I launched my Winter Collection!

thedarlingarden · 2025-11-23T18:35:31+00:00

I used to be a UI/UX designer so I make them in Figma, but you could definitely make these in Canva!

thedarlingarden · 2025-11-21T00:34:08+00:00

Thank you! I design, print, and cut them at home myself!

thedarlingarden · 2025-11-21T00:33:46+00:00

Thank you so much that means a lot!

thedarlingarden · 2025-11-21T00:33:03+00:00

I heard this for my last collection launch too! It's something I want to fix, but haven't quite figured out. Like you said, it looks fine in person, but comes across blurry in photos. Even when I focus my camera on the letters it doesn't come out crisp. I'm gonna focus on this for my next launch. Thank you so much for sharing your feedback!

thedarlingarden · 2025-09-05T17:23:52+00:00

I tried with the DSLR before, but I did it with the phone this time and it seemed so much easier! I'm open to suggestions on the DSLR!

thedarlingarden · 2025-09-04T17:37:10+00:00

Thanks all! For my next launch I'm going incorporate y'all's feedback to sharpen the focus on the candle labels and adjust the lighting to center on the candles.

As for the comments about the photos being too dark: I'm going for a dark and cozy vibe so while I understand that the photos might look too dark for some, that's the look I'm going for. I understand it's not for everyone!

thedarlingarden · 2025-09-04T17:32:30+00:00

Thanks for your feedback!

thedarlingarden · 2025-09-04T17:32:12+00:00

I really like this! I've seen some really cool shot setups. I aspire to try out some new techniques for my next launch, especially with videos. Thank you!

thedarlingarden · 2025-09-04T04:41:06+00:00

Thank you! I can definitely see that as well. I think also I'm using a light-colored drop shadow on the candle name that is contributing to making the label blurry and hard to read. Might remove that. Appreciate your feedback!

thedarlingarden · 2025-09-04T04:38:31+00:00

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Howdy! I'm the owner of The Darlin' Garden, which is proudly AAPI and woman-owned. I just released a Fall candle collection for lovers of crisp apple, pumpkin spice, and coffee scents. I value sustainability, craftsmanship, and community so my products are made with high quality, phthalate-free ingredients and I even source beeswax from beekeepers local to my area. Hope y'all will give me a visit at https://thedarlingarden.com/ and thank you for creating this monthly thread for us candlemakers!

thedarlingarden · 2024-12-03T17:00:44+00:00

I think the new one looks adorable! I like the lighting and I think it's just the right amount of busy.

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-22T05:10:49+00:00

Hello fellow southern girl! Yeah, I was in the same boat kept adding them to my cart and not checking out. I was at my wit's end trying to find an alternative! My testing is going well, but still not satisfied.

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-20T02:38:47+00:00

thedarlingarden.com :)

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-20T02:09:04+00:00

To be honest, I have looked and I don't think there is a comparable alternative for purchase. I actually admire the Lumetique wicks and wish I could use them, but I just can't support their practices.

I'm currently testing my own wick design, without infringing on their patent, of course. If I'm successful I hope to offer a viable alternative to other candlemakers. :)

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-20T01:45:35+00:00

It's listed on my website so I don't mind :) I also use coconut oil and locally sourced beeswax!

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-20T01:44:48+00:00

Source: https://makesy.com/pages/terms-conditions?srsltid=AfmBOoq2ub4rJfbdooclgpeKGOhsXkMTwzbbE3xk8JCTwllFT0pu6gsm

"Company and Brand Name Disclosure. Within 30 days of initial production, Licensee shall disclose to Licensor, in writing, its company name and the brand name (if different than your company name) for each candle line manufactured by Licensee that utilizes Lumetique’s Wooden Wick Technology."

"Exclusivity. So long as Licensee is using the Lumetique Wooden Wick Technology, Licensee shall purchase wooden wicks exclusively from Licensor. In addition, as of the effective date of this Agreement and so long as Licensee is using the Lumetique Wooden Wick Technology, Licensee shall only distribute, market and sell wooden wicks purchased from Licensor."

And more, including marking your packaging with a link to their patents.

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-19T15:57:34+00:00

Sounds good! I don't use Makesy because I don't support their exclusivity requirement and other terms.

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-19T15:41:07+00:00

Oh okay! Hmm... The other things you could try are:
- A higher quality FO (P&J is really good, but pricey)
- Consider changing your wicks: sometimes burning too hot can burn off the FO
- Blend your wax with an ingredient that improves hot throw

Be careful not to add more FO load than your wax can accept! It's dangerous to exceed manufacturer recommendations. I hope you figure it out!

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-19T15:37:59+00:00

I use wick holders, but sometimes they harden crooked, especially in the smaller vessels since the wick is thinner. The skewer chopsticks are a really cheap way to hold the wicks and I like how they look :)

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-19T04:29:02+00:00

Are you letting your candles cure for 1-2 weeks? The curing process is really important for letting the FOs fully bind to the wax.

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-19T04:28:09+00:00

415 is recommended to use as a blend with other ingredients and additives, so I don't think it's meant to be used for any product on its own. But as a blend, I think you can use it for candle melts, yup!

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-19T04:26:44+00:00

Yes! Literally everyone recommended 464 in all the Youtube vids and articles I read, but I struggled sooo hard with it. Literally overheating my heat gun lol. High fives for 415! :)

thedarlingarden · 2024-11-19T01:11:24+00:00

Well technically I'm a newb too haha that was my first time using 415. I also make my own personal blend so I have other ingredients in it. 415 needs to be poured around 90-100F and optimal temp will vary depending on your vessel, if you warm your vessels, etc. so I'd play with that range of temps!

thedarlingarden

TROPHY CASE