Archive for November, 2009
Handmade soy candles:
• Start with soy wax flakes, and measure out the appropriate amount for the size and style of candle you’re making
• Melt your wax, in a double-boiler, wax melter or kitchen candle
• Once the wax is melted and the temperature is between 170 and 180 degrees, add the dye
• After the dye, add the fragrance (while the wax temperature is around 175 degrees), and stir with a whisk
• Reduce the heat of your wax to between 150 and 155 degrees, and pour the wax into your molds (make sure the molds are warm before you pour the wax in)
• Once a thick skin has formed across the top of your soy candles, insert a wick
• Let the candles harden for approximately four hours
While many mythical creatures in European folklore are menacing and mean, gnomes have a reputation for being sleepy and kind. That’s probably why they remain such a popular choice for adorning porches and front lawns across America. Garden gnomes were first introduced in Germany in the 19th century, and immigrants to America often brought the tradition of decorative gnomes with them along with other cultural touchstones.
Some gnomes are positioned so as to pleasantly startle an unsuspecting visitor, and others are placed right near the front door as a sign of welcome. These small, earth-dwelling creatures of legend remain relevant today. You can see them on TV in Travelocity commercials and read about them in C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia series. Many American children also grew up watching “David the Gnome” a Spanish cartoon that was eventually dubbed into English.
Flame-free Scented Candle Substitutes
I’ve been collecting scented candles for so long that I can’t even remember where and how I acquired some of them. To me, the pleasures of a candle are many: the splendid aroma, the comforting curl of smoke, the dancing flame that transfixes one’s gaze. Unfortunately, it’s not always safe to leave a candle burning unattended inside the house. When I’m busy with chores, moving constantly from room to room, I always feel a bit nervous about what could happen with hot wax dripping everywhere and the flame burning down.
Those worries have all been assuaged now that I’ve started a second, related item: reed oil diffusers. These simple yet effective contraptions are both visually appealing and easy on the nose. Best of all, they diffuse the scented oil into the air gradually so as not to overpower guests. I’m no longer concerned about dangerous mishaps associated with candles, either.