Candle Making Tips

While candle holders are obviously key elements in any candle setting, all too often they suffer a sort of benign neglect.
Sometimes they’re used “just because they’re there”, and sometimes because choosing the right candle holder seems a rather daunting task.
If deciding what to use is your problem, then this handy checklist could help to simplify the process.
While glass and metal candle holders are the most popular, there is an absolutely huge variety available, in all sorts of materials.
As you run down the list, you will see that as you make decisions you are led naturally to the right kind of holder and the right kind of candle.
Making your own is also an option if you have the patience and skill – or perhaps just the patience!
1 The event
* Are you going to use the candle holder as an integral part of the event, or do you want the candle to be a minor accessory?
* If it’s a seasonal event, such as Easter or Christmas, one of the many plaster candle holders might be suitable.
Once you’ve got the setting for the event clear in your mind, you can move easily to the next point to consider, which is…
2 Size
* If it’s a statement you’re after, think big and bold because anything less will probably not achieve the effect you want. But big and bold brings its own problems – solid colors probably won’t work.
Think vines, ivy, and espalier multiple candle holders, which lend themselves particularly well to larger arrangements with a number of tea lights or small jars.
If you’re going this route, you can probably justify wholesale and/or discount quantities.
* If intimate is your objective, then go with tea lights or small jar or container candle holders.
* If you want to go to the opposite extreme, then chandeliers can add a delightfully unusual touch if you have the right place to positon them, which leads to…
3 Siting
Where are you going to position the candles?
* For instance, if you’re going for a combination of scented candles and food (and you should think very carefully about that particular mix) then the holder needs to be off to one side, substantial enough to be noticed and to be left unattended in safety.
You want to please your guests with a suggestion of a fragrance, not overpower them or the food.
* If the setting is more intimate, then smaller is better. Don’t force your guests to crane over the candles to hold a conversation.
4 Color
* On some occasions you will want to match the colors in your rooms, and on others you’ll be going for contrast.
* You also don’t want to restrict yourself to just one color of candle, so you need enough holders to allow you to mix and match.
* Remember that boldly-colored holders are more difficult to match to the candle color and to your decor.
And once you’ve decided on the right color, you’ll be led naturally to the appropriate….
5 Material
Even though you’ve narrowed down the options, there are still some wonderful decisions to be made.
* You can choose between wood, bronze, silver, crystal, aluminium, metal candle holders, wrought iron, beaded holders, or natural products such as bamboo and coconut.
* Glass is obviously popular. You can either choose a completely neutral holder, or choose a colored holder that will match the candle color. Glass is particularly appropriate for votive candleholders.
* Hurricane candleholders are popular for pillar candles and are wonderful for al fresco dining. Remember to look for one with a handle if you will need to move it while still hot.
Then you only have to decide on ..
6 Shape
* There are a large number of animal and character shapes available, although these have to be matched carefully to the occasion.
Bees, birds and butterflies (particularly pretty when matched to tea light candles) are popular and are available in solid and transluscent colours.
* Consider slate pillar plates for the really big or multi-wick candles; in fact, lovers of pillar candles can find a wide range of coasters and plate holders, some of them beautifully decorated.
7 The candle itself
By now you should have eliminated a whole lot of possibilities; the holders you are still considering will almost choose themselves.
* For instance pillars, which tend to be chunky anyway, require more substantial holders than more delicate candles.
* If you’re going to use votive candles, remember that they must be burned in a holder, because votives are really container candles without a container. If possible go for a straight-sided container as long as the rest of the design pleases you.
The straight sides will reduce the wax pool that is formed when the candle burns, and the tighter the fit, the longer the candle will burn.
* And finally, if you’re in a languid mood, what about the charming bowls, complete with stands, that are specially designed for floating candles?

Since the early times, aromatherapy is well-known as a therapeutic natural practice that can be employed to advanced beauty, health, and sense of ease. It has been practiced in different areas in the world throughout the centuries involving the use of essential oils in a variety of methods, either through bathing, inhalation, or massage.

Aromatherapy can be applied in different forms, and one of those is through candles. The candles have long been used as a mood setting addition to a particular room or occasion, and this goal was enhanced when the aromatherapy candles was introduced to the people.

On its most basic, the aromatherapy candle contains natural essential oils that are commonly absorbed through inhalation. It was actually found out by certain studies and researches that the aromatherapy candles possess a therapeutic as well as physiological effect on the mood through their fragrance. Further claims were even maintained that the aromatherapy candles are capable of creating a more romantic ambiance and does double duty in assisting disperse the preferred aroma throughout the room.

In the spirit of true aromatherapy, several experts have suggested using beeswax, soy wax, or palm wax aromatherapy candles instead of using paraffin. One of the supports for this advice is the fact that the paraffin contains carcinogenic chemicals that are obviously not good to the body. In the making, such waxes are treated with essential oils, which are actually the potent elements of an aromatherapy candles.

In a particular aromatherapy candle, the wicks are commonly trimmed, and the essential oils are added at the top of the candle, and not on the wick itself. Aside from that, you may also know that the essential oils are particularly added after the aromatherapy candle has been lit and there is a little pool of wax at the top of it. The reason for this is basically to produce the desired effect of the candle.

Speaking of essential oils, one of the most popular essential oils employed in the aromatherapy candles is the lavender. This essential oil is in first place said to alleviate stress and anxiety, thus promoting a much better well-being. There are also other essential oils that are typically used in the aromatherapy candles, and this involve the eucalyptus, ylang ylang, geranium, peppermint, lemon, sage, chamomile, rosemary, and grapefruit, to mention but a few. All of these essential oils necessary for the aromatherapy candles however are said to promote a variety of favorable mood, making them great as forms of aromatic treatment.

Before electricity was discovered, candles and firelight were the only instruments humans could rely on to navigate after dark. But in the 21st century, they are two of the most effective stimuli for creating a passionate mood. And if you use a highly scented candle, you’ll create an even more effective sensual experience.

Candles affect us on a number of different levels:

1. Gazing at a flame is a mesmerizing experience and relaxes both the eyes and the mind.

2. Because a candle throws light on a relatively small area, it creates a sense of intimacy among the people basking in its glow.

3. On a sensual, a candle induces a sense of warmth, even though it emits very little heat.

4. A candle can also capture the eye through the beauty of its color and design, which are enhanced by the flickering flame.

5. An armotic candle adds more pleasure to the mix by appealing to your sense of smell.

You can use highly scented candles to create a romantic atmosphere during intimate evenings at home, or you can give them to special people in your life as gifts.

There are so many varieties of candles now available in stores and online that you’re sure to find one to suit every taste.

Candle Uses:

1. Aromatherapy

The study of how scents affect the central nervous system is centuries old. Modern day aromatherapists can evaluate a client’s situation and prescribe a solution in one short consultation. Aromatherapy candles can be used in the same way as essential oils to change a person’s frame of mind in a calm and non-threatening way.

Here are some uses for highly scented or aromatherapy candles:

a. To help a person feel calm, use a candle scented with chamomile.
b. A lavender candle will induce a feeling of serenity.
c. To help someone who is worn out, give him or her a sandalwood candle.
d. To lift someone who is down, give a candle scented with ocean breeze.

2. Relaxation

a. Candles are often used to enhance quiet thinking, and suitable types include chakra candles and Feng Shui candles.
b. Meditators often use an aromatherapy burner fueled by tealights or votive candles.
c. Give highly scented candles to someone who enjoys taking baths by candlelight.

3. Color Therapy

a. Choose soft colors or neutral shades for people who love to relax.
b. Give strong colored candles to people who love to celebrate.

4. Celebration

a. Candles are regularly used in ceremonies such as christenings, birthdays, weddings and graduations.

Most candles are made from beeswax, paraffin, soy, gel or other materials such as resins. You can purchase clean burning soy candles if you or the people around you suffer from hypersensitivity.

Candle Shapes

Candles come in all shapes and sizes:

1. Long thin candles known as pillars and tapers
2. Small candles such as votive and tealights
3. Geometric shapes, including balls, pyramids, squares and rectangles
4. Cartoon shapes
5. Candles in decorative containers such as glass, wire or steel vases

All of these, with the possible exception of character shapes, make great sensuous gifts. And even a character shaped candle can be romantic if it has a particular significance. For example, a candle shaped like a snowman can remind her of the night you fell in love while building a snowman in her parents’ yard.

Most women love candles of any kind, and men who take pride in their surroundings will also appreciate a beautifully crafted candle.

Choosing a Candle

Here are some practical tips to help you choose a great romantic candle:

1. Keep in mind the design pallete the person favors in his or her home. Don’t give her a sparkling blue candle if her living room is decorated in shades of salmon. Don’t give him a red candle if his apartment is painted in olive tones.

2. Go for clean, classical lines when you buy, like elegant tapered candles or classic round candles, either big or small, in clear, beautiful colors.

You can buy a more extravagantly decorated candle if you know the person will absolutely love it. Or you might buy a fun candle for someone with a great sense of humor. If you’re absolutely stuck, buy a neutral color.

3. If you know the person well, you might choose a candle that fits in with his or her interests. A zodiac candle will thrill an astrology buff, while a pyramid candle will please an Egyptian history enthusiast. You can find a whole range of candle containers that feature dolphins, butterflies and other motifs that make for an excellent personalized gift. Choose a highly scented candle that features one of their favorite scents.

4. Take into account the person’s allergies or environmental concerns. Look for candles made of sustainable materials like soy.

It’s worth taking the time to think through the other person’s preferences before you buy a candle for a romantic gift. People recognize when thought has gone into a gift selection, just as they sense when the choice was haphazard. Your thoughtfulness will add immeasurably to their appreciation of your gift.

The use of candles for light and heat is known to have existed in ancient times. The remains of candles have been found in the caves of France. It is believed that cavemen used them while painting and etching on the walls. It is believed those candles where made out of animal fat. The Egyptians used candles as well by dripping beeswax onto leave stems. The burning process of a candle involves the four basic elements of matter which are solids, liquids, gas, and plasma.

Today candle making is a fun hobby or craft. For some, it is a very profitable business venture. Candle making provides you with they ability to create wonderful designs and crafts out of your candles. There is no limit to the shapes, sizes, and colors you can make your candles in. A candle is a device to provide light or fragrance. Candles have become very popular for the wonderful aromas more than for their ability to produce light. Some candles give off a popular smell such as vanilla or jasmine. Others smell like a chocolate cake or cinnamon rolls.

The body of a candle is generally made of paraffin wax. It can also be made out of beeswax. Paraffin wax is a natural wax that comes from plants. This wax can be purchased from Petroleum Refinery or the Specialty Wax Processor. Beeswax is also considered a natural wax, and is taken from honeybees. This is the substance the bees use to construct their honeycombs. A wick is placed in the center of the wax before it dries. The wick is made of cotton fibers that have been braided together. The wick is very thin, but also very powerful. Sometimes candle makers will use a wick that is wider than normal to increase the size of the flame.

Safety is a very important part of candle making. The temperature of the hot wax can result in severe burns. There is also the risk of fire. Make sure your candle making area is set up properly and that you have a fire extinguisher in the area. Clean up spills quickly as they will become very slick, leading to falls if you walk across them.

To make candle making fun instead of frustrating, start will making simple candles. This is a great opportunity for you to discover what works well with your set up and gives you the chance to make necessary changes. Initially, work at implementing good safety habits and melting your wax at the proper temperatures. You will also want to experiment with your cooling process. Once you have these areas down, you will start to relax and the process will become more natural to you. This is the right time to start experimenting with dyes, scents, and shapes for your candles.

The candle making process is easy to follow if you take your time and learn from your mistakes. Those who are impatient and take multitasking to an extreme will most likely not enjoy the art of candle making. However, it is very enjoyable by those who have plenty of time to take with the process and who enjoy creating things. Candle making supplies aren’t expensive so use the best you can. This will also help ensure your candles form well and burn properly.

Aromatherapy is that branch of herbal medicine that makes use of essential oils extracted from plants and aromatic herbs for their therapeutic properties. Aromatherapy is said to benefit the body in almost all aspects of our health, including mental, physiological, emotional, and even physical. Used in holistic healing and herbal medicine, aromatherapy has become increasingly popular these past few decades.

There are many methods of applying aromatherapy in the home. As its name implies, aromatherapy involves aroma or smell therapy where the scent of fragrance and essential oils are used to soothe and calm the body. But aromatherapy is more than just smelling and inhaling scents. It also about absorbing these essential oils in the skin by adding them in warm baths or using them in combination with massages.

Diffusion is the process of allowing the natural fragrance of essential oils to be released into a room. This is accomplished through various methods, such as heating, burning, and steaming. The commonest method is perhaps burning, such as incense sticks or aromatherapy scented candles.

Since almost the beginning of civilization, the ancient Chinese have been burning incense in temples not only to honor the gods but also to inhale the therapeutic benefits of these herbal incense sticks. The idea of burning aromatherapy scented candles is based on this ancient religious practice. In Victorian England, people have discovered that inhaling smoke from burning certain plants can have rejuvenating effects on people recovering from illnesses.

Aromatherapy scented candles are very popular these days. Especially since more and more people are now beginning to re-discover the many benefits of aromatherapy and leading a holistic lifestyle. Aromatherapy scented candles are used during yoga sessions, finding the soothing fragrance of essential oils from the melting wax help yoga practitioners achieve that meditative state they constantly strive for.

Aromatherapy scented candles are also used in day spas and massage centers. While you relax under the tender ministrations of your massage therapist, a single aromatherapy scented candle is allowed to burn in order to diffuse the aroma into the air around you. This increases the relaxing effect of the massage, working synergistically with the massage oils your massage therapist is using on you.

Aromatherapy scented candles can also do well to improve the atmosphere in the house. After you come home from work for instance, you can light an aromatherapy scented candle and let it burn for a bit enough to fill up the room with its scent. Then you can sit in the couch, cuddling with the rest of the family while you watch a TV show. Not only does aromatherapy scented candle have physical and emotional benefits for you, it can also help strengthen the bond you have with your family.

TOTAL WORD COUNT – 458
KEYWORDS “Aromatherapy Scented Candle” = 10 (density = 2.2%)