Similarities Between Candle and Soap Making Supplies

There are a number of similarities in making soap and candles. Both require pouring the raw materials into molds to give them shape.  Candles and soap need scents and color as well. Many stores sell both candle and soap making supply kits.

Candle and soap-making supply stores are found nationwide and on the Internet. It is easy to find materials for very reasonable prices.

Making soap is similar to making candles. The early steps are alike, in that they both involve melting the materials in order to pour them into a mold to give them shape. While wax or gel is used to make candles, a glycerin compound is usually used for soap. This is normally a mixture of natural vegetable oils, pure water, glycerin, and a soothing moisturizer. Once the raw materials are melted, they are poured into a mold that gives them shape. There are an endless variety of molds available for both soap and candles. Candles and soaps can be molded into a number of designs and shapes. Another difference, besides the materials used, is that soap molds are usually smaller than candle molds.

Also, candles often stay in containers or votives, while soap is always taken out of its mold.    

Candles and soaps both benefit from the addition of colors and aromas. There are a number of dyes to give color to soap and candles. It is important to use the correct kind of dye for the soap. Candle dyes could be toxic and create skin rashes or discoloration if used in soap.  There are scents that can make candles and soaps more pleasing, tiny bottles of concentrated liquid that give soap or candles an aroma.

Candle and soap-making supply stores have all of the ingredients needed to make either product. It is important to use the materials for their intended uses rather than mixing and matching. The processes of making soap and candles are similar, but they are not identical.

Candle Making Supplies provides detailed information on wholesale, discount, soy, gel, and bee wax candle making supply, and more. For more information go to http://www.e-candlemakingsupplies.com and/or visit our affiliate site at http://www.original-content.net.

A Look at Gel Candle Making Supplies

Candles made of gel are often more unique and beautiful than traditional wax candles. There are several properties of gel candles that give them a unique and artistic appearance.

Unlike traditional wax candles, gel candles can be clear or multi-colored, they do not have to be a solid color. Candle makers can embed items in gel candles. Gel candles last twice as long as traditional wax candles. It is important to note that gel candles do burn at higher temperatures than wax candles, so it is vital that people follow all safety precautions when making and burning gel candles.

Gel candle making supply stores have become much more common in recent years. People can buy gel candle-making supplies at many of the same stores that sell traditional waxes.

One reason that gel candle-making supplies are so common is that they provide for more creativity than normal waxes. Gel can be clear or it can have swirls of multiple colors. There are a limitless number of ways that gel candles can be colored. 

It is common for gel candle-making supply kits to include small items that can be embedded within the gel of the candle. The designs and figures are viewable through the translucent gel and can look quite stunning. Seashells, beads, and small figurines are just three types of things that can be suspended in the gel.

The gel used to make these candles can last up to twice as long as wax. This means that the candle will burn for twice as long and often provide twice as much fragrance and beauty.

It is vital to note that gel burns at a much higher temperature than other candle making materials, so it is imperative that people protect their skin when making a gel candle. People should be sure to make the candle in an appropriate container, which can handle the heat generated, and will not expand and break. People should not move a lit or recently extinguished gel candle. Instead, they should wait until it has cooled down to pick it up.

Making gel candles is a perfect creative outlet. Gel candles are unique and beautiful. As long as people follow the proper precautions, gel candles can last a long time and provide great room decoration.

Candle Making Supplies provides detailed information on wholesale, discount, soy, gel, and bee wax candle making supply, and more. For more information go to http://www.e-candlemakingsupplies.com and/or visit our affiliate site at http://www.original-content.net.

Will Soy Candles be the Leader to Light the Future?

Ahhhh, the scent and sight of a burning paraffin wax candle and the appealing ambiance that it floats throughout a room! One may think that this scenario is innocence in its purest sense. There is, after all, that cozy feeling which makes one give thought to everything thats good in this world. That is until you take the time to get acquainted with the darker side of the world of paraffin wax candles.

Did you know that paraffin is a petroleum by-product which means that paraffin wax may be a risk to the well-being of your health? How is that, you ask? Well after petroleum is processed into gasoline, kerosene, motor oil, diesel and other fuels, the excess waste is then used in the production of paraffin which contains harmful toxins and carcinogens. Hmmmm.

The black soot buildup on your walls, ventilating system, furniture and so forth after burning paraffin wax candles is similar in composition to diesel soot. This dirty matter makes a deposit of unwanted and dangerous pollutants into our homes that endangers the health and welfare of family, pets, and ourselves when breathed into our collective lungs. Studies have shown that cancer-causing agents released by paraffin wax candles are just as toxic as second hand cigarette smoke and can cause damage to the heart, lungs, circulatory system and nervous system. This is not a good thing.

Why then have scented candle sales increased to over 2 billion dollars annually over the last decade according to the National Candle Association? Im not sure but Id hazard a guess that the mesmerizing glow and soothing fragrances are part of why seven out of every ten households burn candles regularly.

Heres a question, though, that Id like to pose to anyone that subscribes to the rules of common sense. Its the one that your parents or teachers of yesteryear asked when the majority was acting in an intellectually challenged way. Ill paraphrase it here : If everyone was jumping off a cliff, would you do the same thing? The same thing holds for paraffin wax candles but what alternatives are there to break this dangerous habit?

Im glad that you asked. The answer is Soy Candles. Why the joy for soy? Soy wax is 100% vegetable by-product and not a petroleum by-product. Soy is completely non-toxic and non-carcinogenic and soy candles produce little or no soot to damage the surrounding room or to those with allergies or breathing problems. Soy wax is environmentally safe, biodegradable and is easily cleaned up with just soap and water.

Hold on, Im not finished yet.Soy candles burn cleanly and evenly leaving very little to zero excess wax on the sides of the jar to eliminate waste. They also burn cooler than most paraffin wax candles which will lessen the risk of serious burns from melted wax. These babies also burn 30 to 50 percent longer than paraffin wax candles which makes them more economical to use. They also seem to hold their fragrances extremely well compared to the naughty petroleum by-product kind.

Ok, Ok just one more reason to think soy. These candles are made from 100% soybean wax made from soybeans grown right smack here in the USA. So what? Well, this not only benefits our environment but also supports our local agricultural industry. It appears that soy candles beat those bad-boy cousins on every level.

Ya gotta get the facts before indulging in the pleasure of enjoying the world of candles. Think outside the box and do the right thing. Your life and others may very well depend on it!

Brian is a partner in E-Connors Enterprises which builds and promotes various websites. He enjoys the world of candles and feels strongly about the health benefits of soy candles and the beauty of gel candles. Go to www.HeavenlyGelCandles.com for more info.

Candles Go Only So Far: Five Ideas for a More Romantic Honeymoon

Candles, rose petals, satin, succulent foods, perfumeyoure probably already familiar with all of these time-honored ingredients for creating a romantic mood on your honeymoon. But candles, rose petals, and other sensual ingredients only go so far. The real key to creating a romantic honeymoon is to spend time celebrating your relationship and your new life together as a married couple. After all, romance is more about the heart than the body.<br><br>That doesnt mean you should put the candles away, but start setting the mood early by reveling in your relationship. Here are five ideas to get you started.<br><br>1. Explore uncharted territory<br>Intimacy is a key ingredient for creating a romantic mood. In its most basic sense, intimacy is about revealing our interior selves to another personthe part of ourselves that we normally hide from others. When we do this, we honor the other person as someone we cherish and trust. Since its often difficult to start sharing in this way, a game or book of questions can help. The classic game of relationship questions is the Ungame, while the classic questions book is (appropriately enough) The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock. Each of these products contains hundreds of questions on topics ranging from ethics (What would you do if . . . ?) to feelings and ideas. These are just two of many similar products that you can use in almost any settingeven in the car or airplane on the way to your honeymoon destination.<br><br>2. Combine Your Photo Albums<br>Buy your first photo album together, if you don't get one at your wedding. Bring out your photo albums and choose the best photos of each other from your dating days to put in your new albumit's a great way to relive old memories.<br><br>3. Write a Dream Letter<br>Write letters to each other about your dreams for your marriage. What do you hope your marriage will look like in ten, twenty, or thirty years? Exchange the letters on the first day of your marriage, and then save them to read on your wedding anniversary.<br><br>4. Leave Memory Notes Everywhere<br>Nothing creates a romantic mood better than remembering your best moments together as a couple. Purchase some small notepaper or post-it notes and spend some time digging up your favorite memories of your spouse. How did you meet? How did your first kiss come about? What is the goofiest thing he or she ever did? When was your spouse there for you when you needed him or her the most? Then spend some time thinking of the memories youd most like to share with your spouse over the course of your marriage. Write these all down on the note paper, and hide them all over the place at your honeymoon destination (on the pillow, in the luggage, in the rental car, etc.). <br> <br>5. Share the Love<br>The funny thing about love is you get more by giving it away. That's as true for newlyweds as for anyone else, so find ways to share your love with others. Start by committing random acts of kindnessboth toward each other and complete strangers. Visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation web page for inspiration (http://www.actsofkindness.org/). One of our favorite stories there is about a young woman who was caught in the rain when a complete stranger gave her his own umbrella. When she asked how she would return it to him, he just smiled and walked away. Creating great memories like that adds a magical twist to your honeymoon.<br><br>That doesnt mean you should put the candles away, but start setting the mood early by reveling in your relationship. Here are five ideas to get you started.<br><br>1. Explore uncharted territory<br>Intimacy is a key ingredient for creating a romantic mood. In its most basic sense, intimacy is about revealing our interior selves to another personthe part of ourselves that we normally hide from others. When we do this, we honor the other person as someone we cherish and trust. Since its often difficult to start sharing in this way, a game or book of questions can help. The classic game of relationship questions is the Ungame, while the classic questions book is (appropriately enough) The Book of Questions by Gregory Stock. Each of these products contains hundreds of questions on topics ranging from ethics (What would you do if . . . ?) to feelings and ideas. These are just two of many similar products that you can use in almost any settingeven in the car or airplane on the way to your honeymoon destination.<br><br>2. Combine Your Photo Albums<br>Buy your first photo album together, if you don't get one at your wedding. Bring out your photo albums and choose the best photos of each other from your dating days to put in your new albumit's a great way to relive old memories.<br><br>3. Write a Dream Letter<br>Write letters to each other about your dreams for your marriage. What do you hope your marriage will look like in ten, twenty, or thirty years? Exchange the letters on the first day of your marriage, and then save them to read on your wedding anniversary.<br><br>4. Leave Memory Notes Everywhere<br>Nothing creates a romantic mood better than remembering your best moments together as a couple. Purchase some small notepaper or post-it notes and spend some time digging up your favorite memories of your spouse. How did you meet? How did your first kiss come about? What is the goofiest thing he or she ever did? When was your spouse there for you when you needed him or her the most? Then spend some time thinking of the memories youd most like to share with your spouse over the course of your marriage. Write these all down on the note paper, and hide them all over the place at your honeymoon destination (on the pillow, in the luggage, in the rental car, etc.). <br> <br>5. Share the Love<br>The funny thing about love is you get more by giving it away. That's as true for newlyweds as for anyone else, so find ways to share your love with others. Start by committing random acts of kindnessboth toward each other and complete strangers. Visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation web page for inspiration (http://www.actsofkindness.org/). One of our favorite stories there is about a young woman who was caught in the rain when a complete stranger gave her his own umbrella. When she asked how she would return it to him, he just smiled and walked away. Creating great memories like that adds a magical twist to your honeymoon. <p> <h1>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</h1> <br> <div>Susan and Jerry Windley-Daoust are co-founders of the website <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.creativehoneymoonideas.info">Creative Honeymoon Ideas</a>.<br></div> </p>

The Warmth of Candle Glow

Holiday Candles - ever popular and even indispensable in many homes - winter weather can create havoc with electrical systems and power sources.
Candles - just about the purest and warmest Christmas light - a glow that illuminates and lingers - a symbol of friendship and love and at the very center of many memories.

A white pillar candle surrounded with cinnamon sticks tied gently with raffia - surrounded with holly, berries, and pomegranites.
At dinnertime, their glow brightens the table and reflects the joy in those sitting around and truly enjoying the entrees presented. Many candles are scented and bring pine, ginger, and other aromas to your home. Use these abundantly on mantels, tabletops, and shelves, but should not be used on dining tables. The scents can interfere with the wonderful odors of foods cooked lovingly and presented in spectacular dress. Let the food shine in its own right, while the candles embrace and respond to rave reviews in other places in your home.

Candles can be wrapped in metallic gift wrap, stain glass paper, and other decorative holiday accents.
They can even be stenciled - plain candles can join an elegant celebration with a touch or whimsy using stencils and spray paint. A bit of lace and ribbon and a Victorial candle emerges from a simple taper.
Candles can even be sponged with patterns and motifs that can range from Shaker to dramatic.

Filigreen candles protect the flame and create patterns of light with the punched holes and as the candles burn they glow with the decorative lines, curly swirls, glass nuggets, and jewel-like beads inserted in the holes. From glass to metal, tiny multi-colored baubles add dimension and a rainbow of colored lights to dark corners and areas whre a bit of cheer is needed.

Even the holders themselves can be decorated and "aged" to keep in step with the Holiday theme you have selected for your home. A bit of paint and patina can mellow candle holders that you found at tag sales and resale shops. Gold paint, crackle varnish, and antique wax - a few supplies and your candles will be cradled in holders reminiscent of a bygone era. A candle ring can use the greenery, fruit and vegetables of the season. From spicy cinnamon sticks to sliced and dried fruit, dried cranberries to gooseberries and raspberries, ivies, and Christmas roses, your imagination can transform a bit of wire and floral foam into accents that resemble royalty and are beautiful to behold.

Ribbons of green or red tartan, frosted cherries, and leaves touched with a kiss of snow, as well as pinecones, sprigs of evergreen, cedar, or pine,
and not only are the candles a focal point but they emit the scents of a Holiday that can warm and enthrall family and guests.

Whether simple or elaborate, candles are a decorative touch that can be inexpensive, but add a wealth of beauty to your home.
ENJOY!
Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 November

Arleen has written numerous articles, books, and newsletters:
http://www.Arleens-RusticLiving.com
http://www.arleenssite.com