Candle Making in Atlanta: Classes, Supplies, and Local Tips for DIY Chandlers

If you’ve typed “candle making Atlanta” into a search bar, you’re likely looking for one of three things: a fun candle-making class, local places to buy supplies, or guidance for starting a small candle business in the city. Atlanta has options for all three.

This guide walks you through how candle making works in Atlanta, Georgia—from workshops and studios to where to shop, what to expect, and local rules to keep in mind if you’re selling from home.

Why Candle Making Is So Popular in Atlanta

Atlanta’s mix of artsy neighborhoods, strong small-business culture, and love of events makes it a great place for DIY and handmade candles. You’ll see candle workshops pop up as:

• Date-night or girls’-night activities
• Team-building events
• Birthday or bridal party experiences
• Side-hustle or business-startup learning

Whether you’re in Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, Decatur, or the suburbs, you can usually find a spot offering either public classes or private group sessions.

Types of Candle-Making Experiences You’ll Find in Atlanta

1. Walk-In or Reservation-Based Pouring Bars

These are casual, social spaces where you:

• Choose a vessel (jar, tin, etc.)
• Pick from a scent wall of fragrance oils
• Blend your own custom scent
• Pour your own soy or soy-blend candle with guidance

These experiences are common in busy, entertainment-focused areas such as:

• Midtown and West Midtown
• Old Fourth Ward / BeltLine area
• Popular mixed-use developments (e.g., Ponce, Westside, or Buckhead-adjacent districts)

They’re typically:

• 45–90 minutes for the activity
• 1–2 hours for candles to cool (many studios let you pick up later or the next day)
• Priced per candle or per person

2. Instructor-Led Workshops and Classes

If you’re more serious about learning technique, look for structured classes that cover:

• Wax types: soy, coconut, beeswax, paraffin, blends
• Proper wick sizing for different container diameters
• Fragrance load basics (how much oil to add)
• Pouring temperatures and cooling
• Troubleshooting (tunneling, frosting, sinkholes)

These are often offered by:

• Craft studios and maker spaces
• Home-based makers who host pop-up workshops in shared spaces or event venues
• Adult education or community programs around metro Atlanta

These classes are useful if you’re thinking of selling or want consistent, higher-quality candles.

3. Private Events, Parties, and Corporate Experiences

Atlanta companies and social groups frequently book candle-making as:

• Corporate off-sites or team-building
• Holiday party activities
• Bridal showers, birthdays, or sorority events

Most Atlanta candle studios that offer private events will:

• Travel to you (office, home, event venue) or host you in-studio
• Provide all materials: wax, fragrances, vessels, equipment
• Offer different pricing for weekday vs. weekend events

If you’re planning one in the city, check:

• Group size limits
• Parking options (especially in Midtown, Downtown, or near the BeltLine)
• Whether food and drinks are allowed (and if BYOB is permitted)

What to Expect at a Candle-Making Class in Atlanta

While each studio runs a bit differently, most Atlanta candle classes follow a similar flow:

1. Check-In & Waiver
   Sign in, sometimes sign a basic safety waiver, and pick your vessel.

2. Fragrance Selection
   Smell test from dozens of fragrance oils:

   • Southern-inspired (peach, magnolia, sweet tea notes)
   • Clean and fresh
   • Woodsy and masculine
   • Seasonal (pumpkin, pine, citrus)

3. Scent Blending
   You’ll usually blend 2–3 oils into a custom fragrance. Staff often help with suggested pairings.

4. Wax Melting & Pouring
   The instructor or staff handle most heating equipment. You’ll:

   • Add fragrance at the right temperature
   • Stir for a set amount of time
   • Pour into your container

5. Curing Time

   • Candles often need 1–2 hours to set enough to transport
   • You may be encouraged to wait 24–72 hours before burning for best scent performance

6. Pickup or Shipping

   • Many in-town studios let you leave, enjoy nearby restaurants or shops, then return
   • Some offer shipping for an added fee if you’re visiting from out of town

Candle-Making Supplies in Atlanta: Where Locals Typically Look

If you’re ready to start making candles at home in Atlanta, you’ll need:

• Wax (soy, coconut, beeswax, or blends)
• Wicks (size and type matched to your vessel and wax)
• Fragrance or essential oils designed for candle use
• Containers (glass jars, tins, ceramic vessels)
• A thermometer and pouring pitcher
• Safety gear (gloves, paper towels, heat-safe surfaces)

Common Ways Atlantans Source Candle Supplies

1. Local Craft Stores Around Metro Atlanta
   Larger craft chains in areas like Cumberland, Perimeter, Buckhead, Tucker, and Duluth often carry:

   • Basic soy wax and paraffin wax
   • Starter wick assortments
   • Simple fragrance oils
   • Straight-sided glass jars and tins
     These are convenient if you want to experiment before investing in bulk.

2. Specialty or Wholesale Suppliers (Regional / US-Based)
   Many Atlanta candle makers eventually order online from specialized suppliers for:

   • More consistent wax and fragrance performance
   • Bulk pricing
   • Professional-grade jars and lids

3. Atlanta Area General Supply & Container Shops
   Some metro-area packaging and container stores (often in commercial or industrial corridors) may carry:

   • Glass jars and tins in bulk
   • Lids and closures
     These can be useful if you already have wax and fragrance sources.

4. Farmer’s Markets and Maker Events (for Inspiration, Not Raw Supplies)
   While not typically for raw materials, Atlanta markets are great to:

   • See what scent trends are popular locally
   • Observe labeling, packaging, and pricing from real Atlanta candle brands
     Popular spots include weekend markets and seasonal events around Grant Park, East Atlanta, Inman Park, and the BeltLine.

Simple Candle-Making Starter Checklist (Atlanta-Friendly)

Here’s a quick, skimmable reference if you’re getting started at home.

Candle Making at Home in Atlanta: Safety Essentials

Atlanta heat and humidity can influence how you store and burn candles, but the core safety rules are similar everywhere.

Key points:

• Never leave melting wax unattended.
• Use double boilers or controlled wax melters, not direct flame under wax.
• Keep kids and pets away from hot wax, fragrance oils, and curing candles.
• Avoid pouring large amounts of hot wax down drains.
• Store finished candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; Atlanta’s summer heat in attics or cars can soften or warp candles.
• When burning:
  • Trim wicks to about 1/4 inch
  • Keep candles away from fans, vents, and open windows (drafts can cause uneven burning)
  • Don’t burn longer than 3–4 hours at a time

Selling Candles in Atlanta: What Locals Should Know

If you plan to sell candles you make in Atlanta—whether at markets, online, or from home—there are a few Atlanta- and Georgia-specific points to consider.

1. Business Registration Basics

Most candle sellers in Atlanta take steps such as:

• Choosing a business structure (often sole proprietorship or LLC)
• Registering a trade name if needed with Fulton County or their county of residence
• Registering with the Georgia Department of Revenue for sales tax collection, if applicable

Useful contacts:

• City of Atlanta – Office of Revenue
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City Hall number: (404) 330-6000

• Georgia Department of Revenue
  1800 Century Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
  General information: (877) 423-6711

These offices can guide you to the correct forms and requirements for your specific situation.

2. Home-Based Business Considerations

If you’re making candles out of an Atlanta residence:

• Check City of Atlanta zoning rules and any home occupation requirements
• If you’re in a condo, apartment, or HOA community, review community rules about:
  • Running a home-based business
  • Receiving frequent shipments or storing materials
• Store wax and fragrance oils safely, away from ignition sources

Metro-area suburbs (like Decatur, Sandy Springs, or Marietta) have their own city rules, so if you’re outside city limits, check your local city or county government.

3. Labeling and Compliance

Consumers in Atlanta often look for clear, professional labels that include:

• Brand name
• Scent name
• Net weight (in ounces and grams)
• Basic safety warnings, such as:
  • Burn within sight
  • Keep away from flammable objects
  • Keep away from children and pets

Many candle makers also include:

• Recommended first burn time
• A trim wick reminder
• Contact information or website

If you intend to sell broadly (in stores or online), it’s wise to research widely accepted labeling practices for candles and follow them carefully.

4. Where Atlantans Commonly Sell Handmade Candles

Typical local outlets include:

• Pop-up markets and festivals around neighborhoods such as:
  • Old Fourth Ward
  • Grant Park
  • East Atlanta Village
  • Midtown and Downtown events
• Farmer’s markets in city and suburban areas
• Local boutiques or gift shops that highlight Atlanta-made products
• Online platforms, with local pickup options or shipping from Atlanta

Each venue has its own application process, fees, and rules. Check requirements for insurance, product requirements, and booth setup before you commit.

Candle-Making Ideas with an Atlanta Twist

If you want your candles to feel distinctly “Atlanta,” consider themes that resonate with locals and visitors:

• Neighborhood-Inspired Scents

  • A fresh, airy scent for Midtown high-rises
  • A green, outdoorsy blend inspired by the BeltLine
  • A cozy, historic scent nodding to Grant Park or Inman Park

• Seasonal Atlanta Moments

  • Light citrus and floral for spring festival season
  • Clean, cooling scents for hot, humid summers
  • Warm, spicy blends for fall game days and holiday events

• Georgia-Inspired Notes

  • Peach, pecan, pine, magnolia, or cotton-inspired accords
  • Subtle sweet tea or honey-inspired blends (using candle-safe fragrance oils)

These touches help make your candles meaningful gifts or souvenirs for people who love the city.

Practical Next Steps if You’re in Atlanta

Depending on what brought you to “candle making Atlanta,” here are clear ways to move forward:

• For a fun outing or date night:
  Search for “candle-making class near [your neighborhood] Atlanta” and look for studios in Midtown, Buckhead, West Midtown, or along the BeltLine. Check parking and BYOB rules before you go.

• For a new hobby at home:
  Visit a metro-area craft store for a small bag of soy wax, a few jars, and starter wicks. Try a few test candles in your kitchen before investing in larger quantities.

• For starting a small business:

  • Learn basics in a structured class
  • Reach out to the City of Atlanta Office of Revenue or your local city hall about business and home-based rules
  • Visit local markets as a customer to see how other Atlanta candle makers present and price their products

Handled thoughtfully, candle making in Atlanta can be a relaxing hobby, a memorable activity with friends, or the foundation for a small local brand that fits right into the city’s creative, entrepreneurial energy.