How do I erase items from a image?

[cinque888]

Hello,

what are the best ways to remove the flames from the cake candles and still keep the background?

Thank you.

[rich2005]

The image is a bit small, a larger version might give better results.

Total edit: Just re-read the subject and it is just the flames not the candles.. Still using the gimp_gmic_qt plugin http://www.gmic.eu The Inpaint (diffusion transport ) filter.  Use the pencil tool (not paint tool). Pure 100% red for the mask. Include any glow.  Looks like this:

   

No use trying to save the candle wicks, back to the paint tool and a tiny brush, reduced opacity and paint them in.

   

[Scallact]

We can take advantage of the facts that 

• flames are lighter than the background
  
• the background is a horizontal gradient
  

So let's go:

With the rectangle select tool, select this small  zone (I added vertical guides to help move the layer later, but that's not mandatory) and copy-paste it as a new layer
   

Apply a gaussian blur filter, configured like below. Important: check "Merge filter"
   

Layer > Scale layer. Scale it only vertically by unchecking the chain icon first:
   

With the move tool, place the layer above the lights:
   

Set the layer to "Darken only" mode:
   

With the eraser tool and a rectangular brush, erase the pixels over the candles bodies (wax only, not the flames):
   

[sallyanne]

I would use the clone tool. Pick your source from nearby (maybe use align carefully). Then you could keep the part that is not burnt. Use the heal brush to soften your cloning after.