If you’ve joined one of our candle making classes, you know it’s more than just wax and fragrance, it’s an experience. Each candle is hand-poured by you, into one of our extra large jars, and it deserves a little TLC to make the most of its life (and smell).

Here’s how to burn it like a pro, care for it properly, and even what to do when the last flicker fades.

The First Burn Sets the Tone

The first burn is so important! For our XL Jar, the initial burn should be 4 full hours. This helps the wax melt all the the way to the edge of the jar, setting the “memory” for an even burn in the future.

A slight overhang (just a few millimetres) is totally normal - it will usually catch up on the second or third burn. Just make sure it’s not more than a few millimetres.

Below is a perfect example of how tunnelling starts. The wax didn’t melt all the way to the edges, which creates a narrow ring that gets deeper each time you light it. To avoid this, always burn your Sydney Creative candle for a full 4 hours the first time- or until the melt pool reaches right to the sides. A clean, even top now means better burns (and scent) later!

Burn Smart, Burn Safe

To get the full 50+ hour burn time and avoid tunnelling or sooting, follow these quick tips:

• Trim the wick to around 5mm before each burn
• Always burn for 4 hours at a time (max)
• Place it away from drafts or fans
• Stop burning once there's 1cm of wax left at the bottom (this prevents the glass from overheating)

Getting That Last Bit of Wax Out

Once your candle has burned down, leave about 1cm of wax at the bottom and let the jar return to room temperature. Once the jar is at room temp, pop it in the freezer overnight. The wax will harden and shrink away from the sides, making it easier to get out.

The next day, simply turn the jar upside down, hold it in one hand, and give the base a firm tap with the palm of your hand. The wax should pop out. Use a spoon to gently lift out the metal wick tabs if needed.

Finish with a quick rinse in warm soapy water, and your jar is clean and ready for its next life.

What To Do With Your Empty Jar

We love seeing how our customers reuse their candle jars. Some of our favourite ideas include:

• Paintbrush holder (especially handy for our art class regulars!)
• Makeup brush or eyeliner organiser
• Pen holder for your desk
• Dangly earring stand – the rim is perfect for shepherd hook earrings to hang neatly

About Refills...

We get asked about candle refills all the time. While we love the idea, we’re currently holding off as there’s some concern about how heat exposure over time may affect the integrity of the glass. And your safety is our top priority.

Disclaimer:

These care instructions are designed specifically for the XL candles made in our workshops only. Every candle is different - smaller jars, different waxes, or commercial candles may have different burn guidelines. Always follow the manufacturer’s advice for other candles, and never leave any candle unattended while burning.

Made something beautiful in class? We’d love to see how you're using it or styling your jars, tag us on Instagram!