Brooke Martin
Candles have been used for centuries, dating back to the Paleolithic period when primitive oil lamps with lit wicks rested in a pool of oil or fat. The word candle comes from Middle English, Old English, Anglo-Norman, and Latin, all with similar derivations meaning to shine. In modern times, candles are used for ambiance, fragrance, and even emergency lighting. But what exactly is a candle? A candle is composed of a wick and wax, with the heat of the flame melting and igniting the wax, which then moves upward through the wick to maintain a constant flame. The type of wax, wick, and fragrance of a candle all impact its burn rate, or how quickly it consumes wax. The fragrance of a candle is determined by its fragrance notes, which have different layers of scents that are sensed at different times. These notes are created by fragrance oils, which are made from synthetic or natural ingredients.
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Candle holders
Candelabra
A candelabra is a decorative, branched candle holder designed to hold multiple candles. It is often made of metal or glass and can have two or more arms, known as a candelabrum. Candelabra are commonly used as centrepieces on dining tables or sideboards, adding elegance and ambiance to a room.
Candlestick
A candlestick is a tall, slender holder designed for a single candle. They are often made of metal, glass, or ceramic and can be ornate or simple in design. Candlesticks are versatile and can be used in various settings, from dining tables to bedside tables, adding a touch of warmth and sophistication.
Tealight Holders
Tealight holders are small, often decorative, containers designed to hold tealight candles. They are typically made of glass, metal, or ceramic and come in various shapes and styles. Tealight holders are perfect for creating a cosy atmosphere and can be used in any room, from the bathroom to the dining room. They are also ideal for outdoor gatherings, providing a soft glow and ambiance.
Lanterns
Lanterns are enclosed candle holders, usually made of metal or glass, with a protective frame around the candle. They are commonly used outdoors or in exposed indoor areas, such as patios or entranceways. Lanterns provide a safe way to enjoy the warmth and glow of a candle, shielding the flame from wind or other elements.
Votive Holders
Votive holders are small, typically glass, containers designed to hold votive candles. Votive candles are small, unscented candles that burn for an extended period. The holders often have a simple, elegant design and are commonly used in groups to create a romantic or intimate atmosphere. Votive holders are popular for weddings, dinner parties, and other special occasions.
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Candle making
Candle-making is a fun and easy activity that can be done at home. It is a great way to spend an afternoon and the resulting candles can be used as gifts for friends and family. The candle-making process requires a few basic supplies, including a stovetop or something similar to melt the wax. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own candles:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You will need a stovetop or similar heat source, a pot for melting the wax, a glass measuring cup or melting pot, a thermometer, wax (such as soy wax or beeswax), wicks, and optional colouring and scenting agents like non-toxic crayons or essential oils.
Step 2: Prepare Your Work Area
Candle-making can be messy, so it is recommended to use a dedicated bowl or pot for melting the wax. You will also need a heat source and a clean, flat surface to work on.
Step 3: Melt the Wax
Measure out your wax and place it in your melting pot or glass measuring cup. Create a double boiler by filling your larger pot halfway with water and placing the melting pot inside. Heat the water over medium heat, being careful not to let the water boil over or get into the wax. Stir the wax as it melts to ensure even melting.
Step 4: Add Colour and Scent (Optional)
If you want to add colour and scent to your candles, now is the time to do so. For colour, you can use non-toxic crayons. Add the crayons to the melted wax and stir until they are fully melted and combined. For scent, you can use essential oils. Add a few drops of your chosen oil to the melted wax and stir to combine.
Step 5: Prepare the Wicks
While your wax is melting, prepare your wicks by cutting them to the appropriate length and securing them in place with wooden clothespin.
Step 6: Pour the Wax
Once your wax has melted and any additives have been combined, carefully pour the wax into your chosen container. You can use small glass jars or purchase special candle moulds.
Step 7: Let the Candles Set
Allow your candles to cool and set completely. This may take a few hours.
Step 8: Trim the Wicks
Once your candles have hardened, trim the wicks to the desired length.
Step 9: Enjoy Your Candles!
Your homemade candles are now ready to be enjoyed or gifted to loved ones!
Candle-making is a therapeutic and artistic process that can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced crafters alike. With these simple steps, you can create beautiful and natural candles to brighten your home and the homes of your loved ones.
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Candle science
Candles are made from a fuel source, usually wax, and a wick. When lit, the heat of the flame melts a small amount of the wax, which then vaporises and combines with oxygen in the air to form a flame. This process is known as combustion. The flame then melts the top of the wax, which moves up through the wick and is burned, maintaining a constant flame. As the wax is consumed, the candle and wick shorten. The wax used is typically made from animal or vegetable fats, with early candles likely being made from plant materials dipped in animal fat.
The development of candle-making techniques has a long history. In the Middle Ages, tallow candles were common, though beeswax was preferred for church ceremonies due to its clean burn and lack of unpleasant smell. Beeswax was also a dominant material for candle-making in the Middle East during the Abbasid and Fatimid Caliphates. However, these candles were expensive, and most people used oil lamps instead. The technique of using a mould for candle-making was introduced in the 14th century, improving the efficiency of production.
The colour of a candle flame is due to the presence of different zones with varying temperatures and oxygen levels. The coolest part of the flame is the non-luminous Zone I, located around the base of the wick, where there is insufficient oxygen for the fuel to burn. Zone II, the blue zone, surrounds the base and has a plentiful oxygen supply, resulting in a clean, blue flame. Zone III is the dark zone, where unburnt wax undergoes pyrolysis at high temperatures. Zone IV, the middle, is the luminous yellow/white zone, which is the brightest but not the hottest. It is oxygen-depleted, leading to incomplete combustion of the wax vapour.
Today, candle-making has become a popular craft and business venture, with companies like CandleScience offering a wide range of supplies, including wax, fragrance oils, wicks, and jars. Candle makers can create custom scents and use different types of wax, such as soy, coconut apricot, paraffin, and beeswax. The fragrance load of a candle refers to the percentage of fragrance oil relative to the mass of wax, and the strength of the fragrance can be evaluated before the candle is burned for the first time.
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Candle history
The history of candles dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were the primary source of light for homes and played a significant role in cultural ceremonies and spiritual worship. The word "candle" comes from Middle English "candel", derived from Old English and Anglo-Norman "candele", which in turn originated from the Latin word "candēla", meaning "to shine".
In the Paleolithic period, primitive oil lamps with wicks resting in a pool of oil or fat were used, and pottery and stone lamps from the Neolithic period have also been discovered. Candle-making likely emerged after the early Bronze Age, as it requires a reliable supply of animal or vegetable fats. Objects resembling candle holders have been found in Babylonian and middle Minoan cultures, as well as in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Early candles were likely made from plant materials dipped in animal fat.
Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks are known to have used candles. The ancient Romans are generally credited with developing wicked candles by dipping rolled papyrus into melted tallow or beeswax. The Egyptians used beeswax for their candles as early as 3,000 B.C., and candle-making was also independently developed in China, Japan, and India.
In medieval Europe, candles were initially used in Christian churches, later spreading to the wealthy households as a luxury item. Beeswax candles were expensive and highly sought-after for their clean burn and pleasant scent compared to animal-based tallow. During the Middle Ages, tallow candles were the common household candle in Europe, and candlemaking became a guild craft in England and France by the 13th century.
In the 16th century, beeswax candles became luxury household items among the wealthy, and their use continued to grow in the 17th and 18th centuries. The whaling industry in the late 18th century brought a significant change to candlemaking, introducing spermaceti, a wax derived from sperm whale oil, which burned brighter and had a pleasant scent.
The 19th century saw major developments in contemporary candlemaking, with French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovering how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the creation of stearin wax. Candle use eventually declined with the advent of electric lighting, but they remain relevant today, taking on new roles in decoration and fragrance.
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Candle fragrance
There are three types of fragrance notes: top, middle, and base. Top notes are citrus or fruity and give a powerful first impression. Middle notes, also known as "heart" notes, are floral, fruity, or spicy. Base notes are woody or musky and tend to linger.
When creating scented candles, it is important to consider the desired strength of the scent, the environment in which the candle will be used, and the compatibility of the fragrance oil with the wax. For example, strong, warm scents like cinnamon or cedarwood are perfect for winter candles, while citrus or floral scents are ideal for spring and summer. To maximize the scent throw, the wax should be heated to the correct temperature before adding the fragrance oil, and the candles should be allowed to cure for 24–48 hours.
Some popular candle fragrances include lemon lavender, French vanilla, pumpkin banana scone, smoked vanilla and cashmere, and white strawberry bellini. These fragrances are designed to be true-to-life, expertly balanced, and multifaceted, with depth that is revealed as the candle burns.
In addition to natural ingredients, fragrance oils can also be used to create scented candles. These oils are crafted to deliver high-quality scents that last and are safe for use in soaps, lotions, and other personal care products.
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