subject: What's In A Candle? [print this page] What's In A Candle? What's In A Candle?
There are different forms and sizes when we talk about candles. They have a wide array of uses, too, from being used in rites in different religions, to decorations, lighting effects, and more. They even have different shapes, ranging from traditional geometric figures, animals, fruits, and even take on the intricacies of floral designs. Some people are into making their own candles, while others get them from stores, and yet others receive them as gifts. But be they homemade, from a store, or from another person, candles have a lot more layers to them than just what's on the surface.
Candle making involves using many different ingredients. The chandler (or the person who makes the candles) has the freedom to choose his own candle making supplies. One could make combinations out of a variety of materials.
First on the list to be able to make a candle is the candle wax. These waxes come in different forms, each with characteristics that set them apart. Some waxes, when they burn, release less chemicals into the air. Others adhere better to the sides of containers, while yet others have better scent throws because they hold a higher fragrance load.
On the topic of fragrances, there is a wide selection of scents that can be used, depending on the type of oils. There are scented oils that bestow the aroma of the kitchen - food and baking - with scents such as nuts, cookies and pies. Others are reminiscent of flowers, others of fruits. Some bear the scents of nature, like sandalwood, clean cotton, eucalyptus, and even freshly cut grass. And a recent development in the market, some fragrance oils are even based on designer perfumes and lotions.
As candles come in different scents, they also come in different hues, and their colors are derived in different ways. Liquid, chip, and blister dyes are mixed with the wax to give color to the candles. On the contrary, cut and carve dyes are not mixed with the wax. With these types of dyes, candles are dipped into it, and this dye coats the candles' surface. Aside from scent and color, several additives may also be used in combination with the mix. Some of these enhance the scent throw, some allow colors to be more vibrant, and others are applied to give candles a glaze on their surface.
Candles alone are already a sight to behold, but people find more ways to make them even more pleasant to the eye, with the use of differently shaped jars, candle dishes, beads, and crystals. But with packaging or not, candles make for pretty trinkets, not just for others, but for yourself as well.
To find everything that meets your Candle Making needs and Candle Making Supplies, check this out.
