Behind the Scenes: How We Hand Pour Candles in Alberta | Canadian Candle Makers
There is something quietly special about a candle that has been made by hand. Not rushed. Not automated. Not pushed through a factory line. Just carefully poured, trimmed, tested, and finished by real people who care deeply about how it burns in your home.
At Ebony and Ivory Candle Co., every candle is hand poured in Lethbridge, Alberta. From the first measure of wax to the final label placed on the jar, each step happens with intention. This is what sets handmade Canadian candles apart, especially during long Alberta winters when quality really matters.
Here is a look behind the scenes at how our candles come to life.
It All Starts With the Wax
Every candle begins with premium wax chosen specifically for clean burning and long winter use.
Most of our candles are made with 100 percent soy wax, selected for its slow burn, low soot, and excellent scent throw. Soy wax performs beautifully in cold Canadian climates and creates the kind of steady glow winter calls for.
Our Memoir Collection is the only line made with a coconut soy wax blend. This blend offers a creamier melt and a richer, more layered scent experience. It is reserved for these elevated fragrances on purpose.
Choosing the right wax is one of the most important steps in candle making, and we never rush it.
Small Batch Pouring Makes All the Difference
We pour our candles in small batches to ensure consistency and quality. This allows us to monitor temperature, fragrance ratios, and wick placement carefully.
Hand pouring means:
• better control over scent strength
• even wax distribution
• consistent burn performance
• fewer imperfections
• candles that behave beautifully in winter
Each batch is mixed, poured, and cooled with patience. This is not fast work, but it is good work.
Phthalate Free Fragrance Oils Only
Scent matters, but so does what goes into it.
All of our candles are scented using phthalate free premium fragrance oils. This helps create a cleaner burn and a healthier home environment, especially important during winter when windows stay closed and candles burn longer.
From fresh winter scents like Northern Lights to cozy favourites like Ski Bum and Apple Cider, every fragrance is tested to ensure it performs beautifully in soy wax.
Wicks Are Chosen With Care
Wicks are not one size fits all.
We test each candle to determine the best wick type and size for the jar and wax combination. Some candles use cotton wicks, while others use wood wicks to create a soft crackle and wider melt pool.
Every wick is trimmed, centered, and tested before the candle ever reaches a shelf.
Cooling, Curing, and Quality Checks
After pouring, candles must cool slowly. Rushing this step leads to cracking, frosting, or uneven tops.
Once cooled, each candle goes through a curing process that allows the scent to fully bind with the wax. This is what gives you a strong, balanced scent throw when you light it at home.
Before packaging, candles are inspected for:
• smooth tops
• proper wick placement
• clean jars
• accurate labeling
Only then are they ready to leave our studio.
Family Run From Pour to Storefront
Ebony and Ivory is proudly woman owned and family operated.
Our Medicine Hat Mall location is run by Briannes sister.
Our Park Place Mall Lethbridge store is managed by Briannes mom.
Every candle you buy supports real people, real families, and a business that started small and grew through care, consistency, and community support.
Why Handmade Matters in Canadian Winters
Hand poured candles are built for Canadian homes.
They burn slower.
They perform better in dry winter air.
They hold scent longer.
They create less soot.
Customers in Alberta, including Calgary, choose handmade candles because they are designed for the climate we actually live in.
Where to Shop Our Candles
You can shop Ebony and Ivory candles in person at our Alberta locations:
Park Place Mall, Lethbridge
Open 7 days a week until 8 PM
You can also visit our Lethbridge warehouse, open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
If you are in Calgary, order online anytime and we will ship directly to your door. We ship across Alberta and Canada, with free shipping on orders over $125 using promo code FREESHIP.
Crafted With Care, From Our Hands to Your Home
Behind every candle is time, patience, and intention. Hand pouring is not the fastest way to make candles, but it is the best way to make candles that feel personal, warm, and made for real life.
That is what winter calls for.
That is what we make.
Explore our full collection here:
https://www.ebonyandivorycandleco.com/
