Wedding Candles

Sigh… the conundrums of your post marriage era might not be as much pleasant as they’re supposed to be. But you can’t deny those sweet memories, the way she walked towards you on the aisle midst whiffs of those sweetly scented candles, it’s something to cherish forever.

Speaking of candles, don’t the words “Wedding Candles” ring inside your ears? If even they don’t, this article is going to shed some light on wedding candles from an unusual angle. After you’re done reading it, you’ll have no problems while buying wedding candles; you’ll realize the significance of these candles, as if what the colors mean, and vice versa.

First of all, a wedding is sort of like a “once in a lifetime” experience. There’re no second chances, until and unless you’re literally interested in getting married twice, thrice or for the quadruple-th time. In order to match that level of perfection, everything has to be in its squeaky clean form. Hence, wedding candles are an important part of that equation.

And just so you didn’t know, wedding candles are one of the basic elements that you’d want to purchase months before your actual marriage date. The proper category and color of candles must be chosen so that you can place them on their holders before the big day.

What Meanings Does a Wedding Candle Hold?

In every culture, candles are believed to drop off a special meaning. If it’s a wedding ceremony, people think that the combination of light and love bind the couples’ spirit in an unbreakable vow. The bond is supposed to stay there in its fully fledged form through the lives of both individuals who’re about to get married.

To further explain the meaning of wedding candles, we should look at the witnesses who’re present at the time of the wedding. They’re not the only ones who stand witness to the special incident. People think that the candle light is also there, as a body, to oversee the unity of two opposite sexes. Plus, the fact that the candle light itself, is thought of something romantic, the atmosphere automatically sets the mood in the right direction.

The Wedding Candle Arrangements:

The entire process of selecting wedding candles is based on the degree of money that one can spend easily. That being said, it means that such candles are available at different price ranges, so you should be having a decent variation, with respect to quality, at your disposal.

Also, you’ll need to buy the same amount of candle holders for the wedding candles. Though, when separately bought for each candle, the holders can be quite expensive, you can lower the price factor by buying the ones that can hold 3 candles at the same time.

Now the big question is; where are these wedding candles available?

If you haven’t contacted a profession wedding planning company, now may be the good time to do that. If you prefer dealing online, go to wedding planners’ websites and contact them through emails or phone calls. The company will give you a walkthrough tour of all the available goodies and candle sticks that can be bought. Based on the size and the entire set up of your wedding party, the candle size will be recommended to you by the experts.

The Misunderstood Notion About Wedding Candles:

Unfortunately, the modern couples from today’s day and age think that wedding candles are just a source of lightning up the surroundings. Hence, they place these candles on dinner tables, and here ‘n there to literally use them as a light emission source. As sad as it may sound, wedding candles are supposed to spread love and ambience, alongside different colors of joy and happiness.

Also don’t get carried away by the designs of these candles. On your wedding, it’d look odd if half of the crowd is checking out those wedding candles instead of focusing their gaze and blessings on the couple. If you, as a family, are interested in creating your own wedding candles, perhaps soy candles or normal scented paraffin candles is a good idea.

You can make them in the comfort of your own home through the usage of right tools and ingredients. For a detailed tutorial on how to make candles, check out different useful articles on the internet, or look around in your local library. Something useful will come up, and you’ll be happily making candles for all sorts of occasions in your life.

Votive Candles – What Are They?

The simplest definition of votive candles can be summed up in two words: “Prayer Candles”. However, if you being a history majors, were to research and analyze the subject of votive candles, the entire tour will take you across millions of journals, tons of pages and billions of online articles. Hence, in the following paragraph, you’ll be exposed to a small in depth analysis of votive candles. Read on…

Votive candles, also known as, prayer candles, are not limited to religious activities and ceremonies. Don’t get the idea of sacrificial lambs, with candles burning around them, as this candle type has a special place in many hearts and different cultures. They originated from the earliest Roman Catholic churches, and took over the whole world’s cultural and religious traditions by a storm. From the icon of Jesus Christ to Holy Thiokol, votive candles have always been regarded highly by people of all ages.

Different Sizes and Fragrances of Votive Candles:

The size debate, as far as it’s concerned with votive candles, doesn’t last that long. Since these candles are more of ceremonial type stuff, they’re introduced in a very limited size range. The standard size of an average candle in this category is 2 Inches, while the smallest can prolong over 1 – 1.5 Inches in height.

As for the width, votive candles are normally 1 – 2.5 Inch wide/ thick. With such a small size, don’t underestimate the average life of a votive candle, as it can last more than 8 hours on the minimum. Granted that you’re about to go through a series of prayers, memorial services, or a cozy bathing session, a single votive candle is more than enough for that purpose.

Regarding religious ceremonies, tea light votive candles offer an ideal variety. Normally, tea light candles are small, so much so that they can easily be placed in front of an idol and/or an urn, or something like that. In case you’re wondering why some votive candles seem larger or bigger in size, as compared to others; it’s normally because of the fact that people like to place them in special candle holders. These holders are tall in size, which is why the miniature candles seem so big.

Fragrances and Scents:

Votive candles offer a huge variety of different scents. Sometimes these scents are artificially introduced, either through perfume or synthetic additives. As much as the smell may feel intoxicating to you, there are moments when customers tend to pass up on these artificially scented candles. It’s because of the fact that they might be allergic to the perfume effect.

If you happen to be that sort of person, who’s allergic to artificial fragrances, perhaps votive candles with naturally induced smells can be beneficial to you. The natural smell is introduced through the usage of 100% natural ingredients.

For instance, in order to offer the smell of Orange fruit, the votive candles are mixed with purest orange peel extracts, and some preservatives to maintain the smell. This process is carried out when the wax is still hot, so that the smell can easily be contained within the material. Same goes for lavender, rose, jasmine and any other smells that relate to flowers from all over the world.

Commonly Available Sizes of Votive Candles:

Votive candles are commonly available in a limited size range. As mentioned above in the article, these candles are small, because their primary purpose is to serve some specific needs. The most convenient way of making the best use of these candles is to buy them in bulk. Also, this way, the vendor is more than likely to offer you a nice discount.

Conclusion:

In the end, regardless of the purpose for which you’re going to use the votive candle, it all comes down to you. If you feel like honoring someone’s memory; if you just want to take a nice long bath in a tub filled with finest flowery extracts and candles all over the surrounding area to refresh you, or if you just want to associate a specific type of votive candle to an incident or a person, just go for it. As long as you’re happy and content with your votive candles and their usage, no one else needs to give you an approving nod.

Soy Candles

Soy candles are something that you’d want instantly. How so and why? Well, there’re a lot of reasons linked to the likeness factor. First of all, people who’ve paraffin allergies would want to go for Soy candles because they don’t emit any harmful toxins. Secondly, if you’re the kind of a fellow who has a “green thumb” for nature, Soy candles are exactly what you’d want to use. The smoke, or lets just say, the fumes don’t inflict harmful damages on the environment.

This article will help you look at Soy candles from different angles. Hopefully by the end of the reading session, you’ll be convinced on buying Soy candles as a great alternative to normal paraffin candles.

Soy candles – What Are They Made Of?

Soy candles have to everything with soy extracts and soybean oil. This oil is basically extracted through Soy candles flake compression process. And as you all know that Soybeans are commercially cultivated in different parts of the world, getting access to the finest quality of these beans cannot be a big issue. If you’re located in the U.S.A, Soybeans are cultivated in Illinoi, Iowa and Indiana.

People who are regularly in contact with paraffin candles; they know that their soot is black in color. This black stuff is not only harmful to the lungs, but it can leave dreadful marks on the furniture and the surroundings as well. A Soy candle, in any case, is known to burn pure white soot. No matter what type of Soy candles you’re interested in using, there’ll always be white soot, which doesn’t affect anyone in the negative manner.

The fact that Soy candles are made up of 100 natural elements, people prioritize them over other candles all the time.

Some Advantages of Soy Candles:

• Soy candles have a long shelf life. Unlike low quality paraffin candles, the wax on Soy candles doesn’t chip off or wither away over the passage of time.

• Soy candles burn 30% more than regular paraffin candles. In some cases, depending on the quality of the Soy candle used, people have reportedly noticed a 50% increased usage time.

• The wax used in these candles can be used again. Considering the fact that you have the proper tools, you can gather the melted wax, biodegrade it and use it again to make a new candle on your own.

• You’ll be financially helping all those poor farmers who grow Soybeans. It’s only possible if you’re into buying Soy candles.

• Soy candles are considered to be of non-toxic nature. Their soot, as mentioned above, is white. Plus, the smoke doesn’t have any elements of carcinogens in it, so the ozone layer cannot be damaged when you’re using these candles.

• As compared to paraffin candles of any form, shape and quality, Soy candles are known to hold scent and color in a better way.

Okay, enough with the benefits of using Soy candles. Let’s take a quick look at the process of making these candles at home. DO note that the following tutorial doesn’t carry in depth details about the making of these candles. You’re encouraged to consult experts and other reading material on the internet.

How To Make Soy Candles?

• If you want to make these candles, assess the number of candles you’d need. Once you have the number, you should go and buy soy wax bars.

o        It is mandatory for interested Soy candle buffs to use items and products that are only compatible with these candles. If you’re going to mix paraffin in the soy wax extracts, the results could be quite unpleasant.

• Melt the wax in a double boiler container. Mix liquid dye and fragrances according to your preference.

• Pour the wax in the mold. Don’t forget to leave a little room for the wick.

• Once again, the wick should NOT be the one that’s used for regular paraffin candles. Soy candles have their own wicks that can be bought from any popular candle retailer.

• Let your creation cool down for over 35 hours. Afterwards remove the candle from the mold and enjoy burning it as long as it lasts.

A Senseless But Important Question: Can I Eat Soy Candles?

Well, if you’re interested in paying a visit to the hospital, by all means go ahead with the plan. Soy candles are not edible. Even if you do inhibit them, just because they’re made of soybean oil and soy wax, the stomach won’t be digesting any of the stuff.

Potpourri Oils and Warmers

A lot of people recognize potpourri through its physical appearance. To be honest, “potpourri” analogy is kind of hard to pronounce. Let’s break it in “Pot” and “Pourri”, two famous French words that were later on combined to give the impression of one syllable.

Anyway, potpourri is a combination of artificially, or naturally scented dried plants, petals, and leaves. People place them in decorative containers to spread that refreshing aroma in their homes.  The interesting fact about potpourri is that it’s also available in the form of oils. But with potpourri, you’d be in dire need of warmers; otherwise you’ll not be able to create that scent.

If you’re thinking that you could use scented candles instead of using potpourri oils and warmers, maybe you’re wrong. Perhaps your house doesn’t support the kind of atmosphere or environment to hold the candles. The fumes and soot can also be noxious in nature. So a nice alternative for you would be potpourri refreshing oils.

What If I’m Interested in Making Potpourri Refreshing Oils and Warmers on My Own?

If it’s the refreshing oil you’re interested in making, the process is quite simple. Take a look below:

• Buy a lot of potpourri and put it in a large plastic bag. Leave some room for other items, if you want to make the arrangement look beautiful.

• Pour a few drops of that potpourri refresher oil/fragrance on the potpourri. This oil is available at your local retailer. If it’s not available, you can use perfume or cologne to spray over the potpourri.

• After you’re done with the fragrance thing, shake the bag so that the oil drops are evenly mixed within the contents.

• Close the bag with a ribbon or any other item. Leave it like that for 24 – 30 hours.

• Now take out the scented potpourri, and lay it beautifully within a wooden decoration container, or any other container of your choice.

• If you don’t have a container, just poke some random holes in the bag and that’s it.

Other Useful Ideas Regarding Potpourri Oils:

The container or bag isn’t the only place where you can drop the potpourri oil in. you can also pour some drops of this oil in your clothe drawers. After a few days, your clothes will have a refreshing smell, deeply attached to their threads.

You can also soak a cotton ball in the potpourri oil, and insert it in your vacuum cleaner’s bag. The next time you’ll be vacuuming; your house will be lit up by that familiar smell.

Same ideas go with your car interiors; by placing swabs of potpourri oil soaked cotton, you can spread that refreshing smell everywhere. Likewise, doing the same trick with cushion covers and rugs can also accentuate the smell factor in your surroundings.

Potpourri Oil Warmers:

Potpourri oil can also be used in oil warmers. This way the oil will slowly evaporate, causing the smell to spread on its own. These oil warmers are of two types:

• Electric Warmers: Simple electric potpourri oil warmers are based on a simple set up. They have a small container, with an opening at one side. You can pour the oil in it, and turn on the warmer. The smell will automatically spread on its own.

* Tea Light Warmers: Normally these warmers come with a bottle of potpourri oil by default. All you have to do is turn them on and they’ll start doing the fine job on their own. After the potpourri oil warmers have dried up, you can refill them by unscrewing the oil container.

Benefits of Using Potpourri Oils and Warmers:

• The smell is quite refreshing. It spreads evenly around the house, and you don’t have to worry about setting things on fire. Everything will make you feel relaxed and fresh.

• If placed in the right area, the cross ventilation setup within your house can cause the fragrance to reach every corner. This way, even if some sort of odor is there, it won’t get picked up by your picky nose.

• Potpourri oils and warmers come in different colors and styles. You can use them to match your existing interior designs, to drop a better impression on your guests.

Potpourri has always been an object of affection and appreciation. By using potpourri oils on regular basis, you’ll notice a pleasant vibe in your surroundings – Live That Vide; Love It and Cherish It as long as it lasts.

Pillar Candles

Pillar Candles – What Are They?

Ever since you were a kid, you’ve seen pillar candles here ‘n there. There’s nothing special or intricate about them, that’d hinder the basic definition. A pillar candle is a vertical cylinder shaped candle that’s made from a special form of wax. This wax has an extra degree of rigidness in its nature, which makes it easier for the pillar candle to stand on its own.

Unlike jar candles, pillar candles are not contained within a structure. It means that the wax model is leveled evenly at the bottom, so that stands on its own until all of it melts/burns away. These candles are not limited to any size as certain expos have showcased pillar candles that were 3 feet tall; while household candles are just within the limits of 8 to 12 inches.

Different Types of Pillar Candles:

Speaking about the size and shapes of pillar candles, they oversee a huge variety in the market. Having said that, the general form of pillar candles is based on two categories:

-          Self-Standing Pillar Candles: This type basically has its base leveled, so that the wax structure can stand on its own.

-          Candle Holder Pillar Candles: If you didn’t know, there are pillar candles that are made in the form of a giant egg; a vanity item, or a starfish. The only way of making these candles stand, is to place them in a custom shaped candle holder, which makes people adore them even more.

For your consideration, we listed the following types of pillar candles. This way, it’ll be easy for you to distinguish one pillar candle type from another…

1) Rustic Pillar Candles:

Rustic pillar candles are also known as votive candles. They’re used privately, in homes, prayer rooms and secluded places, which means that their primary purpose is to fulfill religious requirements. These candles are recognized by their unique texture, something that sort of gives a “rusty” feeling to touch. In any case, rustic pillar candles are introduced in fragrance and/or fragrance free form.

2) Layered Pillar Candles:

This candle type is used on special events and traditional festivals. For instance, on Halloween, the layered pillar candle is made to represent different color combination of wax, all merged together in a layered form. Still didn’t understand it? Try visualizing a traditional pillar like structure, divided in equal sections. Each section has a different color, which drops the impression of wax layers standing atop each other.

3) Chunk Pillar Candles:

Chunk pillar candles are not only fun to make, but they’re quite a visual treat for both the candle makers and the buyers alike. Also, if you’re into recycling old wax tid bits, chunk pillar candles are the right stuff for you. The easiest approach to understanding this candle type is to visualize a pillar candle that has tons of different colors. How are they achieved? The process is quite simple because multi colored wax bits are melted and poured inside a mold, so that a “chunky” effect can be derived.

Fragrances and Scents in Pillar Candles:

Just like all other candle types, pillar candles are also available in various scents. However, if you prefer to buy fragrance free candles, you can go for soy pillar candles, or normal gel paraffin candles that have no smell at all.

As for the fragrance/scent effect, the current candle industry is lined up with all sorts of fragrances. From flowers, to strawberries, these fragrances are either artificially or naturally introduced in pillar candles. Your best bet is to go to the scented pillar candle section, and take a big whiff of the candles that you’re planning to buy. If it makes you sneeze or puke, you can move on to the next batch.

Different Sizes of Pillar Candles:

As mentioned in the earliest passages of this article, pillar candles overlook a huge plethora of different sizes. Residential users like to buy these candles with the following dimensions in mind:

• 2’’ Wide – 3’’ Tall (Minimum Size)

• 4’’ Wide – 12’’ Tall (Maximum Size)

As per your specifications, you can also place a custom order for an extra big size.  A nice example would be all those giant pillar candles that can be seen in restaurants; at different family gatherings; inside age old manors etc. The list could go on and on if we were to talk about the biggest or the smallest size of pillar candles.

Paraffin Sensitivities

This article will illustrate various paraffin sensitivities or allergies that are done unto a handful of unlucky individuals. Paraffin is commonly known as candle or candle wax to an average person. Though it may sound a little weird to you when someone rants about his or her candle allergies, but the fact is that such sensitivities do exist. It’s just that they’re way too uncommon, which is why you’ve probably never heard about them.

For your understanding, the entire paraffin sensitivities topic is discussed through a step-by-step approach. Let’s have a look at what we’ve got in store for you:

-          Paraffin Sensitivities: Case Studies:

This case study, regarding an unusual allergy to candles, was posted in one of the forums on the internet. The first case talks about a guy who had been using wax tarts in warmers, in order to spread a whiff of alluring fragrance around his house. Things went on smoothly, until after a month, this guy reportedly started experiencing breathing problems.

Now, some of you might have identified paraffin sensitivity as some form of mild or severe skin allergy. However, for your consideration, do know this that when candles are blown out, their smoke, which is a combination of evaporated paraffin toxins and many other things, causes some people to experience breathing difficulties.

The second case study was submitted in the same thread, in order to rectify the problem that the first guy had been going through recently. Take a look below:

• Wax tarts are sometimes, and mostly, made of artificial chemicals to project that alluring smell. Since we all know that these chemicals are a combination of molecules and atoms; they hit your nose receptors as soon as you set the candle wick on fire. Your immune system is sometimes not tailored to withstand that smell, hence causing you to start sneezing; experience trouble while breathing, Goosebumps on skin and vice versa.

The above two examples show that you may have a tendency to become allergic to paraffin  which isn’t a cool thing to brag about in your social circle.

How to Avoid Getting Caught Up in a Swirl of Paraffin Sensitivities Attack?

Okay, you already know that you’re allergic to paraffin. How did you find it out? Observe the 2 scenarios below:

A)     Blown out candles vented smoke towards your nose. Upon inhalation you started sneezing uncontrollably; you probably had to put in an extra effort to breathe straight, or you may have developed some kind of rashes on your skin.

B)      You didn’t blow any candles but you’ve been using certain number of skin care products that included some form of paraffin extracts. The result showed up as swollen patches on your skin, with weal formation.

In order to avoid such allergies, stop using scented candles. Granted that it’s the scent that caused the reaction to start in the first place, you should be shopping for scentless candles. In case of that skin care product usage; now that you’ve known which product triggered the entire sensitivity outbreak, it’s time for you to switch to something else.

Luxury Candles

Centuries ago, the most a pair of candles could do was, light a cave or create some sort of luminous atmosphere at the caveman’s dinner table. Doesn’t sound too savvy right? Anyway, who cares about troglodytes anymore? Candles have stepped up as luxurious effigies of romance, scent and a heavy price tag.

This article will talk a little bit about luxury candles; it’ll go through their types (perhaps) and end up with a few lines on how to make luxury candles at your home. So let’s get right to it:

-          What Are Luxury Candles?

First of all, if you’ve walked inside any one of “Joanne’s” or “True Grace” store branches, you’ll know what luxury candles are. They’re very sensitive to touch, the wax looks feels so soft and refined, they come in a perfect form factor, and they have a special unique scent around them. Another significant factor is the price range, which may be between $40 to $500; it all depends on what you’re after.

Now, certain other factors, such as; craftsmanship, also affect the price of luxury candles. For instance, within the classification of luxury candles, read the example of following two types that are pricey due to several reasons:

• True Grace’s Village Style Luxury Candles:

First thing’s first: This portion of the article is not dedicated to, or its not representing True Grace in any way. It’s just that their luxury candle seemed to be the right type of example to befit the illustrious ranks of this article.

The Village Style luxury candles are said to be literally made under the direct supervision of experts in Wiltshire. This region (Wiltshire) is located within one of the remotest country sides in England. Hence, the expression “Village Candles” is related to the culture, and the special fragrances that Wiltshire is known for. It is believed that the company has its primary workshop in that area; its full of all sorts of molding glasses, jars, liquid dyes, crayons, and that “secret” ingredient that no one ever came to know about.

• Manor and Dinner Table Luxury Candles:

You must’ve noted those long slanted candles that burn and burn forever in those manors. The same expression goes for candles and wax tarts that people place on dinner tables and patios to spruce up the mood. And then again, there’s a special lot from within us, who likes to seduce all the comely females through shower and bath luxury candles. Oh, the idea of scented candles, with petals and bubble bath is strong enough to melt any woman.

Anyway, manor and dinner table candles represent an opulent collection that comes with their own jars. These jars are made of frosted glass, smoked glass and other premium quality moody glasses that simply add to the grace of the candle. This entire combination of elegance and shimmering flames illustrates one of those Waugh and Hardy novels at their best. Hence, the price factor automatically soars through the roof.

I Don’t Have The Money But I Want to Make Luxury Candles On My Own:

The equipment and items needed for making luxury candles in your home can be quite expensive. It’d be better for you to purchase the candles directly, instead of lunging on to the DIY techniques. Plus, hot wax can be a nymph of a thing to deal with… you shouldn’t experiment with that kind of stuff.

Still interested? Well, go ahead and buy yourself a couple of finest wax bars, liquid dye, double boilers and fragrances. Light up the wax at medium temperature, inside the double boilers. Now you’d want to pour the wax in the mold to give it a proper shape. Finally, pour a few drops of that fragrance and liquid die to give the candle that special identity.

Slip in that Wick and wait for a day or two to let it all cool down. That’s it; you’ve got yourself a luxury candle.

By the way, this tutorial wasn’t as much detailed as it should be. For more details, info and precautionary measures, you better look around on the internet, or ask someone who already does this stuff at home.

Jar Candles

Jar Candles: What Are They?

The history of jar candles dates back to 1992. What’s more important is the fact that it was Michael Richards, who first came up with the idea of candle making in various form factors. Hence, starting from 1992, and onwards, the jar candle niche has undergone various changes with respect to types, sizes, innovation and etc.

So when we come to the “definition” of a jar candle, there’s not much to think about. As the name “Jar Candle” suggests, these candles are basically present in the form of wax filled glass containers/jars. Well, that was just the basic theory regarding these candles. To further explain them, we will have to take a look at their types, categories and fragrances they come with.

What Are Different Types and Categories of Jar Candles?

Basically, jar candles are available within the confines of following jar types:

• Mason Jars: These jars are available in various sizes. The significant factor about them is that they have an increased length and width. The modern form of mason jars is available in the form of ceramics, hand me down glass containers and fashionable glass jars with something scribbled/embossed on them. If you’re interested in getting a visual cue at this point, try entering “Mason Jars” in the Google Image search category.

• Apothecary Jars: These jars have a huge diameter, with the opening that’s larger than the base. Apothecary jars are used for medicinal purposes, such as ‘Aroma Therapy’ and vice versa. The basic idea is to spread the scent and invigorate a subject’s specific sense or senses, in order to achieve a desired cure or result.

• Jelly Jars: From Smuckers to any other popular brand, jelly jars are empty containers that just got cleaned up after all the sweet savoring jelly’s been eaten. Sometimes people use jelly jars because they kind of carry their original scent, which later on gets mixed with the wax’s scent –the end result is quite unique and refreshing to the nerves. Other reason for using a jelly jar as a candle, is maybe because of the fact the people either don’t have enough money to buy jar candles, or perhaps they want to make something at their own, within the comfort of their home.

The Best Jar Candles – Which Ones Are They?

If it comes to buying the “best” jar candle, it’s all about your choice and taste criterions. As long as candle makers are on the verge of introducing something new every now and then, there’re no “best” jar candles – all of them are so lovable.

However, quality is one main factor that sort of degrades one jar candle’s quality, and increases the likeness towards some other particular jar candle type. For instance, a traditional paraffin wax filled jar will not only emit carcinogens, but its black soot is going to leave a headache.

Also, you should purchase those jar candles, which are made of glass that can easily withstand heat, collision against hard surface, and etc. Here, at this point, we should take a look at the main sub categories of jar candles:

• Jar Candles With Lid: These candles are introduced in jars that have a closing lid on top of them. Ideally, these jars don’t have a wick inside them, and they also have a scented wax. In order to spread the aroma around your room or house, you either lift off the lid, or you can also place the candle on a candle warmer – granted that it requires a candle warmer to operate successfully.

• Jar Candles Without Lids: These candles have a traditional wick in them that you set on fire in the usual manner.  You don’t have to worry about spilling the wax, because all the stuff is basically contained in the confines of a fancy old jar.

-          Jar Candles For Environment Savvy Individuals:

If you’re a guy or a girl who happens to have a “green thumb” for the environment, Soy Jar Candles are the best product for you. Since soy wax doesn’t emit any smoke, or cause any harmful effect on lungs or the environment, you can easily purchase these candles without any double thoughts. They’re available at almost all sorts of online and land based retailers – buying them isn’t a herculean task.

How to Make Candles

Playing with wax, in an attempt to make candles, could be an interesting gig. As long as you’re not obsessed with “ The House of Wax ” movie, it is probably safe to say that the most you could do with wax is make candles in different shapes and sizes.

For the record, if you lost yourself somewhere in the middle of that House of Wax movie reference, know this that the villain was a creepy psycho who’d pour hot boiling wax on live people, in order to make wax mannequins. Pretty scary right?

Anyway, this article will teach you the ins and outs of “How to Make Candles”, the “sane” and easy way. To be honest, candles are kind of expensive as long as you’re willing to buy high quality scented stuff. Isn’t it better to make something on your own, while cutting down on expenses? Sure, sure… let’s see what’s in store below….

A Little Bit About Candle Making Tradition:

The candle making culture carries quite a deeper meaning than spreading luminous rays of light everywhere. If you might raise questions regarding the origination of candle culture; all of it dates back to the time when people wanted to celebrate something special at different occasions. The modern edition of candles can be interpreted at sweet sensuous aroma and soft light emitting products that can jazz up any sort of environment.

Anyway, if you’re a couple of blocks away from Joanne’s or some other retailer, the candles are going to cost you $20 a piece… Ouch. Let’s take a quick look at how to make candles on your own tutorial below:

A Word of Caution To Wanna Be Candle Gurus: \

• Hot Wax can be a pain in the butt.

• Cold Wax is quite hard to cleanup! Proceed with your projects by using multiple layers of newspaper foils.

• Don’t use a lot of tools to scrape off candle marks because it’ll leave horrendous scratches here ‘n there

• Wax can set on fire quite easily; don’t get carried away with the heat intensity below that Boiler! Hint: Wax becomes flammable at somewhere around 300 ° F.

Things You’ll Need on Your ‘How To Make Candles Project’, and Where To Get Them:

-          As we all know that candles are made up of wax, so you’re going to need tons of it. There’re tons of retailers in your local vicinity that can sell you wax bars at extremely low rates.

-          Next thing on the list is known as Wicks. Don’t know what they’re? Wicks are basically those long threads that are inserted in the candles during the production process.

-          If you’re thinking of adding a sense of color and style to your candles, buy crayons. Since crayons are made of wax and other paraffin additives, they melt easily and blend within the candle mold, giving it a colored layout.

-          If you need a tinge of scent in your candles, go for Vanilla or Strawberry extracts. These florescent “scents” can be bought from the same retailer where you bought the wax and wicks from!

-          Get a Double Boiler. If you can’t find one, buy two boilers of relatively same sizes. One of them should be slightly smaller so that you can insert it in the bigger one. Why would you want to do it? It’s because wax should NEVER be boiled directly in one container – It creates a cold mess in the end.

-          Newspapers, scraping/shaping knife, shaping molds and a spoon should be your last items.

How to Make Candles – The Actual Process In Detail:

1.       Lay down a couple of newspaper sheets around your work area. Make sure they’re double folded so that the wax stains don’t pour through.

2.       Light up your stove and place a huge container on it. The container should be big enough to hold water and the double boilers.

3.       Pour water in the container. Insert the double boiler in the watery container.

4.       After the water has heated up, start chucking in bits ‘n pieces of your wax bar in the double boiler.

5.       As soon as the wax inside the double boiler starts boiling up, you should be working on your molds.

a.       Apply soy or vegetable oil coating in the insides of the mold so that you can easily pull out the wax once it gets cold.

6.       Pour the warm wax inside the mold(s).

7.       So far so good- it is time for you to insert the wick in the wax filled mold.

a.       As per a general estimate, the wick should be long enough to leave an extra 1.5 inch after the insertion. Use this available length to wrap the wick around a pencil.

b.      The pencil should sit on top of the mold’s opening in a horizontal position – This is to ensure that the wick doesn’t sick inside the hot wax during the “freeze-up” process.

8.       Leave the molds for 24 – 36 hours so that your new candle(s) can get as hard as they’re meant to be. Don’t let the temptation of removing lobbing out the candles quickly. Their outer surface may look hard to you, but the insides are still soft and hot.

9.       There’s no 9 ^th step, just remove the candle from the mold and that’s it. You’ve got yourself a homemade candle just like that!

What If I Want to Add Color and Fragrance To The Candles?

Right in the middle of your wax melting process; break your crayons into teeny-weeny pieces, and drop them in. The crayons, after melting, will add up to the color of your wax sticks.

If you want to add fragrance to the candle, which you’re probably dying to, pour down a couple of droplets of that vanilla essence in the mold. Make sure that you’re dropping the “drops” after you’re done pouring the wax in the mold. By the way, don’t worry about the wick if it seems a little lose in the end. As soon as you’ll burn it, the heat will cause the appropriate areas of the wax to melt and fill in.

You Asked Me To Buy a Knife In The Item List… Is It For Stabbing Someone?

Well, if you’re interested in sticking knives here ‘n there, go ahead with it. But technically, the reason why that knife was recommended to you was because you’d want to scrape off those candle marks followed by the post candle making process. Good Luck!

Fragrance Sensitivities

Kitchen gurus came up with this phrase: “The way to a man’s heart is through an appetizing dish”. Likewise perfume and fragrance manufacturers like to be known by the following tagline: “The way to the heart is through the nose”. What they didn’t know is that noses can be a little picky at times. Know what that means? Hmm, when Haarmann & Reimer, one of the leading perfume producers, released their perfumes, health advocates pestered them for causing allergic reactions.

Fragrance allergies vary from person to person, in terms of intensity and reaction. Some people just start sneezing, while others look like a train wreck. You may be the next victim on the scent and sensitivity list… you just have to watch out for that. Now here comes the big question:

-          How Do I Know If I’m Allergic to Fragrance?

Probably, up until now, you’ve smelled those perfumes and colognes that only stirred up appreciation, mixed with a tinge of seductiveness. It all depends on the ingredients that were used in a specific perfume. Health experts have said that some cologne have been found to have a mild mixture of pesticides in them, which is bound to inflict some sort of drastic side effect on you.

So when your nose will come in contact with a fragrance that hailed from elements that your nerve receptors are not acquainted with, it will start some sort of reaction. The degree of reaction can vary from person to person:

• Asthma Attacks

• Rhinitis Reactions

• Severe Case of Dermatitis

Obviously, the list can go on and on, since no two human bodies are alike – the reaction will vary as well. Carrie Loewenherz is one of those few people who’ve worked a lot on the subject of fragrance allergens and allergies. She has worked as an industrial level hygienist for quite a noticeable number of organizations.

She says, “Sometimes people just wear offensive perfumes to take it all as a laughing matter. They love seeing other people moan with series of uncontrollable pain.” However, it is not a laughing matter; allergy sufferers can die due to the severity of the reaction.

How To Avoid The Reaction?

Simple enough; go to your nearest health practitioner in order to opt in for a number of allergy tests. These tests will comprise patch tests, direct skin area exposures and such other routines. If you’re positive to some sort of sensitivity, you’ll be given a set of written and oral instructions on how to avoid fragrance sensitivities.

You’ll also come to know about the technical/medical names of the items that should be avoided in all cases. So the next time when you’ll see that shiny bottle of cologne, deodorant, air freshener or perfume, you’ll automatically flip over the box to see the list of ingredients. Don’t worry if it consists of something that your lungs or skin are sensitive to; the fragrance industry is lined up with over 5,000 fragrances, you’ll always have something better to buy.