PROJECT SUMMARY

In addition to providing a reliable source of light in emergency situations, Phoenix Candle also offers additional benefits. Its compact and portable design allows it to be easily taken anywhere, making it a versatile solution for various situations, from sudden blackouts to outdoor activities such as camping or hiking. Also, its durability ensures prolonged use, making it a long-term investment for those who regularly experience power outages. With Phoenix Candle, a comprehensive solution is provided to meet lighting needs in any circumstance, offering peace of mind and security in times of uncertainty.

WHY?

The project arose from my interest in creating innovative decorative lighting, starting with a table lamp I made last year. This year, I decided to expand the concept by using different candle shapes to offer variety and originality in the design, breaking with the traditional cylindrical shape and providing more creative and distinctive options. My goal is to explore new possibilities in decorative lighting by creating unique and attractive candles for various uses and ambiances.

HOW?

First, I seeked ideas on Pinterest and I tried some designs that I liked, but they didn’t work out.I decided to try simpler designs and not be too tall. I decided to make molds with geometric shapes and instead of using silicone I used plastic to thermoform already with some 3D printed shapes.

WHAT?

I see that using plastic mold allows for creating candles with more defined details. Additionally, the thermoforming process with plastic proved to be easy to use. I didn’t use statistics in this project, as my focus was on candle making and the aesthetic quality of the results. 

SO WHAT?

The results of my project demonstrate the effectiveness of using plastic molds for candle making, offering a novel approach to creating visually appealing candles. This suggests that plastic molds can be a valuable tool for candle makers looking to explore unique shapes and designs. From these results, I learned the importance of experimentation and innovation in craftsmanship, as well as the potential of different materials to enhance creative projects.

WHAT'S NEXT?

To expand my project, I could explore the use of different types of plastics for molds and experiment with additional decorating techniques, such as applying colors or patterns.  I could also investigate the possibility of combining materials to create candles with unique characteristics. For example, I can incorporate soy wax for eco-friendly benefits or add essential oils for aromatic and therapeutic benefits. Or use decorative elements such as dried flowers or pieces of colored wax to enhance visual appeal. Next steps would include gathering feedback and suggestions from users to continue refining and improving the plastic mold candle making process.  

REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

- Initial design ideas and inspiration for unique candle shapes and molds were gathered from various posts and pins on Pinterest.  

- Resources on 3D printing were essential for understanding the process of creating plastic molds, like Thingiverse.

- Online guides on candle making provided instructions and tips on the candle-making process. These resources were fundamental in learning about different types of waxes, wicks used in candle production.  

JUDGES FEEDBACK

I loved the candle shapes you created, very cool to "break the mold" once in a while. These will be very useful in the situations you described, such as camping or hiking, as well the not uncommon blackouts here in Paraguay. Why did you choose the name Phoenix for your creation?