Hey there! Not sure what's up with these dough bowls? Let me explain a little about them.
They are what they sound like - rustic wooden bowls where bread dough was proofed or served. Wooden bowls have always been the preferred choice for bread-making because the heat generated by the yeast is retained in the wood, giving the dough an even rise - and because the bowl's high sides protect the dough from drafts.
So why are we using them for candles, and not bread?...
'Cause they're cute, duh! And we're chandlers, not bakers ;) We just love the rustic farmhouse look and the concept of the dough bowl as decor. They're super versatile for home decorating, before or after they're used... as a coffee table conversation piece, tribute to your loved one, a beautiful glow for your living room on a romantic evening, a centerpiece for your holiday table, a fruit bowl, to hold potpourri for your bathroom, a housewarming/wedding/Christmas/birthday gift, and eventually maybe a keys bowl or other charming decoration - the ideas are endless! We love a multi-use product.
Where do we get them from? What are they made of?
We source these bowls at wholesale from independent artisans who specialize in woodworking. Each bowl is one of a kind. They are hand-carved from a single piece of wood, and they have little details unique to each of them, depending on the wood used. (Pieces are ranging from cherry wood, acacia, to buckeye and pine). Because of the quirks and details of the tree, no two bowls are alike.
Are they really eco-friendly if they're from trees?
Acacia trees, for example, are fast growing and low maintenance. The durability of the wood is long-lasting, which makes them a sustainable wood. We aim for sustainable wood as often as possible - after all, eco-consciousness is about doing the least amount of harm.
Not only are bread bowls a zero-waste product when used for making bread, they're also a reusable candle vessel, and as mentioned, have multiple other uses. In this circumstance, we adore the versatility of this product, and supporting fellow artisans who use more sustainable wood materials, to make as small of an environmental impact as possible.
Are they safe to use if they're made of wood?
Wooden bowls are safe for candles, as long as they are burned using caution. Wood is naturally flammable, as we know... but the best prevention is awareness. It would have to be the perfect storm for your dough bowl candle to entirely catch on fire. So let's discuss fire safety. As with any candle, you must make sure there is no debris near the flame. Don't keep your burning candle near an open window, where it might catch a breeze. Keep it on a safe, sturdy surface while burning, away from pets and children. Do not burn a candle the entire way to the base; it's wise to always leave a small layer of wax along the bottom of any vessel, wood or not, to protect the vessel from becoming flammable or so hot that it shatters.
On our end, we do everything possible to keep you safe. We test every dough bowl to ensure safety firsthand. If we need to make adjustments, we do so, and then we test again. We make sure to keep the wicks centered and reasonably distanced from the candle sides. There should be no reason the flame flickers intensely enough to catch the container sides on fire. But as always, be prepared to extinguish any wax fire by smothering it with a towel or other items - do *not* throw water or liquid on it!!
It's a careful prepping and pouring practice for us to create your wooden candle. We give it close attention to detail. If there are lumps and bumps and sliver and splinters, we make sure to sand them down. Once they're smooth, we begin adhering the wicks, mixing and pouring the wax into the primed bowl. We do not add fire-retardant chemicals to these - we're all about non-toxic products. And as mentioned above, there should be virtually no chance of your bowl catching fire just because it's made of wood. Please practice caution when burning your candles.
Why do they cost so much?
We know these are the priciest items on our website! They're a loftier price tag because they're unique, meant to be used as large, beautiful centerpieces, and they're labor-intensive. (But I won't beat it with a hammer - y'all wouldn't be following a small candle biz if you didn't already appreciate the quality of this stuff!)
So whether you want to treat yourself, or choose one to fit your holiday theme, these are no doubt a unique and personal treasure to whomever receives one. Grab it as an early gift to store in your closet and save for the holidays. And enjoy! We hope you love them as much as we do!