Christmas Candle Crafts

Warm glow and fragrance of a beautiful candle sets everyone at ease, instantly. A Christmas tree, glowing in the light of brightly lit candles and sparkling lights, sets the mood of the party. You can contribute your part to the celebrations by displaying your best homemade candles in unique ways and passing them off as Christmas gifts to your loved ones. Apart from being decorative items, candles form an important part of the merrymaking of the festival. Traditionally, five candles are lit on Christmas wreath (also known as Advent Wreath), to mark the advent of the auspicious occasion. The candles can be made at home as well. In the article, we have given some bright ideas for Christmas candle crafts.


Homemade Christmas Candles
To make Christmas candles, you may make use of beeswax, as they mould very easily. However, the wax is very fragile, so you need to take special care while shaping it up into candles. Since the wax melts easily, you need to take precaution while burning it.
You may make decorative red pillar candles by rolling colorless beeswax square diagonally on a flat surface and then rolling up the wick in it. After doing so, wrap the pillar shaped candle with red velvet ribbon. Secure the ribbon with the help of a dab of glue.
You can make your simple round candles sparkle for the Christmas night, by using silver and gold-headed pins. With the pins, you can create different patterns on the candles. Just a line around the top and along the bottom may also make your candle look very attractive.
You can make your candles in different wax colors and decorate them with ribbon bows to give them as Christmas presents to your loved ones. A small holly wreath as a base with a cute gnome or elf toy can make your candle look even more special and truly a Christmas gift!
Attach small votives on top of decorated CDs for a holiday candle arrangement or make use of bamboo arch votive holders, if you want to provide an ethnic look to the decorative piece.
Candle accents can be made by gluing real pressed flowers and leaves, shells, marbles or berries for the centerpieces.
Make use of discarded greens to give a unique look to your candle decoration and use pines, tiny gold baubles and painted plastic balls in sparkling silver to give Christmas look to your candles.
In order to give the finishing touch to your Christmas candle, make use of a candle holder. You may opt for bronze or brass candle holders, if you want to give a vintage look to your decorative candle.

Christmas Candle

Christians world over light candles at Christmas as a symbol of the birth of Christ, and his renewing light force that guides his followers along the righteous path that has been chosen by them. People widely follow the tradition of lighting candles in the windows and lighting candles on the Christmas tree. Christmas candles are manufactured only out of the best waxes, dyes, fragrances essential oils, and lead free wicks. Manufacturers with their expertise on candle making, produce high quality candles that are slow burning and virtually dripless.
In today's Christmas ceremonies, candles can be found everywhere from the carolers who walk around and sing to us to many of the beautiful greeting cards we send to our friends and loved ones. Candles are a part of almost every culture's Christmas. Smooth and texture surfaced candles are available in a variety of sizes and fragrances as well as unscented for the festive occasion of Christmas.
Candles have been around for centuries and no one really knows who actually invented the candle. But, we do know that candles where replaced by oil lamps and that they were used by prehistoric people to make wall paintings deep inside caves. The candle continues to play an important role in many seasonal celebrations. In China, Christians celebrate by using paper lanterns to turn Christmas trees into trees of light. In parts of India, clay oil-burning lamps are used. In Sweden, many believers participate in what is known as Lucia. This is a celebration in which they give thanks to the Queen of Light for bringing hope during the darkest time of the year.

Color value Candles

White - Spiritual Strength

Pink - Love, Morality, and Friendship

Red - Passionate Love, Good Health, and Strength

Orange - Encouragement, Concentration

Yellow - Attraction, Persuasion

Green - Money, Success, Luck

Purple - Ambition, Power

Black - Sadness, Loss

Problems For Candle Making

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!

How to Make Vegetable Oil Candles

Vegetable oil candles are an inexpensive, attractive craft that creates a touch of elegance in your home. The ambiance of a flame floating above liquid sets a romantic mood for dinner or creates a sense of enchantment at nighttime garden parties. Making vegetable oil candles also taps into your creativity, as the candles can be made from glassware in almost any shape. Adding food coloring to the water beneath the floating oil lets you create candles of almost infinite variety. Follow these steps to make an easy and elegant craft.







Things You'll Need:
Hollow glassware in various shapes and sizes Floating plastic candlewick holders Spool of candlewick Vegetable oil Water Food coloring Glue gun Modeling clay.
   
    Instructions:
1. Fill a glass container with water to about one inch below the top of the glass. Add food coloring to the water, if desired.
2. Slowly pour vegetable oil on top of the water. Add about 1/2 inch of oil. Because oil is a different density, it will float on top of the water.
3. Cut a piece of candlewick about one inch long and insert it halfway into the center of a plastic wick holder.
4. Place the wick holder gently on top of the oil and allow to set for at least 30 minutes so the vegetable oil will absorb into the wick.
5. Light your candle and enjoy.
6. Empty and rinse the glass candle holder and replace it with fresh water and oil if not used for a week or more. Vegetable oil can become stale and emit odors.

Amazing candle

Christmas Floating Candles

Christmas floating candles are perfect compliments to your holiday decorating. Floating candles are a must have accent for entertaining during the holiday season since most are unscented and made with food grade wax. They are a safe and practical way to add candlelight to all your Christmas festivities.

Where to Find Christmas Floating Candles 
Floating candles may be purchased at specialty candle shops and, during the holiday season, at Christmas stores. Many party stores also carry floating candles year round. Floating candles can also be found online at:
Candle Styx has holly floating candles that can be displayed singly or as a group. They work perfectly in a center dish on your holiday table and have a 12 hour burn time.
Christmas People sells personalized holiday floating candles that make a great remembrance of the Christmas season. Each candle is engraved with the family name or your choice of words along with the year and the word Christmas. The personalized candle can be accented with a variety of holiday embellishments, such as holly wreaths, floating glitter and miniature Christmas ornaments. They make great hostess and family gifts that will surely be treasured.
Candle Boutique offers a large selection of Christmas floating candles. They have designs such as peppermints, poinsettias, snowflakes, holly, Christmas trees, wreaths, snowmen and polar bears.
Crafted Candles has a unique selection of holiday floating candles. They feature designs such as chestnut leaves, snowflake, snowman, Santa, Christmas cookie, gingerbread man, holly leaf, holly wreath, poinsettia and holiday tree.
Wedding Flower and More sells floating candles in shapes such as stars, poinsettias and snowmen. They sell them separately or as part of a kit.

Uses for Christmas Candles 
There are endless possibilities for decorating with floating candles. Most commonly, floating candles will be used as part of a holiday table centerpiece. Creating a floating candle centerpiece for your Christmas table is quite simple. All you need to do is place a decorative bowl on a mirrored base in the center of your table. Add water and your candles then accent with festive touches such as candy, ribbon or glitter. Light the candles before your guests arrive.Floating candles can be used in wine glasses or any other decorative container you choose. Place a few around the room to cast light and add ambiance to your party. Why not wrap up a floating candle in netting and tie with a Christmas bow to use as a place setting on your holiday table? Add your guests' names to a tag and they will not only have a festive place setting but a fun gift to take home with them.
Candles make a quick and easy Christmas gift. They are perfect to give a hostess or use for a Secret Santa exchange. With all the designs available, you will be able to give a gift that is fun and festive and sure to be enjoyed during the holiday season. Wrap up floating candles as a group and give with a decorative bowl or throw some in to accent another gift you are giving.
No matter how you choose to decorate with your Christmas floating candles, they will add a special touch to any table or room.

Final Thoughts 
Since many floating candles come in shapes that appeal to children such as snowmen and Christmas cookie designs, pay close attention when you have lit candles around younger children. They may be attracted to the fun shapes and not realize that they are not meant to be played with. As with any candle, do not leave them unattended.

Make a Christmas Centerpiece with Candles

To create a festive mood for your home during the busy holiday season, make a Christmas centerpiece with candles. Making your own Christmas decorations is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your holiday décor.
With the many different colors, sizes, and fragrances of candles available, you're sure to find something that suits your tastes.

How to Make a Christmas Centerpiece with Candles 
When making a Christmas centerpiece with candles, you're limited only by your imagination. Here are a few design ideas you can use as the basis for your project:
Stack candles next to tall vases filled with assorted Christmas ball ornaments. Glittery ornaments in silver, gold, red, or green look especially pretty with this type of Christmas centerpiece.
As an alternative, you could fill the vases with jingle bells.
Combine candles with pinecones and red velvet bows for a traditional, yet very festive, centerpiece.
Decorate the candles by stringing beads onto wire and wrapping the wire around the base of the candle. Sprinkle artificial snow on a large tray, then arrange the candles as desired.
Spread fresh cranberries on a silver serving tray, then place an arrangement of white votive candles in the middle for a simple and elegant centerpiece.
Use faux greenery to make candle rings for pillar candles. Arrange the candles with framed photos of loved ones celebrating Christmas.
Glue candy canes around clean tin cans to use as candle holders for your Christmas centerpiece. Surround them with holiday greenery for a festive look.
Alternate candles in frosted glass votive holders with stacks of miniature wrapped gifts to make an interesting Christmas centerpiece.
Surround a bowl of floating candles with Christmas tinsel.
Make ribbon bows with faux poinsettias in the center. Attach the bows to your favorite candle holders for an instant Christmas centerpiece.
Do you have more candle holders than candles? One interesting twist on the Christmas centerpiece with candles theme is to use your favorite candlesticks and candle holders as display bases for Christmas ornaments.

Tips for Designing a Pretty Centerpiece 
Making a centerpiece doesn't have to be a difficult task, even if you don't normally consider yourself a "crafty" sort of person. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your project:
When creating your centerpiece arrangement, keep in mind that an odd number of elements generally is more pleasing to the eye than an even number. So, instead of two or four candles, choose three or five to use in your centerpiece.
If your centerpiece will be placed in the middle of a room, make sure it looks nice from all sides. Save the designs with an obvious "front" for the corner areas.
If you're on a tight budget, check out your local dollar store for materials to make a Christmas centerpiece with candles. In addition to finding budget priced votive, tea light, taper, and pillar candles, you can also find very cheap silk flowers, pinecones, and seasonal elements to add to your holiday décor projects.
Don't use scented candles in areas where food will be served. You don't want the fragrance from the burning candles to interfere with your guests' enjoyment of their meal.
If you're hosting an event that will be attended by small children, use flameless candles to make your Christmas centerpiece. Flameless candles provide the ambience of candle light without the safety risks associated with an open flame.

For more tips on creating a special Christmas centerpiece, check out the following helpful articles from LoveToKnow Candles: 
Candle Centerpiece Ideas
Floating Candle Centerpieces
How to Design and Decorate with Candles
Decorating with Faux Holiday Greens and Flameless Candles

You may also wish to visit LoveToKnow Christmas to learn more about getting your home ready for the holidays.

Recommendations for use Richly Scented Candles

Rigaud candles have strong scenting powers because the fragrance concentration is higher than that of an eau de toilette.

The ideal location for your Rigaud candle is at half-height, for optimum diffusion of the fragrance into the room.

Do not let your Rigaud candle burn too long. Two to three hours is sufficient for getting the full enjoyment of its fragrance. The soft wax liquefies rapidly and permits optimum diffusion of the fragrance it contains.

Avoid placing the candle in a draft, since the wax could melt unevenly and the wick could move from off center.

Never leave a lighted candle unattended or near an inflammable surface. Remember to extinguish it when you leave the house and keep it out of reach of children and animals.

To extinguish your Rigaud candle, do not blow on it; simply cover it with its snuffer cap so that the wick does not smoke. This elegant gesture extinguishes the flame and avoids excessive combustion.

To avoid black smoke, regularly trim and clean the wick before lighting it. It should never be longer than 5 mm.

After solidification of the wax, leave the snuffer cap on your Rigaud candle to preserve all the richness of the fragrance contained in the wax.

In addition to the subtle elegance Rigaud candles lend to your dinners and receptions, they also eliminate all pervasive, unpleasant traces of tobacco smoke.

The Rigaud fragrance spray contains an alcohol-based composition that can be vaporized simply by pressing the pump at a distance of approximately one meter from textiles such as drapes, cushions, curtains, rugs and carpets. The living space will gradually be impregnated with the fragrance.

The principle of Rigaud diffusers is that of subtly scenting the living space via a system of natural capillarity. The plant stalks absorb the scented solution and subtly diffuse it. Turn the stalks from time to time to renew the diffusion process.

Place your Rigaud diffuser near a window or in a draft to beautify the atmosphere with a delicate fragrance that seems to waft in from a faraway place.

We advise you to place your Rigaud diffuser in smaller spaces around the house – corridors, entryway, dressing rooms – to get the full effect of the rich fragrance it diffuses.

Always keep the Rigaud candle in a vertical position, and preferably in its original container, so that the soft wax does not lose its shape, especially if kept in a warm environment.

For a bedroom with a feminine, romantic décor, discover the soft sweetness of Angiris, the tenderness of Lilas or the freshness of Santifolia.

The exotic warmth of Bois Précieux and the strong personality of Cuir de Kyara befit a modern, elegant living room with a masculine bent.

To lighten your living rooms with a touch of freshness, give in to the bracing scent of Tournesol. It evokes Spring and Summer in a country house.

The dark, masculine color of the Cyprès candle sets off the larger volumes of a home. And it is especially effective for removing tobacco odors.

Choose the more richly colored fragrances, like Cythère or Cariacou, to enliven your holiday meals. Their scents have a touch of exoticism and escape.

Light your jasmine candles as the sun is going down in summertime to rediscover the natural scent of jasmine petals on a summer evening.

Can Rigaud fragrances be associated? Of course! Blend the generosity of Gardénia with the magic of Jardin d’Orient and infuse charm into your living room or a bedroom draped with taffetas and silks.

Associate two Rigaud fragrances. Escape to far-off places with a blend of Cariacou and Bois Précieux, ideal in an interior decorated with furniture in exotic woods.

In your country house, associate the strong character of Cyprès with the green notes of Tournesol and enliven the atmosphere of your interior or the ambiance of your garden terrace.

With its silver snuffer cap, zebra slip case, and satin ribbon, the Rigaud candle is a true decorator object that brings life and warmth into a house.

Best Candle Scents for Winter

Candle scents vary from one company to another as well as from season to season. Some businesses only run certain smells at a particular time of year. This is because you can count on some to be super popular when the air starts to become cooler and the days begin to shorten. This is partially marketing and the demand for different candle scents when the fall and winter seasons come.
One of the best ways to get your house and family in the mood for fall and winter festivities is to use some of these particular smells to get them in the mood. But what candle scents really go with fall and winter? It is quite simple to get a couple of the biggest and best that companies have to offer and get your house ready for the cooler seasons.






Candle Scents Number One: Apple Cinnamon
Apple cinnamon is one of the first candle scents that you will see hit the store shelves as the children get ready to go back to school. You can think of the days that you used to take an apple into your teacher. It will also remind you or get you into thinking about picking apples out in the orchard. This is one of the basic fall and winter candle scents that everyone should have.

Candle Scents Number Two: Gingerbread
There is something soothing about the smell of fresh gingerbread. You may be able to bake these tasty treats at any time of year, but their fragrance of those spices is something that really goes great with the fall and winter. You can easily make your family think that you have spent all day baking when you choose this one.

Candle Scents Number Three: Pumpkin Pie
You may start to notice that a lot of the best candle scents for fall and winter have to do with baking. That is probably because most people do not want to turn on their ovens in the hot summer weather. They wait until that first crisp autumn day to get out their favorite recipes and get to baking. Pumpkin pie is one of those great baked goods. You never see a Thanksgiving table without a pumpkin pie on it. Capture that image by burning this fragrance.

Candle Scents Number Four: Pine
As the fall weather starts to become colder, you will see more places starting to sell fresh pine wreaths and other decorations. This is because everyone loves to get the smell of fresh pine through out their home. You can accomplish this same task by choosing this candle scents for your home. All the smell without the mess of fresh pine needles on your floor.

Candle Scents Number Five: Autumn Leaves
Now this is a smell that you can not get into your house in many ways. Autumn leaves is that great smell that you get when you are out raking or walking past a field of fallen leaves. The best way to bring this festive fall feeling into your home is with a candle.

Soy Pillar Candles Vs. Paraffin Pillar Candles

It used to be that you had one choice when it came to pillar candles; that choice being paraffin. However, in the past decade, more choices have emerged. Beeswax candles have been around even longer than paraffin candles, but generally take the form of taper candles and are very expensive. It is also difficult to scent a beeswax candle since its natural scent is too strong. Since the 90’s, two more affordable choices have emerged: soy pillar candles and palm wax pillar candles. Today we will compare soy pillar candles to paraffin pillar candles.

Pros of soy pillar candles & cons of paraffin pillar candles:
Firstly, some characteristics that apply to soy wax candles are that they burn cleaner, cooler and longer than paraffin candles. Soy wax has a better scent throw than paraffin and can hold up to twice as much fragrance.
More specifically to soy pillar candles, and probably most notably, they tend to hold their shape very well. When you burn a soy pillar candle correctly, the exterior will hold its shape right up until it burns away. Now just to be clear, soy pillar candles are actually not made from 100% soy wax. The higher quality soy wax pillar blends contain a vast majority of soy wax blended with botanical oils to help the wax hold its shape.
When you burn a paraffin pillar candle – even when you burn it correctly – it will mushroom at the top because the wax is oilier and does not hold its shape as well as soy wax. You will very often have to hug the top of a paraffin candle when the wax is soft to keep the wax from bulging out so much that it falls off the candle.
Another characteristic that is specific to soy pillar candles is that they produce environmentally friendly waste. You will always have a bit of leftover wax when the candle has burned all the way down. The soy wax used is biodegradable and will not pollute the earth. When you dispose of the remains of a paraffin candle, you are throwing something away that is not biodegradable.

Pros of paraffin pillar candles & cons of soy pillar candles:
One benefit of a paraffin candle over a soy candle is that the color of the candle is more vibrant, and it takes less dye to color a paraffin candle as opposed to soy. If your interest is in colorful, vibrant candles, you might prefer paraffin over soy wax. On the same note, soy pillar candles cannot produce the “mottling” effect that can be produced by paraffin candles. Mottled candles have a rustic appearance and have a “snowflake” or crackled type finish that has grown in popularity over the past decade.
Another factor in favor of paraffin over soy has to do with scent throw. Although soy wax is known to have a better scent throw in that the scent lasts longer, paraffin candles burn hotter and can therefore release fragrance into the air more quickly than soy pillar candles. This is more of a trade off though, rather than a pro in favor of paraffin.

Pillar candles

Pillar candles are candles which are extremely wide, allowing them to be burned for an extended period of time, since they have more wax available to fuel the flame. There are a variety of ways to use pillar candles, and they come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. Most stores which stock candles carry pillar candles, along with accessories which are designed to accommodate them, and they can be very useful to keep around the house, in the event of a power outage or simply to dress up the table for entertaining.
The defining characteristic of the pillar candle is its width, which separates it from tapers and other, narrower candles. Pillar candles also tend to be fairly tall, and they are most commonly square or round. However, pillar candles can be cast in a variety of shapes, including custom shapes for special events. These candles can be burned in a number of ways.

The use of a candleholder is highly recommended to catch wax, stabilize the candle, and reduce the risk of fire while the candle burns. Some people simply burn pillar candles on plates or trays, but there are also candle holders specifically designed for pillar candles. Some of these candle holders use deep bowls to firmly seat the candle, while others are flat, with spikes which are designed to impale the candle, holding it in place.
Like other candles, pillar candles can be made from a wide variety of wax types, from paraffin to soy, and they may be dyed or left plain. They are also available in scented and unscented versions to cater to individual tastes. Some companies sell their pillar candles loose, while others use packaging to contain the candles for sale; for people who are concerned about the environmental impacts of packaging, it is possible to find pillar candles with no packaging, or with easily recycled packaging.
In addition to being purchased in stores, pillar candles are also easy to make at home. Candle wax and wicks are available at many craft stores. To make a pillar candle, the wax is melted and poured into a mold, with the wick held firmly in place. Crafters can make their own pillar candle molds, purchase molds, or use various objects as molds to create unusual shapes and textures. Molds can also be lined with artifacts like dried flowers and leaves to add visual interest to the candle.

Lantern Candle Warmers

If you are looking for a lighting fixture than can set the right mood and really make a difference than you should look in to an outdoor candle lantern. Candles themselves are fascinating because the radiate both light and warmth. We all like to look at the flickering light of a candle because it has something mystical and romantic at the same time. Candles are great lighting fixtures and they serve well as decoration lighting or accent lighting. If you accommodate a lantern with some candles than this is suitable for in- and outdoor usage. In this way it becomes a very versatile lighting fixture that you can both use inside your house when it is cold and outside your house when you want to sit outside.
You can find candle lanterns in many different designs, shapes and sizes. You can buy small ones which you can use as a table top lamp or hang on a tree or wall. Large outdoor candle lanterns are suitable for placing on the ground or hanging them on your ceiling. It does not matter if your house and garden are styled in a modern, rustic or contemporary way, every style has it's own lanterns.
The great thing about candle lanterns is that you can place them anywhere you want. This might be the obvious, but is is really convenient that you can place it wherever you go. If you decide to sit on the grass or ground rather than at your patio table than you can easily take the candles with you and place them where you are sitting. In this way you can create an ambiance right at the spot you want.

Contemporary Outdoor Candle Lanterns
A lot of people have designed their home exterior in a contemporary style. Luckily their are quite some contemporary lanterns available that you can accommodate with candles. These lanterns are often made out of strong materials like metal and decorated with glass or cutouts in the metal. The shapes are often geometrical which gives them their contemporary look. If you want to add them to your exterior than you better buy a large one because smaller ones tend to fade away by the rest of the exterior. You can place them on the ground or hang them on a hook if you already have an iron pole in the ground.

Rustic Lanterns for CandlesRustic almost resembles contemporary but the difference lays in the color an style of the lantern. Where contemporary is strong and tight, rustic has more wood in it or paint that has peeled off. They often look like the metal is rusted but this is done on purpose to create the rustic design so many people like. Rustic often looks old or antique although the lighting fixtures are absolutely new.

Moroccan Outdoor Candle Lantern
Famous for it's design, the Moroccan lantern is not matched by any other type of lantern. It's design is amazing as it is made out of brass and colored glass. Both small and large lanterns look astonishing and you can use them for indoors and outdoors. Large lanterns can be accommodated with candles but you will see much better results with a lighting bulb.

Soy Candles with Star Lampshade

Now offering in our new product line, the Soy Candle with Black Lampshade. As everyone knows, black goes with just about everything in your house. Whether or not you're trying to match something, this black lampshade looks great when it's lit because of the star pattern around the soy candle to let the aroma of delicous scents and soothing light out of the jar. The description says everything about the candle, and it truly is great!
Large hand poured 16 oz. soy candle in a sleek jar, with a expertly crafted black star lampshade. Each 16 ounces of natural soy wax hand poured with a natural cotton wick, clean burns for nearly 130 hours to give you soft warm starlight with aromas to delight your soul. The delicate black, metallic lampshades on natural soy candles are perfect to lighten up any corner or room. Let the stars shine unfurling over 70 pleasant aromas to pick the one that you desire. Just the right housewarming, graduation favor, birthday gift and make someone happy.

Looking for a little style and rustic appeal? Try a candle from our rustic and primitive addition. The 10 ounces of fragrant soy wax will burn approximately 75 to 100 hours. The 16 ounces of soy wax burn approximately 130 to 160 hours and both products come with a star lid to add warmth to your home décor.
On the go or need a unique little gift like our 8 oz rustic-primitive soy travel tin. Still choose from the large variety of fragrances and these wonderful soy candles will burn approximately 65 to 80 hours. If you have a small little niche area in your home or office and looking to fill that void, and still want to have that primitive look, use one of our 4 ounce travel tin soy candles. They will burn for you approximately 30 to 40 hours.

The candle flame is a symbol of a burning heart

Richly Scented Candles or Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been used since ancient times in order to stimulate our sense of smell and create a relaxing mood. This has been evident in the rich oils or perfumes used by people then and only the rich or powerful could afford to use these scented oils.
These days however, people can now use richly scented candles to create a relaxing ambience in their homes or other places such as spas in order to relieve them from the stresses of daily life.
A person can choose from flower scents to fruits scents when choosing scented candles. The candles’ color can give an idea as to what scent it may have. There are some flower scented candles that are handmade and have potpourri flowers set in them as a design.
Not only do these dried flowers give a beautiful design to the candle, they also add on to the rich scent of the candle wax. You may have to remove the dried flowers as the candle burns down though in order not to burn the dried flowers. The candles’ scent is emitted as the candle burns and because the scent is infused in the wax, even if it is stored for a long time when the candles are used they still give off the rich scent.
Scented candles can also set the mood or ambience when one needs to do meditation or yoga exercises. As our sense of smell get stimulated by the rich scents, our body relaxes more. Having scented candles also creates an air of sophistication in a house or room.
Spas also make use of scented candles so that when patrons come in for a session, they are able to relax more. The scents of these richly scented candles can help as our body rids itself of all the stresses during the spa sessions.
When people want to use scented candles in their bedrooms in order to help them relax and fall to sleep, it is highly recommended to place the candles in glass or ceramic plates or candle holders in order to avoid any untoward accidents. Also make sure that the candles are placed securely and far from drapes or curtains. Make sure also that the candles are placed in an area where it will not topple or fall.
Whether it’s to soothe away our tension or to create a relaxed atmosphere, richly scented candles are great choices to use for aromatherapy.

Perfect present. Scented Candles

If you are looking to give the perfect present then look no further than the scented candle gift. I know that that is a bold statement, but the truth is that a scented candle works in every situation whether it a present for someone you have know for years or just a short time. I used to agonize over what to get people for house warming parties and work gift exchange situations and relatives that I don’t get to see very often, but now I know exactly what get them.
The great thing is that you can completely personalize a candle gift or make just as generic as the situation calls for.
As an example, if you know that your best friend absolutely loves the color red and the scent of kiwi, you can easily find a double dipped strawberry kiwi scented candle to give as a present. This candle can be a bold red with green tinges, give your friend her kiwi scent, and match the furnishings of the room were she would keep it. How is that for completely personalized? You have just given the perfect present that smells great and is decorative, and you have obviously put serious thought into what your friend would really enjoy, which she will appreciate.
Now consider a work gift exchange where you really don’t know the person receiving the gift. A scented candle is still perfect because it can serve a purpose in any home. I recommend buying a more general candle that anyone would enjoy. Good examples are vanilla bean or lavender scented candles because those two smells are almost universally appreciated.
As you can see, a scented candle gift can be perfect for almost all present giving occasions. Tell me about some of your favorite candle gifts.

Scented Votive Candles

Votive candles are candles traditionally used in altars or churches. For religious purposes, these votive candles are burned as an offering to a saint or for a prayer wish. Now the term votive candle refers to the size of the candle. There are also scented votive candles that are available that a person can choose from. These candles are also now being used as an added décor to a table or room.
Votive candles are two inches in height and are one and a half inches in diameter. These candles are traditionally white or yellow in color and made from beeswax and were unscented. Now votive candles can come in different colors and scents.
These candles are no longer used for religious purposes only nowadays. These candles are now being used to decorate tables and to add scent as it burns. It is used as an alternative for tea light candles because of its size. For a small dinner table at a restaurant, they may use these scented candles to give a romantic feel to the diners.
Votive candles are also great to use for outdoor dinners because you can place the candles in a glass or small bowl. Unlike regular candlesticks, you can be assured that the candles’ flame will not be put out by the wind. The candles will not take so much table space also.
Another advantage of using scented votive candles that may come in special glass candle holders is that you can use these in your bedroom. There are some people that use aromatherapy in order to help them sleep but worry about accidents if they use large scented candles. The solution is to use these scented votive candles.
One more advantage of having scented votive candles is that they are much cheaper than the regular sized scented candle. These small scented candles are also great if you want to try out a particular candle scent without having to buy the big candle.
People who may offer scented votive candles may give their offering a special touch. After all, votive candles were originally made for those who are offering these candles for a special wish or prayer.
There are no limitations as to the use of scented votive candles. The candles may have had a specific purpose before. But now it can be used as a special added touch to a dinner table or room to make the atmosphere more relaxed and peaceful.

Dripless Taper Candles

Dripless taper candles, a long awaited idea which solved the issue of dripping candle wax and the pain of cleaning it. There is nothing more painful than having your weekends spent rubbing floors, washing table cloths, or brushing candle holders to remove candle wax. No matter how beautiful a candle is, the thought of wax dripping never leaves the mind. Dripless taper candles are made in a special way so that their wax does not spill onto the holder or the place where the candle is placed. Wax has high oil content so if it drips on to cloth or wood then it will leave a stain even after the wax has been removed.
Typically dripless taper candles are made from paraffin and a combination of multiple layers of wax. Broadly speaking, they are made using two different techniques. In the first method the candle is made from a thick type of wax which has a high affinity for melting wax or more simply it is very absorbent to melted wax. So, as soon as wax starts to melt, it is absorbed by the thick wax and hence it doesn't spill or drip. In the second technique,they are made from two different types of wax. The inner core is made from soft wax which has a low melting point whereas the outer part of the candle is made from a much hard wax having slightly higher melting point. So, as soon as the wax starts to melt, it is contained within the body of the hard wax and a cylindrical shape is formed.
Dripless taper candles are available in a variety of styles and colors. The decorative range is available with different prints and textures with some that are scented. The price of these candles depends on their design, scent, and quality, however these candle are comparatively inexpensive. Their price is slightly higher than the traditional candles, but if you consider the cost of removing wax stains then these are a better option.
Dripless taper candles are available at almost every candle vendor or gift shop. The scented candles are an excellent option for romantic lighting.

Candelabras

Candelabras have traditionally been multi-stemmed holders for candles, although some modern candelabras use light bulbs (often candle shaped) instead. They are usually very decorative and have become popular again and are used to adorn wedding venues, tables at sophisticated dinner parties and generally to enhance the decor at home.
Two Basic Types
The main difference between candelabras is whether they are designed to stand on the floor or on the table. The majority of candelabras fit in these two categories. Table candelabras are easier to handle, as floor candelabras can be a bit unwieldy to move around. Floor candelabras do look impressive, however.
Hanging and Fireplace Candelabras
Two other types of candelabra that you could consider buying are a hanging candelabra, which hangs from the ceiling or wall like a sconce, or a fireplace candelabra. A hanging candelabra is impractical to rehang in different places. The fireplace candelabra can be useful if you have a fireplace but don't light many fires. The candelabra emits a warm glow in place of the fire.
Materials
Candelabras are made out of a wide variety of materials. Silver, pewter or brass candelabras look good and will not loose their plating as they are solid all the way through. These kind of metals require frequent polishing and will tarnish over time.
Wrought iron is currently the most popular material for candelabras as it is easy to clean and durable and will fit in with most decor styles. They may rust, however, if they are not maintained. Porcelain and marble, while easier to clean than metal candelabras and do not tarnish, are more brittle and chip easily. They do have a classic look to them though, which might be most appropriate for the decor they are to fit in with.
Glass and crystal candelabras break easily if dropped. They are elegant and contemporary, however, and are often used in weddings decorations. Silver plated candelabras are a cheaper option that are suitable for wedding decor or for a temporary home decor look if your taste frequently changes.
Types of Candle
Candelabras using candles may hold thick or thin candles. Modern taste runs more to thicker candles, but classic decor might call for a candelabra that holds thinner candles.

Crystal Candelabra

If you are wondering how something so old survived the judgment of time, then you must be thinking about antique crystal candelabra. This relic of the past does not only exist today as just an antique piece but it is also considered an art in itself. Attracting attention from people in all walks of life, the candelabra and the mystery behind its timeless beauty is truly a space defining object that can light up your living spaces to sophistication and elegance.
Candelabras can still be seen today in age old institutions. As a gesture of honoring the past and providing authenticity to age old traditions, the churches of many religions have a special space for candelabras. Even presidential palaces and museums have almost always has one in display.
The history of the candelabras goes back to the very edge of recorded history. It was in a time where light in the night was a luxury not all could enjoy. The candelabrum was a candle stand that is often place in the center of the room to provide ample illumination. Because of its focal importance in the house, the upper class in the society including the royals began making specialized, delicately crafted candelabra crystals as a sign of their prestige in the society. Not long after candelabras were made from precious metals with intricate designs.
When man was able to form glass, the crystal candelabra came to be, providing people with a new material to choose for their candelabras. The crystal was able to reflect light in a more interesting way providing an ambient feel to the room lighted with it. It casts interesting angles of light and shadows that only made it more appealing to many.
A good quality candelabrum today can fetch up to a few thousand dollars. Made from crystal lead, the candelabra have this unmistakable glitter that can only be summed up as an exquisite way to portray light. Not all crystal candelabras are made from this expensive glass. Today ordinary glass are used and for better effect, optic crystal. This material can look better than a crystal lead only because of its better reflective attributes. But it is no way more expensive than glass with lead content. If you want to have classic, designer collections or contemporary candelabras Waterford crystal candelabra is the perfect choice for you.
You might want to consider accenting your living space with a crystal candelabra. If you are thinking of redecorating your home and provide a facelift to change its usual look, a Waterford crystal candelabra could be the right choice for you and your home.

Tranquility Soy Candles

Soy Candles…100% soy candles are truly a wonderful, clean burning, natural product. When keeping the wick properly trimmed, there is virtually no soot. There are up to 11 carcinogen compounds found in paraffin candles. Color variations in soy candles are normal and referred to as frosting. Frosting is when the soy wax forms tiny, white, frosted-looking crystals on top and/or on the sides of the jar. This is a natural occurrence in soy wax. Soy candle manufacturers often add paraffin wax (called a parasoy blend) to their candles to eliminate frosting. I am committed to providing a paraffin-free candle. Frosting will vary with dyes and fragrances.
When you light your soy candle for the first time, it is important to remember that it has a memory. You should burn your candle until you receive a full melt pool (melt across the entire top of candle).This usually takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the diameter of the candle jar. Not allowing a melt pool could cause the candle to tunnel. A good melt pool will also release more fragrance. When relighting, always trim the wick so it is free of any mushrooming on top. Always place candle jar on a heat resistant surface and never leave unattended.

How to Make a Soy Wax Candle

On my previous hubs, I have already shared the steps on how to make tealight and scented candles but with the main component being paraffin wax. In this article, I will share to you some knowledge and tips on soy wax candle making.
Soy wax has so many advantages over the traditional paraffin. One of these is its relatively lower price than the other one. Another reason is it’s made from soybeans, which makes it a renewable source of energy. You will also find that soy wax candles are very easy to clean up.

Organic Candles

Spending a little more money or time locating organic non-toxic candles appears to be worth it in regards to your indoor air environment and your health. Most conventional candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum, a non-renewable resource, which has been linked to poor indoor air quality.
Paraffin candles release a petro-carbon soot that stains your walls, furniture and is circulated through your air ducts. This soot, according to the American Lung Association, contains 11 documented toxins, two of which are known carcinogens — toluene and benzene.
Some paraffin candle makers are still using lead core wicks which when heated emit lead particulates into the air, which can then be inhaled. 100% of lead that is inhaled is absorbed into the bloodstream. Children’s developing bodies are particularly vulnerable. Chronic low-level lead exposure, as seen with lead wick use, has been found to produce permanent neuro-psychological defects and behavior disorders in children, including low IQ, short attention span, hyperactive behavior, and motor difficulties.
There is no longer a need to buy paraffin candles due to the wide availability of soy candles and beeswax candles, and to a lesser extent bayberry candles and even tapioca wax candles. Green Promise has compiled a list of our favorite organic candle suppliers. Buying organic candles supports organic farmers who practice environmentally and socially responsible forms of agriculture. Beeswax and soy candles both burn cleaner than petroleum-based candles plus they are renewable.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

Woodwick Candles

Scents and sounds of special memories of time spent with loved ones can evoke your feelings of love. Whether your memories are of a fabulous mountain camping trip, an exotic beach vacation, or simple evenings spent at home, these are the memories that we cherish forever.
When something reminds us of these special moments we are able to relive them in our minds. Nothing fills our hearts with a warm glow like knowing that the person we shared these special times with also remembers them as well. You can show a person you love how much you cherish these memories with a woodwick candle.
Not only can woodwick candles bring the scents of these treasured locations to your home, but they can also imitate the sound of a crackling fire. These candles can make you feel like you’re surrounded by the serenity of a romantic evening spent by a fire or take you back in time. These candles are special because of their wonderful scents and wicks.
Woodwick candles are made with a unique wood wick that sounds just like a crackling fire when it’s lit. Whether you long for the comfort of a crackling fire on a chilly winter night or want to create a perfectly romantic atmosphere, the sound woodwick candles give off create the illusion you desire. The sound can arouse wonder memories or may be just what’s needed to create new one.
There are a variety of scents available to choose from. Their Biscotti or Anjou Apple scented candles can bring back the memories of treasured holidays filled with wonderful smells coming from the kitchen and lots of love and laughter. Perhaps the Mountain Stream woodwick candle can take you back to the spectacular weekend you spent in the mountains. Choose the Tradewind scent if you want to remember the fabulous beach vacation you enjoyed.
While these candles are great for recalling cherished memories, that’s not all they’re good for. They are perfect for creating new memories of romantic evenings spent with a loved one when the kids are out of the house or to create a soothing, relaxing atmosphere to unwind in after a hard day at work.
Gifting a woodwick candle tells the recipient that you care about them and their comfort and are thinking of the memories you share. Woodwick candles are the best smelling and sounding candles available and will be loved by anyone that receives them. They are literally a gift of love in a jar.

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