If you love a white room but you are afraid it may come across as a bit cold and featureless when the weather turners more inclement, mix in a few softer tones and plenty of texture for a cosy space. A white living room is fantastic in warmer weather, redolent of rooms in Spain or Greece but can appear a little sterile as the weather gets colder. So when the nights start drawing in, turn your room into a snugly retreat by introducing softer tones and natural textures.
You really need to start with the largest surfaces – the walls and the floors then go from there. Pale upholstered furniture has a contemporary appeal but add earthier shades to add warmth such as dark wood shelving or a coffee table.
The next thing you need to do is to personalise the space with some well chosen accessories. Aromatic candles are something which has universal appealand are available in a wide range of colours as well as fragrances meaning there should always be something to meet your needs. Why not try beautiful Yankee candles or True Grace candles for a real touch of luxury ? True grace candles especially are to be found in beautiful candle tins, which are perfect for dotting around your living room or bathroom – indeed any room – and also in two styles of glass jar – one etched crystal, the other a great dusky glass which will look terrific in a light coloured environment. Cushions are a great way to bring in different colours from off whites to rich browns, and go for fabrics in a variety of materials, including wool, mohair and fleece to create an even more comfortable environment. In the same way you can freshen up plain upholstered furniture with a decorative throw in neutral tones. Mix pretty sculptural ceramics with simple glass vases and hurricane lamps for a calming feel and keep books with busy looking covers to a minimum so that they don’t clutter the space. Use lovely seagrass baskets for storing logs or magazines.
Filed under Remodeling by on Sep 13th, 2011. 
By Sirena Van Schaik
Throughout time, candles have also held some symbolic meaning. There are candles for christenings, candles for holidays whether you are Christian, Muslim, Jewish or any other religion and there are candles that reflect a deeper meaning, whether it is a meaning of celebration or a meaning of love.
The colors of individual candles have different meanings as well and many people, although not knowledgeable about the different colors, are at the very least, interested in the meanings.
So before you light a candle, read this article to learn the many meanings of the colors.
The Colors of Candles:
White: More than likely, you understand what white means. It is after all linked eternally with purity, innocence and enlightenment. It is a cleansing color that is believed to cleanse both the mind and the spirit and heal any emotions that are in turmoil.Â
Black: There has always been something about black candles that bring up thoughts of discord and evil. Most people would shy away from black candles since they have been given such a negative image, especially at the hands of Hollywood. This is actually furthest from the true meaning of a black candle and in fact, black candles are supposed to be the color you burn when you are trying to destroy negative forces and energy. They are also believed to be the appropriate color to use for healing when you are battling a serious illness.
Red: It doesn’t take too much imagination to figure out the meaning of red candles. They have been linked with love, passion and sex for countless decades. Red candles encompass all of those things and more since the color can also mean health and vitality, fertility and strength, courage and willpower and it can also mean the darker emotions such as lust.
Purple: Purple is actually my favorite color of candle and it problem has to do with the colors link to wisdom and knowledge. It is a color that speaks of spirituality and divination as well as success and power.Â
Gold: Gold seems to be a popular color during Christmas season and it is fitting in many ways since gold is a color of divination and delightfully enough playfulness. It is also a color that brings to mind success and wealth.
Green: Like Gold, green is also associated with success, and wealth but it is also associated with health throughout a person’s life; health in marriage, employment, success, physical growth and also fertility. It is the color that reflects a bountiful harvest.
Blue: Blue is a tranquil color that is filled with harmony, contentment and a sense of peace. It is the color to use if you are trying to lose weight or if you are simply trying to find your center. An excellent color of candle for meditation, it is believed to bring inspiration and happiness.
Silver: We can’t forget about silver if we have already looked at a metallic candle. This is another color that is very popular during Christmas but it is actually a color that is known for its neutrality. It is another great choice for meditation and reflection.
Yellow: And what about yellow? It is the sunshiny color that brings with it a sense of happiness. It is also believed to reflect intelligence and wisdom and it is an excellent color to choose if you are busy in academic pursuits, whether they are studious or creative in nature. It is a color of change and energy and will definitely keep you busy.
And there are the meanings of a few of the more popular colors of candles. For every color there is a meaning and each color harmonizes another so play around for your own desired effect.
Filed under Remodeling by on Dec 3rd, 2008. Comment.
By Sirena Van Schaik
 Okay, right now you are probably thinking about something other than candles. Perhaps you are thinking of wax figures filling a room to set the mood but if that is what you have in mind I have to ask, are you setting up a Halloween mood?
 All joking aside, candles, which is the wax I am talking about, have been used for years to set a mood. Whether you are trying to unwind, trying to be romantic or simply trying to scent the air for a party, you are using them to set a mood.Â
 Once upon a time, candles had a pretty basic smell and although the candlelight could do wonders for the mood, the overall effect of a candle was somehow lost if it really started smoking. Today, candles come in a wide range of shapes, colors and, yes, scents. With all the selection that we have with candles, it is a surprise that it hasn’t ruined the mood we are searching to create.
 When you are setting a mood with candlelight and scents, it is important to look at what you would like the candles to do and also what you want them for. If they are there to provide a scent, then you need to focus on what smells you would like. Harsh smells while you are trying to meditate can detract from your focus, earthy smells when you are trying to have a nice home cooked meal may blend negatively with the smell of the food. There are as many factors to take into account with candles as there are choices in your wardrobe. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating but only a little.
The Dinner Party:
 Setting the mood for a dinner party can be a difficult task. If it is a romantic dinner, you will probably want to have some candles in the center of the table. Of course, I have never been a fan of the centerpiece candle, simply because I hate having to chat, romantically or not, around something.
 My recommendation for using candles for dinner parties or romantic meals is to place the candles around the room, either with tall candle holders, on mantels or in wall sconces. Once you have the candles lit, dim the overhead light slightly. This gives the illusion that each guest is bathed in candlelight and they are not sitting in the dark looking into it.Â
 It can create a very dreamy and romantic atmosphere and if you add a matching sent to the scene you can really set a mood. Make sure your smells complement each other. For instance, you won’t want to use an Apple Spice candle if you happen to be eating Chinese. Maybe a nice Green Tea Candle would suit it better and the Apple Spice can be saved for a roast dinner.
The Romantic Evening:
 Romance and candles really are made for each other and there are very few things that I could suggest that could make romantic candles even better. Again, the only part that I would suggest is having the candles up and out of the way. Have a glass of Champaign on the floor with the candles on a coffee table above you –preferably beside those flowers that you received.
 The other suggestion that I would make is to avoid a lot of cloying scents. Anything that will feel heavy to your stomach should be avoided and I would recommend avoiding any of the heavier floral scents. Instead go with fragrances that are considered to be sensual, things like chocolate or strawberries.
For Relaxation:
 As with romantic evenings, there is very little that I can say about candles for setting the relaxing mood. Everyone has their own scent that relaxes them, strangely Pina Colada is mine, and each prefers using candles in different ways.Â
 But since I am here, I would recommend playing with threes when you use candles for relaxation. I have found this to be an excellent method to setting a tranquil mood. A grouping of three candles in various spots of the room provides you with pools of soft light. They are excellent at dispersing the scents across the room and they offer you something to focus on.
 So whatever your mood is, the best advice I can offer is to play around with the placement and the scents until you find your perfect balance.
Filed under Remodeling by on Dec 2nd, 2008. Comment.
By Sirena Van Schaik
As a young child, I remember some of the nicest memories of my childhood being surrounded by candles. We had candles on cakes, candles when camping, and candles when we were outside enjoying a summer night. There were candle festivals and candle walks and even a few candlelight services. Candles were something that cast an enchanted light on any festivity and I was only vaguely aware that candles were dangerous.
Sadly, that thought is something that very few people think about, even as adults. We use candles for many of the same reasons that we saw them being used for as children and many times we hardly think about the implications of a lit flame.
It is, after all, such a tiny spark, one that can be blown out so easily but that little spark can quickly ignite into a dangerous blaze.Â
To keep your home and your family safe, it is important to remember a few general rules about candle safety.
1. Never place a candle where it can catch fire.
Yes, I know that seems like an all encompassing thought but candles should always be placed in the center of a table or mantel place. They should never be placed in windows since the flame could ignite drapes, or other window dressings including blinds.Â
Candles should also be kept away from beds and piles of clothing. A candle can tip easily and it is important to not provide anything that could cause a blaze.
2. Keep children and pets away from candles.
This is pretty straightforward. Candles should be up high where a young child can’t reach it or accidentally knock it. The same goes for pets. Dogs have been known to clear a coffee table or two with their tails and a candle could easily be knocked into the couch or onto the carpet.
3. Always extinguish a candle before leaving a room.
You know the saying, “Never leave a candle unattended,†well, learn it, say it and remember it. A multitude of things can happen to a candle when you are not in the room and it is better to practice safety completely.
On the topic of extinguishing candles, make sure you extinguish them before you go to bed and also make sure that they are completely extinguished. I have known people who wake up in the morning to find the candle relit and burning happily.
Lastly, if a candle is about an inch from the bottom, extinguish it. Never leave a candle burning for more than 4 hours for both safety reasons and also to get the most out of your candles.
4. Follow those directions.
There are many different types of candles on the market today and each one will have slightly different care and burn instructions. If you are not familiar with a brand of candle, or even if you are, read the instructions and follow them.
5. Keep the candle in one place.
I have already talked about keeping your candles in a sturdy place but one last point to make about candle safety is to never carry a lit candle around. The melted wax can easily splash up and cause severe burns.
6. Keep the candles tidy.
Keeping a candle tidy not only helps keep the candle bright and beautiful but it also keeps the candle much safer.  Wicks should always be trimmed to ¼ inch to keep the flame low and dust, or pet hair should be brushed off the candle before use.Â
Once you have all the safety tips memorized, it doesn’t take anything to remember them.
Filed under Remodeling by on Dec 2nd, 2008. Comment.
Have you ever wondered what to do with those old candles that you have finished using? The wick is done, but you still have almost half a candle left. The wax is almost completely demolished with black streaks and beads of hardened drips. You can’t really keep them and drop a tealight into the center since they are rather ugly looking and it appears that the only use from them is the garbage can. It seems like a shame to toss them but what else can you really do with old candles.Â
Well, if you are really interested in the whole eco-friendly movement and going green, the answer is simple; reduce, reuse and recycle those old candles.
If you aren’t sure exactly how to do this, just look around at various craft stores or online candle sights and you will find a million and one uses for your old candles, including making new ones. It actually takes very little time and effort to recycle those old candles and you can create some truly delightful candles.
Before you start creating new candles, you will need to have a few things handy. These include:
• Molds – You can use just about anything from candle molds to glass jars. The nicest candles that I have ever seen came out of beer cans that ridged in shape.Â
• Old candles – Use any color of candle but remember that some colors will combine creating a muddied look.Â
• Candle Wicks – You can buy candle wicks at any craft store. All you will need to do is trim them down.
• Double Boiler – The best tool to use is a double boiler but if you don’t have one handy, a metal bowl inside a pot that contains several inches of water will also work. Just make sure there is a wide base to prevent spills.
And that is just about everything that you need. If you are melting down a few candles that are white, use some colored dyes to create new looks or add some essential oils to create scented candles.
Now that you have all the tools that you will need, it’s time to start making candles.Â
First, you will want to melt the wax in a double boiler over a medium –low heat on the stove. It is better for the wax to melt slowly to prevent fires. Stir the wax with a wooden spoon and remove from heat as soon as the wax is completely melted.
Next, you will need to pour the wax into the mold that you have at ready. Remember that you can use just about anything for a mold so get creative. If you would like to make some jarred candles, simply pour it into the glass. If you spill along the sides, immerse the glass into a bowl of hot water after the wax sets to remove it.
To create a wick for your new candle, take the strip of candle wicks and cut it down to reflect the size of your candle mold. Make sure to leave about 2 to 4 inches of wick, which you will need to tie to a pencil. Place the wick in the center of the melted candle wax and rest the pencil across the top of the mold so the wick doesn’t fall into the wax. Leave it until it sets and then remove it from the mold when it is cooled.
Making your own candles is an excellent way to reduce, reuse and recycle while being completely creative doing it.
Filed under Remodeling by on Nov 8th, 2008. Comment.
Have you ever had a candle that just doesn’t last? Before you can even get any great use out of it, you have spilt wax down the sides, a broken wick and a black stain across it. There seems to be nothing that can be done to get it lit again and it can be pretty frustrating since it only seems to occur when you purchase the really expensive candles.Â
Usually, when a candle begins to break down, it’s probably because you aren’t caring for it properly. I hear the groans from the back but what your mother has always said to you is true, “If you want something to last, then you really need to take care of it.â€
But really, how do you care for your candles? Don’t you just toss them into a drawer and pull them out for those special occasions. I would love to say sure, since it is the easiest way but unfortunately, easy isn’t always the best way. Sure you can throw them in a drawer but don’t expect a very nice candle to be pulled from the drawer for one of those special occasions.Â
To keep your candles looking great and to get the most out of them, there are a few tips that you should follow.
The Candle Snuffer: Don’t sniff at this little trinket. It is a candle lover’s best tool and you can buy one that is fairly inexpensive while still looking expensive. If you aren’t sure what a candle snuffer is, it is a bell shaped tool on a long handle. The hollow bell fits over the candle and extinguishes the flame. It’s simple and candle snuffers have been around for a long time.Â
But why are they so important in getting the most out of your candles? It’s simple; candle snuffers keep the wicks from being damaged. Blowing on a candle, or worse, extinguishing them with your wet fingers, can damage the wick. A damaged wick means more difficulty keeping the flame.
Cool Storage:Â If you are a person that only brings out candles for special occasions, there are a few ways that you should store them.Â
First, make sure you store them individually. Wrap each candle in a sheet of white tissue paper to avoid the colors to bleed into the candle. If you are storing scented candles, place them into their own plastic sealable bag. This will keep the scents fresh and will keep them from blending together.
Next, place them in a cool, dark area. Make sure the space is not damp since this can also damage them. Candles should always been stored flat to ensure that they do not bend. Also, if an area is too warm, the candles will begin to melt and will become misshapen.
Keep those Candles Tidy:  When you are trying to get the most out of your candles, it is best to keep them tidy. Remove excess wax that has dripped down the sides, or if you are using a jar candle, place the jar inside a sink of hot water to melt the wax on the side of the glass.Â
Keep the wick nice and tidy and always trim down your wicks to ¼ inch in length before each use. Make sure you cut the wicks when they are cool since a hot wick could stretch and tear.Â
Also, never burn your candles for longer than 4 hours. If you are having a full romantic evening, simply replenish the candles every 4 hours. This will keep your candles looking beautiful and will keep down the amount of soot that accumulates on the candle itself.Â
Lastly, try to keep the candles out of direct light. Prolonged time in light will make the colors fade and your beautiful candle will no longer look bright and new.
Just following these tips should ensure hours and even months of enjoyment with your candles.
Filed under Remodeling by on Nov 7th, 2008. Comment.
Two months ago, after a long discourse at the breakfast table on the many wonderful aspects of soy candles, my 13-year-old son accused me of being a soy candle head, as in dead head. What had got me started was the soy milk e had been drinking for breakfast, and having recently discovered soy candles in a big way, my mind was understandably full of how this wonderful material was so much a part of our lives – food, drink, and now candles!
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Whatever my son might say, however, I can’t stop gushing about soy candles and their unique properties, and you, dear reader, are now in my line of fire. Not only are soy candles longer lasting, they also hold a fragrance better and do not produce unsightly deposits of soot. And when I say long lasting, I mean it, because the average 14 oz wax candle will last you about 70 hours, give or take five, while a soy candle will last all of 100, if not more. That’s almost 50 hours more, and not at significantly higher prices either.
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If you’ve been following these articles, you’ll know about my friend Charlene Dewitt, the one who is an aromatherapy expert. Well, inevitably, it was Charlene who introduced me to soy candles, and one of the first things I noticed was the absence of soot. All those who have spent time cleaning blackened and grimy candle jars, walls and even ceilings know what a menace soot can be. With soy candles, because they are natural, the jar remains pristine, and the walls and ceilings unsullied.
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Now I come to the most important reason for using soy candles. Various studies have revealed that traditional wax candles emit carcinogens into the air. Now, as we all know, carcinogens are cancer-causing toxins that also cause other health problems. Mostly, researchers are trying to prove that anything that emits carbon dioxide when burnt, such as wax candles and charcoal, will release carcinogens. Though it is too early to comment on this issue, soy candles certainly do not produce carcinogens, which means they are healthy, too!
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All in all, it is no surprise that soy candles are gaining in popularity, considering they were only launched in 1991, and their discovery is credited to a certain Michael Richards, who found out by trial and error that mixing soybean oil with palm and coconut oils produced a perfect wax. He added a small amount of beeswax to the mixture to improve it even further.
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Today, it has been conclusively proved that 100% natural soy wax does not contain petroleum or other environmentally unsafe ingredients. And it is much less expensive than other natural waxes like beeswax.
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So I end my rave. Go ahead, call me a soy candle head, but remember what I’ve told you the next time you buy your candle supplies!
Filed under Remodeling by on Nov 5th, 2008. Comment.
There is something infinitely beautiful about a well shaped candle. People will pay top dollar for this works of art and I have often found that many people will avoid using them since they are so exquisite.Â
If you do use the sculpted candle, you are left with a melted mess, trying to figure out exactly what to do with it now. Sure you can melt it down to make more candles but why don’t you melt it down to create another sculpture.Â
I am not a big fan of abstract art but I have come to really enjoy these wax sculptures. They are easy to make and you can make them with older children, under supervision. Actually, the first time I made an abstract wax sculpture, I was only 13.Â
They are very easy to make and you only need a few items to create a beautiful work of art. You don’t even need candles!
What you need:
·        Wax – This is the most important item for making a wax sculpture but I have used everything from store bought wax to old crayons. Remember that some colors will mix together creating a muddy color but others won’t.
·        Double Boiler – Since you are melting wax, it is best to use a double boiler or a metal bowl in a few inches of water. Adding a pot of wax to a direct source of heat can cause fires or at the very least, may burn the wax and ruin the pot.
·        Colored Dye – This is optional and sometimes you can just play around with the colors that you have in the crayons or old candles.Â
·        Metal Pie Plates – The disposable pie plates work best for this type of project
·        Kitchen Sink – The deeper the better.
Directions:
1.     Before you begin melting the wax, it is important to prepare it. Remove any wrappers from crayons, and cut out any wicks from the old candles.
2.     Once everything is prepared, fill up the kitchen sink with cold water. The colder the better. Fill it as deep as you can but make sure it won’t spill over the sides when you submerse your arms.
3.     Melt the wax at medium low on the stove in a double boiler. If you want to make sure the colors do not blend, use a few double boilers, each with a different color.
4.     When the wax is melted, carefully pour between 2 or 3 inches of hot wax into a pie plate as it rests on the surface of the water. Play with different levels of melted wax.
5.     Quickly spin the pie plate slightly and then submerge the plate. The candle wax will billow up into long streaks and you will create a wax sculpture. Make sure to wear rubber cloves, the longer the better, since the wax is still hot as it is forming.
6.     Pull out of the water and carefully pour out the excess water.Â
7.     Remove from the pie plate and if you do not like it, simply remove and place back into the pot to melt.Â
Playing with the depth of the wax and how you submerge the pie plate will give you a large range of sculptures you make, from jagged ice sculptures to billowing trees to delicate fairy mushrooms. Most of the sculptures will have a flat space where a glass votive or tealight can be attached to be used as an intricate sculpture.
8.     Make them long lasting by spraying them with a sealer.
And that is it. These little sculptures will have guests talking and you will have lots of fun trying to outdo yourself every time.
Filed under Remodeling by on Nov 3rd, 2008. Comment.
Before I say anything else, I have to tell you that gel candles are invariably better looking than traditional wax candles. That is not surprising, considering the fact that their unique nature means that gel candles need not be completely solid in appearance. So they can be translucent and multi-colored, and offer ample scope for ornamentation. For instance, some manufacturers embed small colorful items like seashells and beads within the gel to come up with an exclusive look, or there are others who add swirls of color to their gel candles, creating a lovely work of art.
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From experience, I have also found that gel candles last nearly twice as long as ordinary wax candles. Only a couple of days ago, as I was browsing through the stock at my regular candle-supplies store, I heard a woman place an order for 20 gel candles. When she caught me looking at her, she explained, “They’re for our mountain cabin. We didn’t want to spoil the ambience with electric lighting, and these candles each last at least three evenings!†In the case of aromatic gel candles, of course, this means longer-lasting light and fragrance.
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However, some people still have a few misgivings about gel candles, primarily, I suspect, because they burn at much higher temperatures than wax candles. My answer to all these people would be, adopt certain safety precautions, follow manufacturer’s instructions, and you’ll be fine! Besides, most respectable gel candle makers take great care to ensure that the glassware that contains the gel is strong enough to withstand the high temperatures and doesn’t crack, because not only does a gel candle produce high temperatures, but it does so for a longer time, since it burns much longer than a wax candle. Having said that, one of the basic precautions to use with gel candles is not to move a lighted or just snuffed out gel candle. Wait until it has cooled before you pick it up.
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The other supposed drawback of gel candles is that they cost a lot. In reply, I would say that the price is entirely justified considering the durability of the candles.Â
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Because they are easy to make, and supplies are abundantly available, gel candles have also become a great favorite with amateur candle makers. That is how I started out making these candles at home, and in no time at all, they had become a rage among my friends and acquaintances. The logical next step for any amateur candle maker is to set up a small business in gel candles, and in fact, such businesses are now burgeoning, as a casual online search will tell you.
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Estelle Rodriguez of Sacramento is a 36-year-old single mother who runs a small gel candle business that employs three people. We have friends in common, and the last time I saw her, Estelle complained that such was the popularity of her supplies that she was almost afraid of new orders coming through and was seriously thinking of shifting her home-based ‘manufacturing unit’ to larger premises and taking on more staff.
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However, if you do start making gel candles at home, please be sure to adopt all the required precautions such as those to protect your skin. Also, make sure you use the right kind of glassware.
Filed under Remodeling by on Oct 31st, 2008. Comment.
Long before I began making candles of my own, I was famous among friends and family for giving away candles as gifts. It became something of a running joke, but I honestly felt – and still do – that candles make the most wonderful gifts because of their simple elegance, usefulness, and uniqueness.
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Today, I am glad to see, more and more people share my views. Through my candle connoisseur friend Charlene, I have got to know a wide cross section of people who have a love of candles in common. One of them is Josip Kukolj, who immigrated to the US from Belgrade about 20 years ago and brought his candle-making enterprise with him. Back then, says Josip, candles were strictly something you saw in posh restaurants and homes where the power supply was not always uninterrupted. “In the last five years,†Josip told me, “my business has grown by almost 60%, and the overwhelming majority of orders are for gift candles.â€
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From a one-room unit in Lincoln, Nebraska, Josip’s business now occupies the entire ground floor of a building downtown, and he is considering a separate unit to meet his online orders. So it is hardly a surprise that web sites selling candle gifts have mushroomed rapidly in the recent past. In fact, had I not been too scatterbrained to run a business, I would have considered putting my stuff on sale!
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Obviously, aromatherapy candles have overtaken traditional candles in the popularity stakes owing to their fragrance and beauty. Besides, rather than traditional candles, people are increasingly opting for gel and soy candles, which not only look better than wax candles, but also last longer and offer more scope for experiment. They are also non-polluting and produce no soot, which makes them cleaner options as well.
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One of Josip’s best-selling items is a pineapple scented set of six soy candles, embedded with seashells that enhance their beauty. Among my friends, I have observed a marked preference for my lemon scented, green-tinted gel candles. Plenty of suppliers also offer such innovative items as floating candles, which make for great outdoor decorations. Then there are the spa candles, which are ideal for lighting next to your bath!
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Most suppliers include stylish holders and jars along with the candles. That means in addition to beauty, you get great value for money as well! So the next time you buy a gift, why not try candles? Wouldn’t it be much better than a book your friend may never read, or a perfume s/he may never use?
Filed under Remodeling by on Oct 31st, 2008. Comment.
Recently, a friend brought me a pair of really wonderful Celtic-themed metal candleholders from Wales, where she had gone on holiday. On a trip to Los Angeles, however, I spotted candleholders that looked almost exactly the same at a fairly obscure candle supplies store, so evidently Celtic themes candleholders are obviously quite common in the country, though I don’t have the heart to tell my friend so.
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That brings me to the popularity and increasing variation of candleholders in the market today. Even a few years ago, a candleholder was something you used to stick a candle in, period. These days, candleholders are home decoration items in their own right, quite apart from whether you wish to burn candles in them.
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Inevitably, my fondness for candles has now grown to encompass candleholders as well, and I catch myself browsing the Net to find unusual designs in candleholders that I might want for myself, or as a gift.
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During my searches, I have discovered that the pillared style is still the most popular when it comes to candleholders, though there is nothing traditional about their designs any longer. Typically, most candleholders are made of metal, wood, or glass. For example, I ordered the most beautiful set of frosted glass pillared candleholders the other day, which I am quite sure I will not burn a candle in. However, they are just perfect for the mantelpiece and besides, frosted glass protects the wood as well.
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When made of metal, candle holders bear extraordinary carvings, while wooden candle holders can be used as the perfect accessories to your wooden furniture. The best thing about candleholders today is that they can accommodate candles of almost any shape, because they almost always have a fairly wide base and can hold oddly shaped candles very well. Also, there are candleholders that can securely hold more than one candle at a time, so you get great value for money.
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Speaking of money, candle holders are wonderful as budget gifts too, because they are relatively inexpensive, which means you can buy quite a few without overstraining your wallet. I remember gifting a wrought iron candle holder set to my niece a few months ago. You wouldn’t believe how good it looks as a centerpiece in her new home, even though I say so myself!
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These days, I find myself very taken with quirky candle holders shaped like flowers, dolphins, and even cows! I found a lovely set of pewter dolphins the other day, and have added them to my wish list. And I have my eye on a set of copper dandelions. Now let’s see…
Filed under Remodeling by on Oct 26th, 2008. Comment.
A Candle Made of Soybean Oil?
Yes you read that right! Soy candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil which is called soybean wax. They are easy to make, and a lot of people find soy candle making a great hobby. They are made by using different dyes and fragrances to create the perfect candle, and a lot of people consider the soy candle to be the best choice when buying or making candles. They are easy to clean up if spilt and are virtually the fastest way to make a candle.
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Soy wax is possibly the safest candle wax of today, and is made from one of the most popular plants. Soybeans are used for everything from oils, to animal feed made from the remaining husks of the soybean plant. Soybeans are increasingly popular in China and other Asian countries, where they are used for food in all different kinds of recipes.Â
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The History of Soy Candles
The wax from the soy candle was founded by Michael Richards in 1991. Because of the growing demand for candles, Richards was looking for a cheaper way to make an environmentally safe natural candle that would burn slower than regular paraffin wax or bees wax. After many tests on different plants he found that soybean oil was the perfect candidate for the perfect candle.
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Nowadays, soy candles are manufactured all over the world and are a popular candle because of their strong scent and the fact  that they are environmentally friendly. Since soy wax candles will burn at approximately 100 degrees F the scent is spread quicker throughout the area. The average soy candle lasts about fifteen to seventeen hours giving them a much slower burning rate then other candles.
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100% Non-Toxic
Another great thing about soy candles is that they are completely non-toxic, compared with paraffin wax which has small amounts of toxicity which burns black. Although you should never burn many candles in a small enclosed room, soy wax is much less harmful than regular wax and is safer for the environment. Soy wax is also easily removed from clothing and other materials with soap and water, compared with paraffin wax which is not easily removed from carpet or any other material. A lot of natural candle makers claim to be “soot free†but in reality they are not. Not even soy candles are really and truly soot free, although they do produce at least 90% less soot. The fact that soy wax is non-toxic has made it increasingly popular among people who are more aware of keeping the planet earth clean and healthy.
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Candle Safety
You should always practice proper candle safety when using any type of candle whether it is soy candles, paraffin, bees wax, or any other candle. Always keep candles away from pets and children, after all anything containing fire or anything that will burn, should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Â Â Keep wicks trimmed and never leave a candle burning for more that five hours at any time. Be sure to place the candle in a properly ventilated room, and never use more that one in a small space. Even though soy wax is non-toxic you should practice these safety measures, to keep you and your family happy, healthy and safe.
Filed under Remodeling by on Oct 1st, 2008. Comment.
The ancient Egyptians first used the power of scent to heal over 3,500 years ago. They would burn fragrant woods and herbs, believing the smoke rising into the air would carry with it their hopes and prayers to be answered by the ancient gods.
Today, the use of aroma to heal is deeply entrenched in the art of aromatherapy. It is now one of the most popular forms of holistic medicine. Used not only to help soothe and relax, there are now documented benefits of aromatherapy in helping control chronic disease and illness.
Aromatherapy is most often described as the use of plant oil essences to achieve physical, psychological, and emotional healing. This art takes on many forms, such as the use of massage and applying essential oils to chakra points. Candles also play a prominent role in this healing art, which helps teach the body to achieve internal balance. Aromatherapy reduces stress and strengthens the immune system, providing lasting health benefits. Candles are perhaps one of the easiest and least expensive ways to discover the healing powers of scent in the comfort of your own home.
Candles used in aromatherapy come in special combinations of fragrances designed to achieve specific goals. Eucalyptus is used to energize, while lavender is used to calm. Taking in these scents alters the psychological state, allowing the body to follow suit.
Enjoy Sweet Dreams
If you have difficulty falling asleep, try lighting a few of these scented candles before bedtime:
·       Chamomile – Long used in teas to promote sleep, chamomile has a sweet, fruity aroma. In addition to helping you achieve a peaceful slumber, chamomile is said to have properties that promote psychic awareness and hone intuition.
·       Lavender – An aroma that promotes inner calm and peace, lavender has a fresh, floral scent. It will free you from emotional stress, promote inner stability, and can even be used to relieve headaches.
·       Patchouli – This rich aroma has long been connected with love and passion. Not only can it ignite your inner fire, it is known to have properties that help you achieve rest.
·       Sandalwood – Bring on those sweet dreams with the sweet, woodsy smell of sandalwood. Perhaps its clairvoyant properties will help you see into the future, while it’s calming properties help you dream the night away.
·       Ylang-Ylang – This scent known to enhance love and relationships will surround you with an intoxicating mixture of sweet, floral, and fruity aromas.
Lighten Your Mood
Many scents have been known to ease depression and relive anxiety. Try one of these if you find yourself with the blues.
·       Sage- Powerful for removing negative feelings, this earthy yet fruity herb will clear your mind and cleanse impure thoughts from your system.
·       Frankincense – This spicy, woody fragrance frees your mind from impure thoughts, releases you from destructive habits and obsessions, and has protective qualities.
Tighten Your Focus
Perhaps your thoughts are wandering or you cannot remain focused on a task or assignment. Burn one of these candles at your desk to help improve your concentration.
·       Bergamot – This citrusy yet floral aroma provides mental clarity, as well as protective qualities.
·       Peppermint – Another aroma known to increase intuition and psychic awareness, this famous scent is strong and minty.
·       Basil – A sweet, slightly medicinal-smelling herb that promotes overall well-being
·       Lemon – This citrus scent not only will clear your mind, but will call upon protective spirits to aid you.
Reduce Stress
If you just need to relax and unwind, light one of these scented candles while enjoying a hot bath or some quiet music.
·       Jasmine -Exotic and floral, this scent promotes psychic cleansing, assists with creativity, and has powerful qualities for attracting love.
·       Geranium – Providing qualities that promote success and well-being, this floral yet slightly fruity scent will relax your mind and spirit.
·       Apple – The aroma of this sometimes-tart, sometimes-sweet fruit brings relaxation and peace of mind, as well as aids wisdom
If one of these is not quite your cup of tea, here are some of the protective or spiritually enhancing qualities of some of your other favorite scents:
·       Cinnamon – Increases your spiritual awareness, focus, and concentration.
·       Citronella – Attracts friends and neighbors, while repelling unwanted insects.
·       Clove – Protects from evil spirits while enhancing memory
·       Musk – Long associated with passion, this strong scent also boosts self-confidence and strength.
·       Rose – The deep, floral smell of roses brings tranquility, inner peace, and harmony.
These fragrances have long been found in spas, combined with soft music to provide the client with a feeling of total peace and relaxation. You can achieve the same experience in your own home by following suit and filling it with scent.
Combine these fragrances together to achieve the mental and physical balance you are looking for, or to gain the spiritual awareness you desire, and allow the healing benefits of aromatherapy to work for you.
Use scented candles, fragrant oils, or wax burners and transform your home into a soothing, healing place of refuge. Â Allow yourself to indulge in the total relaxation of mind and spirit, and then feel the healing essence fill your body as you reach a heightened level of tranquility and well-being.
After all, if it worked for the ancient Egyptians, it may be able to work for you too.
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Filed under Remodeling by on Oct 1st, 2008. Comment.