WEIRD AND REALISTIC CANDLE ARTbr WITH PIX AND VIDbr By Shuk Yee Tsangbr A wax artist has gone viral for her incredibly realistic and often bizarre candles that look so convincing you’d do a double take.br Kaylee Castleberry, 31, from South Texas, USA, creates hyper-realistic candles that fool the eye - whether they resemble mouthwatering food or unexpected everyday objects.br Her latest pieces range from uncanny designs like cat litter trays and a scented tampon to horror icons such as Pennywise the clown, alongside mouthwatering roast pork. br The detail is so convincing that even when sliced open, the candles’ insides mimic the real thing.br Kaylee says she first began making candles full-time after losing her job in 2021 and now runs her business ‘Cravings for Candles.’br She said: “I make realistic pieces of art out of wax. My specialty is food realism, but I make a variety of other categories as well.br “I started trying out all these original food-themed ideas I had been wanting to try but never had the time.br "After I began posting on TikTok and Instagram, to my surprise, some of my videos went viral.br “I believe what sets me apart from other wax artists is my freehand approach. I typically don’t use molds to make most of my wax melts.br “There are other amazing makers in the game, but I tried to create my own lane by doing different things that no one else is doing.br “I made wax foods with realistic textures as well – showing people something they’ve never seen before will definitely get attention, especially when it can fool them into believing something is real right before it melts away.br “Each piece varies in difficulty so it could take as little as six hours to as long as six days.br “My food-style candles, like pancakes, macaroni, ribs, and pizza, are on the lower end of required time. But even those still require technique, which has just come with trial and error.br “My process usually starts with an idea or inspiration from food or nature.br "Then I focus on textures – different waxes give different textures, and I mix them to get the right look.br “All the little details have to align for it to come out hyper realistic as intended.br “Working with wax is so liberating and therapeutic. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride that brings me happiness.br “I built my audience by being original. I gained over 150k followers in less than 6 months – not bragging! Just showing how it’s possible if you're dedicated and determined.br “I learned some losses are actually blessings. Sometimes we need to be knocked on our face, if that’s what it takes to become who we’re meant to be in life.br "My top three tips would be:br "1: Do not compare yourself to anyone! What someone else has accomplished in 20 years, you may be able to accomplish in one. You really never know. Determination goes a long way.br "2: Not everyone is going to support you. Followers online are often more supportive than friends and family. Don’t let that stop you.br "3: Fail, try again, repeat. Talent is often created, not born.