Archive for the ‘Art And Entertainment’ Category:
Votive Candle Making
0 Comments | This entry was posted on Sep 03 2008
David H. Urmann asked:
Votive candles are known as the easiest kind of candles to make. Aside from this fact, it can be used in any type of surrounding in order to add charm and sometimes, aroma, to the ambience. Your usual votive candle can stay lighted for about 15 hours or until it uses up all its candle wax. Body: As we all know, candles are made to provide light. Another reason would be its ability as a good source of heat. This would be since it consists of fuel that has a solid block form and a wick.
During the 19th century, the material used for making candles is called tallow. It is a derivative of beef-fat. At present, candles are made from wax. The usual material used now is paraffin, but some candles can also be made from soy, beeswax, or gel.
Candle manufacturers are called chandlers. Different types of equipments have been created in order to put candles in place. This is from your plain tabletop holders to exquisite chandeliers. By using a match or any fire source, its heat would melt the candle then it would vaporize a very minute quantity of fuel.
When the fuel is already vaporized, it then mixes with oxygen from the atmosphere which will result to the formation of flame. With the heat produced by this flame, it helps maintain the candle by burning throughout the last wax component of the candle stick.
The mechanism for this is that once the flame heats the candle wax, it then melts the solid fuel, after which, the fuel that is already in liquid form would move upward the wick. Then the fuel would vaporize in order to burn and produce flame.
In the early ages, electricity was not available. Candles as well as oil were utilized as light sources. This was common in Europe and the Mediterranean. Nowadays, candles are utilized for decorative purposes or to set an ambience of relaxation or romance. In addition, it is also used today as an emergency source of light during an event of power failures. As for therapy, candles are mixed with scents and essential oils in order to promote a soothing, relaxing and curative effect. This is called aromatherapy.
The downside of using a candle is that it is a fire hazard. Moreover, due to the fact that the melted wax is very hot, it can cause burns when accidentally placed on your skin. In order to prevent such things to happen, one should practice precautionary measures while using candles. It should not be placed within reach of small children as well near curtains or any fabrics which can burn easily.
In order to prevent skin burns when using candles, especially in putting it off, it is best to make use of a candle snuffer. It is a tiny metal cup with a long handle. In addition, if one has source oxygen, like an oxygen tank, one should not use a candle. This is due to the fact that when the lighted candle is exposed to this oxygen, it can cause combustion.
Thus, Votive candles are known as the easiest kind of candles to make. Aside from this fact, it can be used in any type of surrounding in order to add charm and sometimes, aroma, to the ambience. Your usual votive candle can stay lighted for about 15 hours or until it uses up all its candle wax.
A nicely created votive candle has a standard burning degree. This is in order to attain the right volume of scent. Furthermore, a votive candle should be placed in a candle holder because it is not made to stand on its own.
The things that you would need in making a votive candle are the following:
Wax additives
Wax which are suitable in making votives
Fragrance oil (this is optional)
Dye (this is optional)
Pre-tabbed wicks that are suitable for making votives (usually 36-24-24 zinc core)
Metal votive molds
Mold release spray (this is optional)
Pouring pot
The first step would be to make mixture of metal wax. For this process, you would need a double boiler. The temperature should be around 175° F in order to melt the wax. After melting the wax, you can place additives such as stearic acid or vybar, fragrance oil, and dye into the mixture.
Subsequent to this, you need to mix them all thoroughly. Always remember not to introduce air in your mixture. Furthermore, before you pour the wax mixture, you can put a small amount of coat mold-release agent on the mold. This is in order for you to easily remove the candle wax.
The next step is to place your votive mold onto a surface line, along with newspapers. This is in order to catch spills. Then, fill the mold with melted wax up to the mold’s lip without letting it over flow. Remember not to have it less than the lip’s underneath portion. This is due to the fat that it may seam lines on your already finished candle.
Another thing to take note of is that you cannot introduce air bubbles while pouring in the wax mixture. You also need to save about 20% of the wax mixture for the re-pour step. Thus, do not place the saved wax mixture under any type of heat.
The third step would be to place a pre-tabbed wick inside your candle. Wait for the wax to cool down before you insert the wick. This is due to the fact that when the wick is inserted while the wax is hot, it will interfere with the wick’s firmness. It is better to place the wick when the wax is just beginning to congeal in order to maintain its firmness. Moreover, try to put the wick inside center and to keep it straight as much as possible.
The fourth step would be to re-pour the wax. Once the wax has totally cooled down, it can shrink in some levels and cause the candle to have a sink hole. With the saved wax, you can pour it onto the whole. The trick would be to melt the saved wax in a temperature of 190 F so as to have the two waxes to stick together. Wait for the wax to cool down.
The last step would be to take out the votive from the mold. Once the wax is already completely cool, you can now remove it from the candle mold. If the wax has completely cooled down, it can easily be removed. This is because it will just slide out from the mold. If you experience difficulty in taking out the candle from the mold, place the mold for 5 minutes inside the freezer then try to remove it again. If it is still hard to remove, you can try to press the mold sides in an inward fashion. Do this as gently as possible while rolling it between your palms, so as to facilitate the candle’s release.
Thus, candles remain an essential part of our world’s history. Traditions also play a huge role on the implementation of a candle’s significance in society. We use candles during special moments, parties and certain celebrations. Birthday cakes, weddings, and Halloween are not the same without candles.
Throughout the years, candles have changed and modernized already. They now come in different shapes, sizes, styles and fragrances. Their fragrances are now derived from natural resources such as bayberry, Bees wax and soybeans among others. Popular fragrances would include lavender, blue berry, gardenia, lemon pie as well as Grandma’s cookies.
In the older years, you can only purchase candles from specialty shops and stores. Now, with practicality as a very important trait, you can make your own scented candle at home already.
Votive candles are known as the easiest kind of candles to make. Aside from this fact, it can be used in any type of surrounding in order to add charm and sometimes, aroma, to the ambience. Your usual votive candle can stay lighted for about 15 hours or until it uses up all its candle wax. Body: As we all know, candles are made to provide light. Another reason would be its ability as a good source of heat. This would be since it consists of fuel that has a solid block form and a wick.
During the 19th century, the material used for making candles is called tallow. It is a derivative of beef-fat. At present, candles are made from wax. The usual material used now is paraffin, but some candles can also be made from soy, beeswax, or gel.
Candle manufacturers are called chandlers. Different types of equipments have been created in order to put candles in place. This is from your plain tabletop holders to exquisite chandeliers. By using a match or any fire source, its heat would melt the candle then it would vaporize a very minute quantity of fuel.
When the fuel is already vaporized, it then mixes with oxygen from the atmosphere which will result to the formation of flame. With the heat produced by this flame, it helps maintain the candle by burning throughout the last wax component of the candle stick.
The mechanism for this is that once the flame heats the candle wax, it then melts the solid fuel, after which, the fuel that is already in liquid form would move upward the wick. Then the fuel would vaporize in order to burn and produce flame.
In the early ages, electricity was not available. Candles as well as oil were utilized as light sources. This was common in Europe and the Mediterranean. Nowadays, candles are utilized for decorative purposes or to set an ambience of relaxation or romance. In addition, it is also used today as an emergency source of light during an event of power failures. As for therapy, candles are mixed with scents and essential oils in order to promote a soothing, relaxing and curative effect. This is called aromatherapy.
The downside of using a candle is that it is a fire hazard. Moreover, due to the fact that the melted wax is very hot, it can cause burns when accidentally placed on your skin. In order to prevent such things to happen, one should practice precautionary measures while using candles. It should not be placed within reach of small children as well near curtains or any fabrics which can burn easily.
In order to prevent skin burns when using candles, especially in putting it off, it is best to make use of a candle snuffer. It is a tiny metal cup with a long handle. In addition, if one has source oxygen, like an oxygen tank, one should not use a candle. This is due to the fact that when the lighted candle is exposed to this oxygen, it can cause combustion.
Thus, Votive candles are known as the easiest kind of candles to make. Aside from this fact, it can be used in any type of surrounding in order to add charm and sometimes, aroma, to the ambience. Your usual votive candle can stay lighted for about 15 hours or until it uses up all its candle wax.
A nicely created votive candle has a standard burning degree. This is in order to attain the right volume of scent. Furthermore, a votive candle should be placed in a candle holder because it is not made to stand on its own.
The things that you would need in making a votive candle are the following:
Wax additives
Wax which are suitable in making votives
Fragrance oil (this is optional)
Dye (this is optional)
Pre-tabbed wicks that are suitable for making votives (usually 36-24-24 zinc core)
Metal votive molds
Mold release spray (this is optional)
Pouring pot
The first step would be to make mixture of metal wax. For this process, you would need a double boiler. The temperature should be around 175° F in order to melt the wax. After melting the wax, you can place additives such as stearic acid or vybar, fragrance oil, and dye into the mixture.
Subsequent to this, you need to mix them all thoroughly. Always remember not to introduce air in your mixture. Furthermore, before you pour the wax mixture, you can put a small amount of coat mold-release agent on the mold. This is in order for you to easily remove the candle wax.
The next step is to place your votive mold onto a surface line, along with newspapers. This is in order to catch spills. Then, fill the mold with melted wax up to the mold’s lip without letting it over flow. Remember not to have it less than the lip’s underneath portion. This is due to the fat that it may seam lines on your already finished candle.
Another thing to take note of is that you cannot introduce air bubbles while pouring in the wax mixture. You also need to save about 20% of the wax mixture for the re-pour step. Thus, do not place the saved wax mixture under any type of heat.
The third step would be to place a pre-tabbed wick inside your candle. Wait for the wax to cool down before you insert the wick. This is due to the fact that when the wick is inserted while the wax is hot, it will interfere with the wick’s firmness. It is better to place the wick when the wax is just beginning to congeal in order to maintain its firmness. Moreover, try to put the wick inside center and to keep it straight as much as possible.
The fourth step would be to re-pour the wax. Once the wax has totally cooled down, it can shrink in some levels and cause the candle to have a sink hole. With the saved wax, you can pour it onto the whole. The trick would be to melt the saved wax in a temperature of 190 F so as to have the two waxes to stick together. Wait for the wax to cool down.
The last step would be to take out the votive from the mold. Once the wax is already completely cool, you can now remove it from the candle mold. If the wax has completely cooled down, it can easily be removed. This is because it will just slide out from the mold. If you experience difficulty in taking out the candle from the mold, place the mold for 5 minutes inside the freezer then try to remove it again. If it is still hard to remove, you can try to press the mold sides in an inward fashion. Do this as gently as possible while rolling it between your palms, so as to facilitate the candle’s release.
Thus, candles remain an essential part of our world’s history. Traditions also play a huge role on the implementation of a candle’s significance in society. We use candles during special moments, parties and certain celebrations. Birthday cakes, weddings, and Halloween are not the same without candles.
Throughout the years, candles have changed and modernized already. They now come in different shapes, sizes, styles and fragrances. Their fragrances are now derived from natural resources such as bayberry, Bees wax and soybeans among others. Popular fragrances would include lavender, blue berry, gardenia, lemon pie as well as Grandma’s cookies.
In the older years, you can only purchase candles from specialty shops and stores. Now, with practicality as a very important trait, you can make your own scented candle at home already.
Candle Making Kits - A Candle Hobby Can Be Fun
0 Comments | This entry was posted on Jul 29 2008
Christopher Jay asked:
Millions of people throughout the world have hobbies to help them relax after a long day of work. One hobby that has risen in popularity is candle making.
Candle making has become sort of an art form. Each person has their own ideas and designs for candles, and each candle has the potential of becoming a work of art, if only to its creator.
Candle making is not difficult, however if you are creating something that will become a focal point of a room, you want it to be perfect. The great thing about candle making is that if you make a mistake, you can melt the candle and start all over again.
Candle Making Kits Are Great
Candle making kits are great for first timers to introduce yourself to candle making. Candle making kits will show you the basic steps and techniques when you have the basic knowledge of how to make candles, you will be able to create candles that are stunning.
The first step in candle making is to protect your work surface from melted wax. Covering with newspaper or heavy plastic will insure that your workspace is kept clean.
You do not need elaborate tools to create wonderful candles. A roasting pan and a thermometer will work just as well as all of the fancy equipment that can be quite expensive.
Candle making kits can become a way to spend quality time with your children. However, it is very important that they are supervised at all times to avoid any accidents that may occur.
Safety First
Melting wax is relatively easy, however little fingers may try to test it. Make sure that you advise your children that although the melted wax may smell good, it is extremely hot and they could get serious injuries if they try to touch it.
Dyes and fragrances for candles are available at craft stores throughout the country. It is important that you add the dye slowly to the melted wax and wait for it to dissolve completely. Adding colors one at a time will allow you to determine which colors work with each other the best.
It is very important that you watch the wax very carefully when it is melting. If the heat is too high, it will burn the wax. If melting wax begins to smoke, remove it from the heat immediately, being very careful not to spill any on your skin. If this should happen, do not wipe it off. You could spread it cause more serious burns. Instead, run it under cold water until the wax hardens and it should fall right off.
Once you have poured your wax into your molds, it will need twenty-four hours or more to cool and harden completely. Once the candle has set up, it is time to decorate.
Add Personality To Your Candle Making
Choosing the right pattern for your candle is the most creative part of candle making. If you want to add a splash of color, try melting your favorite colored crayon for a vibrant look to your candle.
You can use just about anything from stencils to non-flammable beads to create works of art. You are limited only by your imagination.
If you choose to create scented candles, adding crushed herbs will give a pleasant scent that will last as long as the candle itself. Candle making kits come with complete instructions on how to create the perfect candle. They are easy to follow and can be used in any setting.
Millions of people throughout the world have hobbies to help them relax after a long day of work. One hobby that has risen in popularity is candle making.
Candle making has become sort of an art form. Each person has their own ideas and designs for candles, and each candle has the potential of becoming a work of art, if only to its creator.
Candle making is not difficult, however if you are creating something that will become a focal point of a room, you want it to be perfect. The great thing about candle making is that if you make a mistake, you can melt the candle and start all over again.
Candle Making Kits Are Great
Candle making kits are great for first timers to introduce yourself to candle making. Candle making kits will show you the basic steps and techniques when you have the basic knowledge of how to make candles, you will be able to create candles that are stunning.
The first step in candle making is to protect your work surface from melted wax. Covering with newspaper or heavy plastic will insure that your workspace is kept clean.
You do not need elaborate tools to create wonderful candles. A roasting pan and a thermometer will work just as well as all of the fancy equipment that can be quite expensive.
Candle making kits can become a way to spend quality time with your children. However, it is very important that they are supervised at all times to avoid any accidents that may occur.
Safety First
Melting wax is relatively easy, however little fingers may try to test it. Make sure that you advise your children that although the melted wax may smell good, it is extremely hot and they could get serious injuries if they try to touch it.
Dyes and fragrances for candles are available at craft stores throughout the country. It is important that you add the dye slowly to the melted wax and wait for it to dissolve completely. Adding colors one at a time will allow you to determine which colors work with each other the best.
It is very important that you watch the wax very carefully when it is melting. If the heat is too high, it will burn the wax. If melting wax begins to smoke, remove it from the heat immediately, being very careful not to spill any on your skin. If this should happen, do not wipe it off. You could spread it cause more serious burns. Instead, run it under cold water until the wax hardens and it should fall right off.
Once you have poured your wax into your molds, it will need twenty-four hours or more to cool and harden completely. Once the candle has set up, it is time to decorate.
Add Personality To Your Candle Making
Choosing the right pattern for your candle is the most creative part of candle making. If you want to add a splash of color, try melting your favorite colored crayon for a vibrant look to your candle.
You can use just about anything from stencils to non-flammable beads to create works of art. You are limited only by your imagination.
If you choose to create scented candles, adding crushed herbs will give a pleasant scent that will last as long as the candle itself. Candle making kits come with complete instructions on how to create the perfect candle. They are easy to follow and can be used in any setting.
Birthday Candles are the Perfect Way to Show the Joy That Birthdays Can Bring
0 Comments | This entry was posted on Jun 13 2008
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:
Birthday candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These candles can be bought to reflect the personality of the birthday that you are celebrating. You will find these candles in various shops that sell birthday and party supplies. You will be able to choose from big candles to small candles.
There are in many birthday supply stores, birthday candles that are the usual small sized, candy wrapper-twisted, looking candle. These candles are great for lighting cakes where you want to have a few small candles or one candle on the cake. Since these candles are of the small size you may want to choose another type of candle to put on your cake if you need a lot of candles.
For this type of candle you can choose to buy number shaped birthday candles. These number candles are simply a candle that has been shaped into a number form. As these number candles come in the number format of 0 to 9 you can choose any of these number candles to place on a birthday cake.
All that you need is to worry about is selecting the color, shape and size of these number birthday candles. You can also looking into buying trick candles as a joke if you want to play a trick on an unsuspecting birthday victim. These candles can provide lots of entertainment as your victim tries desperately to blow out their candles with no success.
Of course to make the birthday even more personal and special you can buy personalized birthday candles. These types of candles are specially designed to reflect the nature of the person to whom you are decorating the cake with. There is another unusual birthday candle that you can look for if you want to have a birthday with a difference.
In this candle the candle has been divided into clear sections and when you light these year candles the flame can be put out as one section of the candle has been melted. While you might need to shop around a bit for these birthday candles, if you can buy them you will definitely be buying a keepsake candle besides that of a birthday candle.
The choice of birthday candles are absolutely personal but you can always look for exciting new ways to welcome another year to a person’s life. You will be able to choose the right birthday candle that you wish for from amongst number candles, trick birthday candles and even animal shaped or year candles.
With these many different birthday candles you can bring joy and happiness to someone’s life as they see that you do care about them. Birthday candles are the perfect way to show the joy that birthdays can bring.
Birthday candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These candles can be bought to reflect the personality of the birthday that you are celebrating. You will find these candles in various shops that sell birthday and party supplies. You will be able to choose from big candles to small candles.
There are in many birthday supply stores, birthday candles that are the usual small sized, candy wrapper-twisted, looking candle. These candles are great for lighting cakes where you want to have a few small candles or one candle on the cake. Since these candles are of the small size you may want to choose another type of candle to put on your cake if you need a lot of candles.
For this type of candle you can choose to buy number shaped birthday candles. These number candles are simply a candle that has been shaped into a number form. As these number candles come in the number format of 0 to 9 you can choose any of these number candles to place on a birthday cake.
All that you need is to worry about is selecting the color, shape and size of these number birthday candles. You can also looking into buying trick candles as a joke if you want to play a trick on an unsuspecting birthday victim. These candles can provide lots of entertainment as your victim tries desperately to blow out their candles with no success.
Of course to make the birthday even more personal and special you can buy personalized birthday candles. These types of candles are specially designed to reflect the nature of the person to whom you are decorating the cake with. There is another unusual birthday candle that you can look for if you want to have a birthday with a difference.
In this candle the candle has been divided into clear sections and when you light these year candles the flame can be put out as one section of the candle has been melted. While you might need to shop around a bit for these birthday candles, if you can buy them you will definitely be buying a keepsake candle besides that of a birthday candle.
The choice of birthday candles are absolutely personal but you can always look for exciting new ways to welcome another year to a person’s life. You will be able to choose the right birthday candle that you wish for from amongst number candles, trick birthday candles and even animal shaped or year candles.
With these many different birthday candles you can bring joy and happiness to someone’s life as they see that you do care about them. Birthday candles are the perfect way to show the joy that birthdays can bring.
Supplies For Candle Making
0 Comments | This entry was posted on May 29 2008
Karen Lincoln asked:
Over the past few years, candle making has become extremely popular. The art of candle making is not only fun, it’s extremely interesting as well. You can involve your kids in this art, since its so much of fun. Candles are perfect as decorative pieces for home, they are also make great gifts to gift someone. In order to start off with your candle making, you need to have the right materials and supplies. These include candle molds, wicks, wax, and fragrance. The candle mold is the one of the most important things that you need, so you need to find the right type of candle mold.
While selecting the candle mold, try and opt for one which you can relate to. Its the candle mold that gives the candle its shape, so choosing the right type of mold is essential. Having zeroed in on the candle mold, next purchase some candle wax, wicks etc. If you want to make some beeswax candles, then you would need to purchase some beeswax. Beeswax is considered to be a superior material for making candles, however it can be quite pricey. Beeswax however has a lot of positive aspects to it. For starters, its a natural product and does not leave out those awful vapors that leave you sick and nauseous, they have a longer burning time, moreover you get a pleasant faint smell of honey. All these features, makes beeswax worth the high price.
Alternatively you can just use gel instead of wax, thus leaving out the wax. Gel candles are quite trendy today, and are extremely attractive to look at.
Where can you buy your supplies for candle making? Pretty much most of it is available at most Art & Craft stores. You can buy some colored wax if you want to make a candle of various candles. You can buy candle molds of various shapes and sizes. There are many available in the market, you can just pick the ones that catch your fancy. The seamless aluminum molds are quite in vogue these days, as they slip right out of the mold, without the need for polishing or trimming.
The wax that you’ll need, depends on the type of mold that you have. For example, pillar waxes due to their higher melting point, need to be used with pillars. Votive waxes are intended to be use with votive metal candle holders. Container waxes, are meant for pots or holders, as they shouldn’t be free standing pieces due to their low melting points. So its essential that you choose the right type of wax, which is intended for particular types of candle molds. You can also purchase a variety of different fragrances such as vanilla, fruity flavors, musk etc.
If your serious about your candle making, it makes sense to purchase candle making supplies, such as wicks, wax etc in bulk. This way you can avail of wholesale rates as well. Some retailers will also offer you huge discounts, of you buy larger quantities of supply. There are plenty of online stores where you can buy candle making supplies. These are convenient as your supplies are shipped right up to your doorstep. Online stores also give you various discounts.
If your just starting off and are not sure what type of supplies to go in for, you can go in for a candle making kit which has all the necessary supplies. Its ideal for beginners.
Over the past few years, candle making has become extremely popular. The art of candle making is not only fun, it’s extremely interesting as well. You can involve your kids in this art, since its so much of fun. Candles are perfect as decorative pieces for home, they are also make great gifts to gift someone. In order to start off with your candle making, you need to have the right materials and supplies. These include candle molds, wicks, wax, and fragrance. The candle mold is the one of the most important things that you need, so you need to find the right type of candle mold.
While selecting the candle mold, try and opt for one which you can relate to. Its the candle mold that gives the candle its shape, so choosing the right type of mold is essential. Having zeroed in on the candle mold, next purchase some candle wax, wicks etc. If you want to make some beeswax candles, then you would need to purchase some beeswax. Beeswax is considered to be a superior material for making candles, however it can be quite pricey. Beeswax however has a lot of positive aspects to it. For starters, its a natural product and does not leave out those awful vapors that leave you sick and nauseous, they have a longer burning time, moreover you get a pleasant faint smell of honey. All these features, makes beeswax worth the high price.
Alternatively you can just use gel instead of wax, thus leaving out the wax. Gel candles are quite trendy today, and are extremely attractive to look at.
Where can you buy your supplies for candle making? Pretty much most of it is available at most Art & Craft stores. You can buy some colored wax if you want to make a candle of various candles. You can buy candle molds of various shapes and sizes. There are many available in the market, you can just pick the ones that catch your fancy. The seamless aluminum molds are quite in vogue these days, as they slip right out of the mold, without the need for polishing or trimming.
The wax that you’ll need, depends on the type of mold that you have. For example, pillar waxes due to their higher melting point, need to be used with pillars. Votive waxes are intended to be use with votive metal candle holders. Container waxes, are meant for pots or holders, as they shouldn’t be free standing pieces due to their low melting points. So its essential that you choose the right type of wax, which is intended for particular types of candle molds. You can also purchase a variety of different fragrances such as vanilla, fruity flavors, musk etc.
If your serious about your candle making, it makes sense to purchase candle making supplies, such as wicks, wax etc in bulk. This way you can avail of wholesale rates as well. Some retailers will also offer you huge discounts, of you buy larger quantities of supply. There are plenty of online stores where you can buy candle making supplies. These are convenient as your supplies are shipped right up to your doorstep. Online stores also give you various discounts.
If your just starting off and are not sure what type of supplies to go in for, you can go in for a candle making kit which has all the necessary supplies. Its ideal for beginners.