Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Non-Identical Twin Chunk Votive Candles

Aren't these chunk votive candles just classic?

Chunk Votives

It is a really a tough call to decide whether I prefer these ones to other chunk candles we've talked about before.

But as David Fisher himself explains in his instructions, these chunk votive candles are easy to make.

But look at this!!!

Pouring Temperature Difference

These two chunk candles were made exactly the same, besides the temperature of the overpour. On the left candle it was 190 deg which made the chunk and the overpur blend a bit, and on the right one it was 160 deg which gave a more chunky look.

Beautiful!

Eran.

p.s. Have you noticed how David's deals with the air bubble problem we've talked about? Just tap firmly on the side of the mold after your pour!

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I Need Some Candle Help

The world of candle making is never perfect. Sometimes you get great candles, smooth with strong scent throw, and sometimes... well, sometimes you just don't...

That's why troubleshooting tips are always helpful.

And that's the best way to learn: either from your own experience, or from other's.

An good example of CandleMaking.org.uk's troubleshooting tips would be how to prevent air bubbles in the wax (tap on the side of the mold after you pour, and make sure the candle doesn't cool down too quickly), or the common problem of a smoky candle (the wick might be too large).

Feel free to share your own experience and tips!

Eran.


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The most unique candles I've seen recently

Look at these cool candles! It always amazes me that you can still create original and interesting candles! WOW!

      


Aren't you asking yourself: "How can I make these candles???"

Well, Cajun Candles have got the answer for their v-shaped candles: It is a combination of tilting the mold, and pouring the wax in a cooler temperature than usual, to make sure the colors don't mix.

If you try them out, don't hesitate to give your feedback!

Eran.


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Monday, December 11, 2006

Accountant by Day, Candle Maker by Night

Read all about Jan Larson, an accountant who discovered her candle making passion.


You can learn some good tips from her experience with soy candles:

  • Research and testing are usually needed to discover which fragrances work well in soy candles.
  • Cure your candles for at least two weeks - the longer, the better.

And more!

Eran.

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There's a snowball coming your way!

With winter approaching it's time to make some special candles just for this special season.

I don't know if you get snow where you live, but if you don't, you can make your very own snowball candles! Doesn't it look like the real thing?

The secret is whipping the wax for that snowy look as explained by One Stop Candle's snowball candle project.

Eran.


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Sunday, December 10, 2006

Recycling Candles

Recycling is always a good idea. So why not apply it to candles as well?

Get all your old candles stubs and turn them into a bright and new candle!

Here are useful suggestions from Craft-Moms.com for recycling all sorts of stuff while making candles.

Eran.

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Good Tips for Lowering Shipping Charges

Shipping charges are always important, especially if you are planning on having your own candle making business.

One basic way we've talked about before is shopping locally, but here are 5 more ways to lower your shipping charges, thanks to Deanna McColm and the Candle Business Corner.


Eran.


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It Adds Up!

There are all sorts of additives you can add to your candle. Some will harden your wax, others will make it more opaque, or transparent, etc.

If you need to make sense in this additives mess, read CandleMaking.org.uk's list of Candle Additives. It's right to the point.

Eran.



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Saturday, December 09, 2006

A day on the beach?

If you are already half into winter, here is a good idea on how to keep the summer and the beach close to you.

Seashell Candle

Try making a Seashell Candle. Isn't it beautiful?

Remember to put the shells in the mold in the most least organized way! That's what makes the candle so special.

Thanks Craft Bits for a great project.

Eran.

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Your Nose Is Betraying You!

Watch out for that sneaky nose of yours! When it comes to comparing scents and scent throw of different candles, it cannot always be trusted!

It's got to do with Sensory Adaptation, which is when a weak simulation is not detected by your brain after being exposed to a strong simulation.

What does that have to do with scent throw???

Well, if you want to test different candles, different waxes, different additives to see which has the best scent throw, you need to consider the effects of sensory adaptation. Smelling one candle might affect the way you would smell the other.

Surprisingly enough, Candle Making Techniques explains just how you can use sensory adaptation to compare both cold and hot throws.

So read how to do and trust your nose!

Eran.




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Make Your Own Hanukaah Candles

The Jewish Holiday of Hanukaah is all about lighting candles. On each and every day of the eight days of the holiday you light one more candle. And wouldn't it be extra special this year if you make your own candles?

Hanukaah candles are very similar to taper candles, which means you re-dip the wick to form those long and thin candles. Follow Babaga Newz instructions for a complete description of making your own Hanukaah candles.

Happy Holidays!

Eran.



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Friday, December 08, 2006

Great Tips to Ensure Candle FUN

Getting The Most From Your Candles by Sharon Jacobsen
I love burning candles and have them all around the house. Long ones, short ones, fat ones, thin ones, in a plethora of colors. I burn them in the evening when I'm relaxing; I burn them at mealtimes; and I burn them in the bathroom when I'm pampering myself. Any excuse to light a candle really.
But candles don't always fit the holder, and sometimes they burn down too far and the wax gets stuck! It's at times like this that candles aren't quite as much fun!

Getting The Most From Your Candles


Listen to Sharon Jacobsen! Candles are fun to make and burn! And with these tips your satisfaction is guaranteed!

Make sure you read #8 about spilled wax, that will surely happen to you.

Have fun!

Eran.

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At last - You can make Deep Maple Candles

I bet you always wondered how to get that Deep Maple color for your candles. Or maybe Midnight Blue, or perhaps you are more of a Soft Pink Candles kind of person...

If you would like to try any of those colors and lots more, check out Ciera Candles' Formulas for Mixing Colors.

color wheel

The basic idea is that mixing gray with the pure color, will tone it down. Mixing white will lighten it, and mixing black will darken it. But obviously there are a lot more types of mixing and coloring to get that special one you are after.

Eran.


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Beeswax Candles - Easy Does It!

Check out this video for Beeswax Candle Making.

Shai Coggins & Bern Relos are doing a good job explaning and demonstrating how easy and classic beeswax candles are.

And remember - Beeswax candles burn bright and clean and will fill your home with sweet natural honey scents!

Eran.



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Thursday, December 07, 2006

1$ eBook !!!


I found this eBook on ebay: 61 Candle Making Recipes of Wax and Gel for 1$ (one!).

1$ ?!?! That's ebay for you.

It is a digital book, so no shipping is invloved. Says there that once you pay - you get it.

Eran.



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Original Candle Making Techniques

Check out this link for some interesting and unique techniques for making candles from Deanna Samman.

I personally prefer the ice candles. It is a great idea and you get the most interesting and weird looking candle!

Check it out!

Eran.

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Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Sparkling Christmas Votive Holders

Stained Glass Votive SetupThose Christmas projects just keep on rolling in!

But the truth is that many "everyday" projects can be dressed up as great Christmas ideas.

Check out David Fisher's Christmas Votive Candle Holders for a great example.


Eran.

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Chirstmas Candles Tips

How to Light Up Your Home for Joy
Do you love the winter holiday season or does this time of year cause you stress? One way to lower your holiday stress, using fewer decorations, decreases your "just have to much to do" list. However, you still want to display Christmas candles because these decorations bring smiles to you and your loved ones. As days grow shorter and cooler and the suns sets earlier, people naturally crave the warmth and comfort of light, especially natural sources such as a bonfire or the flame of a Christmas candle.

Holiday Decorating Tips: Christmas Candles


Christmas is near and it's time to decorate your house inside and out. Try using these Christmas Candle Tips by Jeanette Joy Fisher to save money, relax and unwind and recycle while enjoying beautiful Christmas candles.

Eran.

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Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Beautiful Rainbow Candle

Another beautiful project from Bob Sherman and One Stop Candles:

The Rainbow Candle:



Check it out!

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Good Tips for Online Supplies Shopping

Getting supplies for your candles is an on going job. There are so many suppliers to choose from. And with today's Internet you've got both the "real" and the "virtual" suppliers - which one do you like more?

If you prefer the virtual way, you can benefit from Amy Metz's 3 tips for shopping online for supplies:

Let me ask you a question. Did you ever think that the Internet would become so powerful and pervasive, that even craft supplies would turn into big business online? Neither did I. But it's true. You can actually find just about any type of craft supplies that you are looking for if you look hard enough through the different search engines (or your local retail store). However, there are a few big sites that you might want to peruse the next time you are considering buying craft supplies.

3 Little Known Tips for Shopping for Craft Supplies Online


If you've got a good supplier, either "real" or "virtual", don't hesitate and recommend it in this post's comments.


Eran.

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