Got questions? We can shed some light.
Everything you might want to know about our candles, how to care for them, and how ordering works. If your question isn't answered here, write to us and we'll help.
About our candles
What are your candles made from?
Our candles are poured from natural soy wax, sometimes blended with coconut wax, and scented with professionally composed fragrance oils. We never use paraffin. Soy and coconut burn cleaner, hold fragrance well, and last longer than paraffin alternatives.
Are your candles natural?
The wax is natural soy or coconut, the wicks are natural wood or cotton, and the vessels are made from natural materials. Our fragrances are professionally composed and tested to European safety standards. We never use paraffin wax.
Are your candles vegan and cruelty-free?
Yes. Soy and coconut wax are plant-based, and nothing we make is tested on animals.
How long do your candles burn for?
It depends on the size. A 10oz (280ml) candle burns for around 40 to 45 hours when cared for well. Burn time varies depending on the room temperature, wick type & size and with how you use the candle, more details below.
Why does my candle look slightly different from the photo?
Every candle is poured by hand in small batches, and natural wax can vary a little in colour and surface between pours. Small differences are a sign it was made by a person, not a machine.
Do you use different wicks?
Yes. Some of our candles use wooden wicks and some use cotton. Each product page tells you which, and the care instructions are tailored to the wick type.
Wooden wicks
How do I light a wooden wick?
Wooden wicks take a little more patience than cotton. Tip the candle at a slight angle and hold the flame to the top edge of the wick, letting it catch along the whole width before setting it upright. Give it a good ten to fifteen seconds. If it goes out in the first few minutes, that's normal on a new wick. Let it cool, then relight. Once the wax pool forms, it settles into a soft crackle.
Why won't my wooden wick stay lit?
Two usual reasons. Either it wasn't held to the flame long enough on lighting (wooden wicks need longer than cotton to catch), or the wick is too long. Keep it trimmed to around 6mm, light it patiently, and it will hold. New wooden wicks sometimes need two or three relights on the very first burn before they establish.
Why does my wooden wick crackle?
That's the wood. A wooden wick makes a soft crackle as it burns, a little like a distant fireplace. It's one of the reasons people love them.
Do wooden wicks burn faster than cotton?
They can, slightly. A wooden wick tends to produce a wider, warmer flame, which can melt wax a little faster than a cotton wick of equivalent size. The difference is usually small, and we size every wick to the vessel so the burn stays even and controlled. If anything, the main difference you'll notice is the crackle and the wider melt pool, not a dramatic change in how long the candle lasts.
Caring for your candle
How do I get the best burn?
Three simple habits. Trim the wick before every burn. Let the first burn form a full pool of melted wax across the whole surface. And keep individual burns between one and four hours. Do those three things and any well-made candle will burn evenly and last as long as it should.
Why is the first burn so important?
Wax has a memory. The first time you light a candle, the wax pool that forms sets the pattern for every burn after it. Let the first burn run for three to four hours, until the melted wax reaches the edge of the vessel. If you snuff it out early, the candle will "tunnel," burning down the middle and leaving a ring of wax stuck to the sides, which wastes both wax and scent.
What is tunnelling and how do I avoid it?
Tunnelling is when a candle burns down its centre in a narrow column, leaving unmelted wax around the edge. It's caused by cutting the first burn short, or by a wick that's too small. Avoid it by always letting the first burn reach a full edge-to-edge pool. If a candle has already started to tunnel, a longer burn (three to four hours in a still room) can often recover it.
How short should I trim the wick?
Trim a wooden wick to around 6mm and a cotton wick to around 5mm before every burn. A shorter wick means a cleaner, steadier flame and less smoke and soot.
How long can I burn my candle at once?
Keep each session under four hours. Any longer and the wax overheats, which burns off fragrance and shortens the life of the candle. Under an hour, and you risk tunnelling. One to four hours is the sweet spot.
When should I stop burning it?
When the wax burns down to the last 5mm, retire the candle. Burning below that isn't safe for the vessel or the surface it sits on.
Why does the room temperature change how my candle burns?
Wax is sensitive to its surroundings. In a warm room, wax softens and melts faster, so the candle can burn quicker and the flame may be larger. In a cold room, or in a draught, the wax stays firmer and the flame works harder, which can cause flickering, smoke, and uneven burning. For the best and safest burn, light your candle in a room at normal temperature, on a level surface, away from draughts, radiators, and open windows.
Why is my candle flickering or smoking?
Usually a draught, or a wick that needs trimming. A breeze makes the flame dance, which causes smoke and soot. An overlong wick does the same. Move the candle away from any draught and trim the wick, and it should settle.
Can I reuse the vessel?
Yes, and we'd love you to. Every vessel is made to be kept. Once the candle is finished, clean out the last of the wax and give it a second life however you like. For some batches and sizes we also offer refills, so get in touch if you'd like one.
Ordering and delivery
How much is delivery?
UK delivery is free on orders over £60. For orders under £60, a delivery charge is calculated and shown at checkout before you pay.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. For all orders outside the UK, import costs including customs, duties, and tariffs, along with delivery, are included in the price you pay at checkout. There is nothing extra to pay when your parcel arrives.
When will my order be dispatched?
We always do our best dispatch orders as quickly as possible but please kindly note that we are a small workshop, not a 24/7 fulfilment centre. We pour, pack, and dispatch by hand, Monday to Friday. We don't dispatch on weekends or UK bank holidays. Most orders go out within a couple of working days, though during busy periods or while a batch is curing it may take a little longer.
How do I track my order?
Once your order is dispatched, you'll receive tracking information. Your shipment becomes trackable once it reaches the courier's network, which can take a few working days. The courier sends updates directly, usually by email or SMS.
What's your returns policy?
If something arrives damaged or isn't right, contact us and we'll put it right. For details on cancellations and returns, see our refund policy.
Refills and trade
How do refills work?
For some batches and sizes, when you've finished a candle we can send you a refill so you keep the vessel and give it a new life. Get in touch to find out whether a refill is available for your candle.
Do you offer trade or wholesale?
We're always happy to talk to shops and stockists who feel like the right fit. Write to us with a little about your shop and we'll take it from there.
Do you make bespoke or custom candles?
Depending on the season and our workshop schedule, sometimes yes. Get in touch with what you have in mind and we'll let you know if we can help.