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Candle Making Jars

Posted in : Candle Types

(added 3 days ago)

Candle Making JarsCandle making jars are relatively easy to make and inexpensive as well. These jars look great and can be wonderful decorative items. You will need to decide what type and variety of jars to use while making candles. Candle making jars are optional and it is up to you to decide whether you need one or not. For instance, some of the homemade candles are free standing. Candle jars vary in shape, size and design. They can be square, curved, or rectangular. Candle jars are made of different materials. They are available in numerous styles and shades.

Candle making jars can add more fun, excitement and beauty to the living areas. If you are planning to enhance your décor then you must think of having colored jars or crystal clear candle jars. You can further decorate the jars with heat-resistant paints, ribbons and sequins. Creativity is the key word here. You can also decide to use a special glass jar with designs on the side to accentuate the look of the candle. It would be exciting to create patterns on the side or the rim of the jars. You can have candle making jars to suit every type of occasion you can possible think of. Style is not limited to few simple designs. You have great options like modern designs, contemporary style, colonial style and country décor. But the most popular candle jar is glass jars that are used in candle making at all times.

You must have heard of candelinas that are designed exclusively for candle making and come in complete set of jars, lids and other fitments. You will find various types of jars in craft stores or you can also make one. Many candle makers like to make candle jars at home using disposable materials like glass, plastic or tin. You definitely have lots of choices when it comes to choosing candle making jars.

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(added 3 days ago) / 9 views

Double Boilers

Posted in : Candle Types

(added 4 days ago)

Double BoilersDouble boiler is useful equipment required to make wonderful candles. It is basically a kitchen tool made from two fitted saucepans. The bottom saucepan is the larger one and it contains boiling or simmering water whereas the top one is the smaller one in size. The top saucepan performs the function of melting chocolate or cook custards. A double boiler is ideal for making votive candles or pillar candles. It keeps the boiling water at a low and steady temperature which proves instrumental in keeping wax from solidifying and scorching during the candle making process.

Double boiler helps in making the entire process safe and secure by reducing the risk of accidentally causing a fire. Wax can get heated quickly because it is kept on the burner. It can cause serious safety hazards and hence role of double boiler is very crucial. Whether you burn wax on burner or in microwave, both situations are dangerous. Thus, it is advisable to use double boilers.

You can purchase double boilers from any kitchen store or from online stores. Many websites offer well made boilers on competitive prices. In case, you were unable to purchase the boiler, you can always use a large saucepan and a bowl. Another useful idea is to use two saucepans that are separated with a trivet. That can work as an effective substitute. However, it is recommended to use double boilers if you are serious about candle making hobby or business. The boiler should have a high quality pan that can withstand high temperatures and regular use.

One should have a double boiler that is used exclusively for candle making. Do not mix it for other uses in the kitchen. While making candles, keep a constant eye on the double boiler. If you are using double boiler for the first time, you can place few marbles in the bottom pan during the process. The marbles will start to rattle in case water level gets too low.

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(added 4 days ago) / 7 views

Candle Making Jars – Break the Mold

Posted in : Candle Information, Candle Making

(added 5 days ago)

Candle Making Jars – Break the MoldHere is how to make an extraordinary gift out of ordinary items. Instead of using candle molds, try using candle making jars instead. This is an interesting candle making activity that you and your family can do regardless of season. Homemade candles make great gifts, since you have control over the design, shape, style, dye colors and even scent.

Work the magic of your creativity.
Candle making has evolved through the years. Materials and supplies have changed – wax, melter, container, molds. Even the process has become easier. Homemade candles make it easy to create an art for anyone. Homemade candle kits provide simple instructions making them a favorite hobby for a growing number of people. Craft shops and online art supplies stores a growing in number to address the need of candle makers around the world.

To create homemade candles, you’ll need: wicks, candle wax, fragrance, dye and candle containers or candle molds. You can get candle making supplies in craft stores.  Many online shops offer candle making supplies, as well as kits. For your candle to be more special, try using what you already have. Use jars instead of using candle molds.  Achieve a more personal touch with jars.

There are several advantages in using jars over candle making molds. First, every home has them. A tempered glass jar is best for your candle making project. They have a higher resistance to heat than other types of jars. Jelly and jam jars, mason jars and mayonnaise jars are some examples.

Second, the art of candle making is quite easy, but by using jars instead of candle making molds make it even effortless. With jars, you can use any type of candle wax
– e.g. soy, paraffin, beeswax. Also, it makes candle making less complicated since you don’t need to use non-stick sprays and remove them from the candle molds. That’s one less step to worry and to think about.

Third, the shape of jars is varied. This gives you endless style for your final product.  Candle making jars are not limited to canning bottles. Your candle container may be a wine bottle, mug, drinking glass and others. The shape of the candle you create depends on the shape of your jar. That’s a lot of room for art and craft.

Fourth, recycling jars as candle making molds is better than throwing them away. You offer the environment a breather by using them as candle molds. That, in itself is a good reason to use jars in candle making.

Lastly, the idea that you can create something out of the ordinary is truly astounding.
Arts and crafts are not about simple making things. It is about using simple materials and art supplies and turning them into something useful and beautiful.

The art of candle making has become more than just a trade. It is an act of creating beautiful candles that will inspire awe. An extraordinary gift does not have to be an expensive product. A simple candle using simple supplies can be appreciated more.

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Yankee Candle Unveils Pure Radiance

Posted in : Candle Types

(added 7 days ago)

Yankee Candle Unveils Pure RadianceThe Yankee Candle Company, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of premium scented candles, today announced the launch of its new contemporary candle line, Pure Radiance. Made of a custom soy wax blend, Pure Radiance features patent-pending LumiWick™ technology. When lit this flat, all cotton ribbon wick provides a consistent burn and a wide, radiant flame. With a clean design, the line is offered in 12 new distinctive, but approachable fragrances and three sizes. Pure Radiance is available for purchase immediately in all 12 scents via and select specialty retailers and gift shops across the U.S.  A limited selection of Pure Radiance fragrances and sizes are also available via the company's catalog and in its Yankee Candle retail stores.

"We consistently strive to meet the needs of all of our consumers, and at times they are looking for something that fits a more contemporary decor style. We are excited to introduce Pure Radiance, a brand that provides a more contemporary option without compromising on the superior fragrance and quality that Yankee Candle is known for," said Hope Margala Klein, senior vice president, brand, design and innovation for The Yankee Candle Company, Inc. 

NEW PURE RADIANCE FRAGRANCES – Twelve captivating scents inspired by both blissful and relaxing moments for an exceptional candle experience. Availability: All fragrances available immediately online only; limited selection in company retail stores. Price: $10.99 MSRP, Small Vase; $22.99 MSRP, Medium Vase; $27.99 MSRP, Large Vase

After Dark™ — Enjoy an enchanted evening with this nocturnal mix of night air, garden herbs, rich woods and musk.

Emberlight™ — Bask in the glow ... pine, charcoal and balsam combine to bring the warmth and comfort of the fireside.

Ice Crystal™ — Refresh and renew with this modern mix of mint leaf, eucalyptus, pine, and cedar.

Denim™ — Comfortable and casual ... this carefree mix of citrus, white flowers, cedarwood and musk is as relaxed as a Sunday afternoon.

Petals — Treat yourself to flowers with this soft bouquet of sweet peas, berry blossoms and musk.

Lavender Chiffon™ — Relax and unwind with this silky, smooth, lush lavender bouquet.

Beachfront™ — Escape to a place where the air is filled with the sounds of the waves and the scents of summer blossoms. Includes notes of watery, ozone, pineapple, lotus, and coconut.

Key Lime — With sweet and tart notes of lemon, lime and vanilla cream, this scent is always upbeat and refreshing.

Nectar — Life is sweet with this warm and wonderful, sun-drenched blend of orange, pineapple, peach and mango.

Grapevine — Like a fine wine, this fruity, spicy vintage has a bouquet of berries, a touch of floral, and a hint of warm woods.

Creme Brulee — Savor the evening with this rich and creamy blend of caramelized sugar, maple and bourbon.

Cinnamon Scone — Fresh-from-the-oven fabulous ... pinches of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and brown sugar make this scent feel like it was baked with love.

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(added 7 days ago) / 8 views

Crayon Candle

Posted in : Candle Types

(added 8 days ago)

Crayon CandleWhat You Need

• Wicks
• White wax
• Glass jars
• Wax boil bags
• Old broken crayons
• Pencil or Chops Sticks

How To Make It

1. Use clear jars that are generally laying about the house.
2. Pickles and jelly jars are excellent for this type of project.
3. You can try those boil bags, wicks, and wax at a local craft store.
4. Gather all your broken crayons and separate them into color schemes.
5. I used a sharp knife that worked much better.

The hard part of this project was getting the wicks to stand up straight while we poured the wax. Here's a trick, tape the wick to a pencil or a chop stick (if you have one) and lay that on top of the jar. If the wick is not straight, the candle will not burn well.

6. After the jars are ready, melt the white wax in a boil bag.
7. Pour the wax, a little at a time, add the broken crayons to the mix.
8. Since the wax is hot, the crayons melt, and the effect is very artistic!
9. Once the jar is full, top it off with a handful of some interesting color. The hot wax caused the colors to "run" into the candles.

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(added 8 days ago) / 20 views

Making Gel Candles

Posted in : Candle Making, Candle Types

(added 9 days ago)

Making Gel CandlesMaking gel candles are growing in popularity. They function the same as regular wax candles within the respect that they will burn in the same way that wax candles burn but they are made in a different way.

Wax candles are created from oil. The exact same is accurate with gel candles except they’re made of 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin. The resin begins out like a powder but when it is mixed using the mineral oil it is transformed right into a solid state. Gel wax arrives in 3 various states: high density, medium density, and low density. The greater the density, the a lot more fragrance the oil can hold. Plus, the thicker gel will maintain the suspended decorations with within the candle. But, keep in mind that the thicker gel requires lengthier to meld and it’s harder to pour.

The actions that go into making a candle away from normal wax such as melting the wax and pouring it in a mold to dry would be the exact same actions you have to do in making gel candles. But, the gear you use and also the methods are somewhat different. With other kinds of candle wax most people use a double boiler to burn the wax. But, attempting to burn gel wax inside a double boiler would take way too long. Some gel candle makers have turned to multi-cookers to get the work done. A multi-cooker is type of like a deep fryer. They usually are metal having a non-stick coating. They have another heating component with a heat dial so you can obtain the correct temperature to burn the gel wax.

Instead then utilizing two independent pots one with drinking water and one to burn the wax in, the gel wax is placed straight within the multi-cooker to melt. Even though the multi-cooker comes having a temperature dial, it’s nevertheless a good concept to use another thermometer to make certain that the gel is melted at the proper temperature. Use something metal or hard plastic to stir the gel wax. Wooden spoons can sometimes add bubbles to the gel. One of the most important thing to remember is that gel candle wax can catch fire. Make sure you’ve a chemical fire extinguisher near by.

Making gel candles – die
It is also possible to alter the color from the gel candle wax by utilizing dyes. Liquid candle dyes are perfect for gel candles simply because they are able to preserve the translucency from the gel. It only requires a very small quantity of the dye to actually alter the color of the wax. Occasionally even a drop of dye is too much. You should never use crayons, clothes dye, foods coloring, or soap dyes in gel candle wax. They will no burn correct simply because they aren’t made particularly for candles.

Learning how to make gel candles is quick and simple. You will find so many possibilities when it arrives to making fantastic candles with gel wax. The best thing about making gel candles is always that you are able to add decorations straight towards the wax to ensure that they float within the candle. This is a clever and unique method to personalize a gift if you’re making the candle for somebody else. In addition, gel candles burn slower then regular wax candles so they’ll last a little longer and keep you happy for a long time.

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(added 9 days ago) / 20 views

Citronella candles: alternative pest control

Posted in : Candle Types

(added 10 days ago)

We have all grown accustomed to using insecticides in getting rid of those nasty pests which seem to never tire of lodging in our homes. We spray here and there, and train our noses to bear the repugnant smell from these insect repellents. We are aware, though, of the harm it can do to our bodies.

Citronella candles alternative pest control

If you have just recently become a believer in acne home remedies that work , then it shouldn’t be difficult for you to also be an advocate of alternative pest control methods for your home. One such alternative is using citronella candles. Here, the essential oil from the citronella plant is extracted and then added to wax candles. It is proven to be effective in keeping bugs at bay.
 

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(added 10 days ago) / 17 views

Wooden Candle Holders – For All Purposes

Posted in : Candle Types

(added 12 days ago)

Whether you want a subtle, soft and romantic decoration for your bedroom or want to give a unique experience to your guests by lighting up your driveway with candles or tea lights, you will find wooden candle holders for all purposes. Lets know what are the types of wood candle holders and what sets them apart from other candle holders!

Types of Wooden Candle Holders
From time immemorial, our ancestors had been using wooden candle holders. Such a long practice of making these pieces have refined the art of making hand carved wooden candle holders. In the ancient times, these candle holders were a necessity but with time, they have grown into art pieces. Now the wood is carved into different and interesting designs to match with all types of home decor.

Centerpiece Candle Holder: These are large candle holders, usually in shapes resembling chandeliers. They can be used on tables any where- in living room or on dining tables to give warmth to the whole atmosphere.

Ethnic Candle Holders: Pieces of wood are carved out in ethnic designs, such as African candle holders or Indian candle holders. The designs reflect the culture and traditions of the respective countries.

Outdoor Candle Holders: These are simply a log or large plank of wood, with large holes drilled into them to hold tea lights. They give extra charm to the outdoor decor of any house.

Floating Wooden Candle Bowls: The wooden bowls with or without stands make the floating candles tremendously attractive. The wood used for bowls are either left in their natural form with their pale shades or are painted with colors. Sometimes, carving is also done to make them more beautiful.

Contemporary Candle Holders: These wooden candle holders have interesting shapes and styles. They are mostly colored with fire resistant paints.

Whatever be the style of wooden candle holder, a right sized candle holder undoubtedly complement other pieces of furniture and accessories in a room. The most interesting fact is that they can be bought within any kind of budget. While the simple mass produced candle holders are cheap and readily available, the hand carved or turned candle holders are comparatively more expensive. So why wait, go grab a wooden candle holder according to your needs and make your whole surroundings beautiful.

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(added 12 days ago) / 18 views

An Illuminating Tradition: Easy Peasy Pillar Candles

Posted in : Candle Types

(added 13 days ago)

An Illuminating Tradition: Easy Peasy Pillar CandlesWhen it comes to creating a romantic, intimate or dynamic dinner table setting, nothing beats candles. The amber cast and undulating flickers they bring to a table filled with delicious foods and drink can transform an average dining experience among friends and family into a special occasion. If your farmstead feast is prepared with ingredients from your own garden, extend your farmsteadtarian mindset to homespun table decorations, too.

Our favorite candles are an assortment of pillar candles we've made ourselves as a part of our annual New Year's Eve celebration. For many years, now, we’ve celebrated New Year's Eve with the Carus family, our urban-farming friends in Monroe, Wis. They're also the ones who host community soup nights, which we write about in Farmstead Chef. We’ve found making our own candles to be a fun activity to usher in the new year. Because the wax needs to be melted down and then color or fragrance added, there's plenty of time to visit and enjoy a lengthy meal of tapas and drinks while preparing our candle molds, usually done in the basement or a heated outbuilding.

There are lots of types of candles you can make; however, we like to make pillar candles, due to their simplicity. With some degree of care, making candles can be done in your home, too, without a mess or any danger.

Step 1: Gather Materials
Although much simpler than making soap, making candles does require a few supplies:

Wax
Because there are lots of types of candles, select the wax to fit your purpose. We prioritize recycling and use leftover paraffin wax from previously burned candles, but there’s also soy and other alternative waxes. If you keep bees, consider experimenting with beeswax candles.

Wick
The wick delivers melted wax to fuel the flame. Most wicks today are made with cotton or a cotton-paper blend in a flat or square braid and are most commonly used for pillar candles. Wicks are sized according to the style, wax, additives (like fragrance) and diameter of the candle. Small candles, in general, require thin wicks. Just be advised that there may be some testing involved—that's the fun part. For some assistance choosing the correct wick, check out the Candlescience Wick Guide.

For our pillar candles, our goal is to have a little rim around the top of a burning candle to contain the melted wax, and we choose a wick that will help achieve this effect. If the right one isn’t selected, the wax pool might drip all over the counter or leave us with a crater as the candle burns down into the middle of the pillar. Slow cooker or double-boiler system to safely and slowly melt the wax without burning it.

Metal carafe for pouring the hot wax.

Molds or containers for making your candles.
Pillar-candle molds come in various sizes and shapes. We own both commercially made molds (shaped like an owl or a star) and molds we created from recycled juice, milk or yogurt containers. The widely used votive and container-type candles require your candle holder to be fireproof, leak-free and crack-resistant.

Fragrances to scent your candles (optional).
The fragrances come as oils that are added to the melted wax. They come in just about any scent you can image. We like pine, cinnamon stick, pomegranate cider, carnation and amaretto.

Step 2: Melt the Wax
You can choose to purchase paraffin or soy wax, among the more popular types of wax, or opt for a more frugal approach, like we do. To do this, melt down all the various bits and leftover pieces of assorted candles from previous years. After sorting the leftover candle wax, melt each color group (red, green, yellow, et cetera). Add clear or white candle pieces to mellow any color, or add coloring tablets to brighten them. Once the wax melts, it's easy to scoop out the old wicks or other non-wax debris that falls to the bottom.

For melting wax, we use an old slow cooker relegated solely for candle making. We find it usually takes about an hour to melt down the wax in our slow cooker to the point where it can be easily poured into the molds. As an alternative, you can melt the wax with a double-boiler system, using an old, metal coffee can set inside a larger wide pot containing boiling water.

It's important not to heat the wax directly on a stove because when paraffin reaches 390 degrees F, it can spontaneously ignite, i.e. explode. Keep in mind that water boils at around 212 degrees F, so that's a good temperature to keep the wax at. Monitor it using a thermometer or the temperature gauge on your slow cooker. And never leave the melting wax unattended!

Step 3: Attach the Wick
Attach the wicks so they go down the center of the mold, and tie them off at the bottom and top. Then tape the sides mold tightly shut. Use putty material to seal the bottom of the mold to prevent hot wax from leaking out.

Step 4: Pour the Wax
Using an old, metal coffee carafe, pour the melted wax into the mold. Make your candles one color or multi-colored. We create a rainbow design for some of our pillars by adding different colored, repurposed wax to each layer. For our smaller candles, perhaps those in a Dixie-cup mold, we stick to one color. Once poured, let the wax cool completely. On New Year's Day, the candles just slip out and are ready for use.

We couldn't imagine a better way to usher in the New Year than turning leftover candle pieces into a colorful and warm beacon for what lies ahead. Enhance the satisfaction that comes from preparing a delicious meal by gracing your table with your own homemade flickering candles.

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(added 13 days ago) / 20 views

Votive Candles

Posted in : Candle Types

(added 15 days ago)

Definition: Votive candles are among the most used candles of any type. They're actually a hybrid between a pillar candle and a container candle in that, before they're burned, they're free-standing, usually cylindrical candles (just like a pillar,) but once they're lit, they generally melt completely enough to take the shape of the votive holder that they're placed in (like a container candle.)

Votive Candles

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(added 15 days ago) / 23 views