About Us
Klaus and Betty started von Hardenberg Candles in 2004, after we travelled to Europe in search of good material and information regarding beeswax candle making. Our trip was wonderful, but we learned that candle-making was a journey through trial and error of teaching ourselves. We have since then built a studio and store dedicated to candle making in which we have hosted workshops, tours, events and an annual Artisan Fair. In our goal to remain true to our philosophy of minimal waste, low environmental impact and recycling materials, we built our studio out of reclaimed lumber and generate about two bags of garbage annually that cannot be recycled. We have participated in Circle Craft for 14 years, Crafted Vancouver, Dunbar Craft Fair, Vancouver Farmers Market and many smaller craft fairs near where we live and sold through direct sales as well. Our main goal is to create and sell Canadian beeswax candle products that are environmentally sustainable and not harmful to the user. Our products make a beautiful, well made, affordable gift for everyday use. Our customers have always been our inspiration.
Old World Tradition
Candle making is an ancient craft dating back to 200 BC. Candle making began in China and followed through to Europe and the Middle East. Its contents reflected the available and cost effective materials such as whale fat, tallow, stearin, paraffin and beeswax. Paraffin wax became widely used as it is cheaply made from distilled residue left from crude petroleum. We chose beeswax. Even though it is more expensive, it is a very special wax that is not toxic to the user nor the environment. It provides a clean longer burn and is a beautiful wax that in turn combined with a pure cotton wick, makes a beautiful candle. We feel very fortunate to have beeswax available to us.