Becoming A Candle Maker

Perhaps an update with news?  

I've become a candlemaker.   It's been the most wonderful and rewarding side excursion I've taken so far.  Let's chat and I'll share all the details and include what led me to exploring the world of candle making and how wax and wicks are part of the studio today.  There's so much to share...

For today, I'm sharing the story of wax melting and fragrance oils.  Imagine scents as parts of a palette...waiting for mixing to create beautiful aromas.

It all began as a fun hobby in late 2023.  I had curiosity for learning how to pour my own candles.  So, I need to pause here and help you imagine how I begin my creative practice each time I step into my studio. Part of my art making atmosphere is lighting a candle.  A candle for flicker of the flame and a scent to fill the space.  

As I begin the transition into creating, I walk into the room and I turn on the overhead lights, then the downturned spot lights on the picture ledges.  I turn on the strings of twinkle fairy lights.  I start some inspiring music whether it's a playlist of calming piano, classical music, a contemporary playlist of praise music, or a throwback of the easy listening 70's...and then I light a candle to fill the space with one of my favorite scents.  So, in a way, I incorporate all the senses.  Wait, taste?  There's usually a glass of iced green tea placed on the work table beside me.  Today, my chosen scent is Yuzu Blossom (mandarin, bergamot, passionfruit, yuzu citrus, jasmine, sea salt, cedar, and amber) most regularly.

My hand poured coconut soy wax candle.

In years past, I would go shopping for candles and find the prices were so high, the scents were not to my liking, or repurchasing them was impossible when scents were not available.  I grew curious to know whether it might be an enjoyable hobby to pour my own candles in my own kitchen.

I began reading online, researching and watching YouTube videos, purchased a book.  I became excited to begin and then upon learning how much math plays into this craft, I was hesitant.  Could I correctly manage the math and create candles which would burn properly/safely/successfully?  I asked my husband, Tracy for backup in checking over my calculations as I began this new adventure.

I chose coconut soy wax for ease of use; it comes in a bag of thin wax flakes so easy for me to scoop and not need to tax my hands & wrists.  Artist hands to care for, you know.  I chose cotton wicks which work well with this type of wax.  Then began this wonderful immense palette of scent blending.  As I researched further, I learned why my stash of store bought candles were no longer impressing me.  I would light them to use them up and soon after, I found myself irritated by those candles.

My chosen supplies and wax.

What could be the reason?  And the difference?  The wax doesn't have paraffin but I don't know for sure the extent of the difference this makes because I have been so pleased with the coconut soy wax.  One thing I now know is that the fragrance oils I am using are much better choices.  Higher quality oils without phthalate, formulated to lessen the toxins and hormone disrupters which are common in lower quality fragrance oils.  The candles I pour burn so beautifully.  The flame, the golden color of the wax, the clear melt pool, the wax creates very little soot, and the wick is matched so well that the candle burns down to just a bit of wax at the bottom of the jar.  The hot throw (the scent throw when lit) is delightful!  I find myself enjoying my home spaces so much more, no matter the season.

Freshly poured candles.

So, I began learning in 2023 and not long after, when I was satisfied with my first small batches of candles (still being made on my kitchen counter, wax melted by double boiler method), I gave a few candles to a friend, my mom, and my sister.  It was my sister's response which was really encouraging and gave me a boost for the next part of this adventure.  

Fall of 2025, I posed the question to Tracy... What if I started a small candle company?  With the plan of pouring maybe about 50 candles each month.  A few jars of each scent poured by me in small batches.  Post it online and ask who would like to buy some candles.  When the candles sell out, they are gone.  My candle company launched January of 2026.  Needing a company name, I chose Salt & Light Studio Candle Co.   And now my studio officially has a name!  I've always wanted to give my creative adventure space that name and now it's reality.  

Yuzu Blossom in my studio.

As I started setting myself up for a regular pouring routine in the studio, two flat table tops are now dedicated to this project.  No more kitchen and double boiler method.  I purchased a small wax melter and set it up to be able to use various sizes of pour pitchers.  When I'm preparing to pour, I look the part of scientist with protective eyewear and gloves.  The calculator, sticky notes, and pencil are always ready to plan the next pour.

Work area for pouring candles.

I'm finding my favorite scent blends and creating new blends as well.  Which scents are favorites of my repeat customers?  I'm tuning in and keeping notes.  The most recent candle pouring week, I poured small batches in nine different scent blends.  Candles made with this wax blend need 2 weeks curing time so these will be made available the first week of April which is next week.

Some of the scents offered for Spring Edition 2026.

Because there was interest from my customers, I have now added another wax melter.  Next week, scented wax melts will be available in a variety of scent blends.  The wax for that product is coconut wax.

An assortment of scented coconut wax melts.

I am so thrilled with this new addition to my creative outlets.  It's really rewarding to have friends, family, and neighbors as return shoppers.  The fact that the candles and wax melts are being enjoyed is rewarding.  It's a treat to have my own personal candle stash tucked away but even better to know others are finding these hand made items worth buying.

If you're following me on Instagram and/or Facebook, I do try to share some behind-the-scenes tidbits as I am busy in the studio.  These products are available on the Christy Sheeler website so you can browse my hand poured candles and wax melts.  Thank you to all of you who have supported me in this unbelievable joyful new adventure.  It means so much.  I am enjoying this season of imagining the next beautiful scent blend.  Just this week, I went off script and blended two scents of wax melts inspired by my artistic painter frame of mind:  Plein Air Palette and Shoreline Sketch.  Tracy and I mixed and matched scent blotter strips to combine several for new favorites.  Now, to play around with what I might rename Yuzu Blossom...

Until next time,

Christy

-She must make art.

Going Coastal July 2024

The heat of summer has arrived and my thoughts are turning to painting in watercolors with a focus on coastal vibes.  For this class, I am curious to see what each person might choose for their specific subject.  Maybe a single seashell or a beach sunset.  Maybe a palm tree silhouette against a blue sky.  Let's jump into all the details:

This will be another afternoon class, held on Wednesday, July 24th from 2 to 5 pm.  Location is in person, here in my home studio in Conrad, Montana.  I have flat open work space at tables to accommodate 6 people but could probably find room for a few more.  Bring your art supplies and a desire for a few hours of relaxing fun; plan to be encouraged in your own creative journey.  (Don't have your own supplies and unsure whether this class is for you?  Read on and I'll go into that further on below.)  Draw and paint at your own pace.  I will be giving some instruction periodically to grow your skills.  I fully appreciate hearing from you what you would like to take away from the class.  A couple of students in the June classes spoke up with their requests.  It's helpful for me because I really want to personalize the classes based on individual people coming to join me here.  

A Kauai beach, photo taken September 2023.

I announced the single afternoon date for the July class last week on Facebook.  I know not everyone is bound to see that so I am putting this information out here on the blog today.  My next goal is to get an email sent today as well.  Summer can be extremely busy so if this month doesn't have anyone available for that one day, I'll move on to planning for August's class.  I am interested in knowing whether anyone would be interested in evening classes beginning in September.  As the seasons change, our schedules change as well.  

Image courtesy of Canva.

My goal is to make watercolor classes available on a regular basis in a way that offers the opportunity to learn in a way that's positive and focused on learning skills; my secondary goal is to help those in the class understand how this creative journey can be a calming and restorative one.  I would like to be a guide on the path reminding others that it's not really all about the finished artwork.  That is a misconception.  Letting go of the pressure to perform or achieve is a perfect place to begin.  I am not here to make more artists.  You know if you've got an internal desire to create.  You might already have an inkling that you're an artist but have a difficult time accepting that as part of yourself.  You might feel hesitant, like an imposter, unqualified to say you're an artist.  That's one of the symptoms of being an artist.

Image courtesy of Canva.

If you have been feeling like it would be great to find new ways of taking care of yourself in the middle of life stress, the exploration of creating might be a great venture.  You won't know until you try.  "Am I any good at this?" is a question I hear from time to time.  That's not my place to decide.  I am not qualified to to predict or determine who should or can create art.  I will respond with, "are you enjoying yourself?" If you are having a wonderful time, who really cares.  I don't.  I enjoy seeing people light up and relax while holding a brush in hand.  Push some watercolor paint around on paper and at some point you'll forget to care as well.  You'll be so enamored with how playful and spontaneous watercolor and water can be...and soon it won't seem scary; it will become exciting.

An arrangement of seashells.

I look forward to seeing who feels the nudge to try watercolor and step out in curiosity with a sense of adventure.  If you need to acquire your own basic supplies for class, there's a blog post where I describe what you will want to pick up.  Watercolor Class Supply List post is linked here.  If you have so much hesitancy that you would rather try a class first, getting a better idea of whether you'd like to continue...reach out to me and I can set you up with basic supplies for your first class.  On a desktop, you can look at the panel down the right side of the screen for Popular Posts.  There you'll find other topics relevant to learning watercolors.

A variety of seashells for reference.

For this class, you have options.  Choose one or several seashells from my stash, bring your own seashells or photo reference or choose a photo reference I share.  Maybe you have a photo from a memorable vacation which you'll want to focus on.  For those who reserve seats, I will send an email about two days in advance with more information, including a link to an online Google album of art reference photos.  You can begin a drawing on watercolor paper before you arrive or wait until you come to class.  If you have watercolor tubes to place in a palette, you can do that before class or once you are here.  Have questions, please reach out by message or email.

Seashells arranged near watercolor palette.

August dates and themes will be a good topic to cover in the July class.  I have been thinking about garden visitors like dragonfly, bumblebee, ladybug, and birds.  That's a starting place to find ideas to explore and give a focus for applying new skills.  If you would like to have a class without a theme for August, that's a possibility as well.  Maybe you would rather have the freedom to choose your own inspiration and I will cover topics like light source direction, form shadows, reflective shadows, cast shadows.  All of this is open to changing.  Begin thinking on which skills you'd like to understand better and which art mediums you would like to add in with watercolors.

Painting seashells in watercolor.

Looking forward to moving into a coastal frame of mind and spirit with you!  We'll have a great time experimenting with different ways of describing form with lines and color mixing.  I have iridescent watercolor pigments in my stash for anyone wanting to try out a bit of shimmer in their artwork.

All those taking this class must RSVP to save a seat.  Send me an email to be sure you have your spot reserved.  Come paint this beachy theme with me!

-Christy

Watercolor classes have begun again!  Two afternoons of painting pansies here in the art studio was amazing time spent together with several friends, both old and new.  All of this began with a thorough cleaning and reorganizing session to make the space better suited for sharing with other painters.  

Because the violas have been abundantly reseeding and growing in my garden (more than ever!), and their shape and colors are both simple and inspiring, I chose pansies (violas, johnny jump-ups) as the theme.

In time, I will become much better at spreading news of upcoming classes.  I apologize for not sharing a post here in advance.  I am slowly getting back into the steps of publicizing watercolor classes.  I am sharing on Facebook and Instagram along with an email list.  If you are interested in getting notified my email, please send me an email letting me know.  At present, my classes are only offered here on location in my home art studio.  It's most easily managed with a smaller group, my own studio setting, not needing to pack up supplies, more flexible scheduling, and my set up can be days in advance.  This space has a calming and relaxing atmosphere by design.  Over the years, it has been modified in a lot of ways to benefit functioning as a creative space.

The lighting in my home studio has been switched out for a much better experience.  I am amazed at the difference from before and after.  It's like daylight is pouring through sky lights!  Evening and winter painting will be better without the need for multiple task lights.  

In June of 2024, I offered two afternoon classes and had a few students each day.  I did not have either class fill up completely so July's class will be offered on only one afternoon.  I have not had anyone contact me requesting an evening or Saturday class so that may not be necessary.  I would be more than happy to accommodate anyone wishing to schedule a private event for six to nine students at one time.  

I was preparing to write a post about July classes and realized I didn't share about June classes.  Oh, well it is all a work in progress anyway.  Allowing myself some grace, I will share these thoughts and photos of one of the examples I painted for class.  July class information is coming soon!  As of today, the next class is twelve days out.  The theme is going to be a really fun one to explore and I encourage everyone to play with finding their own inspiring photos.  I am off to paint a few examples and will return to share more soon.

Christy

-She must make art.

 

Watercolor Class Supply List

Watercolor Supply List

The most basic list of watercolor supplies for any skill level.  Whether you plan to paint daily or just for bringing to a painting class, this is a description of the main items necessary for building your starter kit.  Links for some items help give you an idea of what to shop for.

 I have considered the price points for anyone who might be budget conscious. When starting out, it's wise to choose where the costs are cut and where to invest for better quality.  Start out with the staple items and maybe you'll find later that you'd like to purchase a few more after some time.  Experimenting and learning skills will help guide where you would most enjoy new supplies.

Watercolor set of pans or tubes: brands such as Pentel, Sargent, Arteza and Royal & Langnickel are good for beginners.  I use Daniel Smith and other professional grade brands.  I would choose tubes over pans.  Watercolor pigment can be sprayed to reactivate the paint for each session.  Purchase an affordable set of tubes and later if you know you want to continue with watercolors, add higher end brand watercolors a tube at a time.  I have used Reeves watercolor pigments for class purposes but it seems difficult to find now.  I have also used VanGogh watercolor pigments for class purposes and it is an excellent quality for the money. An affordable set of Pentel watercolor in tubes is linked here.  

I really do recommend purchasing a set of tubes and the palette linked in the next section.  The watercolor easily dispenses into each plastic pan.  Label each pan on the side with a fine-point permanent marker before filling with watercolor pigment.  The convenience of this set up is really great whether painting at home, on the go, outdoors, or in a class setting.

Palette: a plastic palette with sections for mixing paint.  Separate wells for dispensing tube paints.  A stay-wet palette is not necessary but a cover is handy for transport.  Plastic cling film is just as useful for a cover.  If you are using pans of watercolor pigment, a white plastic lid from sour cream container will be a great money saver. A metal empty set by Loeneng in either half-pan or full-pan is affordable and great for use at home and travel.  A half-pan holds 2 ml and a full-pan holds around 5 ml pigment.

Brushes: synthetic round brushes are great for occasional painting and beginners.  Sizes 4 and 6 round brushes most necessary.  A size 2 and 8 round would be the next addition to the art stash. This Royal & Langnickel set is affordable and durable.

Watercolor paper:  100% cotton, cold press, 140 lb. watercolor paper.  100% cotton means the paper will hold up to basic techniques without pilling and breaking down.  Cold press means the paper has some texture as watercolor paper is known to have; this is helpful for dry brush technique.  140 lb. weight means the thickness of the paper is enough to not buckle and warp excessively.  Affordable options are Strathmore, Kilimanjaro, and Saunders.  Strathmore watercolor paper precut to 25 sheets of 5" x 7".   I use Arches most often but it is a bit more investment.  Watercolor paper will make a big impact on what you are able to do with watercolor painting experiments. (Please avoid Canson paper as it will not hold up well and you'll be frustrated easily.)  Shown below are 5" x 7" Arches cold pressed watercolor paper in 140 lb. weight; I buy my own paper in large sheets and cut to different sizes.

A container for rinsing brushes: a plastic container saved from sour cream, a canning jar, any container for water which holds about 8 ounces of water or more.

Pencil and eraser. A mechanical pencil is useful for not needing to be sharpened.  A 2B standard graphite pencil works well as well.  A kneaded artist eraser and a Pentel mechanical eraser are my most used erasers with watercolor paper. Shown here are my main go-to pencil and erasers.

A support board and 1/2" art masking tape are necessary for working with watercolor.  I have boards cut from white flat paneling which I use for my artwork.  I do not have any for purchase and you will need to be able to have your own support board for painting at home.  Finding reasonably priced quality options for you, here are my suggestions; the Ampersand Painting Panel 1/8" thick and 9" x 12" is large enough to paint up to 8" x 10" once tape is applied.  TSSART White Art Tape with medium tack and no residue is acid-free and perfect for keeping watercolor paper rippling at a minimum.  I use the 1/4" tape for small pieces of artwork.  If painting larger, the 1/2" is perfect for a firm hold.  Here below is a photo of the board and tapes I use often.

Optional & Additional:

I will show and demonstrate other miscellaneous materials in class which you may decide to add to your own supply stash.  These may include:  masking fluid, fine point permanent pen, Dr. Ph. Martins Bleed Proof White, calligraphy pen with nib and black India ink.

You may have other art supplies to use along with watercolors and feel free to bring them with you.  I am listing the most basic necessary supplies.  If you have other art materials you would love to experiment with, definitely bring them and play with possibilities.  Watercolor pencils, chalk pastels, oil pastels, charcoal...and more!

I have linked several options above to give examples of what to shop for in watercolor supplies.  You can find many other sources for purchasing these.  For ease, you can shop with Amazon or look for other locations.  I order from Dick Blick, Cheap Joes Art Stuff, and Jerry's Artarama for best selection and reasonable prices.  I find Hobby Lobby and Michaels to be hit and miss on pricing and selection.

(Sadly, Cheap Joes Art Stuff is no longer in business.)

BONUS:

Before taking a class with me, consider reading the post 24 Must-Try Watercolor Techniques and download & print the pdf PDF of Watercolor Techniques Pg. 1 and 2 .  For the pdf, it will send me a request to share and once I approve, it will be all yours!  These descriptions of techniques are really helpful in learning more about watercolor.  I have the full color visuals (shown in that post) hanging on my wall in my art room.

I am currently preparing the first class outline and looking forward to hosting many of you here for a watercolor class in my art space.

More information to come soon!

-Christy

The Thread.

While creating a new post on Facebook today, I found myself writing these words:

There's a thread that runs through every piece of artwork I share with the world. It's hope. Hope as an imagined vision. I realize artwork alone doesn't bring hope to the world. My hope lives and moves and has its being in Christ. Christmas is my remembering when the world was given hope in form of a babe.

I believe nature shows us a glimpse of Eden, what's left of that amazing place. If this nature we see now is a shadow of what once was, I will soak it in and savor every bit of that gift. I believe God gives us hope through His son. I also believe He gave us nature to bless us if we have eyes to look and see it.

So while you may not read much from me about the Gospel, I am purposed to live it and share that encouragement and hope. My brush cannot begin to compete with His creation. I paint as much hope and light and beauty into my artwork as possible. There are mistakes and shortcomings though I don't bring them to attention.

I am fascinated in how artwork can touch others and that's why I decide to offer some pieces for purchase. Others stay here because they are difficult to part with and why not all, I don't know. I have experienced the joy and blessing of seeing others delight in making a piece their own. I am humbled. It's so amazing. I have not even a hint of any idea whether pieces will find a home with someone else. My journey in this is waiting to see while I paint a new piece of watercolor art.

If you are interested in seeing my artwork, here is a link. I don't apply pressure to sell my work. If you don't absolutely feel like a piece is calling out to you, then it shouldn't be yours. I want these pieces to be somewhere that they'll be valued. I hate to think of my artwork ending up on a garage sale...though God could make it possible to send that art piece wherever He chooses. Click on the link and have a look because looking is still free! Be blessed today!

He still speaks through all He has made...

Christy

-She must make art.