The Maker’s Blueprint: Design and Sell Your Own Cement Candle Vessels

scentsbyfaycandles
Dec 15, 2025
3 min read

I’m Fay Glass-Smith, the maker behind Scents by Fay. When I first started making candles, I followed the familiar path — soy wax in glass jars, hoping my scent blends would stand out. But after endless scrolling and searching for inspiration online, I realized there was another path. Cement. Minimalist, handmade, earthy cement vessels offered limitless creativity and a way to stand out in a crowded market.

Why Cement Candle Vessels Change Everything

Cement candle vessels unlock design freedom that glass jars can’t offer. Shapes, colors, textures — you can create pieces that feel like art. The minimalist, handmade, earthy finish resonates deeply with customers looking for something unique and reusable.

One of my proudest moments? Partnering with the NBA and WNBA to design and craft a custom basketball candle. That milestone showed me how a unique medium can open doors to collaborations and brand-defining opportunities.

Gathering the Right Tools

The right supplies make all the difference — from pigments to molds to sealers. I’ve detailed my exact toolkit in my full course, so you can source everything with one click and skip the trial and error.

Cement Vessel Process — At a Glance

1. Prepare your workstation and PPE.2. Measure cement and water separately; add pigment to water first.3. Mix until smooth and lump-free.4. Pour slowly into mold, tapping halfway and at the top to release bubbles.5. Demold once safe and stable, then sand while slightly damp for easy smoothing.6. Weigh daily; once weight stabilizes, your vessel is cured and ready to seal.7. Seal with a heat-safe, non-toxic sealer.

💡 Over time, you’ll get a natural feel for curing speeds in your environment — it becomes second nature.

Safety & Testing — The Non-Negotiables

Sealing is crucial for durability and candle safety. I recommend Earth Safe Finishes Seal & Finish — it’s non-toxic, low odor, and safe for heat-exposed surfaces. Apply with a Taklon paint brush for smooth, streak-free coverage.

Always test a new vessel design with a burn test: pour wax, cure, and burn to ensure the vessel stays cool enough to touch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue	Cause	Fix
Pinholes	Too much water or air trapped	Tap mold, adjust water ratio
Uneven color	Inconsistent pigment mixing	Mix fully before pouring
Cracks	Too little water or drying too fast	Adjust water, cure slower

From Hobby to Business

Every great brand starts with one handmade piece. Once you master the basics, you can experiment with shapes, create limited drops, and even collaborate with brands. Price your vessels by factoring in material cost, time, and the perceived value of one-of-a-kind design.

Your Next Step

You don’t need to figure it all out alone. That’s why I created this course— Cement Vessel 101 — to show you exactly how to go from first pour to polished, candle-ready pieces. It includes my full supply list, direct links, and deeper step-by-step training.

👉 Grab my free Quick Start Checklist and start creating today! Download HERE

👉 Level up your skills: Get the complete course— Cement Vessel 101: From Mix to Mastery — and start creating professional-quality vessels today. Get it HERE