Generating candles could be fantastic fun. It’s very thrilling to determine what type of candle to make and obtaining your supplies. Nevertheless, some people rapidly become disappointed and frustrated using the method and quit. You can find some prevalent problems that newbies knowledge with candle generating. Most of them have fast and easy options. It is recommended that all newbies begin with the fundamental candle generating procedure. This offers you the chance to discover the basics, then you’ll be able to transfer on to creating the kinds of candles you truly want to.
1 secret to producing fantastic candles would be to use top quality products. In basic, candle generating supplies are inexpensive. If the wax you purchase is of poor high quality, then it is never going to create quality candles. Heating the wax to the correct temperature is extremely essential. The temperature will change based on the type of candle you might be producing with it. If the wax is not scorching sufficient it will not type properly. Likewise, wax which is as well scorching will lose luster and won’t be as sturdy as soon as it cools.
Have you every single made a gorgeous candle, but when you lit it the area filled with smoke instead of the perfume with the candle? This issue has to do together with your wick, it’s too lengthy. Basically cut them shorter for long run candles. You can snip the suggestions from the candles you might have by now created and this really should remedy the scenario.
Some candles burn and odor wonderful, but they look ugly right after several makes use of having a crater inside the center with the candle although the edges of the candle jar haven’t even been touched. This will be the result of the wick that is not vast sufficient. There isn’t a lot you can do for candles you might have by now produced except melt the wax in them and commence about. It is possible to purchase a wider wick or braid 3 with each other to obtain a good thickness. The wider the candle jar, the wider you will need your wick to be for that candle to burn up evenly.
Cooling candles is an region of hassle for numerous newcomers. Don’t rush the cooling method or you’ll harm the hardness of your candle. Forcing the candle to cool will even result in bubbles forming inside the leading and middle with the candle. Although it will not be a bodily defect, the melting wax will go into these bubbles when you have the candle lit resulting within the wick heading out. Candles really should be allowed to cool in an region exactly where they won’t be moved till totally cool. The area wants to be flat and out of direct sunlight. You will also desire to ensure there are not any heating or cooling vents within the cooling region.
Should you recognize that your cooled candle isn’t as appealing as you’d like since the wax pulled away from your glass jar in some places, try heating your jars inside the microwave for any minute or two appropriate just before you fill them. This will assist the wax adhere to it appropriately with a quite easy look all of the way across the jar.
It is crucial to remember that candle producing entails some basic ideas. It will get a few tries to complete the actions properly, but give it a while. You will have to experiment to locate the strategies that work very best in your operate environment to create the candles you want. It’s suggested which you only make a couple of candles at a time to maintain from losing money on supplies although you’re learning. Make certain the completed product doesn’t have any burning problems using the wick or bubbles. If it does, basically melt the wax again and try it once more. As soon as you have mastered the fundamentals of candle creating, you can experiment with various kinds of candles. The internet is an excellent location to find candle generating ideas too as troubleshooting for your candle generating problems.
Looking for the right candle supplies vendor? If so then make sure to visit Author’s site right now!
Showing posts with label Paraffin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paraffin. Show all posts
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Question! How to choose a quality candle
There's something so attractive about burning candles - perhaps it appeals to our genetic memory, our fascination with fire and is a reminder of simpler times. The Egyptians and Cretans made candles from beeswax, as long as 5,000 years ago.
Paraffin wax - not so green
Most cheap candles you buy at the supermarket are made from paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of oil refining. Even the wicks of some candles can cause problems - they may have a lead or other type of metal core that release toxic emissions during burning.
Paraffin wax consists of alkane hydrocarbons and melts between 47°C and 65°C (around 120° to 150° F). It is derived from light lubricating oil distillates. When burned, the fumes can contain a number of carcinogens including Acetaldehyde, Acrolein, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and Toulene.
As the carbon within paraffin wax was was originally deep underground in oil deposits, when they are burned the carbon they contain is released into the atmosphere, adding just a little bit more to the already high levels present.
Unfortunately, by using paraffin based candles, we are helping to support the environmentally destructive oil industry and further poisoning our air.
Lead/metal wicks
The lead core wick issue shouldn't be such a problem in the USA and Australia now, but I'm not sure about other countries.
In the USA, voluntary agreements between manufacturers not to use lead cores were in place since the 1970's. Unfortunately, some cheap imports continued to contain lead wicks. In 2003, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) formally banned the import, manufacture and sale of candles with lead-cored wicks. Australia banned candles with lead core wicks in 1999.
The problem is most of us stash away candles for emergencies and they can go unused for many years, so there's still probably millions of lead core wick candles laying around the place.
Some lead core wick candles emit lead levels in excess of 3,000 micrograms per hour - about seven times the rate considered unsafe. Lead is a cumulative poison and never leaves the body - a dose here and and dose there can build up. It not only affects humans, but all animals and can be passed along the food chain.
If you have old candles, inspect the wick and look for a thin wire in the center. Separate the core from the wrapping if need be to be sure. If there is a wire, there is a possibility it's not lead as some manufacturers now use zinc or tin instead; but there's some debate as to the safety of these elements too. There's also the damage that the mining industry wreaks on the environment to consider.
On top of all this are some of the synthetic chemicals that are used in scented candles which can also give off environmentally damaging emissions.
Earth friendly candles
Perhaps it's 'extreme green' to concern ourselves with such seemingly small things, but all of us can make minor adjustments in our lifestyles to have less impact on our environment. For one person, it might be to cut down driving, for someone else it might be purchasing candles that are more earth friendly. Every small change makes a difference if it's multiplied millions of times.
There are many alternatives to paraffin wax candles, but it's important to note that the burning of just about any substance will create some sort of emission, and even "green" substances can be toxic.
For example, never burn oleander as the smoke is definitely toxic and can kill you - but I doubt very much you'll ever see oleander candles for sale. I guess what I'm trying to say is be careful of outlandish claims of greenness in any products - the key is all things in moderation. Many alternative wax candles may also contain some paraffin to assist with burning.
Of the alternative waxes available on the market, soy wax or bees wax candles are probably the most popular. Both these substance have a lower melting point; so if you live in an area where it's extremely hot, try and store them in a cool place or at least lay them flat in storage to prevent them from wilting. In my shed in the outback, I saw even the paraffin candles I had in candleholders winding up looking like soggy celery after a hot day!
Usually if you buy scented beeswax or soy candles, the scent will be from natural oils rather than synthetic chemicals, but it's always wise to check to make sure. The same goes for the wick - it should be made of recycled cotton, hemp or recycled paper fiber.
Paraffin wax - not so green
Most cheap candles you buy at the supermarket are made from paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of oil refining. Even the wicks of some candles can cause problems - they may have a lead or other type of metal core that release toxic emissions during burning.
Paraffin wax consists of alkane hydrocarbons and melts between 47°C and 65°C (around 120° to 150° F). It is derived from light lubricating oil distillates. When burned, the fumes can contain a number of carcinogens including Acetaldehyde, Acrolein, Benzene, Formaldehyde, Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and Toulene.
As the carbon within paraffin wax was was originally deep underground in oil deposits, when they are burned the carbon they contain is released into the atmosphere, adding just a little bit more to the already high levels present.
Unfortunately, by using paraffin based candles, we are helping to support the environmentally destructive oil industry and further poisoning our air.
Lead/metal wicks
The lead core wick issue shouldn't be such a problem in the USA and Australia now, but I'm not sure about other countries.
In the USA, voluntary agreements between manufacturers not to use lead cores were in place since the 1970's. Unfortunately, some cheap imports continued to contain lead wicks. In 2003, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) formally banned the import, manufacture and sale of candles with lead-cored wicks. Australia banned candles with lead core wicks in 1999.
The problem is most of us stash away candles for emergencies and they can go unused for many years, so there's still probably millions of lead core wick candles laying around the place.
Some lead core wick candles emit lead levels in excess of 3,000 micrograms per hour - about seven times the rate considered unsafe. Lead is a cumulative poison and never leaves the body - a dose here and and dose there can build up. It not only affects humans, but all animals and can be passed along the food chain.
If you have old candles, inspect the wick and look for a thin wire in the center. Separate the core from the wrapping if need be to be sure. If there is a wire, there is a possibility it's not lead as some manufacturers now use zinc or tin instead; but there's some debate as to the safety of these elements too. There's also the damage that the mining industry wreaks on the environment to consider.
On top of all this are some of the synthetic chemicals that are used in scented candles which can also give off environmentally damaging emissions.
Earth friendly candles
Perhaps it's 'extreme green' to concern ourselves with such seemingly small things, but all of us can make minor adjustments in our lifestyles to have less impact on our environment. For one person, it might be to cut down driving, for someone else it might be purchasing candles that are more earth friendly. Every small change makes a difference if it's multiplied millions of times.
There are many alternatives to paraffin wax candles, but it's important to note that the burning of just about any substance will create some sort of emission, and even "green" substances can be toxic.
For example, never burn oleander as the smoke is definitely toxic and can kill you - but I doubt very much you'll ever see oleander candles for sale. I guess what I'm trying to say is be careful of outlandish claims of greenness in any products - the key is all things in moderation. Many alternative wax candles may also contain some paraffin to assist with burning.
Of the alternative waxes available on the market, soy wax or bees wax candles are probably the most popular. Both these substance have a lower melting point; so if you live in an area where it's extremely hot, try and store them in a cool place or at least lay them flat in storage to prevent them from wilting. In my shed in the outback, I saw even the paraffin candles I had in candleholders winding up looking like soggy celery after a hot day!
Usually if you buy scented beeswax or soy candles, the scent will be from natural oils rather than synthetic chemicals, but it's always wise to check to make sure. The same goes for the wick - it should be made of recycled cotton, hemp or recycled paper fiber.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Cupcake Candles
With candle making, there are hardly any limits. You can replicate lots of things with your creativity. Here are some delicious 'Cupcakes' that look very, very inviting.
Complete with chopped crayon bits for nuts and decorations, many people will mistake them for edible, freshly-baked, icing-topped cupcakes coming from your kitchen!
Materials Needed:
• Candle Making Supplies (Wax, Dyes, Boiler, Wicks etc.),
• Paper Muffin Cups (2-3 for one candle),
• Whisk,
• Old Crayons (chopped into small pieces)
Directions:
1.Place 2-3 paper cups into each other for strength. Now, place them into individual muffin molds or a muffin tray for a string base. Grease them lightly if you wish, but it is not necessary.
2. Melt Wax, mix a dark or earthy colored dye for the muffin base. We have used brown, but you can experiment. They are not real cakes after all!
3. Pour melted wax into the prepared 'molds'. Allow to cool and set. You can use a wick at this point. We have have not used one because I made these 'cupcakes' just as a show-piece.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the 'frosting'. Melt wax and dye it a soft, creamy color. We used used a pale, earthy brown again, but pinks, creams, blues, greens, yellows, peaches etc. look great for the icing. Be creative with your color combinations.
5. Cool the melted wax till you see a thin skin forming on it. Whip it with a whisk till it gets frothy. Quickly, spoon the froth over the cupcake. If the wax solidifies before you are able to spoon enough froth, repeat the melting, cooling and whipping process.
6. While the frosting is still warm, sprinkle pieces of old crayons.
Complete with chopped crayon bits for nuts and decorations, many people will mistake them for edible, freshly-baked, icing-topped cupcakes coming from your kitchen!
Materials Needed:
• Candle Making Supplies (Wax, Dyes, Boiler, Wicks etc.),
• Paper Muffin Cups (2-3 for one candle),
• Whisk,
• Old Crayons (chopped into small pieces)
Directions:
1.Place 2-3 paper cups into each other for strength. Now, place them into individual muffin molds or a muffin tray for a string base. Grease them lightly if you wish, but it is not necessary.
2. Melt Wax, mix a dark or earthy colored dye for the muffin base. We have used brown, but you can experiment. They are not real cakes after all!
3. Pour melted wax into the prepared 'molds'. Allow to cool and set. You can use a wick at this point. We have have not used one because I made these 'cupcakes' just as a show-piece.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the 'frosting'. Melt wax and dye it a soft, creamy color. We used used a pale, earthy brown again, but pinks, creams, blues, greens, yellows, peaches etc. look great for the icing. Be creative with your color combinations.
5. Cool the melted wax till you see a thin skin forming on it. Whip it with a whisk till it gets frothy. Quickly, spoon the froth over the cupcake. If the wax solidifies before you are able to spoon enough froth, repeat the melting, cooling and whipping process.
6. While the frosting is still warm, sprinkle pieces of old crayons.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Toxic Candles
Candles!
I enjoy using candles. Candles are warming, romantic, inspiring. Relaxing, comforting, symbolic. Burning them conjure different emotional responses for everyone who delights in them. Consumer reports indicate that candles are ‘in’ once again. Perhaps a 70’s revival or a nesting desire in increasingly troubled times.
Yet do we ever think about what it really is that we are burning or inhaling?
Paraffin candles are the most commonly burned candles worldwide. And are the most dangerous to our health.
Paraffin is an inexpensive sludge waste product of the petroleum industry that has been bleached then texturised with acrolyn, a known carcinogenic product. Supposedly an inert substance, if you have much faith in government/industry released information. However, once burned it releases toxins that are known carcinogens such as benzene and toluene which are inhaled and linger in the areas they are burned in. Not to mention the soot that leaves its residue on walls, eventually greying fabrics and ceilings. Soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins found in diesel fuel.
Paraffin candles are as dangerous to the lungs as second-hand smoke and even more so if you are in the habit of burning many at the same time. It is also a non-renewable resource. Ever smell one? They stink.
Supposedly, paraffin for candles is ‘food grade’ – clearly a lie. The problem appears when we burn them. It is no longer recommended to be used in contact with food – remember grandmother sealing the jams with a layer of paraffin? Yes, we survived that era but life was simpler and cleaner then. Today we have to deal with cumulative factors detrimental to our health that never existed before.
Then there is the problem with lead in the wicks. Though lead has not been used since the 70’s in most of Central Europe and the USA, cheaper candles from other countries such as Asia or South America can still be seen on the market. Burning only a few with leaded wicks for 3 hours will increase levels 9 to 11 times over acceptable lead levels.
Gel candles though pretty because of the crystal clearness are likewise petroleum based or made from synthetic hydrocarbons. Think of them as petroleum turned into jelly with a few more added toxins thrown in such as butylated hydroxyl toluene. Pretty, but absolutely not a good idea.
Soy candles are relatively new on the selection palate and began appearing early 90’s. Invented in the USA and made from hydrogenated soy, palm and coconut oils, soy candles burn slower and last about 50% longer than paraffin candles. They burn cooler and have very little soot, and drips are easily cleaned up however, the flame is not considered a ‘warm’ flame. Some feel the ‘magic’ is missing with soy candles. By purchasing soy candles, you are supporting the omnipresent American soy industry which farms mostly genetically manipulated soy. Soy candles lay in price between the cheaper paraffin candles and beeswax candles. Soy tapers may bend at warm room temperatures and are often blended with stearin (stearic acid) a substance derived from animal or vegetable sources to harden them.
Beeswax candles. Ahh…my absolute favourite. Warm and sweet smelling, they symbolize for me a connection to the Earth. Beeswax is a by-product of honey and is made from the ‘caps’ of the honeycomb. These are the most expensive candles, but are price effective as they last up to three times longer than paraffin and twice as long as soy candles. Unlike paraffin, they are from a sustainable source – originating from flowers, fuelled by the sun and processed by bees.
They burn cleanly, don’t drip when properly used and give off negative ions that help concentration and clear the air. They are also non-allergenic and can help soothe the symptoms of hay fever, asthma and allergy sufferers. Natural beeswax candles are commonly golden to amber but can also be found almost black. Ivory coloured candles have gone through a special process to lighten them, which unfortunately weakens the natural honey scent. When purchasing, be certain that the label states 100% beeswax – some countries allow as little as 10% beeswax to still be labelled ‘beeswax’. A ‘blended’ beeswax candle most assuredly has paraffin or stearin.
Natural beeswax candles are a healthy, soothing comfort for us too. They feel warm to the touch, and are simply magical!
I enjoy using candles. Candles are warming, romantic, inspiring. Relaxing, comforting, symbolic. Burning them conjure different emotional responses for everyone who delights in them. Consumer reports indicate that candles are ‘in’ once again. Perhaps a 70’s revival or a nesting desire in increasingly troubled times.
Yet do we ever think about what it really is that we are burning or inhaling?
Paraffin candles are the most commonly burned candles worldwide. And are the most dangerous to our health.
Paraffin is an inexpensive sludge waste product of the petroleum industry that has been bleached then texturised with acrolyn, a known carcinogenic product. Supposedly an inert substance, if you have much faith in government/industry released information. However, once burned it releases toxins that are known carcinogens such as benzene and toluene which are inhaled and linger in the areas they are burned in. Not to mention the soot that leaves its residue on walls, eventually greying fabrics and ceilings. Soot from paraffin candles contains many of the same toxins found in diesel fuel.
Paraffin candles are as dangerous to the lungs as second-hand smoke and even more so if you are in the habit of burning many at the same time. It is also a non-renewable resource. Ever smell one? They stink.
Supposedly, paraffin for candles is ‘food grade’ – clearly a lie. The problem appears when we burn them. It is no longer recommended to be used in contact with food – remember grandmother sealing the jams with a layer of paraffin? Yes, we survived that era but life was simpler and cleaner then. Today we have to deal with cumulative factors detrimental to our health that never existed before.
Then there is the problem with lead in the wicks. Though lead has not been used since the 70’s in most of Central Europe and the USA, cheaper candles from other countries such as Asia or South America can still be seen on the market. Burning only a few with leaded wicks for 3 hours will increase levels 9 to 11 times over acceptable lead levels.
Gel candles though pretty because of the crystal clearness are likewise petroleum based or made from synthetic hydrocarbons. Think of them as petroleum turned into jelly with a few more added toxins thrown in such as butylated hydroxyl toluene. Pretty, but absolutely not a good idea.
Soy candles are relatively new on the selection palate and began appearing early 90’s. Invented in the USA and made from hydrogenated soy, palm and coconut oils, soy candles burn slower and last about 50% longer than paraffin candles. They burn cooler and have very little soot, and drips are easily cleaned up however, the flame is not considered a ‘warm’ flame. Some feel the ‘magic’ is missing with soy candles. By purchasing soy candles, you are supporting the omnipresent American soy industry which farms mostly genetically manipulated soy. Soy candles lay in price between the cheaper paraffin candles and beeswax candles. Soy tapers may bend at warm room temperatures and are often blended with stearin (stearic acid) a substance derived from animal or vegetable sources to harden them.
Beeswax candles. Ahh…my absolute favourite. Warm and sweet smelling, they symbolize for me a connection to the Earth. Beeswax is a by-product of honey and is made from the ‘caps’ of the honeycomb. These are the most expensive candles, but are price effective as they last up to three times longer than paraffin and twice as long as soy candles. Unlike paraffin, they are from a sustainable source – originating from flowers, fuelled by the sun and processed by bees.
They burn cleanly, don’t drip when properly used and give off negative ions that help concentration and clear the air. They are also non-allergenic and can help soothe the symptoms of hay fever, asthma and allergy sufferers. Natural beeswax candles are commonly golden to amber but can also be found almost black. Ivory coloured candles have gone through a special process to lighten them, which unfortunately weakens the natural honey scent. When purchasing, be certain that the label states 100% beeswax – some countries allow as little as 10% beeswax to still be labelled ‘beeswax’. A ‘blended’ beeswax candle most assuredly has paraffin or stearin.
Natural beeswax candles are a healthy, soothing comfort for us too. They feel warm to the touch, and are simply magical!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Cruelty-free Candles
When the days grow shorter and the dark of night begins its wintry reign, you know the signal to cozy-up your living space and create a nurturing environment has been officially sounded. A key ingredient in this process is the addition of candles. They provide ambience at dinner parties, set the mood for romantic evenings at home, and even play a role in our spiritual lives, giving our personal spaces a warm, peaceful glow. They smell good, look good, and cast a snuggly light that begs for you to whip up a cup of hot cocoa and settle in for the night. Best of all, today's cruelty-free, alternative-wax candles support our desire to live compassionately while keeping the home fires burning with a cozy warmth.
The Joy of Soy (Candles)
Most candles are made with paraffin—a petroleum waste-product. When burned, paraffin releases carcinogenic toxins like benzene and soot into the air, which, in addition to being dangerous for your lungs (and your animal companion's lungs), can settle on furniture and countertops, damaging surfaces. A better bet for a soot-free home is soy. That's right: The mighty soybean that yields so many health benefits also lends itself to candles. Natural soy-wax candles are not only healthier for the environment, but more economical, too, because they burn up to 50-percent longer than their paraffin counterparts.
(Bay)Berry Good
Mother Nature has generously supplied us with another natural source of cruelty-free candle wax in the bayberry. You could call bayberry the "patriotic alternative to paraffin," since colonial Americans were the first to transform the teensy little berry into candle wax. Today, as in the past, bayberry candles enjoy extra popularity around the holidays, when they are burned to bring good luck for the coming year. When scouting for these special candles, be sure the wax consists of pure bayberry (a pleasant, delicate fragrance on its own) and not artificially scented paraffin wax.
Bee-Free
My quest for cruelty-free candles made from renewable resources brought me to an unexpected source: palm wax. Like olive oil, palm wax oil is a "virgin" oil that doesn't require refining—just a bit of filtering and deodorizing. Shaped from the fruit of the oil palm, palm wax candles also burn clean and last longer than those made with paraffin, and are a fabulous alternative to beeswax—the production of which usually involves drug and pesticide treatments, genetic tampering, wing clipping, and the use of manufactured pheromones. There's nothing natural about that.
Once you've made the choice to bring natural-wax candles into your home, be sure any added fragrance is pure, essential oil—otherwise your good intentions will go literally up in smoke as harmful by-products from artificial scents are released into the air.
There is no denying the magic of candlelight. With a little detective work, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of candles while keeping your home cruelty- and toxin-free.
The Joy of Soy (Candles)
Most candles are made with paraffin—a petroleum waste-product. When burned, paraffin releases carcinogenic toxins like benzene and soot into the air, which, in addition to being dangerous for your lungs (and your animal companion's lungs), can settle on furniture and countertops, damaging surfaces. A better bet for a soot-free home is soy. That's right: The mighty soybean that yields so many health benefits also lends itself to candles. Natural soy-wax candles are not only healthier for the environment, but more economical, too, because they burn up to 50-percent longer than their paraffin counterparts.
(Bay)Berry Good
Mother Nature has generously supplied us with another natural source of cruelty-free candle wax in the bayberry. You could call bayberry the "patriotic alternative to paraffin," since colonial Americans were the first to transform the teensy little berry into candle wax. Today, as in the past, bayberry candles enjoy extra popularity around the holidays, when they are burned to bring good luck for the coming year. When scouting for these special candles, be sure the wax consists of pure bayberry (a pleasant, delicate fragrance on its own) and not artificially scented paraffin wax.
Bee-Free
My quest for cruelty-free candles made from renewable resources brought me to an unexpected source: palm wax. Like olive oil, palm wax oil is a "virgin" oil that doesn't require refining—just a bit of filtering and deodorizing. Shaped from the fruit of the oil palm, palm wax candles also burn clean and last longer than those made with paraffin, and are a fabulous alternative to beeswax—the production of which usually involves drug and pesticide treatments, genetic tampering, wing clipping, and the use of manufactured pheromones. There's nothing natural about that.
Once you've made the choice to bring natural-wax candles into your home, be sure any added fragrance is pure, essential oil—otherwise your good intentions will go literally up in smoke as harmful by-products from artificial scents are released into the air.
There is no denying the magic of candlelight. With a little detective work, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of candles while keeping your home cruelty- and toxin-free.
The History of Candles
Candles today are used to create warmth, scent and ambiance in our homes. There was a time quite long ago when candles were a necessity for lighting the darkness. The first mention of candles in the bible was as early as the 10th century BCE. Clay candle holders found in Egypt date back to 400 BC. The candles were then made from sticking wicks into containers filled with flammable material.
It has also been noted that the ancient Egyptians used rushlights or torches, made by soaking the core of reeds in molten tallow. This type of candle had no wick. It was the Romans who are credited with developing the first wick candle.
The Egyptians and the Roman's gathered tallow from cattle or sheep suet as their main ingredients in candles.
Since tallow was cheap and easily available, Tallow candles were widely used for many centuries.
It is said that the Romans used candles during the Saturnalia festival. During the festival, tall papers of wax were offered to Saturn (an angel of God).
The Chinese made candles from whale fat. In India, they used the wax from boiling cinnamon for candles in their temples. Japanese candles were made from extracting wax from nut trees. In the first century AD, the indigenous people from the region between Oregon and Alaska used a fish called the eulachon or "candlefish", which is a type of smelt.
The oil from this fish was used, or a candle could be made by putting the dried fish on a stick and lighting it.
Tallow was still used during the first century AD, however the tallow was smoky and odorous. In the early 1500's the beeswax was introduced as an alternative, however, beeswax was more difficult to obtain. Since beeswax was difficult to obtain and costly, beeswax candles were used almost exclusively by the wealthy, upper class and the Church.
With Christianity becoming more widespread, the custom of placing candles in the window began to be popular. The Irish Christians believed that placing a candle near a window on Christmas Eve would guide the Christ Child as he wondered from house to house. The people of Europe have kept this tradition going.
Early colonial women made their first contribution to candle making by boiling the berries of the bayberry bush to produce a sweet smelling, clean burning wax. This didn't last long, as the task of extracting the wax from the bayberries was tedious and the use of the bayberry candle diminished.
In the 18th century, candle makers began to use sperm whale oil to make candles because it was clean burning and low on odor like beeswax. They also found that it was harder than beeswax and withstood the summer heat better. In the Victorian period, candles were being placed on the Christmas Tree as a symbol of the star which guided the three wise men to the dwelling of Jesus. In 1890 candle holders were used for only one year to hold the candles to the tree. Before that, melted wax was used or the candles were pinned to the tree.
In 1834, Joseph Morgan introduced a candle making machine that used a cylinder with a movable piston that ejected the candles as they hardened. In 1850, paraffin wax was made from oil and coal shales. It was processed by distilling residue after crude petroleum was refined. Paraffin was found to burn clean with no odor, and the cost was very economical. The only threat to paraffins popularity was its low melting point. By the end of the 19th century, stearic acid was being produced and most candles consisted of paraffin and stearic acid. Soon the devastation would begin in the candle industry.
The distillation of kerosene would hurt the candle industry because it made an excellent fuel for lamps. In 1879, the introduction of the light bulb caused the candle making profession to decline until the turn of the century when there was a renewed popularity for candles. Candle making was enhanced during the first half of the 20th century due to the growth of the U.S. oil and meatpacking industries. Several meat packing and oil producing companies also had candle businesses. In 1829, Price's Candles, William Wilson, made candles from coconut oil and later he tried palm oil. In 1854, Williams brother George distilled the first petroleum oil. In 1919, Price's Candles was purchased by Lever Brothers. In 1922, Candles Ltd was created. By 1991, the last remaining owner of Candles ltd was sold off by Shell Oil Company.
Today, candles have become more of a decorative item. Candles are now available in a broad variety of sizes, shapes and colors. During the 1990's a new type of candle wax was being developed due to an unusual demand for candles. Soybean wax, which was softer and slower burning than paraffin, has become popular. Candles are used today to warm our hearts with alluring scents of remembrance and romance. They are also used as symbolic in celebrations. Candles are used in weddings to define ceremony and in our homes to accent decor. Candles are even popular to light paths for outdoor parties.
It has also been noted that the ancient Egyptians used rushlights or torches, made by soaking the core of reeds in molten tallow. This type of candle had no wick. It was the Romans who are credited with developing the first wick candle.
The Egyptians and the Roman's gathered tallow from cattle or sheep suet as their main ingredients in candles.
Since tallow was cheap and easily available, Tallow candles were widely used for many centuries.
It is said that the Romans used candles during the Saturnalia festival. During the festival, tall papers of wax were offered to Saturn (an angel of God).
The Chinese made candles from whale fat. In India, they used the wax from boiling cinnamon for candles in their temples. Japanese candles were made from extracting wax from nut trees. In the first century AD, the indigenous people from the region between Oregon and Alaska used a fish called the eulachon or "candlefish", which is a type of smelt.
The oil from this fish was used, or a candle could be made by putting the dried fish on a stick and lighting it.
Tallow was still used during the first century AD, however the tallow was smoky and odorous. In the early 1500's the beeswax was introduced as an alternative, however, beeswax was more difficult to obtain. Since beeswax was difficult to obtain and costly, beeswax candles were used almost exclusively by the wealthy, upper class and the Church.
With Christianity becoming more widespread, the custom of placing candles in the window began to be popular. The Irish Christians believed that placing a candle near a window on Christmas Eve would guide the Christ Child as he wondered from house to house. The people of Europe have kept this tradition going.
Early colonial women made their first contribution to candle making by boiling the berries of the bayberry bush to produce a sweet smelling, clean burning wax. This didn't last long, as the task of extracting the wax from the bayberries was tedious and the use of the bayberry candle diminished.
In the 18th century, candle makers began to use sperm whale oil to make candles because it was clean burning and low on odor like beeswax. They also found that it was harder than beeswax and withstood the summer heat better. In the Victorian period, candles were being placed on the Christmas Tree as a symbol of the star which guided the three wise men to the dwelling of Jesus. In 1890 candle holders were used for only one year to hold the candles to the tree. Before that, melted wax was used or the candles were pinned to the tree.
In 1834, Joseph Morgan introduced a candle making machine that used a cylinder with a movable piston that ejected the candles as they hardened. In 1850, paraffin wax was made from oil and coal shales. It was processed by distilling residue after crude petroleum was refined. Paraffin was found to burn clean with no odor, and the cost was very economical. The only threat to paraffins popularity was its low melting point. By the end of the 19th century, stearic acid was being produced and most candles consisted of paraffin and stearic acid. Soon the devastation would begin in the candle industry.
The distillation of kerosene would hurt the candle industry because it made an excellent fuel for lamps. In 1879, the introduction of the light bulb caused the candle making profession to decline until the turn of the century when there was a renewed popularity for candles. Candle making was enhanced during the first half of the 20th century due to the growth of the U.S. oil and meatpacking industries. Several meat packing and oil producing companies also had candle businesses. In 1829, Price's Candles, William Wilson, made candles from coconut oil and later he tried palm oil. In 1854, Williams brother George distilled the first petroleum oil. In 1919, Price's Candles was purchased by Lever Brothers. In 1922, Candles Ltd was created. By 1991, the last remaining owner of Candles ltd was sold off by Shell Oil Company.
Today, candles have become more of a decorative item. Candles are now available in a broad variety of sizes, shapes and colors. During the 1990's a new type of candle wax was being developed due to an unusual demand for candles. Soybean wax, which was softer and slower burning than paraffin, has become popular. Candles are used today to warm our hearts with alluring scents of remembrance and romance. They are also used as symbolic in celebrations. Candles are used in weddings to define ceremony and in our homes to accent decor. Candles are even popular to light paths for outdoor parties.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Making Candles At Home
Candle making crafts are great fun as long as you steer clear of some simple pitfalls. It is very thrilling to decide what form of candle to create and acquiring your supplies. Nevertheless, some people quickly grow to be disappointed and annoyed with the hobby and give up. There are a lot of common problems that novices go through when candle making, many of them have speedy and simple solutions, for this reason it is highly recommended that all novices set out with the fundamental candle making process and stick to it. This offers you the chance to master the fundamentals, and then you can progress to creating the kinds of candles you want to.
A simple tip for making a fantastic candle is to use good quality materials and on the whole candle making materials are reasonably priced. It stands to reason that if you use poor quality wax, then it is rarely going to make high quality candles. It's very important to heat the wax to as close to the recommended temperature as possible. Too high or low temperatures will alter the characteristics of the wax depending on the kind of candle you're making. As an example, if the wax isn't hot enough it won't form correctly; similarly, wax that's too hot loses lustre and won't be as strong after it's cooled.
The length of the wick that you give the candles you make is quite important. Too long and when you lite them they burn a little and then go out, usually filling the room with smoke rather than fragrance. To rectify this simply cut the wick back a little on candles you have already made, then change the wick length for future candles.
Ever had a beautiful looking candle that when lit, the wax melted making a crater in the middle but leaving the outer edges solid,steep sided and unsightly. I have and the cause surprised me, again its because of the wick, this time however its due to the wick being too thin. To get the candle to melt evenly the simple solution is to make the candle with the width of the wick determined by the breadth of the candle. Any candles already made are a problem unless you melt them to rescue the wax and for future candles buy the right wick as described earlier or you could even braid 2 or 3 thinner wicks into a wider one.
Cooling the candles is another area of anxiety for many beginners. The cooling process must not be rushed under any circumstances or you run the risk of damaging the strength of the finished candle. Trying to make the candle cool quicker could cause bubbles to form in the middle and on top of the candle. Whilst it isn't a physical defect, as the wax melts it's able to enter the bubbles when the candle is lit causing the wick to extinguish. Candles ought to cool down in a place where they won't be moved until entirely cool. This area must be level and out of the path of direct sunlight. Its also advisable to ensure the cooling area is not in the vicinity of cooling or heating vents.
If when making jar candles you notice the wax pulling away from the jar then heating the jars in a microwave or oven for one or two minutes before filling them will help the melted wax stick to the jar correctly with a really smooth look around the jar.
Candle making for beginners is more successful when the basic rules and guidelines are followed, it also makes it more enjoyable and easier. Beginners should not be afraid to experiment with making different types of candle. Because materials can be expensive, when mistakes do happen, it is easy to melt the candle and recover the wax so that you can then simply make another. With this in mind it is always a good idea, when starting out, to make only a few candles at a time. The experience gained in this way is invaluable and enables you the confidence to working with other waxes and making better and better candles.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Candle fire
Candles provide great warmth and ambiance to any home. It is easy to forget that such a calming artifact is an open flame that can reach 1,400 °C. Most candle fires begin in the bedroom – with a mattress or bedding cited as the first item to ignite – except during the holidays, when more people use candles precariously too close to decorations. Furniture and plastics are also cited as the first items in the home to catch fire from a lit candle.
Statistics reveal that the most common causes of fire are:
• Leaving candles unattended.
• Falling asleep while a candle is lit.
• Using candles for light.
• Candles located too close to burnable objects.
• Candles knocked over by children, pets or sudden drafts.
Safety Tips:
• Extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep lit candles away from items that can catch fire such as toys,clothing, books, curtains, Christmas trees and paper decorations.
• Place candles in sturdy, burn-resistant containers that won’t tip over and are big enough to collect dripping wax.
• Don’t place lit candles near windows, where blinds or curtains may close or blow over them.
• Don’t use candles in high traffic areas where children or pets could knock them over.
• Never let candles burn out completely. Extinguish them when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a room with lit candles.
• Do not allow older children to light candles in their bedrooms. A forgotten candle or an accident is all it takes to start a fire.
• During power outages, exercise caution when using candles as a light source. Many destructive fires start when potential fire hazards go unnoticed in the dark.
• Never use a candle for light when fuelling equipment such as a camp fuel heater or lantern.
• Keep candle wicks short at all times. Trim the wick to one-quarter inch (6.4 mm).
• Be wary of buying novelty candles.
Avoid candles surrounded by flammable paint, paper, dried flowers, or breakable/meltable containers.
• Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder, and container candles before the last half-inch of wax begins to melt.
• When buying or using novelty candles, try to determine if they pose a potential fire hazard (if they contain a combustible component for instance). If they do, or if you suspect that they might, inform your local fire department.
• Use extreme caution when carrying a lit candle, holding it well away from your clothes and any
combustibles that may be along your path.
The Law:
• There are no legal standards or regulations for candles, including their make, design, safety features, location or use.
• Candles are not tested by a testing agency for safety before they are put on the market for you to buy
Statistics reveal that the most common causes of fire are:
• Leaving candles unattended.
• Falling asleep while a candle is lit.
• Using candles for light.
• Candles located too close to burnable objects.
• Candles knocked over by children, pets or sudden drafts.
Safety Tips:
• Extinguish candles when leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Keep lit candles away from items that can catch fire such as toys,clothing, books, curtains, Christmas trees and paper decorations.
• Place candles in sturdy, burn-resistant containers that won’t tip over and are big enough to collect dripping wax.
• Don’t place lit candles near windows, where blinds or curtains may close or blow over them.
• Don’t use candles in high traffic areas where children or pets could knock them over.
• Never let candles burn out completely. Extinguish them when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative material.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a room with lit candles.
• Do not allow older children to light candles in their bedrooms. A forgotten candle or an accident is all it takes to start a fire.
• During power outages, exercise caution when using candles as a light source. Many destructive fires start when potential fire hazards go unnoticed in the dark.
• Never use a candle for light when fuelling equipment such as a camp fuel heater or lantern.
• Keep candle wicks short at all times. Trim the wick to one-quarter inch (6.4 mm).
• Be wary of buying novelty candles.
Avoid candles surrounded by flammable paint, paper, dried flowers, or breakable/meltable containers.
• Extinguish taper and pillar candles when they burn to within two inches of the holder, and container candles before the last half-inch of wax begins to melt.
• When buying or using novelty candles, try to determine if they pose a potential fire hazard (if they contain a combustible component for instance). If they do, or if you suspect that they might, inform your local fire department.
• Use extreme caution when carrying a lit candle, holding it well away from your clothes and any
combustibles that may be along your path.
The Law:
• There are no legal standards or regulations for candles, including their make, design, safety features, location or use.
• Candles are not tested by a testing agency for safety before they are put on the market for you to buy
Beeswax candles
Beeswax is healthy stuff. It's an all natural substance with some amazing properties, and it smells divine. By contrast, paraffin candles are petroleum products burning a paraffin candle to set the mood for a romantic dinner is like running a small diesel engine on your dining room table. The fumes are noxious, and the chemical perfumes that manufacturers use to mask the smell of the exhaust can be downright toxic.
Honeybees make and use beeswax to construct their hive's honeycombs in each cell they raise their young and store nectar, honey and pollen. Secreted from a number of abdominal glands on the underside of a worker bee, beeswax has a natural sweet smell and is both smokeless and dripless two qualities not found together in any other animal or mineral wax.
Beeswax also has a much higher melting point (approx. 145 degrees Fahrenheit) than any other wax, which means that 100% pure beeswax candles burn slower and last a lot longer than ordinary candles. An eight inch tall, four inch wide single wick pillar, which weighs just over two pounds, will burn for almost three days straight. No other commercially available wax even comes close to that burn time.
And here's why it's so healthy - Beeswax actually cleans the air as it burns. Candles made of pure beeswax have well documented anti-allergic properties. Are you bothered by tree pollen or weed pollen, or mold spores, or dust? These nefarious particles are positively charged and conduct static electricity. Allergy sufferers are encouraged to close the windows of their house and light a pure beeswax candle. The all-natural wax emits negatively charged vapors that will IONIZE the air. Burning beeswax candles liberates the air of positively charged allergens as it emits negatively charged vapors into the atmosphere. Try it it works!
Beeswax candles are preferred in most Eastern Orthodox churches because they burn cleanly, with little or no wax dripping down the sides and little visible smoke. Beeswax is also prescribed as the primary material for the Paschal candle (the Easter Candle) and is recommended for other candles used in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church.
Beeswax may cost a little more, but these candles are healthy and worth the extra money.
Honeybees make and use beeswax to construct their hive's honeycombs in each cell they raise their young and store nectar, honey and pollen. Secreted from a number of abdominal glands on the underside of a worker bee, beeswax has a natural sweet smell and is both smokeless and dripless two qualities not found together in any other animal or mineral wax.
Beeswax also has a much higher melting point (approx. 145 degrees Fahrenheit) than any other wax, which means that 100% pure beeswax candles burn slower and last a lot longer than ordinary candles. An eight inch tall, four inch wide single wick pillar, which weighs just over two pounds, will burn for almost three days straight. No other commercially available wax even comes close to that burn time.
And here's why it's so healthy - Beeswax actually cleans the air as it burns. Candles made of pure beeswax have well documented anti-allergic properties. Are you bothered by tree pollen or weed pollen, or mold spores, or dust? These nefarious particles are positively charged and conduct static electricity. Allergy sufferers are encouraged to close the windows of their house and light a pure beeswax candle. The all-natural wax emits negatively charged vapors that will IONIZE the air. Burning beeswax candles liberates the air of positively charged allergens as it emits negatively charged vapors into the atmosphere. Try it it works!
Beeswax candles are preferred in most Eastern Orthodox churches because they burn cleanly, with little or no wax dripping down the sides and little visible smoke. Beeswax is also prescribed as the primary material for the Paschal candle (the Easter Candle) and is recommended for other candles used in the liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church.
Beeswax may cost a little more, but these candles are healthy and worth the extra money.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Soy Candles
With the much unpolluted and natural eco era well underway it’s important to become conscious of the many eco friendly alternatives that we can benefit from. In fact there are various applications ranging from solar panels to soy candles.
We as a people hold possession of the influence to revolutionize the future by being a positive influence and setting examples for individuals not aware of Eco Friendly benefits. It simply takes one decision at this time to alter generations. With exceptional utilization of Eco Friendly benefits which are here and available at this time if we desire to acknowledge them we are very much capable of achieving our green planet one step at a time.One in particular trend becoming more accepted and well-liked by candle enthusiasts all over the globe is soy wax Candles.
Soy Wax is prepared right here in the U.S.A. In the beginning soy beans are harvested, after that they are pressed and the oil is separated from the soy bean. Finally the oil is heated to 140-220 degrees C. This will cause hydrogenation to take place resulting in soy wax.
Only a handful of people know the benefits of soy candles considering that they were only invented in 1992. They make up a small percentage of sales compared to paraffin wax. Only a few people know what is in the candles they burn. For instance Paraffin candles are proven to emit toxins into the air and are made from oil byproducts. Soy candles are made from an all natural renewable energy source created. Thus it is fair to say the majority of us don’t glance at the ingredients in the foods we eat on a daily basis. Simply put if we are educated about how our everyday choices affect our health and our planet we can as a result make superior educated choices.
Soy wax candles have other enormous benefits too including easy clean up with soap and water due to the creamy consistency of the soy wax, plus it can be rubbed into your skin as lotion. Soy candles also burn cooler and can last 50 percent longer than paraffin. Soy also supports U.S. farmers seeing that practically all soy is produced right here on our farmland, in addition aiding our economy.
In summary of this article I hope you have a new perspective on soy candles and the better-quality eco friendly qualities and health benefits soy wax candles offer us. I hope this article has inspired some of you to strive for better alternatives to perk up our planet and living situations. From burning natural soy candles to using solar panels to run your appliances, it all equals progress. It’s imperative to realize we all need to look to the future and start setting examples just like our American farmers who produce our world’s soy beans and changed the way we look at soy candles and the hundreds of other products that come from all natural soy. So as a goal make an effort to seek out a new eco friendly substitute for one of your old traditional ways of life. As a result you will have helped yourself, helped the eco system, feel great, maybe even impress yourself or your neighbors, but most importantly, you made the right choice.
We as a people hold possession of the influence to revolutionize the future by being a positive influence and setting examples for individuals not aware of Eco Friendly benefits. It simply takes one decision at this time to alter generations. With exceptional utilization of Eco Friendly benefits which are here and available at this time if we desire to acknowledge them we are very much capable of achieving our green planet one step at a time.One in particular trend becoming more accepted and well-liked by candle enthusiasts all over the globe is soy wax Candles.
Soy Wax is prepared right here in the U.S.A. In the beginning soy beans are harvested, after that they are pressed and the oil is separated from the soy bean. Finally the oil is heated to 140-220 degrees C. This will cause hydrogenation to take place resulting in soy wax.
Only a handful of people know the benefits of soy candles considering that they were only invented in 1992. They make up a small percentage of sales compared to paraffin wax. Only a few people know what is in the candles they burn. For instance Paraffin candles are proven to emit toxins into the air and are made from oil byproducts. Soy candles are made from an all natural renewable energy source created. Thus it is fair to say the majority of us don’t glance at the ingredients in the foods we eat on a daily basis. Simply put if we are educated about how our everyday choices affect our health and our planet we can as a result make superior educated choices.
Soy wax candles have other enormous benefits too including easy clean up with soap and water due to the creamy consistency of the soy wax, plus it can be rubbed into your skin as lotion. Soy candles also burn cooler and can last 50 percent longer than paraffin. Soy also supports U.S. farmers seeing that practically all soy is produced right here on our farmland, in addition aiding our economy.
In summary of this article I hope you have a new perspective on soy candles and the better-quality eco friendly qualities and health benefits soy wax candles offer us. I hope this article has inspired some of you to strive for better alternatives to perk up our planet and living situations. From burning natural soy candles to using solar panels to run your appliances, it all equals progress. It’s imperative to realize we all need to look to the future and start setting examples just like our American farmers who produce our world’s soy beans and changed the way we look at soy candles and the hundreds of other products that come from all natural soy. So as a goal make an effort to seek out a new eco friendly substitute for one of your old traditional ways of life. As a result you will have helped yourself, helped the eco system, feel great, maybe even impress yourself or your neighbors, but most importantly, you made the right choice.
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