I recently decided to try a local craft store selection of candle making supplies. Hobby Lobby is about the only store left in this area that offers candle making supplies. Their line of products is labeled with the “Crafty Candles” name. I spent approximately $30.00 and purchased the following: 2 – 1 pound boxes of food grade paraffin wax, 1- 4 pound melting pot, 1 – 4 ounce bag of vybar, 1 package of liquid red, blue and yellow liquid dye ( ¼ ounce each), 1 bottle of midnight scent ( ½ ounce bottle), and 1 package (10 count) of 2 ¼ inch pre-tabbed wicks.

My biggest consternation of these products began with the wax. There was no melt point listed so there was no real way of knowing what this wax was best used for. Luckily I was making poured votives (poured straight into the glass instead of using a mold) so it was okay. I have not attempted to use the wax again so I have not tested it in a mold. Labeling was also an issue with the Vybar. I have no idea if it was 103 or 260. I guess even if I did it wouldn’t have mattered since I didn’t know the melting point of my wax! The wax melted smoothly and I brought it to a medium temperature of 140 degrees. I added drops of 20 blue and 5 drops of red. The liquid dye did blend well into the wax but getting a deep color was probably not possible. I was hesitant to add more color to attempt to achieve the desired color but was considered with the affect that much liquid dye could have on the wax. Again, a labeling issue with the scent as no flash point was listed. So I had no idea at what temperature the scent could be ruined at. I let the temperature cool to 130 degrees and added the scent. I had already prepped my jars by warming them in a 150 degree oven and then using a glue gun to attach the wick tabs to the bottom of the jar. I poured the wax and began the cool process. I did two more pours to try to even the tops. I let my candles sit about 12 hours before beginning a test burn. I tested one votive the next day and got a good melt pool. The wick did mushroom and the scent throw was non-existent. The 3 ounce votive burned for approximately 20 hours which was impressive. As I went to get another candle to burn I noticed serious settling issues in the last three votives. They were deeply caved in in the center and needed more pours to create a level top.

Overall I was not impressed with the product line up from Hobby Lobby. Overall it was more expensive than my normal suppliers and was of poor quality. I can see myself using the wax for emergency candles, but not for my candles to sale. So if you just want to make some quick, plain, unscented candles Hobby Lobby may not be a bad resource for you. If you are an avid candle maker or planning to go into business for yourself, I cannot recommend Hobby Lobby as a supplier.

I purchased these products with my personal money and received no compensation for this review.