OUR MAKING PROCESS
FROM WINE BOTTLE TO BURNING SOUL CANDLE
Every Burning Soul candle is made by hand in South London, and no two are quite the same.
Because we work with recycled wine bottles rather than newly manufactured glass, each bottle is a little different. The thickness of the glass can vary, and they have a punt (the dimple at the bottom of a wine bottle), which means a small amount of wax will remain at the very bottom. It won’t affect the stated burn time, it’s simply part of giving existing bottles a second life.
COLLECT
It all starts with an empty wine bottle. We collect bottles from local pubs, friends and neighbours around South London, saving them from the recycling bin and bringing them back to our workshop.
CUT
Each bottle is thoroughly washed before being scored by hand with a steel glass cutter. We then use hot and cold water to create thermal shock along the score line, separating the glass to create the candle holder. It took a fair amount of practice, and perhaps a little foul language, to perfect.
SAND
Next, every cut edge is carefully sanded by hand until completely smooth. The glass is cleaned again, then a cotton wick is fixed and centred at the base to help the candle burn safely and evenly.
POUR
Our vegan soy wax is measured and gently heated before being allowed to cool to just the right temperature. Essential oils are blended in and each candle is then poured by hand in small batches.
CURE
Then we wait. Every candle is left to cure for at least 24 hours before being checked, labelled and packaged by hand, ready for its next life.
From a bottle enjoyed in our neighbourhood to a candle made to be enjoyed in your home.