SWAZI CANDLES
Swazi Candles was established in 1981 by two South African arts graduates and a designer in an old cow shed in Swaziland. This small cottage industry provided local Swazi people with training in the ancient technique of 'Millefiore' (meaning a thousand flowers) - a method of decorating glass. The local Swazi people proved to be fine handicraft workers and skilled artisans and ideal partners for this business. Swazi Candles began to develop a distinctly Swazi ethnic flavor and style and soon gained a reputation for producing unique candles.
The workshop has expanded to now employ up to 200 people and Swazi Candles exports to outlets in Australia, North America and Europe. Swazi Candles is committed to the principles of Fair Trade and are members of the World Fair Trade Organisation. Swazi Candles provides an enjoyable and creative working environment that is beneficial to all and where profits and decision-making are shared with employees. In addition to a fair wage, employees receive a pension, and financial assistance with health care, funerals, food and transport. Swazi Candles also provides employees with information and facilitates access to education programs and low interest housing loans. An in-house counsellor is available to assist people with on-going social and health issues such as domestic violence and HIV / Aids.
Swazi Candle-making Methods
Using the ancient Roman technique of Millefiore, sheets of different coloured hard wax are poured and rolled into patterns, then stretched and re-rolled many times until the desired patterns are acquired. The thin sheets of wax are then cut into veneers and are skillfully applied by hand over a core of white wax and handmade into desired shapes. When lit, the veneer of hard wax remains, resulting in a rich, deep glow of the illuminated exterior as the candle burns deeper into the container lighting up the casing.
Each candle is carefully and individually created by hand and the candles are environmentally friendly. Up to 85% of raw materials are recycled.
All products from this producer . . .
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Rainbow Serpent Candle
$20.00
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Elephant Zanzibar Candle
$18.50
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Elephant Skins Candle
$18.50
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Stained Glass Candle
$18.50
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Lime Leaf Candle
$18.50
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Purple Flower Candle
$18.50
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Blue Leaf Candle
$18.50
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Turtle Candle
$20.00
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Rainbow Serpent Candle
$20.00 -
Elephant Zanzibar Candle
$18.50 -
Elephant Skins Candle
$18.50 -
Stained Glass Candle
$18.50 -
Lime Leaf Candle
$18.50 -
Purple Flower Candle
$18.50 -
Blue Leaf Candle
$18.50 -
Turtle Candle
$20.00
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