From Wax to Wick: How I Make Bonnie Glow Candles by Hand in Edinburgh

Where It All Begins

Every Bonnie Glow candle starts with a simple idea: to capture the spirit authentic of Scotland in a scent. I make all of our candles by hand in Edinburgh, in my wee Leith kitchen, using vegan RCX wax — a sustainable, plant-based blend that burns cleanly and holds fragrance beautifully.

The Wax

I use RCX wax because it's vegan, completely sustainable, and gives a gorgeous hot throw. That's the scent of the candle when it's lit. So many big brand candles smell amazing but they don't smell when lit. There's none of that nonsense at Bonnie Glow! RCX is not the cheapest option, but it's the right one — for the candle, for you, and for the planet. It contains nothing but coconut oil and rapeseed oil. There's no nasty paraffin which is terrible for the environment because it is a biproduct of oil.

The Fragrance

Each scent is chosen to tell a story. I often use Scots words in my every day chat and that's how I came up with the idea for Bonnie Glow. Candles that capture the authentic Scotland rather than old stereotypes. From Dreich to Granny's Rhubarb Crumble, I select fragrance oils that feel true to the place or evoke nostalgia.  All of my fragrance oils come from a Scottish supplier called Candle Shack. I like to keep it local so this Falkirk based supplier is the very fellie! I can't recommend them enough with their excellent products, customer service and commitment to sustainability.

The Pour

Once the wax reaches the right temperature, I pour it by hand into our signature rose-gold reusable tins. Timing matters here — too hot and the top notes of the fragrance burn off, too cool and the wax sets unevenly. It's a process that rewards patience. Having ADHD, patience is not my strongest point but I find candle making therapeutic; it has a way of slowing me down that nothing else quite manages. 

The Cure

After pouring, each candle is left to cure for at least 48 hours. This allows the fragrance to fully bind with the wax, giving you a stronger, more consistent hot throw when you light it.

The Finishing Touches

Once cured, I trim the wick, check the finish, and label each candle by hand. Packaging is kept minimal and reusable wherever possible — the tins are designed to be kept, repurposed, or returned. And don't forget - if you return your used tin to me, I'll give you 10% off your next order. No the shabbiest! 

Made With Care, Every Time

No two batches are identical — that's the nature of handmade. But every candle that leaves my hands has been made with the same attention, the same ingredients, and the same love for Scotland that started this whole thing.

If you have questions about how we make our candles, or want to know more about our ingredients, get in touch — we'd love to hear from you.