Crafts

Waxes for Scented Candles

Posted in Crafts on May 14th, 2010 by Haitham Al-Ubaidi – Be the first to comment

Candle Waxes for Scented Candles

The majority of scented candles today are made using paraffin wax. These include products by some of the biggest names in the industry such as Yankee Candles and Price’s Candles. Paraffin is made from crude oil and as a resource is finite and dwindling. A hydrocarbon and similar to petrol and diesel, paraffin burns very well (so it should). Paraffin releases toxic substances when burning such as toluene, benzine and carbon monoxide. As a scented candle is made to be burnt, these toxic substances are bad news.

Other more natural waxes are available. Soy wax is one such product. It is a natural plant based wax made by crushing soy beans and hydrogenating the soy oil by passing hydrogen through it. This forms a solid wax (at regular temperatures). The remains of the crushed soy beans are not wasted. They are fed to cattle who in turn return the goodness to their pasture. The process of making Soy wax is similar to that of making margarine. The finished product is not too dissimilar either. Soy wax is creamy and soft, burns very well and makes for a clean, non toxic fuel for a scented candle. The resultant gases from burning soy wax based waxes are clean in that they have been tested and found not to contain the toxins and carcinogens associated with paraffin.

Other natural waxes are available. These include palm wax and beeswax. Both of these do suffer from some disadvantages. Some carry their own scent such as beeswax, others are too unstable at room temperature and the remainder are just plain expensive. These problematic issues render these other natural waxes unsuitable for the vast majority of scented candle making.

Crude Oil Derived Waxes

Paraffin is undoubtedly a fine burning wax. It ignites well and produces a good strong flame. So it should given its origins as a derivative of crude oil. The major drawbacks to using this wax in scented candle manufacture are the sustainability of the resource from whence it came and also the toxicity of the products of combustion in its use. Who would knowingly burn something in their home that the scientific community recommends be used in a well ventilated space? Surely that defeats the point of a scented candle.

The reason that paraffin is used today as a fuel for scented candles is primarily its cost. It is far cheaper to manufacture a paraffin candle than one made from soy. The raw paraffin wax is approximately one third the cost of soy wax. Hey presto, large commercial organisations steer toward this as they can significantly increase profits on each unit manufactured.

The toxic and carcinogenic emissions from burning paraffin candles were recently put forward by numerous UK newspaper articles. The same articles indicated that burning soy wax candles did not emit unsafe substances. This is a clear reason for the use of soy wax in scented candles and discontinuing the use of paraffin.

Waxes From Soy Beans

Soy wax creates a wide and deep melt pool in scented container candles. This launches the fragrance into the air. Besides these excellent burn qualities, soy wax is from a sustainable resource, is safe and clean to handle and is carbon neutral. The obvious comparison is wood to heat our homes. As tree is to wood is to heat, so soy wax can be described as plant to wax to candle.

Remaining Waxes

Other natural waxes have intrinsic problems. Self scent of the wax and stability of the wax at normal temperatures are just some problems. These combined with higher costs preclude the use of these waxes for general scented candle manufacture.

Authors Ending Note

Based on the authors experience and the articles mentioned in the review, soy wax has been clearly found to be the most suitable scented candle base wax. The green credentials, burn characteristics and safety in use all contribute to and support this conclusion.

Further Reading

The background information upon which this review is based is available on the Author’s web site.

The Author is the owner of Busy Bee Candles, a premium handmade fragranced candle manufacturer. He has extensive experience and expertise in the manufacture of fragranced candles, wholesale distribution and retail sales. Go to Busy Bee Candles or go to the On line Shop.

Enhance Your Child’s Room with Kids Decor

Posted in Crafts on May 8th, 2010 by Benedict Perez – Be the first to comment

To decorate your child’s bedroom, there are many kids decor to choose from. But first, determine the personality of your child and his likes and dislikes before you start decorating. The bedroom is one part of the house where your child should be able to dream, be more creative, be relaxed and be his own self.

If your child could already express what he wants, you two can decide what to decorate his room. Let both your creative talents and imagination come to the fore!

So many themes can be adapted to inspire your child to decorate his own bedroom. If your child is a boy, an animal-themed bedroom could be his choice as lots of kids like animals. Or you could do it with his favorite sports, make it as his playing field complete with memorabilia to further accentuate his room with sporting gear, trophies and awards. Other themes like ships and boats or his favorite cartoon character, musician or band could also be used.

A lot of themes are specially designed for pretty little girls, if your child is a girl. Kids decor items about princess, castles, garden, and fairies would be very much loved by your little princess. A drapery hanging and flowing on her bed will send her to feel that she is a true princess. Or she could imagine herself to be a fairy highlighted with a matching magic wand with a fairy tale design. Or the two of you could choose to make use of her favorite cartoon character.

Everything in your child’s room will be decorated with his or her chosen theme. The bed sheets and pillows will not only be the ones with designs but also the walls. Themed-accent furniture will complement the decoration. Wall clocks, placemats, rugs, and drawer handles are only a few that could also be used to decorate the room. The waste basket could come in the same design also!

Painting the wall with his favorite theme could alternatively be done with wall decals if you happen to be a little indecisive. It is also easy to install and you can do it on your own. It could be easily removed; hence, you could always transfer the decoration to any part of the room as your child wishes. Other wall art includes putting the name of your child on the wall by painting it or using wall stickers. A line or two of his favorite song could also be placed on the wall.

There are many available kids decor in the market today. You will not have a hard time deciding which theme you could use to decorate the bedroom of your son or daughter.

The bedroom is a place where your child would be able to dream, relax and be his own self. Decorating his own room will bring up the creative side of him. Decorative items will help him achieve this. Just do not forget his safety as you adorn his room.

Creating a perfect mood in your home is not really an easy task. However, adding cute kids decor will surely make your home more lovely and stunning. www.UniqueHomeGardenShoppe.com offers a wide variety of feeding accessories like elevated dog feeders.

Choosing Bridal Shower Favors To Give

Posted in Crafts on May 8th, 2010 by Benedict Perez – Be the first to comment

Holding bridal shower before a wedding is a normal event before a wedding. In addition, the giving of bridal shower favors has also become an important part of the party. Usually, this is the time when relatives and close friends give inspirations, advices, and moral support to the wife-to-be about the new life she is about to face.

It is said that celebrating bridal shower originated from the giving of dowry practices most especially when the parents of the bride is poor or when the father disapproved the marriage and does not like to give dowry to her daughter. In this case, the friends of the bride help her by giving gifts to compensate for the dowry. This would allow the bride-to-be to marry the man of her choice.

The traditional gift giving of bridal shower favors has continued until today, though not on the idea of giving dowry anymore, but to help the new couple with things they would need as they start living on their own. In addition, the occasion becomes an opportunity for the guests to ask the bride-to-be as well as the groom-to-be the gifts that the couple wishes to receive.

Nowadays, the traditional celebration of gift giving by the friends and relatives is now highlighted with gifts coming from the bride. The guests are anticipating bridal shower favors.

Bridal shower favors, just like the wedding favors offer many kinds of gifts that one may choose from. The choice would depend on the wedding theme, the price of the items, and the meaning that the bride would like to convey. The gifts could reflect the personality of the bride as well as what or how she feels for her upcoming wedding. It could be anything from edible treats, useful things or handmade crafts.

There are so many bridal shower favors that could match the preference of the bride. A lot of popular and personalized items are available in the market. Some popular items include small bags or purse, cute wine stoppers and can openers, heart-shaped candle tins, flowerpot pens and many more. Personalized items include wedding cake cookies, chocolates, cute glass jars, love note pads, scented candles, and others in which the names of the bride and the groom could be printed and placed on the items.

All of these gift ideas could be found in the internet. Hence, the bride could very well decide which design and type to choose. The available gift ideas could easily be incorporated on what she likes and also match her available budget.

There is one important thing to remember when sending out invitations to shower parties, the bride should invite only those that are to be invited to the wedding also.

Whatever gifts the bride decides to give to her guests during the bridal shower, it is always the thought that counts. The guests will feel appreciated more by the simple gesture. Planning for the wedding is already a hard task, and for them to be remembered will give so much happiness for them.

Weddings are such joyous occasion that everyone participating in the wedding entourage are excited to experience its preparation. You can begin with bridal shower favors that will display a stunning effect on this big day. Or you may want to try bridesmaid jewelry.

Scarves: A Must – Buy Accessories

Posted in Crafts on May 8th, 2010 by Ron Smith – Be the first to comment

Long ago, scarves are a necessity because of the function it serves to the body. In cold climates, men and women use scarves alike to warm their bodies. It is usually worn around the neck to warm the exposed skin. In warmer climates, especially in the desert, scarves are worn as a protection from the harsh elements like sand storms. It is worn around the face to cover the skin, or used as a veil to completely cover the head down to the neck.

However, in modern times, scarves do not only serve its functionality but is also a fashionable statement as well. A lot of people now wear scarves and these are specially worn by women. Scarves are those must-have accessories every woman should invest on. The great thing about scarves is that it is not expensive like jewelries. Scarves are also not hard to store and keep in the baggage when traveling.

Investing in scarves is essential and most believe it is a necessary accessory to carry around because it is fashion and function rolled into one. Scarves are used to as a fashion to express who you are as a person that is why it is available in various shapes and sizes. Men and women alike should invest in one and the lists below are the reasons why:

There are reasons why a person must invest in great quality scarves. Firstly, it will not weigh down your budget. Scarves are very affordable that once you start buying one and loving it, one may actually get addicted and collect different scarves. Designer scarves are the cream of the crop and undoubtedly will cost a fortune. To find good ones, you can visit vintage thrift shops. You will find a scarf that is so unique others will envy you for it.

* It is a great fashion statement. Scarves can now be worn any way you want to wear it. For an effortless bohemian chic look, tie it around your head as a headband. Alternatively, tie it around your forehead and head for hippie peace loving look. Tired of the same old-fashioned belts, then use scarves instead! Celebrities are seen to tie their colorful silk scarves around their neutral colored bags. It gives that instant boost of liveliness to their whole ensemble or look.

Thirdly, it is functional and practical. Aside from the fashion advantage of scarves, of course it is also practical at the same time. It warms up the body in cold breezy weather and makes you fashion model chic. It also protects parts of our skin that we do not want to be exposed to the sun.

* It is great for traveling. Lightweight scarves are the best accessory to carry around when you are traveling. First is because it does not take up a lot of space from your luggage. Carry this instead of heavy-duty jackets. This is great to have during summer travel vacations.

Timeless or classic: Scarves are said to exist even in the olden times. However, the great advantage of scarves is that it never goes out of style. It is always in and the women of the modern times have scarves in their wardrobe. For a classic touch of elegance and class, scarves around the neck are the perfect way to wear it.

Using scarves is a unique way to accessorize your outfits. It not only makes you look elegant and stylish; it also adds glamour to your fashion statement. Or you may want to try square scarf.

Bridal Jewelry: Making Every Bride Look Beautiful And Elegant

Posted in Crafts on May 4th, 2010 by Janeth Green – Be the first to comment

Wedding day is the most important and special day in your life and you would naturally want everything to be perfect and up to the mark. When choosing your wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, bag etc. you look for very little details. Ideally, you look for a stylish, elegant and sophisticated piece of jewelry matching your dress. You either may go for traditional look or can opt for modern looking designs. Trends in jewelry also keep on changing with every season in accordance with the changes in fashion industry. You have to know what is “in” to look fashionable.

If you know what exactly you want then you can also have the option of customizing your bridal jewelry or can ask a designer to design it for you as per your requirement. Also, it is important to focus upon your hairstyle as well. Many jewelry designs look very elegant if you have a proper hair do.

Wedding in modern times are theme based which means that right from the decoration to the wedding dress and even the food is well coordinated according to the theme of the wedding. Most of the bride can compromise on other things but she will not be willing to compromise on her wedding jewelry. They are not just for the wedding day, but are valuable belongings that will stay with them lifelong.

Choosing the right bridal jewelry is very important.

Colored Stones: Most of the couple are breaking the norms and exploring new designs other than the conventional looking diamond jewelry. They are willing to experiment with pearls and precious stones. Pearl looks very elegant and beautiful. You can have a perfect match as per your wedding gown.

Layered Jewelry: Layered jewelry is also quite a fascinating option. You either can drape it long or can also wear it around your neck as a choker. No matter which way you wear, it always looks very nice. These layered necklaces can be found in beads, pearls, and even colored stones. Match it up with your dress and give a new style and a fresh look.

Adding a classic bridal jewelry in your wardrobe can also be a good option. You can pair up a pearl neckpiece with a drop earring and add elegance. You can also wear it to your work place as they help in giving a more classic professional look. This classical jewelry cannot go wrong for any occasion and are always in fashion. You can team them up with an interview suit and semi formal dress or with a pair of pants.

Silver jewelry is also a very good option for couples have a low budget. But just because you have small budget does not mean that silver jewelry does not look nice as others. They are as much appreciated as other jewelry pieces. It is basically every individuals persona choice and liking.

Accessorize yourself with Bridal Jewelry that will make you look lovely on your wedding day. These wonderful designs will surely match your gown. As you march down the aisle, people will gaze at you in awe and admiration. Or you may want to try Bridal Pearls from www.silverlandjewelry.com.

When Soap Making Becomes A Hobby

Posted in Crafts on May 1st, 2010 by Jen Hopkins – Be the first to comment

The art or hobby of making soap needs a soap maker to have the proper materials for their craft. Molds for soap making and other supplies can simply be found in different places, as long as you know what it is you’re looking for. In fact, many novice soap makers uncover that they don’t really need to purchase anything new in order to start their hobby. Making soap recipe with no usage of lye completely is not viable so it’s completely your desire to use lye in your soap production process or you feel like trying your hands in glycerine based soaps.

The people who are sensitive to chemical substances are warned not to use lye directly but it’s present in the glycerine soap that would be melted and poured in the process. Lye, if used in accurate proportion can decrease the symptoms of eczema and can function in place of bleach on skin while in other cases it can cause severe burns. Lye is necessary to extract the reaction of fats and oils to turn into glycerine and soap molecules. Soaps can also be made from soap scraps found in your bathrooms by accumulating some ingredients and then recycling it through proper soap making process.

Most of the formula entail handling of tools like rubber gloves, stainless steel pot, thermometers; stick blenders, plastic containers with lids and lye whose fumes are caustic and quite dangerous. First step is to warm the lye and then let it cool for 2-3 hours, after which ingredients are mixed using stick blenders. As the process completes, soaps are poured into moulds and after particular interval of time depending upon your soap making recipe and the ingredients, their pH levels are being checked which should be 7-9. You can grow proficiency in soap making process by trying out diverse soap making formula using different ingredients.

Glycerine manufacturing process entails no direct utilization of lye but it is enclosed in glycerine soap base used in the soap making process which is being melted to eliminate all the dampness present. Slowly and progressively, you can add your favourite colour, oils and fragrances while stirring it so that it attracts all the ingredients and becomes smooth. The hot blend is then poured into moulds which are then hardened for additional usage.

Soap making or manufacturing is widely used as a cottage industry business and a probable profits producing enterprise because the procedure involves no complex ingredients and hardly any investment. Above all, people love the luxury of homemade soaps devoid of any damaging chemical substances.

Jen Hopkins has worked in the skin care industry for years. She maintains websites about how do you make soap, and how to make soap. If you want to contact her, you can use the contact form at one of her sites.

Cheap Kitchen Cabinets-Renovating The Kitchen

Posted in Crafts on April 29th, 2010 by Benedict Perez – Be the first to comment

Bored with your same old kitchen and planning to renovate it? Then there are certain things that you should know before you start on. The latest designs of kitchen cabinet available in the market leave you with lot of choices. These cabinet help in achieving a completely new look and help in making the kitchen look trendier. Making the right choice is very important in order to achieve the right look. So it is wise that you do a market research and spend some time analyzing the various options available. Matching it with the color scheme and theme is very important.

If you are not willing to spend a huge amount and want to keep the expenditure low, then looking for cheap kitchen cabinets is wise. You can find a perfect looking design even in low price but it will be require lot of effort to find one. Not always, you have to compromise on the quality when looking for cheap kitchen cabinets as sometime you can also get them under discount. Before we go shopping, let us first understand the various options that are available in the market.

Just because you are on low budget does not mean that you have to compromise on the quality. When looking for cheap kitchen cabinets before you go shopping looking for one, first understand the various option that are available in the market.

Semi-Stock Cabinets: Even the semi stock cabinet is a good option for people looking for renovating there kitchen but are low budget. You can also find these cabinets in various styles, designs and color to fit every kitchen. They are made from a wooden front and one good thing about such cabinets is that you can have them customized as per your own kitchen requirements. Look for one made from a thicker plywood as they will be more durable and will last longer.

Custom Cabinets: These are one of the cheapest cabinets available in the market. But this does not mean that you have compromise on the quality. Since they are made from solid wood, they are of good quality. Finding them at your home improvement store is not difficult. If you are lucky then you can also have discount scheme running. The best way to get them cheap is to ask a cabinetmaker to make them using engineered wood that is cheaper and easily available.

Now since you have all the ideas when looking for the cheap kitchen cabinets, you can shop and revolutionize the complete look of your kitchen making it look more colorful, vibrant and new again. Do a lot of research in the market and find the best deals running.

After reading about the various cheap kitchen cabinets options, you definitely would have got an idea about what to look for. There are many other options also available that you can consider as well. You can shop and revolutionize the complete look of your kitchen making it look more colorful, vibrant and new again.

You have lot of option in the market these days and they are available in all types of shapes, styles, color and design. If you research properly, you will definitely be able to find some good deals.

There is a way to enhance the appearance of your kitchen and you can do that with kitchen cabinet. These designs are lovely and it is durable as well. You certainly find elegance and style in these items. Or you may want to try discount kitchen cabinets.

Wood Plans For Free – Are They Worth The Time? – Very Good

Posted in Crafts on April 29th, 2010 by Raul Gonzalez – Be the first to comment

Can you uncover wood plans for free? Having built my fair share of wood projects over the years I came for the conclusion that it is worth paying a little extra and get a collection of phase by stage woodworking undertaking ideas.

Often being on the prowl for new wooden plans without charge, I observed myself shelling out an awful tremendous amount of time searching for that quick to understand perfect plan. When I look back on it now I realize I was paying several hours attempting to locate some thing at no cost when I could have been wasting that time actually developing the project!

Within the long run when you plan on developing a number of products you’ll be far better off wasting a few bucks on good quality strategies that are straight forward and well detailed as opposed to running around the Internet on the lookout for wood projects without charge. If you’re new to woodworking you would be improved off purchasing a nice collection of strategies instead of searching for wood strategies for free. I have discovered that no cost wood strategies is often too complicated for the apprentice to follow, so you end up wasting loads of time attempting to figure everything out.

Or the opposite is usually true, there is just not adequate facts with absolutely free programs leaving you frustrated and discouraged. Getting wood strategies without cost will usually give you a good overview of a task but can leave you hanging without phase by stage instructions. If you have a whole lot of woodworking knowledge absolutely free plans may well be very good enough for you.

As you know free of charge doesn’t normally mean cost-free. Very generally lots of sites will entice you using the word “FREE” in their title some where, after all we are naturally drawn to absolutely free stuff. Then if you go on the website you obtain wooden ideas for free which might be incomplete or so general that they aren’t really plans at all. (Just a word of caution).

Don’t waste hours On the internet looking for wood strategies totally free when you is usually utilizing that time constructing the challenge.

We provide a lot of plans for you such as, loft bed plans , crib plans , platform bed plans and many more, please visit http://nicewoodworkingplans.com

The Tradition Of Wedding Favors

Posted in Crafts on April 27th, 2010 by Danny Ricks – Be the first to comment

Wedding is such a momentous event in the lives of a couple. It is a much-anticipated occasion in their lives. They allot ample time for the preparation of everything needed before such event. One of the highlights of a wedding ceremony is the giving of wedding favors. The newlyweds distribute gifts to their guests as a form of appreciation for sharing with them this very special occasion.

Giving of wedding favors started centuries ago. It is said that in the 16th century, the rich Europeans used to give their wedding guests souvenirs or what they call bonbonniere. A bonbonniere is a small box made of porcelain, crystal or precious stones that contains sugar cubes or confection. For them, it symbolizes royalty and wealth. Other custom involves the giving of five candies that embodies the five common wishes of newlywed couples such as health, happiness, fertility, longevity and wealth.

The traditional gift giving of sugar and candies have changed over the years. These were replaced with sugarcoated almonds given in set of three or five. Sugarcoated almonds in 3’s means the husband, wife and future child while a set with five almonds represent wishes for happiness, health, fertility, longevity and wealth.

Other wedding favors depend on the cultures and traditions of each country. Like in Malaysia, couples give a hand painted egg that symbolizes fertility. In Japan, paper cranes made by the bride and used as decorations during the wedding are also given away. The paper cranes symbolize fidelity, good fortune and longevity.

Over the years, gifts being used for weddings have evolved. The sugar, candies and almonds are now being replaced with more personalized and more practical souvenirs like picture frames, scented soap and candle, compact discs containing the favorite songs of the couple, glass coasters, wine glasses to name a few. Some couples also prefer that their names are printed or engraved on the souvenirs. For some, herbs and fortune plants are also used as giveaways.

Wedding event organizers also offer in their package the preparation of wedding favors. The couple to be wed could choose from the many available wedding souvenirs or they can design one that suits the taste and preference of the couple. In addition, the internet is a rich source of the types and designs of the gifts they could ever think.

Souvenirs need not be expensive to be remarkable. It could serve its ultimate purpose as long as it reflects the personalities of the couple combined with the theme they have selected for their wedding. If on a budget, they could buy the item they want in bulk, make the souvenirs personally, and come up with an elegant style using not so expensive materials.

Wedding favors need not be expensive to be unique or outstanding. The most important thing is that the newly weds show appreciation to their guests who spend their time and share their very special moment. It is a symbol of gratitude that reminds them that they were a part of such unforgettable experience in the lives of a newly wed couple.

Wedding favors have gone customary these days. This is because the groom and the bride say farewell to singleness by thanking the guests who graced such occasions as bridal showers. And these come in many different varieties these days. Also try choosing some beach wedding favors from www.momentsofelegance.com.

Personalized Wedding Favors- Symbol Of Gratitude Towards Your Wedding Guests

Posted in Crafts on April 12th, 2010 by Benedict Perez – Be the first to comment

Wedding favors are important part of any wedding. They are the representation on your love, respect and gratitude towards your wedding guest. Depending upon your budget, you can find many wedding favors with unique ideas which can add excitement to your wedding party. When calculating the expenditure, make sure you multiply cost of each gift with the number of guest in order to know the total expenditure.

Every couple dream of making their wedding a perfect occasion and they work hard taking care of every detail. But this does not mean that you have to lose your sleep. There are many options and surely, you will find one that you find prefect for the occasion and for your wedding guests.

You can also opt for personalized wedding favors as they are quite unique and even the guests will appreciate the effort that you put in. They are quite noticeable and even your guest will remember your wedding day every time they will look at the gift.

If you have a creative mind you can always make a simple gift look exclusive. You can also find many online ideas about personalizing the gifts and these are very quick and easy to do ideas. Most common gifts are edibles like chocolates, cookies, cup cakes, candy are quite popular gifts and you can very easily personalize then by adding your name and wedding date. You can also have them in your favorite color and design them as per your wedding theme. Packaging can also be done creatively by packing them in elegant looking boxes to make your wedding favor one of a kind. No matter what favor you decide, one thing to remember is that it should reflect you as a couple and this would surely be appreciated by your guest.

If you are a music lover then you can compile your favorite songs and include the songs used in your ceremony or reception. Another personalized wedding favors idea can be giving decorative table accessories which do not even go waste. Also if you have a wine maker in the family you can give your guest a uniquely labeled homemade wine bottle commemorating your wedding day.

When it comes to distributing the personalized wedding favors to your guests, the simplest way is putting it on each table. A good packaged wedding favor can add to your table decoration and enhance the look. You can also have them placed later in the evening but make sure they are enough for each guest and none is disappointed. Make sure you have few extra so that in case if any of the guest losses his you can always personally hand them another gift.

You can also ask you friends to help you in distributing these personalized wedding favors to your entire guest. No matter which one you choose make sure you are pleasant and thankful for their presence.

Depending on your budget you can choose this wedding favors. Your guest does not expect any lavish gift from you, so it is all your personal choice and liking. These gifts are tokens of your love and respect for your wedding guest.

Weddings are such joyous occasion that everyone participating in the wedding entourage are excited to experience its preparation. You can begin with unique personalized wedding favors that will display a stunning effect on this big day. Or you may want to try groomsmen gifts.