University Daily Kansan
Tuesday, September 11, 1979
7
Candlemaker's art a hot seller
By TED LICKTEIG Staff Reporter
Nine years ago, a KU dropout from upstate New York decided to start a candlemaking business in his Lawrence home.
Today, Bob Werts, founder of Waxman Candles, 1405 Massachusetts, produces 90,000 candles a year.
JEFF HETLER/Kansan staff
"No one else uses this production process," she said.
Dana Jennings, manager of the shop, said she thought the method used in creating the candies was responsible for her success. She also gave five gift candelakers in the country.
In the process, one of 60 metal stencil designs, such as a grazing buffalo or a sunset, is placed on the cake, pressed and then inverted, removed, leaving a silhouette of the design.
The candies are produced in an austere factory behind two stark storefronts, which contrast radically with the radiance of the final product.
of the production process, which lasts about 30 minutes, begins with the shaping of the candle ends. Jennings said.
FIRST, the basic shape of the candle is formed by pouring wax into one of 12 different aluminum molds.
After the wick has been inserted, the candle is taken out of the mold and cooled. The candle is reheated slightly by boiling it in a pot of hot water.
The candle is given a coat of white wax to prepare it for the background colors and the design it eventually will receive.
It then is dipped in colors that complement the design.
Clear wax is used to seal the colors and prevent chipping.
The color chosen for the design is applied, preparing it for the final stages of the process.
Finally, one of the stencils is imprinted on the candle, leaving an outline of the design.
AFTER THE EXCESS wax surrounding the design is removed, a silhouette of the design juts out over a solid or multicolor background.
To smooth the surface, the candle is dunked first in hot, clear wax, and then into a cool acrylic. It is leveled on the bottom to bake plate, labeled and shipped
Prices for the candies vary from $2.50 to $35, with wholesale prices slightly cheaper. Jennings said.
The candles are made in all shapes—from cylinders to diamonds.
designs while we has retained his original
Werts, who has retained his original
Werts' wife, Teresa, helps make the designs while Werts outlines the stencils.
small-town businessman image, said he started making candles as a "creative energy release."
WERTS SAID he began making them in his house on Tennessee Street in December 1798 because "the only kind of job available was the pumping gas."
He later moved his one-man operation to a store on 14th Street.
Left: Kathleen Britt adds the wax sealer to the finished candles to help protect the designs from damage.
Center: After making the design in the candle's outer layer of wax, all unwanted wax must be removed.
Above: Cindl Beers does the exacting job of peeling off the unwanted wax from the candle, leaving only the desired design.
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Filing Deadline
Student Senate Elections September 17 - 5pm
6 Freshman-Sophomore LA&S Seats in Nunemaker Center AND Freshman Class Officers (Pres., V.P., Sec., & Treas.)
Applications in Student Senate Office 105B Union
Paid for by Student Activity Fee
Applications should be returned to the Senate Office by 5 p.m. Thursday Sept.13.
The Associated Students of Kansas
ASK WANTS YOU
The ASK Legislative Assembly, with delegations from each member university, determines legislative priorities and works to implement them.
Students Working for Students
Positions on KU's delegation to The Associated Students of Kansas, the statewide student lobby organization, are now being filled.
Applicants for delegate positions (23) or alternate delegate positions (10) should have some knowledge of campus and state issues and have an interest in lobbying.
Application forms and more information about ASK are available in the Student Senate Office, 105B in the Kansas Union.
The Associated Students of Kansas, the statewide student lobby organization, has an opening for CAMPUS DIRECTOR at KU.
FOR LEADERS ONLY
Only students with an interest in politics and with organizational and leadership abilities need apply.
The Campus Director, paid by ASK, is responsible for organizing and coordinating all lobbying activities at KU.
Applicants should have a knowledge of campus and state issues. Lobby experience would be helpful.
Applications and more information about ASK are available at the Student Senate Office, 105B in the Kansas Union.
Return applications to the Senate Office by 5p.m.
Thursday Sept. 13.
The Associated Students of Kansas
Students Working for Students
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