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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_A._Richardson

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.

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

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

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

Natural Soy Candles - Baskets of Benefits

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/

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

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.

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

The Benefits of Soy Candles and the Soy Candle Business

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

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

Natural Soy Candles

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?

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.

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

Soy Candles, making soy candles

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.

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!!