This was an Inkscape tutorial that I decided to try to do entirely in GIMP.
The Inkscape tutorial is here: Realistic Candle

I've been playing with this for hours upon hours and I just can't get it quite right. The flame isn't right.
Suggestions are appreciated.

I think it is pretty darn nice, as far as inkscape, that is a different world that I don't know, I watched tutorials and it looks great but..

To emulate Inkscape effects in GIMP I create a separate layer for each effect (object in terms of IS), use layer masks, paths and modify layer modes a lot.
Here is an example of IS effect simulation, although it was made from scratch (no inkscape tutorial, pure inspiration). Look at the xcf , you'll see what I mean.

To sum it up, some Inkscape effects are hard to reproduce in GIMP, but there are some things I'd better do with GIMP rather than IS.

I'm with you. The candle is excellent but the flame needs work.

As a general principal when trying to create "realistic" things I'd recommend looking at the real thing.

One obvious thing you've missed is the wick and to me the flame looks like it comes from a match rather than a candle, although that will rather depend on what the candle is made of as to whether it makes any blue in the flame:


And just to be absolutely clear, these are photos.

Kevin

excellent ideas there Kevin. You are right about that wick...really adds to the reality of the flame.