You are here: Home / Archives for natural wax candles

Decorating With Candles – Natural Wax Candles In The Fireplace

July 12, 2011 By 2 Comments

Summer is a time of year that many of us have home projects that we are working on.  Maybe you are doing a fast make over like Tor Constantino of The Daily Retort did.  You can view his video of his family’s fast home make over by visiting  here.  Or maybe you just need to make a change to a room.

Creating a natural wax candlescape is easy and creates a great focal point for your room.

To create a simple candlescape gather the following materials:

  • A tray or even a plate that you are not using works great
  • Several natural wax pillar candles of varying heights
  • Choose a pillar candle color that accents your room making sure that they are the same color.

Place the pillar candles on your plate or tray making sure that you have at least an inch between them.  You can place decorative stones on the plate to add an interesting effect.  Place your tray of candles in your fireplace hearth and enjoy.

Candle Safety;

Always be sure to not light candles in a gas fireplace.  Keep lit candles away from children and pets.  And as always, never leave a burning candle unattended.

How do you place your candles on your fireplace?

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Natural Wax Candles, Ria's Collectables Tagged With: , , ,

Autism Awareness – April is Autism Awareness Month

April 16, 2011 By 2 Comments

Since April is Autism Awareness month, I thought I would help to educate some of our readers about some of the different forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder’s and how our candles and help a child that has autism.  Any form of Autism is worth mentioning, more importantly, it is worth learning more about. 

What is Autism?

Autism is one of three disorders in the Autism Spectrum Disorders.  It is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually see these signs begin before a child is three years old.  It affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells connect and organize.

 Asperger syndrome - Children and adults with Asperger lack delays in cognitive development and language.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified, this is also known as PDD-NOS or Atypical Autism.  This diagnosis is used when children show many forms of Autism and Asperger yet they do not completely meet the full criteria.

For parents of children that suffer from PDD-NOS, the simple tasks of going to the store or a restaurant  can and often is a major production.  Some children with  PDD-NOS will literally have a meltdown in public.  Just a change in the routine can be a stressful situation to the child. 

The Square Peg In The Round Hole

In a school setting, these children often have difficulties with social cues.  Which can create behavioral problems for them.  They are expected to be just like all of the other children.  Which simply won’t happen.  More times than not, schools are teaching curriculum but the child is not grasping and retaining. 

  1. Children with PDD-NOS often appear to not be paying attention, yet they hear everything that is being said
  2. Many lack the ability to stop and process a situation before acting on impulse
  3. Some have an unusual lack of fear. 
  4. Many have low IQ’s yet are very high functioning
  5. Melt downs in public are construed by outsiders as the child is throwing a temper tantrum
  6. They can be loud and often have to be told to use their quite voice
  7. Mainstreaming children into a normal educational environment although great for teaching social behavior, it sets them up for failure
  8. They are subject to the bully’s in school and will suffer the schools consequence due to their impulsive behavior to protect themselves
  9. They want to feel a sense of success

What You Can Do

If you know someone who has a child that has PDD-NOS, you know that the child maybe very spirited.  What you probably do not know is the impact on the parents.  Understanding what may not be disclosed to you is the first step in helping any parent with a child that suffers from PDD-NOS.

  • Many parents of children with PDD-NOS do not have major support systems.
  • They live private lives so that their child is not judged by society as being a “problem” child.
  • They do everything within their power to prepare the child for any change in routine there maybe so that it is less stressful on everyone.
  • They battle the education system for their child and other’s just like them to be taught how the child learns.
  • They walk out of parent teacher conferences feeling that the education simply does not understand.  Often times they do not.
  • They take the child’s inability to stay focused and on task in school very personally.
  • They prepare for war if they have to change a store that they would normally go to.
  • They are the child’s biggest advocate.
  • Often, the parent feels alone in a sea of wolves.

What Autism Is Not~

Autism is not  ADHD.  ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.  Often teacher’s commonly confuse PDD-NOS with ADHD.

If you would like to help parents with children that have PDD-NOS you can do many things.  Here is a list to help point you in the right direction.

  • Understand the impacts of PDD-NOS on the family
  • Realize the child is unique and not a problem child
  • Be a friend to the child, have a one on one special conversation with them even a 5 minute conversation helps both the parents and the child.
  • Suggest a craft project with them. 
  • Natural Beeswax Candles and PDD-NOS

PDD-NOS Accomplishment

Beeswax candles are a great project to do with children that suffer from PDD-NOS.  Here are some ways it helps the child.

  1. Math skills are applied to a fun project
  2. Motor skills are used.  Some children with PDD-NOS have problems in this area.
  3. The child receives a sense of accomplishment and praise from their finished project.

You can learn more about Autism and PDD-NOS by visiting the National Autism Resource web site.  If you would like more information about natural wax candle projects with a child that suffers from PDD-NOS, please contact me through my contact page which can be found by visiting www.riascollectables.com.  Just put PDD-NOS in the subject line.

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Creating Memories Tagged With: , , ,

How Natural Wax Tapers Add Value To Your Budget

January 4, 2011 By 1 Comment

Taper Candles

 

Have you ever purchased taper candles at your local department store?  We did this year for a couple of reasons.

  1. The color matched some of the florals within the custom centerpiece that we made and,
  2. I wanted to test the burn rate on not only the taper candles, but the matching votives as well.
  3. I also wanted to test the soot level that would or would not be emitted from the candles.

Thankfully, this centerpiece was not for a customer.  This centerpiece was a test and boy did the candles fail.

Wax

The candles were made of paraffin which is typically found in your local department stores.  The tapers were unscented while the votives had a great cinnamon-pumpkin spice.

Color

The color of both the taper and votive candles is a beautiful rust.  While burning the taper candles, I found that the tapers were actually over dipped with color instead of having a pure color straight through the candle.  Which meant that while burning, the inside of the candle was actually white.

Failure

The candles failed in a couple of areas.  The 10″ taper candles had to be blown out within 10 minutes due to the fast burn rate.  2″ within 10 minutes is far to fast for a candle to burn.  They also produced a large amount of soot while they were burning.  The drip however, was minimal. 

The votives failed within 30 minutes.  Here is why:

  • One votive literally fell apart and tunneled in the process leaving nothing but a disfigured shell.
  • One votive failed by becoming a complete blob.
  • Out of three votives, only one withstood the burn and lasted throughout our dinner.
  • There was an unusual amount of soot
  • None of the votives were able to last longer than an hour
  • Additionally, the closer they got to the bottom, the more soot was produced.

Natural Wax Tapers

Natural wax taper candles are made from just that, natural wax.  The following are some natural waxes:

  • Bayberry
  • Beeswax
  • Palm Wax
  • Soy Wax

Bayberry – has a beautiful natural olive green color and a natural fir smell to it.  Generally, candle makers will blend beeswax with the bayberry to help with the strength of the candle.  The natural bayberry candle is the only, other than the muted yellow of beeswax, that is naturally colored.  That means that the beautiful olive color is throughout the whole candle.   Typically, a true natural bayberry 12″ taper candle will last for almost 15 hours. 

Beeswax – pure beeswax candles can either be white or yellow.  It has a soft sweet smell.  Candle makers have a variety of ways that they actually make some of their beeswax candles.

  • Dipped
  • Hand Rolled
  • Poured

Hand dipped beeswax candles bring a very rustic look to your candle.  Hand rolled is usually from what is called honey comb sheets and are usually with color.  Poured is by actually pouring the wax into molds.  Typically, with a well made hand dipped beeswax candle, you should be able to obtain a burn rate of 1 inch per hour.  So, if you have an 8″ taper candle, your candle will burn for approximately 8 hours.

Palm Wax – Palm wax Taper Candles bring beauty to your table.  Palm is a vegetable wax and is a renewable resource.  Pure palm wax taper candles have a beautiful crystal effect throughout them which shimmers with the light.  They are very rigid and will burn for the same amount of time that a beeswax candle will burn which is 1″-1-1/2″ per hour.

Soy Wax – Soy wax taper candles are another vegetable wax.  Produced from soy beans that are grown here in the United States.  They are also a renewable resource and will also burn for approximately 1″-1-1/2″ per hour.

With a significantly longer burn rate and virtually less soot.  Your natural wax taper candles are the way to go. 

  • They allow you to be able to enjoy your meal while your candles are burning. 
  • The soot does not interfere with your meal
  • Your candles can be buring while you are entertaining and not just during your meal.

Natural wax taper candles do cost more than what you can buy in the department store, however, to obtain the same length of time that you want your candles to be lit, with a wax consumption of what we received, you would have to purchase two to three times as many of the taper candles alone.

With the burn rate of a natural wax candle, you could actually have several special meals with just one set.  Which brings you more value for your dollar.

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Natural Wax Taper Candles, Ria's Collectables, Taper Candles Tagged With: ,

Those Empty Bottle Moments

October 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Natural Wax Taper Candle

We all have those times when something someone has written has an effect on our lives.  The words just simply make sense.  I thought I would share some of my favorites.  So grab your favorite beverage, light a candle and enjoy.

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of reading the cookbook, “Empty Bottle Moments.”  Yes, I said I read the cookbook. You can read my review on it by visiting my Review of Creating Empty Bottle Moments.

This is not your ordinary cookbook, this is a cooking class mixed with great ways of bringing the family back to the table and enjoying each other’s company.

Chef Clive Berkman shares his love for the kitchen and his remarkable story of how he began cooking and how just simple little things can have a profound impact on our lives. 

What are some of your favorite stories about something you have read?

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Creating Memories Tagged With: , , , ,

Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Buying Natural Soy Candles

October 31, 2010 By 1 Comment

Candles are blended in our culture in numerous ways. Some are used strictly for their décor value, while others are used to fill rooms with their pleasing  fragrance. Candles can exhibit an extraordinary place in our ceremonies, such as in birthday celebrations, a romantic dinner, and weddings.

Watch the delight on children’s faces as they are being singled out to blow out the flickering flames from atop the cake, and in weddings, two are frequently used to elegantly light a single candle, symbolizing that two become one.

Of all the choices you have with  the different types of candles you can use, natural soy candles can be a very excellent choice. You can find soy candles in several different sizes and shapes, and in as many various fragrances as you can envision. If you have never given consideration to the difference that your choice in candles makes, here are some things you may like to reflect on:

1. Natural soy candles are not made from petroleum products. As you may be familiar with, petroleum is a non-renewable resource, which is being depleted at an ever-increasing speed. 

As the worlds general population increases, so does its power needs. Petroleum is the world’s major energy source, and as such it has reached an all time high. Soy candles, being made from natural ingredients, are not dependant on this stock of petroleum and are a product of a perfectly renewable source.

 2. When you burn candles made with petroleum products, you are also releasing into the air unsafe toxins. These toxins are sometimes carcinogenic in nature, which is something a lot of people do not recognize. Natural soy candles burn much cleaner than other candles, and do not include carcinogens, or any other toxins which are a trademark of petroleum based candles.

 3. The utilization of soy candles does not support the exploration and development of facilities, which can do further harm to our environment. You may not consider candles to be much of a strain on our eco-system, but consider the millions of candles being used worldwide, and you might see an unusual picture in your mind. Drilling for petroleum deposits comes with an ecological price, which can sometimes be larger than you could dream of.

4. Natural soy candles actually stimulate our nation, without any unsafe side effects to the environment. The soy products used to create soy candles are generally all domestically grown, so it helps to keep U.S. Farmers crops growing, and the small candle maker in business.

 5. Natural soy candles are not as messy as other types of candles. How many countless times have your candles burned, leaving a mess of wax to clean up? Some candles, especially those made with petroleum, can leave a horrid mess, which is tricky to clean – and they can leave wax stains, also. Soy candles clean up easily with a little soap and water.

Buying natural soy candles makes perfect sense when you reflect on all of the encouraging attributes they possess. You will not be giving up anything when you make the selection to utilize soy candles, they come in all of the fragrances you are familiar with and they are much healthier for you and the environment.

Which will you choose?

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Christmas Fragrance List

October 30, 2010 By 2 Comments

Christmas Fragrance

Are you looking for some great Christmas candle fragrances?  Here is a list of Christmas fragrances that are popular with natural wax candles.  Start making your list of fragrances you enjoy and please share what your favorites are.

 

Amaretto Nog

A holiday warmer of sweet almond and vanilla.  A strong intoxicating fragrance without the alcohol.

Apples and Maple Bourbon

An intoxicating blend of fresh Macintosh apples with woody undertones.  This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils, including Cinnamon.

Bayberry

It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas!  Bayberry scent is the perfect blend of fir and balsam with the just the right amount of nutmeg and spice.

Blackberry Marmalade

Our Cranberry Marmalade has been a best seller since the day it was first offered.  More berry, a bit more tart, but equally delicious.  This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils.

Spiced Wassil

For hundreds of years Europeans have warmed their homes in celebration with this delectably spicy punch. Apple, orange, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon make up this Christmas favorite.  This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils, including Orange

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Natural Wax Candles and Soccer

October 17, 2010 By 18 Comments

What Do Natural Wax Candles and The Seminole Boys and Girls Club Have In Common?

Have you ever thought of how similar kids that play soccer and natural wax candles are?  Have you ever thought about comparing the two?  Every year, we take on a new challenge.  The challenge is to help give back to the community and to help show children that they do not have to be a statistic.  They can be all they want to be but it takes the community to help. 

This year we focused on the Seminole Boys and Girls Club U9 Co-Ed Soccer team.  By doing so, these young people shared a gift that was absolutely priceless.  As a result, I had the opportunity to see just how much both kids and natural wax candles truly are.  Here are some examples of how they are similar.

  1. Smiles and the glow of a candle flame
  2. Determination and Team Work
  3. Memories and Caution
  4. Family and Community
  5. Natural and Gifts

A Child’s Smile and the Glow of a Candle Flame

Children have that magical glow that lights up like a candle when they smile.  It is that magic that only comes from seeing them smile without them knowing you are looking or when they hear that familiar voice. It is reminiscence of the magic that emerges when you walk into a room that is softly lit by candle light.

Determination and Teamwork

Have you ever seen the look of determination as children are playing soccer?  If not, you are truly missing a gift.  As each game is played, you can see the team work and determination just beaming through their face.  It is that satisfaction of playing the game, trapping the ball and making the goal that keeps their purpose alive and shining. With candles, it is the team work of the candle wick, the wax, and occasion coupled with the determination of the chandler to make every occasion radiant.

Memories and Caution

Most children have memories that burn deep within the mind and heart.  They never forget the soccer games that you did not show up at.  They will remember the parents that do make the time and effort to be at every game cheering them on.  They will also remember all the times that you are there.  Unfortunately, many children that attend the Seminole Boys and Girls club never have their parents attend one game.  All the while, they’re opponent team has a bleacher full of more fortunate children’s parents watching the game. 

Candles have a burning memory.  In order to achieve a proper burn pool, you must burn your candle one hour for every inch in diameter that your candle is large.  By doing so, your candle will burn clean to the edge of the container.  Failure to properly burn your candles will result in unused wax.  For pillar candles, you can actually train your candle to tunnel which will give you luminary glow as the candle burns deeper into the tunnel.

 Family and Community

 The Seminole U9 Soccer Team is comprised of a family of young people who come from different walks of life.  Mainly however, they are children who have found a family among their peers who strive to be the best than can.  They are taught that they may have a challenging home life, however, they can rise above adversity.

They help opposing teams learn sportsmanship by backing off the ball when the other team is losing.  Although they hate to give up the points, the children glow with satisfaction knowing they played a great game and they were able to give of themselves by standing back and watching the other team score.

Natural wax candles are a great fundraising tool.  Fund raisers are a vital part of every community center. The funds that are raised from the community help to support the programs that help keep these children off the street and give them a sense of belonging.  For many of these young people, the community center is there family.  It is where they learn respect, community involvement, and determination.  Candles are just one avenue to raise funds to help provide, the maintenance and up keep on the vans that transport the kids from school and to and from soccer games.  These funds also help to provide the uniforms the kids ware in order to play sports. 

 Gifts and Natural

 All children are a natural gift.  They touch the lives of many people, parents, teachers, coaches and neighbors are just a few of the lives they touch.  They help to make our life full and rich. 

 Natural wax candles touch the lives of many people.  From the bride whose table is elegantly lit by candle light to the romantic dinner for two.  Candles also make a great house warming, hostess, or simply I am thinking of you gift.  When you purchase candles through a fund raising program, you are helping to put books in community centers,  or gas in the community center van, or simply showing a child that someone cared enough to give a gift to help them succeed.

What is the difference between the Seminole U9 Soccer Team and Natural Wax Candles?

Heart and Soul

Obviously children have a heart and soul.  They can embrace you, hug you, laugh with you, and play with you. Candles on the other hand only help to create an atmosphere. One that children love to be incorporated in.

Yes, children and natural wax candles have a parallelism. Their glow, memory, and determination are all just part of the similarities. Natural wax candles however, do help to provide a child with the fundamentals of a better life by helping to provide the funds to support community groups such as the Seminole Boys and Girls club. 

Showing support comes in many different ways, from donating books, school and art supplies to just showing up at a soccer game, is simple ways you can give back to your local Boys and Girls club. 

So the next time you have a minute and want to do something good for your community, help be one of the adults cheering you local club on at their next game.  You will be glad you did.  You may also donate to the Seminole Boys and Girls Club by visiting this link.

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Where To Buy Natural Wax Candles

August 28, 2010 By 2 Comments

Natural Wax Candle Gift BasketNatural Wax Candles

Are you searching for that perfect gift?  Hand poured candles made from natural wax could be your simplest and most worthwhile solution.

Choose from natural wax candles that are made from

  •  
    • Natural Soy Wax
    • Bayberry wax, also known as the Christmas Candle
    • Bees wax
    • Palm wax

Benefits of Natural Wax Candles

  • Natural wax candles are eco-friendly
  • A renewable resource
  • Biodegradable
  • Burn longer
  • Burn cleaner

To insure freshness and quality, our candle products are custom, hand poured to your order. 

Our luxurious, bath products are sure to entice you back to a time when life was so natural, simple and care free.  Pamper yourself with the benefits of Goat’s Milk soap, enjoy the simple, natural elegance of soaking in the tub with our Bath Salts, Teas, or Fizzes, you’ll be glad you did.

Whether you are shopping for a “Special Someone” or you are shopping for yourself, you will enjoy knowing that our products fit just about any occasion you may need.

 As a family owned and operated business we take delicate care of our customers.  If there is an occasion that you are looking for that special gift and need help with, please use our contact form and we will be more than happy to help.

 Our goal is … Touching lives, one minute, one day, one flame at a time…one bath at a time.

So come and allow your heart to speak through our natural hand made products and gifts.  Visit our store at http://www.riascollectables.com

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Natural Wax Candles-What Are They?

August 28, 2010 By 16 Comments

With so many different candles on the market today, it is hard to determine what they are made of.  Are your candles blended or do you know what they made of?

Candles that are made using waxes such as bayberry, beeswax, palm wax, and soy wax.  Bayberry, palm, and soy wax are considered a vegetable wax and is produced from plants.  Beeswax is produced from bees.

Your candle should be made using either 100% of one of these natural waxes or a blended combination of them.

Eco-friendly products are becoming more important as families are becoming more aware of ways to use renewable, healthier resources within their lives.  Candles that are made from 100% natural wax are considered to be an eco-friendly addition to any house hold. 

Many natural waxes that are used in candle making today are also used in common, editable foods.  Such items include:

  • Palm Oil for cooking
  • Soy is used for a variety of foods such as crackers, salad dressings and tofu
  • Beeswax is used for coating cheese and other common house hold items

Are they really natural wax?

Just because you purchase a candle that states it is natural wax does not mean that it is 100 percent natural wax.

Candles are made from many products with paraffin being the top candle wax used within today’s candle market.  Be cautious and know what your candle is made from when you purchase it.  Here are some questions to ask yourself when you purchase your next natural wax candle.

  1. Is the  wax blended? 
  2. What type of blended candle are your purchasing?
  3. What type of wick is being used?

Is the wax blended? 

Many candles that are on the market as natural wax, are actually blended with paraffin.  In order for a candle to be sold with the term, made with natural wax, it only has to contain a portion of natural wax.

What type of blended candle are your purchasing?

Blended candles can be made from blending paraffin wax and beeswax, paraffin and soy, and paraffin and palm. 

What type of wick is being used?

Believe it or not, your candle wick plays a very important part with your natural wax candle.  You most certainly do not want a candle that is made from pure natural wax and then have a zinc core candle wick.

  • Commonly used natural wicks:
  • Cotton
  • Hemp
  • Paper cored

At one point in time, lead wicks were widely used for candles.  They have been outlawed within the U.S. candle industry since 2003.  Many small candle company’s proudly display on their web site that their candle wicks are lead free.  Check their web site just to make sure.

In today’s ever changing market place it is more important than ever to be knowledgeable about the products you are purchasing.  By educating yourself on the common terms of natural wax candles that are on the market today, you will know what your candle is made from.

Link to this post!
Filed Under: Natural Wax Candles Tagged With: ,