Christmas Tree Candle Lights

Christmas tree candle lights are one of the oldest holiday decorating traditions. In years past, real candles were used to light the Christmas tree. Modern candle lights are not real candles at all, but cleverly crafted replicas that don't need an open flame to light up the tree.


Historically, candles were used to decorate Christmas trees in an attempt to capture the look of the stars twinkling in the night sky. Back in the days when strings of electric or battery-operated lights were not yet available, candles were the lighting method of choice for most decorative displays.

Christmas tree candle lights are smaller than ordinary candles. The weight of an average taper, for example, could not be supported by a pine branch. These small candles were attached to the branches of the tree and lit one by one, creating a glowing atmosphere. The light flickered and reflected off of the shiny holiday decorations on the tree.

As Christmas decorations have evolved, they have become much more safe and practical. While candles are lovely on a Christmas tree, they do pose a fire hazard, especially if there are young children or pets in the house. The open flames, resulting smoke, and melting wax can cause fires as well as damage to floors, ceilings, walls, and the other decorations on the tree.

Strings of flameless candle lights, run on electricity or batteries, resemble the look of real candles. You can even purchase sets of these lights that will flicker just like a lit candle would.
Some people still use wax candles to decorate their trees, though many don't ever light them. Real candles placed on the tree near their electric counterparts can give the tree an old-fashioned feel with modern safety and convenience in mind.

Christmas tree lights that look like candles can be purchased wherever holiday decorations are sold, such as department stores, home décor outlets, and even hardware stores. You can also find them at online retailers.

Here are some examples of candle lights for your Christmas tree and where you can purchase them.
D. Blumchen and Company – Blumchen specializes in holiday decorations, and they actually sell clip-on Christmas tree candle holders and small real candles to fit in them. They recommend that you never light these candles, however.

The candle holders are bright and shiny with seasonal motifs, and the candles come in traditional red or white. 1-800-Doorbell – This online shop carries an LED candle light that slips onto your existing string of tree lights. You can use as many or as few as you'd like this way, and space them out according to your own preferences. They are light-weight too, so you don't have to worry about weighing down the branches.

This strand of lights that look like little candles is battery operated. They would be perfect for a table top tree, or a Christmas tree located where there is no outlet nearby to plug lights into. You could also string them along a strand of garland or on a large holiday wreath.

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland – Back in the 1960s and 70s, colored bubble lights were very popular. These lights are brightly colored in all shades of the rainbow, and feature a "bubbling" light that resembles boiling liquid. The top of these lights are made to look like candles. If you're after a retro look with your candle tree lights, these are the ones for you!

Whether you decorate your Christmas tree with a carefully planned color scheme and matching decorations, or you tend to use a hodgepodge of baubles and sentimental ornaments, candle lights are a great addition. Try adding a strand of flameless LED candle lights to your tree, or a few carefully placed single candle lights. You're sure to enjoy the warmth and traditional feel they will bring.

Candle Making - Votives, Pillars and Molded Candles

Most people choose to start their candle making by making container candles, but a few choose to begin with molded candles. Most often molded candles, such as votives and pillars, are a step for an experienced candle maker.

While making molded candles is not necessarily more difficult than making container candles, they do require a little bit more technique, more supplies and require more time in deciding the best use of additives and learning how to use molds which is the main difference between container candles and molded candles.

Instead of pouring melted wax straight into a container where the candle will set up permanently, molds are used to cool the candle into a desired shape and are then released from the mold. Using molds requires the use of a release agent to make sure the mold comes off of the candle once it is cool.
 
Candle molds can be purchased at most craft and hobby stores, however you will find a much wider selection at one of the many specialty candle supply retailers online.

Another difference between container and molded candles is the type of wax used in making them.

Molded candles use medium to high melting point wax. The waxes are typically much harder than those used for containers. When purchasing your wax, be sure to read the wax descriptions to see if it is made for use in the type of candles you are planning to pour.

Votive candles are one of the easiest molded candles you can make. They also require less wax to make than pillar candles, so they are a great choice for the beginner candle maker.

If you choose to purchase supplies from an online specialty candle making retailers, they usually offer instructions for every type of wax they sell.

Many of these sites also offer message boards where you can pick up some valuable tips from experienced molded candle makers to help you save time and money on troubleshooting.

If you choose to buy your supplies elsewhere, there are many books available on the subject of candle making that are sure to take you in the right direction.

I found a great candle making book that you should check out: 
Candle Making Secrets  
     

Jeweled Votive Candle Holder

A jeweled votive candle holder can be a beautiful accessory for the holidays or just to add some sparkle to your décor. With a range of available designs, these glittery items can even be perfect gifts, wedding favors, or centerpieces.

Votive candle holders are versatile decorations that come in a wide range of colors, styles, and designs. Jeweled candle holders can vary widely based on several design factors, including…

Materials: Most jeweled votive holders are made of glass, and in some cases a single large piece of glass or crystal can be cut into the shape of one enormous jewel as a unique and bold candle holder. Other candle holders can be crafted from metal or ceramic and have jewels applied to the surface. Shape: Jeweled holders are readily available in basic cup shapes, round holders, flared cups, and square candle holders. The height of the holder can vary depending on whether the entire candle is to be shielded or if the flame will be above the edge of the holder. Display Style: How a candle is displayed can greatly impact the candle holder design. The majority of jeweled votive holders are simple cups that can be set on any flat surface, while more elaborate designs have pedestals or miniature centerpiece chandeliers trimmed with crystals and jewels. Jewel Application: The most common way to design a jeweled votive candle holder is to adhere the jewels to the side of the holder's cup in an array of patterns such as mosaics, shapes, or scenes. The gems can also be wired into different three dimensional shapes such as snowflakes or stars on the side of the cup, or can be attached to the edge of a cup to dangle freely.

If you can't find the perfect jeweled candle holder for your décor, it can be easy to make your own unique votive candle holder with jewels.

For a simple jeweled cup, you will need craft glue for glass and plastic, a plain votive candle holder in your preferred shape, and a selection of faux gems or crystals with flat backs. If desired, ribbons can be used for additional accents.

Clean the votive holder carefully so there is no dust or fingerprints on the surface. Use craft glue to attach the gems in whatever pattern you desire – alternating colors, shapes, or sizes adds great visual interest. Let the gems dry without being disturbed so they do not slide out of alignment. If desired, glue a line of ribbon at the top or bottom of the cup for additional color. Gluing the gems at the top and the ribbon at the bottom is usually preferred so the ribbon will hide melted wax as a candle is burned. Let the candle holder dry completely before use.

For this simple, fast project, you will need a small clear glass votive candle holder and a larger candle holder or glass container of a similar shape, several dozen loose faux gems or crystals (quantity will vary depending on the size), and a colored votive candle that matches the color of the gems.

Nest the small candle holder in the center of the larger container. If desired, you can use a small amount of craft glue to secure the smaller holder inside the larger one. Fill the interior space between the walls of the votive cup and the larger container with loose gems, but keep the level of loose gems slightly below the top rim of the votive holder. Insert the votive candle into the holder where it will coordinate with the gems.

This is a great project because it is fast and easy to do, and the faux gems and colored candle can easily be changed to match different decorations or holidays.

With a piece as lovely as a jeweled candle holder, display is important. These beautiful accessories can easily be added to larger centerpieces for extra sparkle, or several jeweled holders of similar colors or shapes can be grouped together to form a centerpiece of their own. A large, pedestal style holder is perfect by itself and can add a delicate vintage look to any décor.

No matter how your display your jeweled holder, don't forget proper candle safety:

Never leave a burning candle unattended and burn it only on a safe surface away from flammable materials. Keep delicate jeweled holders out of reach of children and pets. Wash the holder gently to avoid loosening any jewels or other accents.

Properly coordinated with the rest of your décor and displayed for a glittering effect, a jeweled votive candle holder can be a fun and beautiful accessory for your home.

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Candle Rings

Candle rings are a fast, easy way to accessorize your candles for elegant home decorations. With a wide range of styles available at inexpensive prices, there is a beautiful ring you can use for any decorative candle.

Rings are quick and easy candle decorations.

A candle accent ring is a circular accessory designed to slip around the base of a candle to add accents or decoration. While diameters and heights can vary for decorative rings, most are designed to fit pillar candles, though rings for tapers, jars, and votive candles are also available.

Candle rings can be made from a wide range of natural and artificial materials, and the design options are nearly limitless. Popular ring styles include:

Flowers and greenery Berries or fruits Autumn leaves, holly, or other seasonal foliage Grapevine, cedar sprigs, or pine boughs Beads or crystals Pine cones or nuts Christmas ornaments or other seasonal trinkets

Simple rings may be made from just one or two materials, while more complex designs may interweave different materials for a lush display. Colors, sizes, and combinations vary widely, and it is possible to find a ring to match nearly any home décor or special occasion.

With so many different ring designs to choose from, selecting the perfect option can be challenging. Ideally, the ring should coordinate both with the candle it is framing and with the overall décor it is part of. The ring may be chosen to match a season or holiday, or just to be part of a coordinated home design. To choose a ring for a candle, consider:

Occasion: Holiday candle rings should have holiday accents and colors, such as a holly ring with red berries for Christmas or a spring flower ring with miniature painted eggs for Easter. Season: When possible, coordinate the ring with overall seasonal décor. In spring, rings with tulips and gently colored flowers are appropriate, while rings with brilliant leaves, twigs, and nuts are best for autumn. Candle Size: Choose a ring appropriately sized for the candle in question. A very thin, low ring will look skimpy when paired with a thick, tall pillar candle, while a thick, mounded ring can overwhelm a taper candle. Candle Color: Give your candle decorations even more pop by coordinating rings and candle colors. A cranberry red candle is perfect for a winter ring, a warm amber colored candle is ideal for a fall ring, or a light lilac candle is suitable for a spring ring.

Decorative rings designed for candles are available at most major retailers that carry a basic selection of pillar or taper candles. Check the craft or home décor sections of stores, or look in holiday or seasonal sections for specialized rings. Candle and home fragrance stores, home décor stores, and antique stores also usually carry a supply of more unique rings, and craft stores may offer custom rings from their design experts. It is also easy to buy a basic ring and add coordinating decorations to it yourself, creating a personalized accent for your home.

Depending on the size, design, and materials, rings may cost as little as five dollars, but more elaborate, finely crafted designs can run 50 dollars or higher. Watch for seasonal sales and stock clearances to find rings at discount prices.

Decorating with a candle ring is as easy as inserting an appropriate candle into the ring and placing it on a table, mantle, or shelf. To draw the eye to your elegant ring, however, consider these decorating tips:

Handle both the ring and the candle with care, and insert the candle from the base only rather than sliding the ring down the candle. This will minimize any scratches on the candle. Customize a ring with easy to add accents such as floral picks, ribbons, or other small items to give it a unique look and to match your décor more closely. Give your candle ring a new look instantly by changing the candle periodically. Change a winter candle ring into a holiday piece by switching a white candle for a red one, or give a bold touch to a spring candle ring by switching from pale pink to sunny yellow. When not in use, wrap the ring carefully in tissue to protect delicate pieces and keep dust from settling in every crevice. This will keep the ring looking new and ready for another display.

Whenever candles are used, proper safety must be observed.

Place the candle and ring on a level, sturdy, fireproof surface. Only burn the candle in the ring when there are no breezes that could lead to uneven burning and excessive dripping. Keep the flame at least one inch above the top of the candle ring so the ring is not exposed to heat or wax. Keep the candle and ring out of reach of children or pets, and never leave a burning candle unattended.

Candle rings are beautiful, easy accessories that can add instant elegance to any candle display. By choosing a ring carefully and coordinating it well, even a simple ring can be a stunning decoration.

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Old Virginia Candle Company

The Old Virginia Candle Company offers beautiful aromatic candles and reed diffusers in a wide variety of delightful scents.

Old Virginia Candles had its beginnings in a Lynchburg, Virginia, garage in 1990. The company grew to become one of the leading candle developers, manufacturers and marketers in the United States with a factory and retail outlet store in Forest, Virginia.

Although throughout the years the company’s product lines changed to keep up with the latest in home styles and trends, their candles have always been of the highest quality. Several of the most significant recent changes made by Old Virginia Candles include:

Changing the name to The Virginia Candle Company Using the name WoodWick candles on their products Eliminating their line of cotton wick candles selling only wood wick candles Adding a line of reed diffusers

Made of premiums fragrances and natural wax blends, all WoodWick candles have wicks made of natural organic wood. Generally, candles with wooden wicks:

Provide a soothing crackling sound of wood burning in a fireplace Burn cleaner Have a clean smell

Virginia Candle manufacturers WoodWick candles in several styles and sizes including:

Large 22 ounce jar candles with a burning time of 180 hours (includes a wood lid) Medium 10 ounce jar candles with a burning time of 100 hours (includes a wood lid) Small 3.4 ounce small jar candles with a burning time of 40 hours (includes a wood lid) Petite 1.7 ounce jar candles with a burning time of 20 hours Pillar candles measuring 4 inches by 4 inches The Metro Collection, a collection of nine candle fragrances, is inspired by Metropolitan Living. Each candle is held in a beautiful metallic glass candle holder and packaged in a lovely gift box complete with vintage details. The fragrances of the Metro Collection are perfume inspired. The Trilogy Collection is an exquisite collection of candles each with a gorgeous blend of colors and scents. As the candle layer melts into the next layer, a new scent is created. Dancing Glass candles are a collection of seasonal fragrances. Each candle container is made of beautifully colored frosted glass with metallic designs. Depending on the fragrance, candle sizes include 22 ounce, 10 ounce and 3.4 ounces.

WoodWick Reed Diffusers are made of a combination of essential oils and concentrated fragrances.

Spill Proof Home Fragrance Diffusers do not use reeds Large 7.4 ounce diffusers provide fragrance for three months or longer. Small 2 ounce diffusers provide fragrance for four weeks or longer Reed diffuser refills include 7.4 ounces of liquid and reeds Wax Melts fill a room with fragrance when used in a simmer pot. A wax melt lasts for approximately ten hours. Car Scents, available in seven scents, are a great way to bring fragrance into a car, closet or other small space. Gift Sets include a variety of candle sets and Trio Gift Sets. Trio Gift Sets, available in six popular fragrance choices, includes a mini reed diffuser, a mini jar candle and a Car Scent.

Virginia Candle manufacturers more than five dozen different candle fragrances. Not every type of candle or diffuser is offered in every fragrance selection.

Cider Cinnamon Chai Fireside Vanilla Bean Pumpkin Butter Currant Biscotti Cranberry Fig Buttered rum Linen Autumn Sunset Honeysuckle Lavender Redwood Cabin Retreat Soft Leather Frasier Fir Mistletoe Magic Noel Cotton Flower Orange Gingersnap Golden Chestnut Applewood Agave Almond Orange Candied Berries Carmel Citrus and Herbs Holiday Hearth Jasmine Key Lime Coconut Orange Grove Petal Tradewinds Vintage Plum Un-scented Rum Raisin Urban Loft Velvet Blossoms Terrace Garden Soho Vanilla Ginger Saffron Brownstone Amber Gilded Spice Blue Regatta Christmas Fir Apple Festival Alpine Woods Autumn Orchard Brilliant Blossoms Berry Christmas Budding Flowers Exotic Spices Café Sweets Fruit Temptations Pumpkin and Spices Nature’s Retreat Wine Cellar

Old Virginia Candle Company products are available from many online retailers including:

If you are visiting or live in the Forest, Virginia, area you can visit the Virginia Candle Retail Outlet Store located at 17860 Forest Road.

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Ear Wax Candle

An ear wax candle is a tool that is said to clear the ear of wax using heat conducted from the candle. There are safety issues involved with these candles, but many people swear that they work, and help with a variety of issues related to the ears and health.

Ear candling is the process of burning a special candle made of cotton, linen, or other natural cloth while the unlit end is placed in the ear. While the candle burns, it is claimed that ear wax and other toxins are removed.

This process is also called ear coning. The ear wax candle is made by winding the fabric into a tight, narrow cone with a hollow center, and then soaking the cone in beeswax so that it will harden and burn like a real candle.

The subject of the ear candling starts off by laying on one side. The ear candle is then placed into the ear, and the opposite end is lit. Sometimes the candle is first fed through a paper plate or other tray that rests on the side of the head, to catch the dripping wax and prevent burns.

The theory behind this practice is that the heat from the flame in conjunction with the suction from the opposite ear on a flat surface creates a vacuum. This in turn draws out toxins and dissolves ear wax, collecting these undesired elements inside the cone. Each ear receives one or two candles, depending on how much wax and debris is thought to be present. The candles themselves are burned for several minutes at a time, then extinguished and relit.

After the procedure is finished and the candle has burned down to about four inches in length, the remains of the ear candle are cut open. Inside there is always some black and yellowish debris, which is claimed to be the toxins and ear wax. Critics of the practice say that this mess is actually just the result of the burning of the candle.

Any type of procedure that involves burning fabric and wax while it is inserted into your ear is likely to present some risks. Indeed, there are several risks involved and some of them could be quite serious. They include:

Burns from melted wax Deposits of melted wax into the eardrum Perforation of the eardrum from inserting the candle Hair catching on fire

There have been reports of all of these things occurring during a standard ear coning. If you decide to try this method of removing excess ear wax, proceed with caution.

Each country decides whether certain products are safe to sell to its citizens, and ear candles have created some controversy. In the United States they may be sold, but manufacturers may not make any medical claims on the packaging or promotional materials.

Canadian officials have banned the sale and use of ear candles in that country. In Europe, these candles may be sold and even labeled as safe to use.

Proponents of ear wax candles insist that they not only help to remove ear wax, but also cleanse the inner ear passages and even help with sinuses and other bodily systems.

Critics, however, claim that these candles can be extremely dangerous and don't actually help to remove ear wax at all. Some people who have tried this practice have ended up with melted wax adhering to their ear drums, risking their hearing and requiring surgery to have the wax removed.

Before you decide to try an ear candle or have the procedure done by someone else, consider all of the risks. Look into traditional methods of removing excess ear wax by asking your doctor about your options.

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White Barn Candle Company

The White Barn Candle Company is a popular designer of home fragrance products widely distributed through Bath & Body Works stores. With a range of signature scents and many scented products to choose from, it is no surprise that this company is one of the most popular for scented candles and related products.

White Barn candles are nature-inspired.

The White Barn Candle Co. is a division of Limited Brands (formerly The Limited, Inc.) based in Columbus, Ohio. The company manufactures home fragrance products in a wide range of scents and designs, and its products are exclusively available through either Bath & Body Works stores or specialized White Barn Candle Co. stores.

Home fragrance is a unique aspect of interior design, and there is a wide range of specialized products that can bring subtle aromas and luscious scents to your home. The White Barn Candle Co. manufactures several of the most popular types of home fragrance products, including:

Scented candles in different sizes, including multiple wicks and jar candles Scented oil infusers, such as the Wallflowers plug in oil warmer Room sprays in different sizes and scents

In addition to home fragrance products, the White Barn Candle Co. has included its scents in other products such as instant hand sanitizers and hand and body lotions. Accessories necessary to enjoy these products, including oil warmers, infusers, and burners, are also available under the White Barn Candle Co. name.

The White Barn Candle Company has developed more than 50 distinct fragrances that include both nature-inspired scents as well as nostalgic food-inspired scents. Popular fragrances include:

Sweet Pea Cucumber Melon Cotton Blossom Warm Vanilla Sugar Vanilla Coconut Freesia Peppermint Creamy Caramel Dancing Waters

Blended fragrances are also popular, such as the sultry Moonlight Path blend or one of the company's newer scents, the rich Dark Kiss blend. These fragrances combine different floral and aromatic scents for unusual and sophisticated options. The company's Tropical Escape collection is a more lighthearted, flirtatious group of fragrances such as Caribbean Escape, Seaside Escape, and Island Margarita.

A wide range of holiday and seasonal scents are also available, though the distribution for these specialty scents can vary and quantities and product styles are often limited.

Home fragrance items from the White Barn Candle Co., including both scented products and the accessories to enjoy them, are available exclusively through the network of more than 1,600 Bath & Body Works stores, including outlet stores. There are also a limited number of White Barn Candle Company stand alone stores, typically found in larger retail malls.

Depending on the type of product, the availability of the scent, and the size of the item, the price for White Barn Candle Co. items can range from $5 to $20 and higher. There are numerous sales, preview days, clearance events, and Bath & Body Works free home fragrance samples to take advantage of, however, and interested customers can always visit a local Bath & Body Works store to test different products and fragrances before committing to a purchase. Limited quantities of discontinued scents may be available at outlet locations or through discount online retailers and online auctions.

Bath & Body Works is well known for its extensive collection of home fragrance items including the Slatkin Scentbug and other home fragrance designer products from Slatkin & Co. and Henri Bendel, in addition to lotions, hand sanitizers, body washes, and other scented products featuring their most popular fragrances. Even if the store does not carry a White Barn Candle Co. product you are interested in, investigating their different options will lead your nose in the right direction for the perfect fragrance.

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