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Sunday, 9 November 2008

Be Safe by Using Soy Candles

Be Safe by Using Soy Candles
By Ian A. Richardson

What do you think about when you go candle shopping? Do you think about the shape of the candles that will be best for your plans? What about the color of the candles? Maybe you think about what type of scents have been added to the soy candles you are considering? All of these are common questions that people ask when they are going candle shopping. But, what about how healthy are those candles for your family? If you don't ask that question, you should.

While you may think candles are just beautiful and decorative accents to your home, the kind of candles you have in your home could be lending themselves to risk the health of you and your family.

Dirty Air

Most of the economy candles on the market are made of paraffin. Paraffin is a petroleum product. This means that as soon as you light those candles and they start to burn you are not just getting a flame, but also soot.

Black soot that is released as paraffin candles burn has been found to be a carcinogen. That means it could contribute to the formation of cancer in the body.

While you may think that just lighting one candle now and again is not a big problem, you have to understand how black soot works. Once you have lit the candle and the soot makes it's way into the air, it doesn't go away. Soot is actually a sticky substance that will start attaching to everything in your home - walls, ceiling, tables, furniture, drapes and anything else around.

The black soot will essentially pile up in your home and be constantly in the air, being breathed in by you and members of your family.

Remember, coal is a petroleum product. Would you burn that in your house? Do you really want to take a risk of putting hazardous materials into the air of your home?

One more thing to keep in mind with paraffin candles is not only that it is a petrolrum based product, but also that there are a number of other chemicals that are used in the making of paraffin candles that also may be released into the air as you burn them.

You may be wondering what your option is. Do you have to give up candles altogether? No. The better option is to use soy candles.

Soy candles are completely natural. This means when you light soy candles you are not going to be releasing carcinogenic black soot into the air of your home. Everything that is coming off of the candles is natural and safe to release into your home and the environment.

This is not to say there is no soot from soy candles, there is. It is just a different kind of soot. It is called white soot and is not known to be the negative health threat that the soot from paraffin candles can be. Additionally, there is much less of the white soot released in the burning of soy candles than there is of black soot from paraffin candles.

Across the board, soy candles are the safer option for your family and the environment.

Ian Richardson is the co-owner of Soy Magic, a soy candle making business in the Blue Mountains of NSW Australia. In the past he could never burn scented candles in the same room, he thought it had something to do with the scent. It turns out that is was actually the paraffin wax because when he started burning Soy Candles (scented) he never had a headache again. To find out more about Soy Candles visit Soy Magic.



Tuesday, 4 November 2008

How to Make Soy Candles Part 1

Part 1 of 2. How to make soy candles using a candle making kit from Zionsville Candle Company.

Saturday, 25 October 2008

Soy Candles

Soy Candles
By Max Bellamy

The recent years have seen a growing demand for soy candles. These candles are made from soy wax, which contains hydrogenated soybean oil as its chief ingredient. Soy wax was developed in 1992 by an American candle-maker named Michael Richards. He was looking for a cheaper material that could be used in place of beeswax for making candles. Using a blend of vegetable oils, he succeeded in creating an alternative to beeswax. Soy candles were first launched in the market in 1995 by the Body Shop chain of stores. Being inexpensive and stylish, they gradually gained popularity. Soy candles quickly found their way to the supermarkets and specialty stores across the nation.

Soy candles are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and scents. Many candle makers offer custom made candles to suit the preferences of their customers. Soy candles are ideal for home, office, and spas. These candles, equipped with special scents, are often used for aromatherapy. Soy candles can be easily made at home. The ingredients necessary for making soy candles are available in most stores. The materials are even available from craft supply Web sites and in hobby shops. The popularity of these candles chiefly rests on their natural ingredients, which are biodegradable. They are therefore preferred over paraffin-based candles, which are environmentally more damaging.

Soy candles have many more advantages over paraffin candles. They burn 35 to 50 percent longer. Their low melting point assures slower and cooler burning, which helps in the better distribution of fragrance. These candles produce less soot, making them a healthier option. Moreover, these candles do not increase the carbon dioxide level of the atmosphere, making them more attractive to environmentally conscious people. Compared to paraffin candles, their non-toxic nature causes fewer allergies. They are therefore perceived as more child- and animal-friendly. Another major factor in the popularity of soy candles is the relative ease with which their spills can be cleaned. While paraffin wax is difficult to remove from furniture or clothes, soy wax can be easily cleaned using hot, soapy water.

Soy Candles provides detailed information on Soy Candles, Soy Wax Candles, Wholesale Soy Candles, Scented Soy Candles and more. Soy Candles is affiliated with Discount Yarn.



Saturday, 11 October 2008

Natural Soy Candles - Baskets of Benefits

Natural Soy Candles - Baskets of Benefits
By Funmi Ogboye

Soy - the new wonder ingredient for candles

Do you love scented candles but hate black soot and the aroma of petrol that you get from paraffin wax candles? Are you annoyed by expensive candles that burn very fast and lose their scent quickly? Switching your usual candles for natural, soy wax candles will increase your enjoyment of candles immeasurably.

So what's the secret of soy?

•Soy candles are clean burning, so by choosing them you can say goodbye to the black stains you get on walls and furniture when you burn candles made from paraffin wax and hello to clean air.

•Unlike paraffin based wax candles where most scents are lost after an hour soy candles have a "wonderful scent throw" which means the fragrance fills your room with a strong and lasting scent.

•Did you know that a scented soy candle lasts 50% longer than one with a petroleum base, as paraffin burns much faster? So, by opting for soy, you can enjoy the sensual pleasures of candlelight and fragrance for so much longer.

•If you love the environment as well as candles, then soy can combine two of your passions. Soy candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil, extracted from soya beans. This is a natural, renewable and biodegradable source; making soy wax candles the eco-friendly choice.

•Soy wax candles make the best carriers for essential oils, making them the best aromatherapy candle to buy; this is because they do not have negative effects such as they do not release toxins or soot thus you are left to enjoy the therapeutic effects of the essential oil. By comparison, paraffin wax candles releases soot as well as 11 toxins two of which are carcinogenic. As a consequence, combining paraffin wax candles with essential oils is a bit of a contradiction - as the negative effects of the paraffin wax negates the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils.

•It's a little known fact that paraffin wax burns at a higher temperature than soy wax. Soy burning cooler means if you accidentally spill soy wax onto your hands, you won't suffer from redness or blistering. Soy wax candles, therefore, are the safest type of candles to burn in homes with children.

•Unlike the paraffin wax, soy wax is water-soluble. Again, this is good news in families with children or pets. You can burn soy wax candles without fear of curious little fingers tipping wax onto your favorite tablecloth, as any soy wax spillages can easily be washed out using just soap and water.

My name is Funmi Ogboye and I am the founder of Sentelle. Sentelle is a London based company that specializes in soy candles. Soy candles are clean-burning, healthy and environmentally friendly. With soy candles, as with all of the finer things in life, its important to go for quality. If you want the best , choose 100% soy wax candles like Sentelle scented soy candles, they are made from high quality soy wax. Sentelle stocks four beautifully packaged elegant glass jars and pillars in a variety of fragrances and colours to suit different moods and rooms. With sentelle soy candles you can say goodbye to stains on walls and home interiors and hello to clean air in your home.

To find out more and also sign up for our newsletter please visit http://www.sentelle.co.uk/soy-candle-selection.asp


Natural Soy Candles - Baskets of Benefits

Saturday, 4 October 2008

Making Christmas Candles and Candle Making Tips

Making Christmas Candles and Candle Making Tips
By Kaye Dennan

Candle making produces a product that is so popular and desired by so many people. Many people love to have them as decorative item, while others like to have them burning all the time. Perfumed candles are the most popular candles for home as they provide a long lasting aroma.

This is not an expensive hobby to set up and the wax to make the candles is not really very costly either. If you use good quality fragrances you will find them a little more expensive initially, but as they are concentrated you do not use very much and they do have have a much better throw off perfume. If you are making candles to sell then I would definitely recommend you use the better quality fragrance because you will be looking for repeat business.

Prepare your molds well so that you candles do not look messy.

Do this step before you start melting your wax. Make sure the molds are clean with wicks in place, and ready for warming before you pour. Warm molds will prevent you from having 'pour marks' down the side of your molds.

Glass molds MUST be heated before being poured into. Put them into a cold oven and bring the temperature up to 150 degrees. At this temperature you should not have any problems with breaking glass. For safety sake, anyway, it is suggested that you use slightly thicker glass. Stay away from the very thin fragile glass because you don't want them to break when they are burning.

Second pour of wax.

To prevent a drop in the top of your finished candles you will need to top up your candles (a second pour), when your wax in the mold is cool to touch. Heat the second pour of wax (making sure to give it a couple of minutes good stirring) to approximately 10 degrees hotter than your first pour, then top up your candles. If you do this, and your candles were left to get cool enough, the top should remain nice and flat after the second pour. But, if you do a second pour when the original wax is still too warm, the completed candle will have a nipple effect at the top.

It is important that when using colored wax that the second pour is done with some of the original wax or the color may not match.

Wicks

It is possible to buy pre-tabbed and pre-waxed wicks, but it is up to you what you buy. Wicks are a very important part of candle making because of the burn factor. You will need to research this, especially if you are making more novelty candles. You will get plenty of help from a good supplier.

Flat Candle Base

If the base of your candle is not flat simply place it on a hot pan surface and melt it down so that it is flat.

Christmas Candles

For Christmas candles you can of course use red and green wax and you can also use decorations to dress up any candles that you make. If you buy long taper candles you can roll white candles in red or green and use them for the table. There are various ways to add gold or silver to your candles as well. When making your own candles you can layer Christmas decorations on the outside of the candle. Just make sure that when you are using any decorations that they will not cause a fire hazard.

Kaye Dennan has spent many years as a craft teacher and has written an ebook on candle making which is absolutely loaded with 'must do' tips. The ebook takes you from your very first thought right through to a finished product. There are also some beginner projects to help you start. Candle Making - Start with Confidence can be purchased at http://ebooksnowonline.com/hobbies/candle-making-start-with-confidence/


Thursday, 2 October 2008

The Benefits of Soy Candles and the Soy Candle Business

The Benefits of Soy Candles and the Soy Candle Business
By Kelly Williams

In 1992 Michael Richards found a method of creating wax from soybeans. Ever since his discovery, soy wax has been used as a natural and safe alternative by many candle making companies. The soy candle has become much more popular to use than beeswax or paraffin wax options. While beeswax is natural and has a wonderful scent, it is quite a bit more expensive than a soy candle without offering an increase in quality. In paraffin wax you may be subjected to unnatural resins and possibly toxic impurities.

Going Green With A Soy Candle

Many consumers are choosing soy candles because they burn considerably longer and do not produce the messy residue that you get with paraffin candles. Another green benefit of a soy candle is that they do not create poisonous fumes. These are just a couple of the reasons that that soy is a great alternative, not only for our families, but for the environment as well.

Soy Wax Is Easy To Clean

If you have spent much time burning candles, you know how messy candle wax can be and how difficult it can be to cleanup. If you get beeswax or paraffin wax drippings on a fabric or surface you may be spending a lot of time and energy getting it out. Soy wax, on the other hand, comes out pretty easily with only soap and water. I do not know about you, but this reason alone would make soy candles the only choice for our home.

The Soy Candle Business

There are a lot of people searching for a simple, affordable home business these days and the soy candle business is giving thousands of these people the opportunity they are searching for. One of the exciting things about the soy candle business is that there are multiple ways for you to make money, and that is what it is really all about isn't it. Whether you are searching for a means to supplement your current income or make this a full time business, the gourmet soy candle business may be what you are looking for. If you love scented candles, this really is a scented candle lover's dream business.

You will need to put in time and effort to build a profitable home based Soy Candle Business. The good news is that you don't have to do it alone. The information that you can get at http://www.KandlePassions.net will go a long way in helping you make a more informed decision. While you are there, sign up for our weekly free candle drawing. You may win one of our Gourmet Soy Candles. Please feel free to ask questions, I'll be glad to help in any way that I can.




The Benefits of Soy Candles and the Soy Candle Business

Wednesday, 1 October 2008

Natural Soy Candles - Baskets of Benefits

Natural Soy Candles - Baskets of Benefits
By Funmi Ogboye

Soy - the new wonder ingredient for candles

Do you love scented candles but hate black soot and the aroma of petrol that you get from paraffin wax candles? Are you annoyed by expensive candles that burn very fast and lose their scent quickly? Switching your usual candles for natural, soy wax candles will increase your enjoyment of candles immeasurably.

So what's the secret of soy?

•Soy candles are clean burning, so by choosing them you can say goodbye to the black stains you get on walls and furniture when you burn candles made from paraffin wax and hello to clean air.

•Unlike paraffin based wax candles where most scents are lost after an hour soy candles have a "wonderful scent throw" which means the fragrance fills your room with a strong and lasting scent.

•Did you know that a scented soy candle lasts 50% longer than one with a petroleum base, as paraffin burns much faster? So, by opting for soy, you can enjoy the sensual pleasures of candlelight and fragrance for so much longer.

•If you love the environment as well as candles, then soy can combine two of your passions. Soy candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil, extracted from soya beans. This is a natural, renewable and biodegradable source; making soy wax candles the eco-friendly choice.

•Soy wax candles make the best carriers for essential oils, making them the best aromatherapy candle to buy; this is because they do not have negative effects such as they do not release toxins or soot thus you are left to enjoy the therapeutic effects of the essential oil. By comparison, paraffin wax candles releases soot as well as 11 toxins two of which are carcinogenic. As a consequence, combining paraffin wax candles with essential oils is a bit of a contradiction - as the negative effects of the paraffin wax negates the therapeutic benefits of the essential oils.

•It's a little known fact that paraffin wax burns at a higher temperature than soy wax. Soy burning cooler means if you accidentally spill soy wax onto your hands, you won't suffer from redness or blistering. Soy wax candles, therefore, are the safest type of candles to burn in homes with children.

•Unlike the paraffin wax, soy wax is water-soluble. Again, this is good news in families with children or pets. You can burn soy wax candles without fear of curious little fingers tipping wax onto your favorite tablecloth, as any soy wax spillages can easily be washed out using just soap and water.

My name is Funmi Ogboye and I am the founder of Sentelle. Sentelle is a London based company that specializes in soy candles. Soy candles are clean-burning, healthy and environmentally friendly. With soy candles, as with all of the finer things in life, its important to go for quality. If you want the best , choose 100% soy wax candles like Sentelle scented soy candles, they are made from high quality soy wax. Sentelle stocks four beautifully packaged elegant glass jars and pillars in a variety of fragrances and colours to suit different moods and rooms. With sentelle soy candles you can say goodbye to stains on walls and home interiors and hello to clean air in your home.

To find out more and also sign up for our newsletter please visit http://www.sentelle.co.uk/soy-candle-selection.asp





Natural Soy Candles

Monday, 29 September 2008

Soy Candles - What's the Story?

Soy Candles - What's the Story?
By Christopher J

Beeswax and paraffin are the more common content of candles but there is a replacement coming about . Soy candles are starting to become much more the type of candle to purchase. Michael Richards invented soy candles in 1992 because it was found to be cheaper and much better in comparison to beeswax.

Adding scents to soy has turned into a well received idea as the aroma combined with the soy produces candles that take longer to burn and also burns without that burnt smell. This makes for a very high quality candle over the standard paraffin ones. Soy candles are becoming very popular now that you can find standard candles in your local department store. Specialty candles are available at finer boutiques and gift shops.

What are the pluses of using soy candles The difference between paraffin and soy are very plain to see: between the best quality premier beeswax and the cheap smoky paraffin candles soy wax is right in the middle. It is all natural and totally recyclable, enviromentalists have given soy a thumbs up and prefer that you purchase them.

The main reason soy candles are preferred is because, unlike paraffin which is derived from oil , they are 100% natural. They are also favorable in the price range compared to beeswax and they also burn twice as long compared to paraffin.

All that soot coming from paraffin candles is reduced considerably when compared to soy. It actually reduces the amount of soot by approximately 90%. Why keep ingesting the soot from paraffin into your lungs when there is an alternative that is much more healthy.

Did you know that some insurance corporations will not cover sickness or death related claims from the inhalation of soot? Another great reason to switch from paraffin to soy candles is due to the fact that scents added will fill the air much quicker.

Are people joining the soy candle revolution? Some soy candle retailers have offered a few words; they claim soy, beeswax and gel candles are selling in more abundance than the paraffin mostly due to the facts they are healthier expecially to those with breathing problems, non-toxic and easy to clean up after.

They are also safer for our children as paraffin can cause some major burns, remember, they are made from petroleum, almost like burning gasoline. After reading all this why would you not replace those paraffin candles... the reasons are all there.

Soy Candles - are they beneficial for everyones health? Want to know more about these candles and their story? Try visiting Types of Candles.com Learn more and see what is available when it comes to candles. Types of Candles.com will help you along the way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_J



Soy Candles - What's the Story?


Sunday, 14 September 2008

Making Soy Candles the Easy Way!

Making Soy Candles the Easy Way!
By Pj Hall

People choose soy candles for many good reasons. When looking at making candles you will find that soy candles are earth friendly and a renewable resource. What better reasons than these to make this type of candles? All candles produce some soot but soy candles tend to produce less than most. Soy candles are also known to last longer than most conventional candles. Soy candle wax is produced in the United States.

Equipment and Supplies for Making Soy Candles

The type of equipment and supplies you will need to make your soy candles depend on what style you want. You can make pillar type candles, tarts for burners, or container candles.

Container candles are the easiest to make and is the one that will be covered here. The nice thing about using soy wax is that it cleans up well with soap and water.

What You Will Need

You will need a microwave safe container, preferably a microwave safe glass measuring cup to hold and melt your wax, wicks, and a clean container to put your candle in. There are fragrances and dyes specifically for soy wax candles. If you desire these, then make sure you have them ready when creating your candle. A word of caution here, be sure to buy high quality oils that are strong and are specifically for soy candles!

You will also need a wooden spoon, potholders and a clean dry container to put your candle into. Soy wax comes in soft block or in flakes. The best way to purchase this type of wax is in flakes, this allows you to measure the amount of wax needed for different projects.

You are Ready to Create

Now you are ready to go. You have everything together, but how do you know how much wax you will need to melt? By using the microwave safe measuring cup, and by knowing the amount of liquid your container holds you will know the amount of soy wax that you need to melt. If it is a 14 oz. container then you will need approximately 13 oz of melted wax.

Melt the wax in the microwave. Start with a few minutes and continue to check until all the soy wax is melted. During the melting process, if you see you are going to need more wax, then add it to what is already melting. Be sure that all the wax is melted.

While the wax is melting take the wick and place the metal portion into the bottom of your container with just a bit of hot glue. This will adhere quickly so you can use a pencil to keep the wick centered by wrapping a small portion of the wick around the pencil. Secure the pencil to the container.

Once the right amount of wax is melted add the dye and stir to mix well. You may then add your fragrance according to the manufactures suggestions. Once all is mixed pour slowly into your container. Be sure that the wick stays to the center for an even burning candle.

You have just created your first earth friendly and beautiful soy candle. You are ready to make some as gifts so that others may enjoy these wonderful candles. Don't forget to add a little note about clean up for the container after the candle has been used, and about how soy candles are earth friendly!

PJ Hall is a professional writer who provides tips and information on soy candles for Candles 4U - your guide to candles online.



Soy Candles, making soy candles

Thursday, 21 August 2008

More Blogs on Candles

Simple Ways to Market a Candle Making Business
... fragrant candlelight relieves stress and promotes a sense of calm. There will always be a market for candles, whether they are handmade or factory made. Opening and marketing a candle making business are excellent ways to capitalize ...


Police join in kids' holiday fun in Bognor

Shoreham Today - Worthing,England,UK
These included arts and crafts, badge making, T-shirt printing, candle making and cookery as well as playing pool and table tennis. ...

Creative Candle Designs Explained
Another great way to enjoy the great benefits of candles, and learn something in the process, is to simply buy a candle making kit. A candle making kit will cost a bit more since it has materials in which to create one’s own candles, ...

Re-launch of a Parwich enterprise
I was interested in making cards and got a craft magazine. I saw a candle making kit at the back and ordered it. I was hooked. I started buying more and more moulds, different waxes and colours, just doing my own thing.” ...

Sunday, 17 August 2008

Some Candle Making Blogs

Candle Making Blogs

Here are some recent blog entries that we've found on candle making:

Preserved Flower Candles

Candle making is an art, and requires exact precision in the melting process of the wax. Luckily you do not have to be exact in this project. Place the votive in your old pot; you will not be able to use this pot for food ever again. ...

Iced Tea Gel Candle


How to make the ice cubes for the iced tea gel candle making project.

Anyone Can Make Gel Candles Provided They Follow These Simple ...

It is easy to love those beautiful candles that are readily available on the market that give off excellent scents when burnt and if these candles make you feel like making them on your own, all that you need to do to further your goals ...

Candle Making Blogs

Sunday, 10 August 2008

Soy Candle Making - Six Essential Fragrances That Sell

Soy Candle Making - Six Essential Fragrances That Sell


by cat_bathbody
When making your own candles, there are so many fragrances to choose from! How can you make a decision when you want to try everything? If you're having a hard time deciding, here are six fragrances that are sure to please a wide range of people. These are especially helpful for a starting line of candles to sell. Based on personal experience, the six fragrances described below conjure many beloved associations that attract people like an ice cream truck at the beach.

The "Big Three": Laundry, Vanilla, and Lavender

These fragrances are the "big three" because people are bound to love - not just like - at least one of them. Many candle makers will tell you that you cannot go wrong with them. If you only have three fragrances in your line, do these.

#1 - Laundry

Are you surprised? If you think about it, who doesn't love the scent of fresh, warm laundry straight from the dryer? For many people, it is a scent associated with home, a mother 's practical care, and sometimes first loves.

Laundry candles instantly bring a sense of clean coziness to a room. It takes a long time to burn out on the fragrance, too, because it 's designed to be smelled every day. The smell of laundry is almost universally liked and makes for a very popular candle that is hard to keep in stock.

#2 - Vanilla

Men as well as women adore vanilla. It also has a comforting, homey scent; it is so popular that almost every fragrance company has their own "take" on vanilla. It 's even been proven to help sell houses! But don't think that vanilla automatically means a dessert scent because it is a very adaptable scent. It can be fresh and floral as well as sweet, sultry, or spicy. You will definitely end up carrying a vanilla candle regardless of your intentions because people will demand it!

#3 - Lavender

Does lavender even need an explanation? It is one of the oldest fragrances, and one of the best. Lavender is the ultimate relaxation scent, often people 's main association with aromatherapy. While it 's true that everyone does it, from the tiniest home candlemaker to White Barn Candle Company, the lack of uniqueness doesn't matter.

The demand for lavender candles never runs out. People can't get enough of the perfectly-balanced scent, the harmonious intersection of sweet, herbal, and floral. If you don't carry at least a basic lavender candle, people will get their fix somewhere else.

The next three recommendations are less common in home fragrance and will round out your line. They're also perceived as more upscale and fresh when people try them, especially if you put your own unique spin on them. Though they might seem strange at first, try to stay open minded. You may be surprised!

#4 - Earth / Dirt

You might think this is a weird choice - dirt-scented candles? Well, soil, to be exact. Rich, freshly-turned soil, the scent of growing things. Try it, and a surprising number of people will exclaim, "Wow, this is amazing!" when they smell your earth candle for the first time.

The scent of fresh earth is subtle, and the good ones don't seem like a fragrance. When burned, a soil candle will add a richness and freshness to the air that you may not consciously notice. Many people respond to the scent of clean dirt because it makes them think of happy childhoods, playing outside, digging in the dirt, their first garden.

#5 - Pear

This is one of the most under-exploited fragrances at this time, but people love it. A lot of *men* love it, so if you want to appeal to men without resorting to typical men 's scents, try it. Pear is more mature than other fruits like strawberries or apple, which people think of as more cute or "kiddie" scents. Pears are associated with autumn, not summer, which adds a feeling of sophistication and memories of cool rains and falling leaves.

The best part is that pear is an excellent blending fragrance. Even if you're a beginner, you can make a unique pear-based fragrance by adding florals, woods, or spices. It 's hard to make a pear fragrance smell bad, just as long as you start with a high quality scent.

#6 - China Rain

China Rain is incredibly popular in oil perfumes but overlooked in home fragrances. A good China Rain fragrance is not heavy or overbearing, but a balance of exotic, floral, fresh, and feminine all at the same time. Women love China Rain for its beautiful and mysterious scent, and it will appeal to those who have an exotic streak in their personality.

China Rain is a traditional perfume formula, and you may have to try a few before you find one that you really like for candles. Every fragrance of this kind has a slightly different character.

With these six fragrances, you can form a candle line that appeals to both men and women in a wide range of ages. You can put your own twist on them, but most people love them just as they are. They combine well into mini-sets that can be burned together, such as laundry and lavender, or vanilla and pear. Keep all six on hand, and you will always have a good "emergency gift." Just make sure you use good quality fragrances!

Scent Summary:

#1 - Laundry
Good for: men, women, especially college or high school age.

#2 - Vanilla
Good for: women, men, housewarming gifts, any holiday.

#3 - Lavender
Good for: women, men, office or acquaintances, especially people over 40.

#4 - Earth
Good for: men, women, outdoor enthusiasts, gardeners, children (because it "smells like dirt!")

#5 - Pear
Good for: men, women, over 25 depending on slant of fragrance, especially in summer and fall.

#6 - China Rain
Good for: women, romantic gifts, also expands well to lotion and other toiletries as a wearable scent.

About the Author

Katherine Durkes has written 4 ebooks on scented product making and is now producing a home study course on making and selling soy wax container candles. Find out more about this creative hobby at: http://www.excellentlivingguide.com/make_soy_candles.html



Article Source: Content for Reprint

Click here for details of how to make your own candles

Friday, 11 July 2008

Candle Making is Just One Hobby You Should Consider

Candle Making is Just One Hobby You Should Consider

Lots of people enjoy the hobby of arts and crafts. However there are simply so many different arts and crafts about it's difficult to know which type to take up. Embroidery, weaving, knitting and scrapbooking are all very popular. However one you might want to consider is candle making. When you start to research candle making you will see that there are many different types you can make including scented candles, gel candles and floating candles. Candle making is no more just a hobby. Candles are widely popular worldwide as showpieces and alternative source of lights. So if you are planning to turn your hobby of candle making into a business then be rest assured about the scopes to prosper. There are different types of wax that is used in candle making and you need to learn the basic tricks very well in order to excel in the art of candle making.

Ingredients of Candles

There are various ingredients that you need to make candles. Scents, moulds and the wax are the three important ones in the list. Who won't like it if the candles smell nice and work as a room freshener? This is the reason why you need to add some nice fragrances to the candles while preparing them. The most popular candle scents are vanilla, lavender, cedar etc. The most important ingredient of candle making is the wax. There are several varieties of wax like soy wax, beeswax, soy blended wax and many more which come in different temperature and often chosen according to the need of the candle maker. The wax additives like keramide, parol oil etc are also important ingredients of candle making. Various types of moulds made of tin, polycarbonate and aluminum are used to prepare candles.

How to Make a Candle?

The first step of candle making is to collect all the ingredients that are required to make the candles including the scents, wax, pigments, dyes, wicks and wick holders along with the different additives and moulds. Now the measurement of the ingredients should be just perfect to prepare a good candle. Now once you start making the candles, monitoring the temperature and tracking the cooling time is very important. If you are about to make a colored or scented candle then make sure that the fragrance you are using is a gentle and mild one. The color combination should be proportional to make them attractive. Always keep a watch on the flames and never make them too high as this might burn the mixture and your effort and money can go for waste.

Safety Measures of Candle Making

There are some crucial measures that you need to follow in order to make the candles safely. Clean the stove or burner that you use for candle making regularly. Keep away the inflammable substances away from the place. Follow the instructions that are given for handling the wax. It is advisable to use a wax melter and work in a n area that has good ventilation facility.

April owns website Candles to Buy Now which has details of where to buy candle making kits and cheap candle molds.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=April_Kerr

Candle Making is Just One Hobby You Should Consider

Tuesday, 24 June 2008

Recycle Your Old Soy Candles

Recycle Your Old Soy Candles

In the entire world, there isn't anything better than selecting the perfect atmosphere in order to create the ideal setting for some type of romantic rendezvous. A romantic ambiance can be enhanced further when you add a few additional touches here and there. Things just get more romantic when there are flowers and candlelight.


The diffused, sparkling orange light of the candle excites and instantly relaxes ones mood. A way to enhance the effect of these is to use fragrant types with various colors that appeal to the senses. Even though all of these things are extremely alluring, they can also be very expensive specifically when you use them on a regular basis. The one way to enjoy these candles on a regular basis is to make them yourself.


Put old soy candles in a double boiler and heat is the most normal way to achieve this. The boiling water will melt the wax but be sure never to pace the container with the wax directly on the fire since it can be dangerous. If you do not have enough old soy candles, buying new ones in bulk quantities will keep the total cost down and will definitely be cheaper than the exorbitant price charged in stores.


While the wax melts, prepare the molds, choosing containers with shapes and sizes to one's taste. For moulds, aluminum is best even though they do get quite hot. You may also use some old glasses to create your designs or some disposable paper cups for the simple tumbler style.


Take out the wick of an old candle or make a wick from white cotton straw. Make sure that you rub enough wax on the straw to make it taut as this will make it easy for you to insert in the melted wax once you have placed the wax in the mould. The color should be added very slowly to the wax so that you can stop just as soon as the desired shade is achieved. Empty the melted wax in the mould and put the wick in the middle and make sure that it goes right down slowly.


For soy candles with different colors, you need to first mix colors in different containers and then add it into the mould one by one in the layers you want. The mold for the different colored candle should be tall as all the layers should be seen and care should be taken while pouring the different colors one on top of the other. You should pour each color of wax after the color before has cooled off. This is an important step as otherwise, the colors will mix and one could end up with a murky looking lump.


For fragranced soy candles add the oil-based fragrance of your choice to the melted wax which should be done right at the end after the color has been added and stirred since the heat may cause the fragrance to escape. Fragrances are widely available, ranging from floral like rose and jasmine to lemon grass, tea tree and musk. Now all you do is to put those moulds in your freezer and you have candles that are colored and fragrant in the shape you want.



Recycle Your Old Soy Candles

Tuesday, 17 June 2008

Making and Earning From Your Own Quality Scented Soy Candles

Making and Earning From Your Own Quality Scented Soy Candles

Many people enjoy candle making as a hobby and many of those people will convert their hobby into a successful money making opportunity. If you do a search on google you will find many soy candles for sale which come from such small businesses.

Soy candles are popular as they offer a cleaner burn than traditional candles and as they are produced from a sustainable resource they are environmentally friendly and don’t fill your house with black soot like traditional candles. Another boon is that much of the equipment that you require to make the soy candles can be found in the home already so it is possible to start by just buying the raw materials. With experience different moulds may be used with various scents and this will mean that additional equipment and materials are required but these are relatively inexpensive.

Thankfully learning to make your own quality scented soy candles is easy and you can make nice looking candles relatively easily. You can different oils and colours to your wax and use your own moulds to come up with your own style of candle. If you are making jar candles then you can dress up the jar after the candle is made to make it more attractive or if you have decided to start selling your soy candles then you can include your logo and help your future marketing and sales.

Just think of the pleasure that you can give to your friends and family by giving them your home made candles as presents or by burning them on special occasions. That personal touch that you can add to your soy candles can really mean a lot. You can even mix and match your oils so as to come up with a bespoke pot pourri of scent for each gift.

Once you have mastered soy jar candles then you can progress to making other types of soy candle such as pillar or even small cake like floating candles which you can use to help create a nice serene atmosphere in your room.

By way of summary therefore many people who start to make soy candles for their own use will go own to start their own successful home based business which has low start costs and if you want to make your hobby pay then you should consider selling your own soy candles.

Wednesday, 11 June 2008

How to Know You Are Buying Quality Scented Candles

How to Know You Are Buying Quality Scented Candles

Making candles is a fun hobby enjoyed by thousands of people worldwide. It's relatively easy to do and is a great way to express your artistic abilities. From the choice of wax to the choice of candle shape, color and fragrance it's all in your hands. Don't fret though, if you don't want to become a candle maker you can still easily find quality scented candles online with easy online searches.

Candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Today one of the most popular candles are container candles, candles in clear glass jars with lids. These candles are especially nice because you can place them on an electric candle warmer instead of lighting the wick. The electric candle warmer heats and liquefies the wax releasing the fragrance into the air.

Of course fragranced pillar candles are still popular as are tea light candles. There is a never ending variety of candle holders such as candle sticks and tealight candle holders, wrought iron candle holders and candle wall sconces. Some of these candle holders are works of art unto themselves and can beautifully illuminate a room, while adding a lovely fragrance.

Some of the most popular quality scented candles on the market today are White Barn Candles and Classic Candles ScentSations Candles. These are modestly priced quality scented candles.

Don't be surprised though if you see some brands, such as Diptyque selling at $48.00. There is a big difference in quality of candles between makers. There are different types of wax, such as paraffin and natural soy wax, and then different grades of paraffin wax.

Candle making is an art that requires attention to detail as wax must be melted to a specific temperature before fragrance and coloring are added. It must then be cooled to a specific temperature before it can be poured into the container or mold. The choice of wick is important. A quality candle will have a long burn life and will burn evenly and cleanly.

There is also a big difference between quality of fragrances used. More expensive candle makers will use pure fragrances. These pure fragrances are expensive but the scent is unmistakable and clear. Some candle makers use inferior fragrances thereby requiring more. These scents can become muddled and unrecognizable. You may want to stay away from candles that claim to have the strongest scent. They can be overpowering. Most people who purchase fragranced pillar candles are looking for quality scented candles that have subtle fragrances.

To learn more about How to Make Candles please visit http://www.candle-review.com

Making Candles The Easy Way


How to Know You Are Buying Quality Scented Candles

Wednesday, 4 June 2008

Which Aromatherapy Supplies Do I Purchase

Which Aromatherapy Supplies Do I Purchase

If you are buying for yourself or someone in your family, friend or just looking for a nice gift there are many aromatherapy supplies out there to choose from. There are small trial kits you can buy in small baskets or packages on up to whole stores to choose what you want.

Some Ideas

If you are not sure which product you want to go with then find a small package with small trial size products to try. That way you will not be spending big money on something that may not be liked. Some ideas for what to try are:

• Gift baskets

• Gift Certificate for Massage or Spa treatment

• Lotions

• Bath kits

• Shower Kits

• Candles

• Oil burners

• Travel Pillows

• Face Packs or pillows

• Baby gift packs

These have products that can easily be tried to see if they are what you are looking for. If you like them buy the bigger pack or baskets. It really depends on if you are looking for something to sooth the savage beast or something to energize and invigorate. Babies like calming such as lavender and chamomile. You can even buy herbal teas. You may want to visit an Herbalist or holistic store or somewhere that sells all natural stuff. Botanicals are also popular.

Aromatherapy Ingredients

Aromatherapy has many benefits to fit everyone. Some of the ingredients used are:

• Lavender

• Chamomile

• Basil

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Rosehips

• Lemon Seed

• Cedar Wood

• Ylang Ylang

• Eucalyptus

• Spearmint

• Peppermint

• Citrus

• And many more

There ingredients are oils used with base or carrier oils to make aromatherapy products. Some people like to get the supplies and make their own. Aromatherapy has been around for many years and used around the world.

Things To Remember

If you are buying for yourself or someone else, be aware of allergies. You will want to be aware of the ingredients in these products. You are trying to relax and enjoy not have an allergic reaction. Some people will only suffer mild attacks while other can suffer severe attacks or even worse a fatal attack. Talk to your doctor to be sure you are not at risk. You do not want to trigger a reaction when you are only trying to enjoy.

You can also find more info on Aromatheraphy Soy Candles and Aromatherapy Pillows. Allthingsaromatherapy.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Aromatherapy.

Sunday, 1 June 2008

The Benefits Of Natural Soy Candles

The Benefits Of Natural Soy Candles

If you want candles that will offer a clean burn compared to the traditional paraffin candle then you should consider natural soy candles. They are made from a sustainable resource and also do not emit as much soot as a paraffin candle and are therefore considered environmentally friendly when compared to their paraffin based cousins.

Natural soy candles have only been available since the middle of the 1990's but there is already a huge demand (and supply) for them. The great thing is that look just like normal candles and can be colored, scented or even made into all sorts of shapes.

Many natural soy candles are richly scented and can be used to mask numerous smells in the home or as is becoming increasingly common they can be used for the traditional alternative medicine practice of aromatherapy

As mentioned above the carbon emissions (soot!) is a lot lower with the soy candles and are therefore better for burning in your home and yet despite this major benefits, and the fact that these natural soy candles burn for up to 50% longer that normal wax candles, the natural soy candles do not generally cost much if anything more than traditional wax candles.

So next time you are looking for some candles go for the natural soy candles and enjoy a nice relaxing night in with the lights out and the natural soy candles lit to give a pleaseant lighting and if you like the scented ones a nice aroma.if you like the scented ones a nice aroma.

The Benefits Of Natural Soy Candles

Friday, 30 May 2008

How To Make Your Own Natural Soy Jar Candles

Natural Soy Jar Candles

Natural soy jar candles are great way to create a relaxing atmosphere within your home. Imagine a nice relaxing evening in your living room with the lights out and a few natural soy jar candles lit to provide the light and you can even have one scented to really help you relax.

To make your own natural soy jar candles it is best to get a simple container which you should be able to buy from any supermarket or craft shop. You will then need to make sure that you everything you need to make your natural soy jar candles. For a beginner it would generally be a good idea to buy a kit so that you can get all the ingredients and instructions that you need to make your natural soy jar candles.

You will need what is known as a ‘double-boiler’ to make your own natural soy jar candles but don’t panic if you don’t have one as you can improvise by using a saucepan which you will fill with water which you will bring to the boil and and then gently place on top a glass bowl or another smaller saucepan which will include your wax for melting. Once melted you can mix in your colourings and fragrances.

You will then need to place your wick in the jar that you are using for your natural soy candles. Once the wick has been centered then you can pour in the wax but you must make sure that the wick stays in place whilst doing this.

Once your natural soy jar candle has cooled and the wax has solidified then you can light the candle as it is or you can spend some time in decorating the jar and making it look perfect for your home. Decorated natural soy jar candles would also make the perfect gifts for your friends and family.

Click here to get more information on making natural soy jar candles.

Monday, 26 May 2008

Richly Scented Candles

Richly Scented Candles

Richly scented candles can come in a variety of colors and ideally will be made from either soy wax or beeswax. Both soy wax and beeswax are a great choice for richly scented candles because they offer a longer burn than paraffin and they also burn a lot cleaner so you will not have the volume of soot that you get with paraffin candles. (Soy wax is now recognized as the leading wax used for richly scented candles). This is important for people who make their own candles in jars as you do not want to have your jars for your richly scented candles to be burnt black whereas it is a simple matter of just washing out any excess was if you have used soy wax or beeswax.

Richly scented candles usually contain fragrance oils, such as those you find in lotions, soaps and shampoos. If the aroma is especially appealing then richly scented candles can provide a warm atmosphere to your room where you be so relaxed you will not want to leave!

Richly scented candles can also be used to mask some of the odors in your home such as from your pet or from your cooking. There are many types of richly scented candles like jar, pillar, votive and chunk candles so you should be able to find a candle that will look and smell nice in your room.

The demand for richly scented candles has come from the alternative medicine practise oof aromatherapy. (Aromatherapy is a generic term that refers to any of the various traditions that make use of essential oils sometimes in combination with other alternative medical practices and spiritual beliefs.) Popular use of these products include massaging products (including candles), medicine, or any topical application that incorporates the use of essential oils to their products. When you include these essential oils within your richly scented candles you can feel relaxed and possibly reap the health benefits of the fragrant oils.

Sunday, 25 May 2008

Soy Chunk Candles

Soy Chunk Candles

Soy chunk candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil which is called soybean wax. This wax is made by taking the soybeans after the September harvest and crushing them to separate the bean flesh from the oils.

The advantages of soy chunk candles are that they burn for up to 50% longer and they have a real clean burn so there is less soot in your room. Another big advantage of soy chunk candles is that as they are made from soybean wax then they are made from a renewable source so they are environmentally friendly when compared to paraffin candles. Many suppliers will use wicks made from 100% cotton which enhances the reputation that they have of being natural.

Another bonus is that soy wax is water soluble so that makes cleaning up easier – that is if any is needed because there is usually not much mess with chunk candles.

Soy chunk candles are a nice alternative to the traditional pillar candle. They are often very colourful and make a pleasant addition to a room. Another benefit of soy chunk candles is that they are very easy to make and therefore a lot of people find the making of soy chunk candles and extremely rewarding hobby. For those who like to scented soy chunk candles then you can buy them already scented or you can add scent to you soy chunk candles whilst making them themselves. These types of candle are particularly good for the scent as they burn slower and as such there distribution of scent is much better than you would find in faster burning candles.

To summarise therefore if you wish to have a candle that is environmentally friendly, has a lot of colour , has a clean burn and can distribute a scent over a long period of time then you should really be looking to buy soy chunk candles.

Saturday, 24 May 2008

We Love Soy Candles Welcomes The World

We Love Soy Candles welcomes the World to a new blog on Soy Candles.

We will cover all things related to Soy Candles so if you love Soy Candles then you will love it here!!
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click the candles for details of how to make your own candles