Archive for July, 2009
Chandeliers through Time
Since time immemorial, chandeliers have been a standard feature of mansions, country manors and palatial estates. These decorative candle holders are often associated with royalty because of their prevalence in European castles. Over time, chandeliers became more popular with the middle class. They represent an impressive piece of lighting décor that can be appreciated by homeowners and guests alike.
Chandeliers are just as beloved for their function as for their aesthetic value, however. They provide a one-of-a-kind ambience to large halls and dining rooms that couldn’t be achieved with modern lighting. A wrought iron candle chandelier works as a throwback to a simpler yet more glamorous era.
Wrought Iron - Great for Home Decorating!
Swirling Wrought Iron Candle Holders
Wrought iron has been used for home decorating for many years. From the days of adorning enchanting castles to furnishing the homes of families today, the popularity of wrought iron décor items has remained constant. There are a variety of home décor items made of wrought iron, so it’s hard to know where to begin. If you are looking for some simple ideas for introducing wrought iron into your home’s decor, keep reading.
One of the easiest ways to introduce wrought iron items into your current decorating scheme is with the addition of small accessories. Some nice items to add include table lamps, candy dishes, plant stands, and candle holders. Wrought iron candle holders are one of the simplest additions, but they have the potential to make a big decorating statement. There are many sizes, shapes, and styles of wrought iron candle holders available. Small candle holders look nice when grouped together in one area (they often come in a set of three). Place wrought iron candle holders on an entry table, coffee table, side table, or sofa table to add a touch of elegance to a room.
Candle Connoisseur
Birthday Cake Scented Jar Candle
Candles bring many memories to mind for me. My mother was a scent fanatic, and there was always something pleasant-smelling in every room of our house while I was growing up. Each season had its own scent: florals in spring, fruits in summer, apples and spices in fall, vanilla and mulberry in winter. Because I grew up in a household filled with scented candles, I carried on the tradition when I became an adult and moved into a house of my own. I burn candles every day, with no special occasion necessary.
While other people I know spray air fresheners constantly for a quick scent fix, I burn candles for hours on end, letting the scent spread throughout my house. I usually have more than one candle burning at a time, in different rooms. My favorite kind to burn are jar candles, and I have many that have decorative “shades” that go over the top to create more ambience while they are burning. I take care to trim the wicks before burning to ensure maximum burn time and even melting of the wax within the jars. While I will burn just about any candle scent, there are, naturally, some scents I prefer more than others. I really love a good, strong, fruit scent. Macintosh apple has always been a favorite of mine, but I also love peach and pink grapefruit. I love it when the candle scent is so strong, I feel like I can almost taste the fruit! I also love to indulge myself when I take long bubble baths and set candles up around the bathroom while I’m in there. For a relaxing soak,
I mostly burn lavender or rose, something relaxing and soft and feminine to help me to unwind. Besides the scent, I also enjoy the ambiance of the flickering flame, which is far preferrable, to me, than the harsh overhead bulbs. There is something very sensual and romantic about candles! Even unscented taper candles appeal to me, since I can use them at a table setting in elegant silver holders and create a romantic dinner for my husband and me right in my own home. I can honestly say I’ve never met a candle I didn’t like. In fact, I love candles so much that I have even worked at stores that specifically sell them! I loved that job just because I got to walk in every day to a pleasant hodgepodge of scent, and every day when I left, the scent would cling to my clothing. Everyone in family knows that whenever they are at a loss as to what to get me for Christmas or my birthday, they can never go wrong with a candle!
Article by Lisa Dillin
More Candle Safety Pointers
Asian Motif Candle Lantern
From simple little candles to gorgeously hand-crafted candle lanterns, candles have always been and will always be a great addition to any home decor. A gentle, accompanied by a soothing aroma, will always lend a cozy and romantic atmosphere to any setting, leading the way for a night of loving.
A fire can only grow if there is fuel to feed it. Loose papers, textiles, pressurized canisters, rubbing alcohol and other flammable materials should be kept far away from any lit candle.
A note of caution: candle wax is what fuels the fire on a candle’s wick. Though it does not combust as easily as other materials, even the wax of the candle itself can start a fire if the candle is allowed to burn itself out. This is especially hazardous if a candle is placed on a sheet of carton or paper.
Use fireproof candle holders. Metal or glass candle holders are essential if you plan to light a candle. A sheet of carton or paper may do the job of catching falling wax, but it can also easily start a fire if it gets hot enough.
As mentioned earlier, a candle’s wax can fuel a fire if one should ever break out, so do not make it any easier for a fire to grow bigger by placing a candle on paper or carton. By using metal or glass candle holders, you deny a fire its catalyst for combustion.
Watch out for the wind. One particularly dangerous thing to watch out for is a light curtain beside an open window. These curtains can be blown about by the wind, and could easily knock the candle or candle holder down or worse: catch on fire itself. Make sure that windows are closed when you have a candle lit. If you must light a candle in windy conditions, at least tie down the curtains and keep the candle far away from them.
Fires are deadly because they are unexpected and strike when you least expect them to. Although you do not have to tote an extinguisher around with you everywhere you go, make sure one is readily and easily accessible should you require it.
Candles use fire, and that is a risk you will take each time you light one up. Learn to treat any flame with respect, whether it is a simple white wax candle or an intricate outdoor candle lantern, and you can make sure you will not have a fire in your hands.
Simple Safety With Candles
Scented Candles
It is best to be safe. Just as a saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” And that saying is right. After all, you get to save more by being extra careful and keeping ourselves safe than by just letting things happen and let ourselves recover from whatever happened. By making sure that we are all safe, we actually help ourselves from losing too much.
This is why it is important that we all know how to be safe around candles. Candles may look pretty and fine and really wonderful but if you do not know how to handle them well, then you might as well be on your way to facing either great amount of burns, or great damage to your furniture or to your house because of fire from the candle. But it would be good if these are the only things that you get out of that. So the best thing to do is review what we have to do when we are working with candles.
One thing that you should not do is leave a candle that has been lit alone. Think of it as babysitting - you never leave the child alone. In this case, the candle is your child and you do not just leave it alone. Make sure that you always have an eye on a lit candle.
Once you have a candle lit, make sure that it is not located anywhere near items that can burn easily. And, it is also best if you make sure that the candle is somewhere not near drafts. The wind can push the flame away and the flame could get caught on items inside your house and start a fire.
Not all candles come in candle holders or containers such as a jar candle so you have to make sure that you provide one for those that do not have such. However, this does not mean that everything can be a candle holder or a container. You have to make sure that your candle holder or container is something that will be able to resist heat and will not crack or melt any time. Also, make sure that it is sturdy and will not tip over easily.
Discount Scented Candles - An Inexpensive Pleasure!
Rustic Scented Squared Pillar Candle
There are few gifts that are as universally suitable for just about any purpose than candles. In addition, while candles have been around for thousands of years, never have they come in so many shapes, colors, scents and sizes as today. And never have truly wonderful candles been more affordable. In fact, discount scented candles are probably one of the greatest bargains in gifts and home decoration.
What makes scented candles so special? Maybe it’s the unique combination of the inherent allure of a lit candle and the wonderful fragrances of sweet fruits or enticing blends of florals and spices. What’s more romantic than a candlelit room that also tantalizes the sense of smell? Did you know you can actually use scented candles to create special moods and atmospheres? Imagine walking into a nicely decorated room that has the scent of an orange grove. Or one that hints or pineapple, apple, strawberry or grape. Then seeing the colors we associate with these fruits reflected in strategically placed candles. Imagine rounded two-toned pillars artfully colored in shades of tangerine, peach, blueberries or lemon.
If you’re not familiar with the wonderful world of decorative candles, here’s a brief intro: Most candles come as pillars, votives or container candles. Pillars (also called columns) are big candles with a diameter of three inches or more. Some are round, some square, and some oval. Some are so large that they have more than one wick. Votives are small cylindrical candles usually no larger than an inch and a half in diameter and perhaps a couple of inches tall. They often come in simple or intricate holders. Jar or container candles combine wax and glass, metal or ceramic containers to delight with artful, innovative shapes.
While most candles are used in homes and other stationary settings, some people like their candles so much that they never want to be without them. That’s where travel candles come in. Travel candles are usually jar or container candles that come in small, decorative tins. You get your same wide variety of fruit scented candles and other aromas, but all neatly packaged in safe, leak-proof containers. What better way to bring along a piece of home, or provide a pick-me-up or a memory of a loved one?
Considering the beauty and joy candles can bring into our lives, it’s amazing how little they cost. Gorgeous discount scented pillars can be had for under ten dollars and the same goes for beautiful decorative candles that spread an aura of luxury and elegance. Even entire sets made of genuine beeswax are actually quite affordable.
Bottom line is that candles are a wondrous thing, one that brings us joy and relaxation. And unlike other luxuries in life discount scented candles cost very little and are affordable to all.
How to Make Gel Candles - Have Fun and Enjoy
Scented Gel Candle in a Jar
It really isn’t hard to learn how to make gel candles. I prefer these over wax because of their beauty. Another nice thing is that most times your gel candles will burn much longer than the traditional wax candles. Now that you decided you want to make some of these candles you should know they are very inexpensive and easy to make. Some of the items you will need are wicks, gel, and embedments and scents if you so desire embeded or scented candles. One more thing is color but that is your option. Some people prefer their candles clear while others like color. There is one very important thing you need to know. It is an absolute must to use zinc wicks over the traditional cotton wicks. All this stuff can usually be bought at your local craft store.
You can choose many different holders to house your candles. I have found my best results using glass containers. I have also started experimenting with such things as wine and beer glasses. It sure looks beautiful in one of these glasses especially with the embeds put in. Embeds are basically anything that won’t burn. So you can use coins, nuts and bolts, fish hooks or anything your imagination allows.
So let’s continue learning how to make gel candles. You’re going to need a hot glue gun to stick the wick inside. You want to get the wick centred and you want to leave it over the container allowing you to have something to work with. Of course you will be cutting it to size later. Now you want to slice the gel into thin strips and put them into a boiler of some sort. It’s very important to get the gel heated to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s too cool the wax won’t pour properly and if it’s too hot it will wreck the gloss of the wax. For this it would really be great to use a thermometer.
If you have decided you are going to add color this is the time. Because the color will look somewhat different mixed in the wax you really want to do this slow. If you decide you want more color you can keep adding and mixing until you are satisfied. You need to however remember if you are using embeds you do want to keep the color light. When it comes to fragrance you only need to add about 5 drops per candle. You are now well on your way to learning how to make gel candles.
Now comes the real fun part of learning how to make gel candles. You will finally get to see some results. First you want to re heat the gel in the microwave for a minute. This will make it easy to pour and help get rid of the pesky air bubbles. Now you can add the embeds and just let them go wherever. They will change their positioning when you pour. Well it’s now time to pour. Once poured there are two important things that need to be done. You need to move the wick to the middle and trim and if you want the embeds moved now is the time. Just remember all of this has to be done rather quickly. You want the gel to pour as a liquid and not as clumps.
All in all learning how to make gel candles is a lot of fun. There are so many different things you can do that it’s all up to your imagination. The most important part is to have fun and enjoy!
Article by Jackie Mazurek
How To Score A Good Deal On A Moroccan Candle Lantern?
Moroccan Square Candle Lantern
In order to find that Moroccan candle lantern you’ve been looking for, you only need to read this resource to find that good deal. Many websites sell them for some high prices while others simply content themselves with a fraction of the price. Why you wonder? Because some people believe that high prices mean high quality products. While that saying is actually true, it can also be wrong sometimes. Some online stores sell Moroccan candle lanterns for as high as $500 or $700, but some others start at a very low price. Will you believe me if I tell you that I have paid $20 for a luxurious Moroccan candle lantern on an auction site? Now I am not saying that eBay is a the ultimate solution for you, your best bet is to look at an online merchants who don’t use eBay.
Most of these online stores have a good reputation. They have bigger collections and you can find some unique candle lanterns you won’t find anywhere else. But, there are other places where you can find Moroccan lanterns for a small price.
There’s one thing you should have in mind while shopping for Moroccan lanterns, you have to decide what you need before you pay for anything, small or big lanterns? glass or metal lanterns? you need to know before you spend anything.
Well, now that you know where to look, it’s up to you to find that good deal.
How To Buy And Use Outdoor Candle Lanterns
Due to their low cost and ease of installation, Outdoor Candle Lanterns are popular choices to decorate your home, patio, and garden. But where can you find them? What materials are they made of? Where will you put them? These are questions you might ask yourself when considering candle lanterns.
Verdigris Vine Candle Lantern
Candle lanterns and lamps can be found on the internet, at your local hardware store and can also be found at home improvement stores. The problem with shopping at one of these stores is the limitation on the different lanterns they have in stock. Due to the broad selection and diverse options, the internet is the best way to find candle lanterns which will suit your decorating purposes.
Most candle lanterns are constructed starting with the lantern holder. The lantern holder’s job is to ensure that the candle is supported and is protected from the elements. Lantern holders are typically made from a metal of some kind. The metal’s main purpose is to provide durability and make the lantern holder fire-proof. There are caveats though. Paper lanterns, silk lanterns and nylon lanterns are typically constructed in a way that will not allow them to catch fire.
Placement of candle lanterns is a crucial element of any landscape design. Since each home and garden is unique, the possibilities are endless. You could place them on walls to brighten the area and showcase the wall at night. You can use them to light entrances that typically are dark. Placing them on posts or hanging them from tree branches also are attractive options. Lighting steps and pathways are always a good choice as well.
Broad range of options, different construction and design and limitless places to put them, outdoor candle lanterns are a fun way to spruce up your backyard.
Unique Candles and Candle Accessories for That Special Person on Your Gift List
Garden Florals Hanging Tealight Lantern
Do you know someone, possibly a friend or loved one, who is crazy about candles? Do they burn them daily as a relaxation technique that allows them to de-stress? There are a wide range of truly unique candles and candle holders available on today’s market. You won’t have any problem finding the perfect gift for that special candle lover on your gift list.
For the nature lover consider purchasing a Bless This Home spring green pillar candle with a Bless This Home poem inscribed on one side and pressed flowers on the other. This candle will bring warmth and beauty into any home. Other options include a Butterfly and Flower Freesia-scented candle, male and female cardinal tea light candle holders, double dolphins on a wave, a dried flowers candle set that comes in pastel colors, a dried flowers taper set, an eagles plate votive holder with a majestic mountain scene, an elephant basket candle holder along with many others.
For the gardener on your gift list consider a beautiful flower cup candle that holds a vanilla-scented candle with a lead free wick, or a floral wall taper candle holder that brings a hint of the garden into the home. To add a touch of ambiance, a set of three floating rose candles is perfect.
Other unique items might include a frosted Virgin Mary night light, a metal rooster candle lamp, polka dot hat and shoe set for ladies in the Red Hat Society, red rose heart-shaped floating candles, a round sea shells candle, safari printed candles, candle holders and candle lamps, friendship candles and much more.