The Magical World Of Candles

Do you love the smell of fresh blueberries, apple pie, or rain? Do you enjoy the soft warm glow of candlelight? Then, why not combine those two favorites and transform your home into something inviting and wonderfully aromatic? I know. You have tried this, and for the cost of the scented jar candle, you could only smell pine from a foot away. Don’t give up just yet! By carefully selecting your scented jar candle, you can enjoy the smell of fresh pumpkin pie without ever once having to turn on the stove.

Emptor Caveat: Don’t Buy the First One You See!

Scented jar candles are in every discount store and outlet mall you walk into. You can buy one for as little as a dollar, but the scents of these cheaper versions will, quite often, not reach past the lid. So, emptor caveat or buyer beware! If you only want the candle for the glow, then the cheaper versions should work quite well; however, if you are looking for something truly aromatic, then don’t skimp on the cost.

Scented jar candles come in a variety of styles and types. For example, two of the current best quality scented candles on the market are Yankee and Salt City. Both of these are known for both the ability to last and the fact that they can take a room from ordinary to spectacular in no time at all. These are both either paraffin or petroleum-based candles, and are seemingly costly but well worth every penny in the end.

If you are the type who is most interested in all-natural products, however, do not despair. Soybean wax is currently being used to manufacture quality scented jar candles, among other styles, that rival their petroleum-based cousins in cost and effectiveness. While these candles are a little bit more difficult to locate, if the lack of soot and the ability to clean messes with soap and water appeals to you, then persevere.

Another benefit to using a scented jar candle as an air freshener for any room is that most come with a glass lid. The lid will keep dirt out of the candle when it is not in use, so you never have to try to clean the wax. The lid can also double as a means to “snuff” out the candle when blowing it out is simply not an option. If you’ve always wanted your house to smell like blueberries, but have never had any luck, try again. This time, you have a bit more information and aren’t likely to get caught buying the “glow only” type of candle again.

Who doesn’t love that wonderfully warm feeling a perfectly scented room can bring? What can produce that feeling better than the warm glow of a quality candle? Candles, however, are one of those things that can’t just be “picked up” online without concern. How is one to find a great scented candle online with minimal risk?

Step One: Know your Candles

Candles are everywhere, and like all prolific things, there are good and bad brands to purchase. If your goal is to buy quality scented candles online, the first step must be to know your brands and to only purchase quality merchandise.

The two most widely known and respected candle makers are Salt City and Yankee Candles. While Salt City is much younger, the manufacturer is available for direct purchase online. Also, Salt City candles are available in stores, so it is possible to examine and smell them before purchasing their brand of scented candles online.

Similarly, Yankee candle has been in business longer, and is also selling their scented candles online through a manufacturer’s website. As you can see, it is not difficult to find quality scented candles online providing you are well-versed in good brands to look for.

Step Two: Know the Company

Both Salt City and Yankee candles are available through manufacturer-based websites. These candles may also be purchased through innumerable smaller websites, but the risk is a lack of merchandise guarantee and whether or not this site is a scam.

Of course, if you purchase your scented candles online from a company that is well-established like Amazon or EBay, then risk is minimized. But, if the company name is something you’ve never heard of, like Pinky’s Candles, you may want to pop over to the manufacturer’s website instead.

Yes, Pinky may offer an unbeatable deal, but the candle may well not be what you expected when you get it. That is, assuming you get it. Ask yourself: is it not worth it to spend a tiny bit more for peace of mind and security? Be a little cautious when buying scented candles online and indulge your scents by purchasing a variety of flavors. You won’t regret it!

That perfectly scented room can be yours with a little care and by following these two simple steps: know your candles and know the company. If you purchase your scented candle online from either the Salt City or the Yankee candle websites, you are assured that you will not regret it.

Now, if you don’t want to buy scented candles - make them!
Here’s a video from two blondes on making scented candles - they say it’s easy!

Gardenia, lavender, Grandma’s cookies, blueberry and lemon pie only name a few of the aromas available when you shop for scented candles. Not only can you make your room smell like freshly laundered cotton, but you can also transform your whole house with a little creative shopping. A realtor will tell you that it is best to have one scent throughout your home when planning to sell, and what better way to do that than to burn scented candles.

What Kinds of Scented Candles are Available?

Scented candles are available in nearly every from imaginable. Jars, pillars, votives and even tea candles may be purchased in your favorite aroma, which will make it delightfully easy to create a uniform scent throughout your home. So, look around your house and figure out exactly what kinds of holders you already own, then go shopping and fill them with jasmine, bayberry or whatever strikes your fancy while standing in that aisle.

Caveat Emptor or Buyer Beware

Caveat emptor: not all scented candles are the same! Certainly, votives and other styles can be found at any discount store that you walk into. These candles seemingly have the same smells, such as pine and vanilla, which the more expensive varieties have. Quite often, however, their ability to carry the scent throughout a room is negligible. This means that if you want your money’s worth, then it is important to spend a little more and get the better scented candles.

Where do I Find Good Scented Candles?

Most good card shops carry high quality scented candles, as do most department stores, so start your shopping there. Once you have become familiar with the better brands, then it is time to branch out into overstock stores and other places. Recently, some better name candles, like Salt City, are finding their way to grocery store displays. There is always online shopping as well, but make sure that you have a good brand name, like Yankee, before going that route, because you cannot smell a candle through cyberspace.

Scented candles come in many shapes and sizes - just about as many as there are candles available. Today, there are even scented candles available that are made from all natural products like soybeans, beeswax and bayberry. The key to this purchase is, like with anything else you buy, caveat emptor. Because you get what you pay for, always make sure to visit a trusted seller of good candle products for your scented candles, and do not settle for less.

Many people are now very picky about the scents they have in their lives. Some individuals prefer to have their own scents like perfumes and colognes that they can spray or spritz on themselves. These scents usually cling to people for a minimum of an hour, to as long as the whole day, depending on the kind of perfume.

Richly Scented Candles with Aromatherapy

Other people use richly scented candles to make their area or rooms more aromatic. Richly scented candles can make a room smell so good that you do not want tot leave it immediately. Of course this depends on the kind of smell the candle is infused with. Some richly scented candles are infused with essential oil and other aromatherapy oils that can calm people down or soothe the person. Other scents can also revitalize or reenergize an individual, although these are not really that effective since it is your physical being that needs the energy and the vitality.

The overall effect of richly scented candles can ultimately change the atmosphere of a room. Usually the effect of these richly scented candles is to create a relaxed ambience that promotes relaxation and tranquility. People sometimes relax with an aromatherapy candle lit in their room. The effect of richly scented candles can do wonders for stressed out and overworked individuals.

Dangers of Leaving Lit Candles

One thing to look out for when lighting richly scented candles is the strength of the scent. Some people get dizzy or even sick because of the strong scent of the candles, while other may enjoy the potent aromas. Some individuals do not enjoy certain scents that can overpower them and cause a general nausea. Some richly scented candles are made this way, for those individuals who enjoy the stronger scents of aromatherapy. Always try to smell the candle before you purchase it, so that you are aware of the scent it promotes.

Another thing to be careful of when lighting any candle, may they be common candles or richly scented candles, is not to leave them lit for a long time in an enclosed room. The fumes that are emitted from these long-burning candles can become quite overpowering for some. Fires may also occur when lighting candles irresponsibly. Please make sure that candles are lit away from flapping curtains and other flammable materials. Make sure to monitor the lit candles to avoid fires, and to snuff them out when you leave the room.

Remember that time you wanted to make your house smell like Christmas? Remember buying the “Holly Berry” candles only to get them home with little more to show for it than the warm glow of candle flame? Remember making that promise to yourself to never get caught in that scam again? Candles, like any other purchase, fall under the guideline, “you get what you pay for.” If you only pay fifty cents for a votive, then a half dollar worth of scent is what you will get. On the other hand, when you buy a quality scented candle, you can bring a room alive with aroma.

Quality Petroleum-based Candles

The most well-known candles are those, like Salt City and Yankee, which are paraffin or petroleum based. These candles bring a room alive with scents like “Home for the Holidays” and “Blueberry”. The Yankee Candle Company began as a Christmas gift to Mommy in 1969, and has grown into a publically traded stock on the New York Stock Exchange. Yankee Candles are known for their rich aromas and are one of the premier quality scented candles on the market.

With a similar ability to transform a room into a garden, Salt City Candles are one of the latest and greatest competitors in the market for quality scented candles. While young compared to Yankee, Salt City Candles hold their own when it comes to long lasting aroma. Recently, this company has revived 19th century techniques for molding their quality scented candles. Also, unlike Yankee, Salt City candles are beginning to make appearances on the shelves of better grocery stores across the country, which means that an additional stop on the way home is no longer necessary.

All Natural Quality Scented Candles

As of the early nineties, it was no longer necessary to have to use synthetic materials to create long-lasting good quality scented candles. An all-natural variety made from beeswax was already available across the country in stores like The Body Shop. The problem with beeswax, however, is the cost prohibitive nature of the product. At nearly ten times the price of paraffin, most consumers avoid it.

In the late nineties, soybean wax was starting to be used to create an all-natural quality scented candle. These candles do not leave black soot behind and wash easily with soap and water. What’s more, they are comparable to the best petroleum-based candle in rich, delicious scent and approximately the same cost to consumers. While these all-natural varieties are not yet available on grocery store shelves, they may be purchased online or at your local natural market.

Whether you choose the all natural or the more tried-and-true paraffin candle, always remember to purchase good quality scented candles. This way, you will always have more than a warm glow to show for your candle purchase.

Pillar candles can be easily made, and are one of the more common candles available in stores. Many people have opted to make fragranced pillar candles to add to the ambience of their church or place of worship.

Making Fragranced Pillar Candles

Before you begin to make the fragranced pillar candles, you will have to collect all of the necessary items you will need to make your special, handmade candles. You will need wax (paraffin wax, soy wax or beeswax), a metal mold, a wick, a wick screw, a wick rod and mold sealer putty. You may also add dyes for more interesting fragranced pillar candles.

The first step in making your fragranced pillar candle is to melt the wax; most chandlers will recommend paraffin wax to beginners. Melt the preferred wax in a double boiler. While it is boiling, you can prepare the pillar mold with the wick on one end. For less difficulty in passing the wick in the wick hole, you can dip the end of the wick in melted wax to make a nice pointy end for threading through the wick hole.

After the wick has gone through the wick hole, you can tie the other end onto a wick rod or any ordinary wooden skewer (wood does not conduct much heat compared to metal rods). The wick must be firm from the bottom of the mold to the wick rod, not loose. You must tighten the wick screw at the bottom of the mold so that the wick will not move around while you are adding the hot wax. Do not over tighten the screw as this might damaged your mold or cut the wick. You can also ensure that the wax will not come out of the mold by putting mold sealer on the screw so that hot wax will not drip at the bottom of your fragranced pillar candles mold.

Check the melted wax to see if it has reached the right temperature and add the fragrance if it has. The ideal temperature for fragranced pillar candles is around 175 -185 degrees Fahrenheit. After mixing the fragrance thoroughly into the mixing pot, pour the melted wax carefully into the mold. Leave about ½ inch gap from the top of the mold. When the fragranced pillar candles have solidified a bit, poke some inch-deep holes near the wick for heat relief. After the fragranced pillar candles have cooled, refill the relief holes with more wax. Make the temperature higher this time for better cohesion. When the fragranced pillar candles have cooled once again, you can remove them from their molds and enjoy them.