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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.