Inspiration * Illumination * Indulgence
Welcome to Lasair's Article Section. Here, you can find articles on all manner of topics, from candle care, to inspirational topics... the metaphysical to the mundane. New articles will appear here for a while and then be moved to the archives.
All articles will be accessible through the archives page at any time by clicking here.
The current Archives Entries include:
Natural Cleaning using Ingredients from your Kitchen
A very informative article offering natural products to help with the daily household cleaning
Natural Wax Candle Care and Burning Tips
This innaugural Article offers helpful tips for using and cleaning up after plant-based candles. It is not intended to be the definitive, authority on the specific topic, but a general guideline for using these candles only. AS ALWAYS, Use caution and common-sense when burning ANY candle, regardless of place of origin or wax base.
A series of articles and scientific facts about our sense of smell, taken from many sources.
A personal note on celebrating Autumn, rather than seeing it only as a season of decline.
Another personal note on the trials and triumphs of a first-year candle-making business
A compelling discussion about the differences between Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil... and how they affect the environment.
****************************************************************************************************
Currently Featured Article:
Getting Crafty with Candles
Article written by Theresa A Johnson, B.Msc
July is here and summer-time is in full swing. The kids are home and looking for something to do. The date-book for outdoor family gatherings is filling up quick. If you’re like most folks, ‘tis not exactly the season for thinking about decorating with candles! But I’ve got a fun craft suitable for most all ages that will help occupy small minds, while creating memories, a keepsake and barbeque or picnic décor… simultaneously!
For this project you’ll need a few, inexpensive items:
1. Glass votive or other candle container (or substitute any ready-made container candle for this project, just be sure to cover the opening and protect from sand and/or glue contamination to the actual candle wax)
2. Colored Craft Sand (I found a box of six colors at my local WalMart for $5.00)
3. General All-purpose Glue (make sure it says it dries clear!)
4. Cheapie paintbrush (one you don’t mind tossing if you don’t want to wash out)
5. Paper plate (or other shallow container large enough to lay your candle container down flat in/on)
6. Masking tape (or other easy-to-remove tape)
7. Scissors
8. Ruler (for spacing- but ONLY if your chosen designs requires straight lines)
9. Small container for the glue/water mixture and big enough to dip your paintbrush into
10. Protective covering for the table or work surface (I used a plastic placemat that was easy to wash up afterwards and re-use)
Decide on your design… be creative! I chose my rendition of the American Flag (because it’s the current holiday ...Fourth of July aka: Independence Day), but you can create whatever decoration you and/or the kids like. My design goes all the way around the candle with the stripes (for effect)... but yours doesn't have to.
Mix glue and water in the small container set aside for this purpose. I used a ratio of 2:1 Two parts water to one part glue, but you can alter that ratio to suit your needs and skill level. My ratio was very runny so keep that in mind when holding your project . If you choose a larger part glue, there will be more sand required to cover that area and a longer drying/curing time.
IF you chose a design that requires spacing, lay on your masking tape to protect the areas of the container you don’t want to cover with sand. (For this project, I left alternating stripes clear by masking them off and removing the tape when the project was cured. The white candle inside provides the “white” stripes for my flag!)
Pour out plates (or shallow containers) of colored sand… one plate for each color required. It doesn’t need to be deep, just enough to provide a bit of a cushion and cover the bottom of the plate evenly.
Using your paintbrush, dip into the glue/water mixture and “paint” on a little bit of your design onto the glass candle container. * Why not experiment with other applicators? For example, for the pseudo-stars on my flag, I used cotton swabs. Different applicators will give different effects and since it’s just glue and water, clean-up is a snap. Have fun with it!*
Next, place the candle container, glue-painted side-down, into the colored sand of your choice… making sure the glue-covered areas are pressed firmly and evenly into the sand. * Tip: If you like the “folk-art”, primitive look, you’ll love this method of application, but if you prefer a more evenly coated look, try applying the sand in pinches and sprinkling it onto the glue-coated surface.*
Allow each side to set before moving onto the next one. When the glue has dried completely and is clear, lightly brush off the excess sand. * Tip: Because it helps protect the finished product from running glue as you work on other sides, leave the masking tape on until the final product is complete.*
When your entire project is dry, remove the masking tape, insert votive candle (if required) and proudly display your works of art at your next family gathering!
*Tip: These make fantastic gifts for kids to make parents or other loved ones for any holiday, official or impromptu! But most of all, the memories of spending time making these together will bring a sense of nostalgia for years to come.*