Posts Tagged ‘candles’

Because soy candles are made from renewable resource they are preferred by environmentally conscious candle lovers. Aside from the benefit of clean and long burning, soy candles are biodegradable because of the fact that they are literally made soybeans. Using soy candles over paraffin wax counterparts is more economical because they last 30% – 50% longer. Imagine the added benefit if you make your own soy candle.

Many people are attracted to soy candles because of these benefits, but many soy candle lovers love to make their own candles because it’s easy to make and the materials are available freely. Proud owners love to display soy candles when there’s a visitor. It’s a good conversation piece too!

Here’s what you need to do in order to make your very own soy candles. Just get to any craft or hobbies store near you and buy a pound of soy wax and a mason jar. You can get other containers but mason jar is the best choice.

To spice things up a bit, you might want to get fragrance oil and dye too. They make your candles colorful and smells really nice. Oh, you can get canning jar as your container of choice too. Mason jar and cannign jar is perfect for candle making because of it’s resistance to heat and crack.

Now, after you get all the materials required. It’s time to make your first soy candle! You might make a lot of mistakes the first time you do it, and frankly the more complicated you make this seems like the less fun you’re going to experience. I’m an advocate of keeping things simple. Here’s what I do. Melt the wax until it’s completely melted. No, you don’t need to watch the timer or the thermometer.

Hang on there, you’re nearly complete! once the wax is fully melted. Turn off the heat and mix in your fragrance oil. You need to follow the instructions on the label on this one because there’s a threshold of fragrance oil you can add to different types of wax. Once you’ve added the oil, stir it until it’s fully blended into the wax. Just add a dab of dye into it once you’re done.

Bear in mind that dyes differ in terms of amount of needed to obtain the desired color. You therefore required reading the instructions on the label.

Prepare the Mason jar before pouring the melted wax unto it. Straighten the wick and pull it up if needed to keep it straight while the wax is poured unto the jar. Trim any excess wick to better burning. Let the wax cool for 24 to 48 hours and you are done.

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If you are thinking of adding candle lanterns to your outdoor landscape design you are not alone. Plenty of homeowners think exactly like you and for the same reasons. Candle lanterns are cheap and easy to install.

Candle lanterns can be found at pretty much any local hardware or home improvement store. The problem with looking for them there is that these stores can only buy and display so much inventory at one time. With this in mind your best chance to snag the right candle lanterns for your backyard are via the internet.

The main part of the candle lantern is the lantern holder itself. The lantern holder supports the candle. These lanterns holders are usually made of metal so it renders the lantern fireproof. The exceptions to this rule are those lanterns made from non-metal material such as paper, wood and nylon.

These lanterns have a wide diversity in design. The designs can run the gamut from a Moroccan style lantern to an Asian inpired design.

A rustic lantern is another lantern to use if you want your theme to resemble an Old West or a Southwest style. These lanterns have a loop or place to hang from a ledge and a wide base in order to be placed on a flat surface, like a table.

One asian style lantern, the Pagoda lantern, can help you plan an asian inspired theme party. Pagoda lanterns have an intricate asian design on the cutout panels that allow light to shine through them.

If you wanted to go with a middle eastern theme for your backyard, a Moroccan lantern is also a good choice. These lanterns are hexagonal in shape and each side is comprised of a thick, colored glass.

Whether its an Old West, Southwest, Asian or Middle Eastern style of landscaping, candle lanterns can fit your unique style and add to any party you throw.

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