create a custom candle? I think this question is really important and will help figure out if there is something already available that you can source, or if going down the custom route is the right fit for you! I’ve created these for weddings, baby showers, boutiques - everyone has their own reason! I can’t wait to hear why you are interested.

2. What quantity are you hoping you purchase, and will it be re-occurring? As a rule of thumb, the lower the quantity purchased, the higher the purchase price per unit is going to be. This has to do with sourcing raw materials in small quantities. It’s like going to a small independent grocery store and purchasing an item verses going to Costco and getting the same item at the same cost but in a giant size. It’s not that the independent store is jacking up the price, it’s that Costco can purchase large quantities and pass along the savings to you. Once we figure out if it’s a one time purchase or re-occurring we can figure out if we can source unique and harder to get materials, or if we should opt for something that has a reliable supply train.

3. What aesthetic do you want to create? From color, to jar size, to accessories - This helps us find your vibe! Do you like lids? Pretty packaging? Easy to ship? We can figure out the things that matter to you. Start saving pictures and inspiration so we can look through it together.

4. What fragrances are you thinking you’d like to showcase? Fragrance is unique to each person, and I can help coach you to find fragrances that are appealing to many people while also staying in the budget. I use clean burning oils and 100% soy wax and I will never use inferior toxic products to reduce the price.

5. Are you expecting Aldi or Target prices? What I mean is do you want an extra large candle for under $5 wholesale price? If that’s your goal, I can point you in the direction of some mass produced candles that can achieve that price point. And while that response may feel snarky or harsh, I’ve had a lot of people recently ask me to create them custom candles at an unrealistic price. I will never be able to match the big box stores. What I create is small batch handcrafted goods. I source things at higher prices because I am a small business buying smaller quantities, I am using quality goods which demand a higher price, and everything is made by me. If you follow me or know me, integrity is really important to me, I would never over charge my consumers who are my supportive family and friends. I put in a lot of work this year to understand all the aspects of my products and business, and if we have a starting point of what you want to pay per unit with the quantities, we can backwards plan to make sure we can create something unique and that you’ll be happy with. I like us to think about your wholesale range to purchase in bulk, which can adjust depending on the size, wick type, jar, and accessories (lids, boxes, etc).

Morgan from Revival Furniture Co. has created two custom candles with me in 2023, and shared her thoughts:

Once I was introduced to Erika at Tura Lura Co. and realized how much passion she had behind her work - the creation of my own candles for my shop was so easy. It really elevates my brand to have a product unique to the shop with every single element of my candles hand selected and carefully crafted. Even when I proposed a rough concept idea, Erika immediately guided me through and created something incredible. On top of the creative process, the quality of her products is unmatched - the scents fill a room and my customers keep coming back for more!

If creating a custom candle is something that you have been thinking about, please reach out! I’d love to set up a call with you to explore this further with you. I am booking conversations for August 2023, which is just in time for the fall candle season :)

Laying a solid foundation

We moved into our home, three years ago, knowing we needed to do a lot of DIY projects (and maybe hire out some things that are out of our scope as we could save up money). As busy parents and educators, amidst a global pandemic that changed everything, we started to chip away at some items on our home list that we could fully fund and DIY ourself.

Our deck is 30 years old, it’s as old as the house. We could tell there was an effort to paint it, probably right before it went on the market. After a year of living here, the deck was in horrible condition.

I took it upon myself to carve out time 2 summers ago to redo it. Matt was still really busy with the Ph.D., so I was on my own. A light sand and power wash, primer, and the absolute best deck paint that adheres to anything. It took weeks. It was expensive. But the before and after transformation was phenomenal. We actually started using our deck!

And then shortly after, it started peeling. And it wasn’t peeling the layer of paint I had just put on, it was pulling off the paint before it.

Why? Because the person before me didn’t lay a solid foundation. They slapped on paint over a stain, maybe unknowingly. Which will (and did) separate. The foundation to build on looked ok, but the process revealed some issues.

So this summer we begin scraping. Pulling off layers to get to the wood. The next steps will include items to completely strip, then sand the wood raw. There will be repairs, and then we will see how to seal. Because the wood is still viable. It needs some serious TLC, some deep travels down YouTube and the internet to research, and mostly our time to bring it back to a finished product.

In our family, we don’t half do things. If we are going to do something, we are going to do it well. It’s going to take time and energy, and we are satisfied when it is done correctly.

That drive transfers over into the business. Everything I do, I am giving you my best. Being a DIY and creative means that I have to appreciate the process. Sometimes things don’t turn out as expected. We learn and grow as we make, and I will take the time to learn and adjust.

So keep an eye on the progress we make on my Instagram stories. This deck is a beast. But I can’t wait to see the transformation.

Let’s Talk vinyl

I remember the first time I saw someone make a custom vinyl wallpaper, I was so intrigued! And it felt like something out of reach for a DIY. But... it's not.

You just need a few pieces of equipment. On the tech side you need a phone or computer that can access a design platform, and a vinyl cutter with software, and just a few items. Gather you materials to cut and weed the vinyl and have some fun!

Things you need:

• Design platform (I use Canva)

• Vinyl Cutter (I use Cricut) with design software (Cricut Design Space comes free)

• Vinyl

• Mat to cut

• Transfer tape

• Weeding tools (this bundle has everything you need)

Process to create your custom vinyl:

• Create a saying or picture on Canva

• Save the design with transparent background

• Upload design to Cricut Design Space

• Cut design on Cricut, following instructions on Cricut Design Space

• Weed vinyl with weeding tools

• Transfer vinyl to transfer tape

• Place on desired surface and rub on

• Remove transfer tape carefully

• Tada! Your custom vinyl is complete

I use permanent vinyl, however I have learned that it does not stand the test of time unsealed (specifically in the dishwasher with regular use or with a lot of wear and tear with travel). I’ve learned that you can put a sealant on it over concrete, on wood, or on walls to keep it more secure. Look at the type of sealant works with the material you are placing it on, and add a layer or two (preventing it from peeling).

Watch below as I add vinyl to a check out counter for my upcoming Candle Pour Bars on the road! Interested in joining? Click here for details.

Create a custom check out stand with me!

This list contains affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through the link on the site at no additional cost to you. I only link to things I use and love, and purchase with my own money, nothing was sponsored or gifted.