Once upon a time, cut-and-curl candles were a rare sight.  To make them, you had to dip a pillar or hand dipped candle repeatedly in different layers, all the while making sure the wax didn't get too cold and making sure you didn't lose your grip.   Next, you had to carve it when it is free-hanging by the wick.  Keep in mind that this means you have nothing to push up against while carving.   These candles took too much time and effort to make enough to sell.  But these pains can be no more thanks to this new system.

            I was amazed when I first saw these cut-and-curl candles.   It was at the 2005 IGCA convention in Orlando, Florida.  My mom showed me her beautiful candle and introduced me to "John the Inventor," the one who taught her how to make it.   I just looked at the masterpiece and said, "Wow, I could never make anything that gorgeous."  I was shown the jig that was used to make it, but I still just shrugged off the possibility of me actually making such a wonderful candle.

I didn't even think about the cut-and-curls for a full year.  While signing up for classes at the 2006 Candles and Supplies workshop, I noticed a class on cut-and-curls.  "Caitlyn," my mom said, "this is the easiest thing in the world to make.   You could make a lot of money off of them."  After much more prodding, I agreed, all the while insisting that it would be the ugliest thing on earth.

I started to make my first cut-and-curl under the instructions of John.   I started to make it by dipping a pillar in a heated dipping tank.  I held onto the candle with a handle that was included in the system.  When I was done dipping my layers, I put the candle on the jig.  Using a brilliant dot system, I marked where I would make my cuts.  After that, I easily cut, twisted, and curled the candles.   I then dipped it into a candle glaze, and when it was cool, I took off the handle, which left a space which provides an area to pour in oil to make it an oil candle.   Looking at the finished product, I was very pleased with my work.

This is most certainly the easiest cut-and-curl system on the market, and it's fun too!   I can sit down for hours and make them without getting bored.  John sells videos on how to make some of patterns.  I've heard many people say, "I can't do this," but I can honestly assure you that every one of these people were incredibly happy with their work.   Even my eleven-year old brother was able to make spectacular candles!  One thing I especially like about this system is that it takes only half an hour to make a complete candle.   What's the best thing?  The candles are oil lamps, so your masterpieces will last virtually forever.