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)
   

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):