Collection Challenge #15 - Birthday Candles/Holders

I was happy when Chris from I'm Not Old, I'm Vintage suggested this challenge as I love this silly little collection that I have.

I store the majority of my birthday candle collection in a glass jar in my kitchen.
I am drawn to the candles because of the huge variety of boxes that are available and their fun graphics.

Birthday candles must have been a big business way back when since it seems like quite a few companies made and sold candles. Perhaps not big money tho, as alot of them sold for a dime a box.

I love seeing the candles lined up in each window.  Notice how the window on the right is actually a music note that the bird is sitting on.

Kids on bikes.

Singing birds.

Dancing couples.

 

Festive parties.

It is a miracle that some boxes survived at all.  This is such a cute box in an unusual size.

But why on earth would someone save it when the candles are beyond ever being used again? (The candles have been used and are quite short as well as having melted into a lump)

Some boxes offered decorations as well as the candles..."cut out the little gnome on the back of this pack and he will make the cake and table more attractive".

This pack came from across the ocean from London.  A blogger friend, Betty,  brought them back for me.

In addition to birthday candle boxes, I also collect candle holders.

I use these in my crafting as well.

 

I keep them in a special jar in my studio made by Elizabeth at Creative Breathing.

Birthday Boats

Birthday boys and girls in original boxes

Cowboys and Indians.

Animals

Birds and storks

Birthday trains in original packaging.

 

My favorite birthday storks on their original store cards.

Even tho these aren't birthday candle holders I am including these birthday greetings.

 

That about ends this collection challenge.  I am now in the mood for a cupcake.

If you have a suggestion for a future collection challenge, please leave me a comment and finish the sentence, "show me your collection of ___".  Hopefully I can show you what I have!

Comments

[Janet]

Great collection... everything except that little paper gnome. I don't think I'd want him on my cake.
I think I have some very old (45 years or so) candles that look like the boy and girl candleholders you have. I'll have to look for them.
Thanks for sharing!

[barbara]

Love this collection - maybe because it's all about celebrating? (Or because our birthdays come at such awkward times of the year that we're compensating?)

[Danielle]

Neat collection. I love the little bird candle holders especially.

[Linda @ A La Carte]

I love the variety of boxes and candles you have. The candle holders are wonderful. Gosh I remember having those on my birthday cake as a kid. Such a fun collection!!

[Shara @ monkeybox]

As you know, your collection of birthday candles inspired me and now I have a good amount of them too! Do you have any of the little glasses that stick in cakes for toasting? I've been lucky enough to find several sets that are all a bit different. They remind me of my Great Grandma - the Birthday Party Queen!

[Cindy]

It funny..I don't remember how my cakes were decorated..I just remember the people who were there..and the games we played...or the where we had the party..skating rink..parks..lake..horseback riding..ect.
I love your collection.

Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

[Lisa]

I think every vintage box of candles reside in Oregon. Every auction, resale shop or yard sale I go to nothing. :(

But then again if I was a box of vintage candles I would want to come live in your happy kitchen or wonderful craft world too!!!

[Nancy Jane York]

What a wonderful collection. My favorite being the 'Fairy Candles'..Take care Nan

[Janis]

Laurie, your candle, candle holder
and cake decoration collection is
fantastic! I really enjoy your
Tuesday Challenges. It is a lot
of fun to see all of your "goodies"
and it is great "eye candy"!! : )
I have a few boxes of vintage candles and some of the cute pink
girl candle holders. I agree, the
graphics are so wonderful and I
just wish they made things like
they used to. I really like the
jar of candle holders. Very cheery. Please let me see your
collection of vintage drink
swizzle sticks and/or drinking
straws.
Hugs,
Janis

[Lori @ My Vintage Whimsy]

What a great collection. I love all of the different graphics on the boxes. And the candle holders are cute too - much better than the creepy clown heads that were on my first birthday cake. And everyone wonders why I'm terrified of clowns. hahaha

[Lynn]

WOW!! I am blown away - I never thought there would be so many different graphics with birthday candles. I'm surprised there are no Scottie candle holders!

[Sandy McClay]

Laurie,
This is one of your collections that I adore!!! I love the "twisty" candles, but I am a sucker for the boxes and the little plastic holders and signs for cakes!!!! I buy them whenever I can! I hope to have jar full someday too! :) Thanks for a fun fun post! Sandy

[Elma]

I just love this collection!! I love how you display them in a glass jar just like me:)

[Shelley Germann]

I have exactly ONE box of candles that came in a box lot...at this point I don't think that constitutes a collection. Guess what though, it's the last box you posted! Now why are all the boxes I find torn? The lid has a rip. Bought a box of Christmas hangers about two weeks ago...same thing! Oh, to have ONE good box!

[Into Vintage]

Those little boxes look great all laid out together -- looks like they could have a picture fame around them.

Sadly, I am old enough that I recall having a birthday cake with the little ballerinas on it.

[Debbie]

Hi Laurie,

What a fun collection! I agree the graphics are really nice. How fun to hav ethem in a jar in your kitchen!

Debbie

[rebecca]

Another fabulous collection! I still have those coasters that match your napkins (the coffee ones) and will send them soon. My life got a little crazy in the last few weeks!

Oh and I think the stork candle holders might be my favorite. :)

[Mitzi Curi]

Laurie, thanks so much for the guided tour through the Wonderful World of Birthday Candles & Holders. I love the little box full of melted lumps. The owner of those no doubt lived through the depression years and treasured everything they had. Very sweet!