Hi there!
This blogs pic is a throwback to 2006 (almost 20 years ago!) when I made these beauties for retail sale in local shops. I didn't have my own shop so sold them to gift shops around Manitoba. They were so pretty! I can remember that these were actually a mistake when I was trying to create another technique from a book (there wasn't too much internet back then so inspiration/instructions came mostly from books). They turned out so neat that I tweaked my mistake even more and ended up with my original Hartmont Signature candle.
I tell this story simply because the process of creating these candles to be ready to sell was approximately a year. It was difficult to get the lines of color swirling in wax like I wanted them too without becoming muddy and it was even harder to get a more smooth finish on the exterior of the candle shell. There was ALOT of trial and error! As I am taking my next steps into creating my own glass products for use with candles, I am finding that this too is taking alot of time to even know how to start and it is a major struggle to find a space in which to do so. I am figuring out all of these things but it is taking time. I was hoping to be much more advanced in the process by this point but alas, it is to be a slow and arduous process. But, just like these beautiful candles, I feel that my end glass products will be equally as unique and beautiful. I will keep you posted when things become worthy of looking at. Thanks for bearing with me on this process. It's going to be a lengthy journey!
In the meantime, I am filling candle and soap orders but am switching up boxing and packaging in the process so there may be a few delays as I wait for boxing to come in and as I figure out what boxing works to get the candles arriving to you safely. I haven't done this upgrade for many years and had forgotten how frustrating it was to take such care to package items to only have them arrive shattered. It is all part of my buying Canadian sourced supplies, including packaging. With my specific sizing requirements, it makes it challenging but I felt it was a process definitely worth doing.
And then while doing this all, I am upgrading my woodwicks for easier lighting while sourcing another Canadian supplier for those woodwicks. It is all part of staying as uniquely Canadian as possible and a struggle that I am very willing to take on. By buying Canadian, I am reducing costs and supporting local and I love passing those savings onto you! My new reducing pricing reflects that and I am very pleased to be able to offer that to my customers.
In other cost reductions, I am finding that it is cost saving for me to ship only on Saturdays now (after Nov 1st) so for the next 5 months I will be switching to Saturday shipping only (UPS & Canada Post). I have been shipping orders within a few days previously so some customers may notice the difference. It is simply me shipping on one day a week instead of travelling to drop of parcels daily. Please remember that I have set it up so I mostly have to make candles to fill orders now (I need to have the space and can't have as much stock on hand) which means I'm making during the week to fill orders and shipping on Saturday. The time saved on travel, means that I've got more time to make and that's always a good thing!
And finally, due to all of the above changes, I will be making my Christmas guarantee cut off to be November 29th this year. Even as I type this I wonder what new event will happen to delay shipping during the holidays (it seems like there's always something). I feel that end of November should be safe to order by and receive your parcel by Dec 24th. Of course, you can order in December but it will be taking your chances on exactly when your parcel arrives. No pressure, but please try to do your online shopping with me this month for the holidays. Part of handmade does mean giving me the time to hand make your items specifically for you.
And with that, we are into November! Thank you always for your continued support! I am always so grateful and honored with your orders and kind words that you send my way. I do miss coming out to shows to see you in person but sadly, I feel that this is a way of selling that is in the past for me. As I take on more breakable items that I create, I cannot see transporting them to shows in the future. I am working on having my own home studio (separate from the house) where you can come and shop with me in person, here on Salt Spring Island. Won't that be fun?!? I'm definitely looking forward to when that happens! Stay tuned!
Sending all of my love,
Lana