Articles

Candles Safety

At Early Settler Aromatherapy Emu Oil we endeavour to make all our products environmentally friendly and safe to use. We guarantee the safety of our range of NV Soy candles providing they are used responsibly and ALL safety precautions are followed. All candles should be treated with the utmost respect and used accordingly. Below are safety rules for container candles and melts, but can be applied to any type of candle.

• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Always light candles in a draught-free area.
• Keep candles out of reach of children and pets.
• Always remove labels and wrapping before lighting candles.
• Always place candles on a non-flammable, sturdy surface or holder to protect your surfaces from heat.
• Don't move any candle that is burning, as the wax could spill and cause severe burns.
• Always trim wicks to 5mm before each burn.
• Remember to put the candle out carefully. It is better to snuff a candle out which extinguishes the flame rather than blow on it as the liquid wax may be sprayed over surfaces and could damage curtains or furniture.
• A candle flame may generate significant heat so always allow a gap of at least 60cm above and position your candle well away from combustible materials.
• Do not leave candles burning if you leave the room or the house.
• Do not leave candles burning when you go to bed.
• Leave at least 6 inches between candles.
• Do not purchase candles with multiple wicks if the wicks are too close. The flame can join to produce one very large flame making it dangerous.
• Avoid getting match particles, dust or wick pieces in your candle wax. Any foreign objects may cause spluttering of wax.

Container Candles

• The wick must be trimmed regularly to no more than 5 mm.
• Keep the candle surface clear or debris.
• Candle must not be allowed to burn for more than 3 hours at a time.
• Containers MUST always be placed on a heat resistant surface.
• During the warmer months, container candles should be stored in an upright position as a hot day could melt the wax and the container will re-solidify in an uneven position.
• Burning candles with uneven wax will cause uneven heating risking the container cracking.
• Do Not Use if the container is chipped or cracked.

TEALIGHTS

• As with other candles, always burn tea lights on a heat-resistant surface to avoid heat damage to surfaces.
• Although Soy Candles burn cooler it is advisable to not allow the candle to burn for extended periods when the wax has fully melted.
• Although plastic, the heat will not melt the plastic, but it must be emphasised that they are to be burnt on a HEAT resistant surface.

Melts

• Ensure the oil burner is clean and dry
• Do not add water or essential oil to the oil burner.
• Once the tealight goes out the wax melt will harden again, and can be removed easily by sliding it out of the dish.

Storing Your Candles

Store candles in a cool dry place. If they are conatiner candles with lids, then make sure you replace the lid only when the flame is out. Do not use the lid to putout the candle.
Keep your candles out of direct sunlight. This will make your colour fade and if they get hot enough will melt your wax. Always keep your candles upright.

Early Settler Aromatherapy Emu Oil 168 Couangalt Rd., South Gisborne Vic. 3437 Tel/Fax: 03 54283043

Wedding Favors Tips On Making The Right Choice

Wedding favors are mementos given by newlyweds to their wedding guests as a gift for sharing their very special day. The gesture of giving wedding favors can be traced back to ancient times and has in the past been traditionally linked to European cultures.

They are increasingly coming back into vogue with a selection of classy giftware. Gone are the days of the simple, tulle wrapped, sugared almonds.

Today wedding favors have definitely evolved into very beautiful, unique and personalized keepsakes. They come in different shapes, sizes and colours. They are the most popular and way to thank your guests. There are really no restrictions on what you give.

Some couples still choose almonds, but now they are presented in colourful, cello wraps, personalized boxes, with personalised ribbons, noodle boxes or glass. We have candles, soap, silverware, chocolates, crystal, etc, etc The modern bride expects something that guests will view as the final touch to a well organised wedding, that says a great deal of thought has gone into it’s choice.

The current trend towards themed weddings means everything is colour coordinated, matched or personalised. Having something personalized to present to your guests makes the occasion that much more memorable and something that guests will always associate with a great day.

Guests do notice those special touches you add to your table setting.

With the right choice the wedding favour can be that final touch.

Here are some simple steps to help you make the right decisions in selecting your wedding favour.

1. Will you have a themed wedding or a traditional white wedding?
   
   
2. If you are having a theme, choose your theme and stick to it.
   
   
3. What is your price range? Determine what this is and stick to it. With so many different wedding favors around it is definitely hard to choose, but if you are having 200 guests the selection will definitely be based on the price. Decide whether you will be giving them to each person, to families or to all female guests. If you have your heart set on a higher priced item, save by giving one gift per family. Guests will appreciate one family gift rather than 5 of the same. At the end of the day, what do you do with 5. Once the number is decided on, make sure to order early and enough to cover all your needs and a few extra. Remember styles change very quickly, so what is available today may not be in six months time. Also consider the guests that may not be able to make it to the wedding. It’s a thoughtful gesture to offer them a gift of a wedding favour, particularly if they give you a gift. Larger items may be given to the bridal party as a thank you for attending to you on the day.
4. Are you buying finished products or do you intend to make your own. Making your own can save you money, but it can be quite satisfying particularly if you involve your wedding party. Don’t commit however, unless you have the time to make them. If you decide to make your own favors and have a large guest list then take the time to seriously think about how much work it will be. Don’t turn into Bridezilla!
5. Another popular trend is attaching the guest’s place card to each wedding favor, eliminating the need for a separate place card at the reception. Your printer should be able to help you with these.
6. Personalising your favors make your guests feel special and it makes it a great keepsake for your wedding. These days, almost any item can be personalized, so think of something creative that goes along with your wedding theme, and stamp it with your initials or wedding date. Remember favors will often reflect your personality and your gratitude so choose them wisely.
7. Wedding favors are all about presentation. Choose packaging that matches or complements your wedding colours and table decor. Matching ribbons and personalized logo stickers or favor labels always add a nice touch. Depending on the favor you choose to give, the choice of packaging may be obvious. Some like our candles become part of the table décor.

8. In determining just how and when to present them, you can make your favors part of your table décor and place one at each place setting. This is my preferred option because you want to be confident that all your guests will receive them. The bridesmaids can even hand them out at a designated time and some couples even add the extra special personal touch of distributing them personally to their guests during the reception. This is a long forgotten tradition and sometimes is the only way to personally thank your guests for taking part in your celebration.

   Just like everything else in the wedding planning process, if you really want to give favors at your wedding, you can always find a way to make it fit within your budget. Remember, favors are simply a nice gesture to cap off a successfully planned and fully considered event. They don’t need to drain your budget.

   Traditional wedding favors such as chocolates, mints or cakes in decorative wrapping and bags are nice, but to make a truly lasting impression with your wedding favors why not choose from our great line of distinctive wedding candles that will last well beyond your special day.

   You can place you order on-line or call us to discuss your requirements. If you have specific ideas about what you do want, then we can try and source glass ware for you. Remember we can colour match the wax to your colour theme and even match the fragrance of your wedding flowers with our great selection of fragrances. Today, almost anything goes. And just like the rest of the event, wedding favors should reflect the personality of the bride and groom.

Remember that it is your day, so choose whatever makes you happy.

Choosing The Right One For The Venue You Have

A simple candle centrepiece can add that special finishing touch to a table setting. Enhance your wedding décor by selecting colours and fragrances to suit your wedding theme. Whatever candles you choose they are sure to add that special glow and ambience to your reception venue.

Centre pieces do not need to be extravagant to make a statement, but there are a few tips that can make your choice much easier.

1. Choose a centrepiece that will not take up too much room on the table. Sounds obvious, but you don’t want to take up too much room on the table.
2. Don’t pick a height that will block your guest’s view of each other or hinder conversation. Also consider the size of the venue when deciding on the size of your table centres. If the ceilings of the venue are quite low a very high table centre will make it feel claustrophobic. Choose either something that is very high if the room has high ceilings or low if not.
3. If you are using scented candles stick to one fragrance or make sure fragrances are compatible. You don’t want to overwhelm your guests.
4. Soy candles are the better choice because they do not produce smoke or soot. Unscented may be the better option if you are celebrating in a more intimate setting.
5. Floating candles in a bowl is another option for a low centrepiece. The water is the bowl can be either coloured to match or contrast the candle colour.
6. If you are using container candles, cluster similar designs in different sizes together for an interesting affect.
7. Surround your glassware with a garland of flowers or a beaded spray.
8. If you choose a cluster of candles, the wax colour can be shades of the same eg. Pale pink, pink, dark pink, red etc
9. Choose a setting that is in proportion to the size of the table and the number of guests. A very high centrepiece is suited to venues such as Rupertswood Mansion, which has a very high celing.
10. Cluster of 4 similar jars. Cluster of 9 similar jars separated by flowers
11. Spiral with different sizes of the same jar.
12. Use a mirror to reflect the colour and light from the candle jars.
13. If you are using a cluster, use them as a table centre and then give them to your guests as their wedding favour.
14. One of the most important issues to consider is the décor of your reception venue. Make sure you take the time to consider your options.
15. White is easy to match, but most venues use bold colours such as royal blue or dark red for carpets and drapes. Take the time to visit the venue and think through your colour scheme.
    White candles are your obvious choice with the flowers matching your theme, but if you want to be daring group your guests according to a flower type. Select the shade and flower for each table. Suggestion: Have your candles either unscented or choose a single fragrance even if you are changing the colours. This is easy with soy because the wax can be blended to any number of shades. Arrange your guests seating by a flower selection. Eg.
    • Frangipani,
    • Rose,
    • Lavender,
    • Tulip
    You get the idea, and keep them in shades of the same colour. Your florist can help you with which flowers are in season.
16. Bridal Table Decorations: A longer centrepiece with two smaller either side work well. Don’t make them too high, the guests would like to be able to see the bride and groom.
17. There are a number of advantages to choosing soy candles for your wedding. No smoke or soot. Containers can be customised. Wax colour can be matched to your wedding theme. Fragrances (in most cases) can be matched to your wedding flowers. Long lasting, so even the smallest candles will see the night through. They are environmentally friendly with the wax being biodegradable.

We’re here to make your day so much more special.

1. Q: How much fragrance should I use for my natural wax candles?
A: It is recommended to use a maximum of approx 60 mls per 1kg of wax. You do not want to go over 60 mls per 1kg as this can create a separation between the wax and the fragrance and it will actually pool on the top of your candle. This will mean the candle will not burn correctly. Tip: Some fragrances are stronger than others so we recommend starting out with a minimum amount of fragrance and adding slowly until your senses are satisfied or you have reached the maximum amount. It is important to remember that when it cools it will not be as fragrant as it is as a liquid, but it will turn to a liquid when burning. To get the fragrance amount “just right” start by adding 10 ml, then add 10 ml increments until you think the fragrance is right or you reach the maximum recommended amount. The candles are always fragranced beautifully when done this way. Measure your fragrance volume so that next time you use the same fragrance you’ll know exactly how much to use. Suggestion: When you have become confident with the candle making process you can start mixing standard fragrances to create you own unique fragrances.

2. Q: At what temperature should I pour my candles?
A: NV Soy candle wax should be poured at between 32 to 43 C. Having said that the easiest way to know that the wax is ready to pour is when the wax starts getting cloudy. No need for thermometers.

3. Q: Why do I have a rough surface on my candles?
A: You may be pouring at a too high OR too low temperature. The temperature of the room, local climate change & humidity change the set up of all waxes. This is true for soy, beeswax, and paraffin. The ideal room temp for making candles is in a 20 to 22 C. Tip: No matter how your surface turns out you can always resort to a top pour that will give your candle a beautiful surface. To do this, wait until your candle has set and then do your top-pour. To make it a perfect match always save some of the wax from that candle. Make sure that you do not overfill your container as it is then impossible to do the second pour. Suggestion: To save time you can use a blow dryer on high heat for a minute or two on the surface of your candle until it melts slightly, this will usually give you a nice surface.

4. Q: What size wick should I use for my candle?
A: Learning to select the proper wick is a very important part of learning the art and science of candle making. Our wicks are 100% cotton, and coated with natural wax and come pre-tabbed. The diameter of the widest point of the container you are using will determine the proper wick to use. The following scale is a guideline to work from: CW-TL For Tea lights only CW-1 For up to a 50mm diameter or less CW-2 For a 50mm to 65mm diameter CW-3 For a 65mm to 90mm diameter CW-4 For a 90mm to 115mm diameter Note: Above wick sizes are for container candles only! Tip: When in doubt or you are out of the recommended wick, always go larger than smaller, if you use a wick that is too small it will tunnel, if you use a wick that is too large, the candle may burn a little faster but you will still get a nice burn all the way to the bottom of the container.

5. Q: Does the thickness of the container matter or alter instructions for how my candle will turn out?
A: The thickness of the candle container does not change the performance of the wick or wax. It is important however to not use fragile glass for safety reasons. Any tempered glass that is used in the food and beverage industry is safe for candle making. Fine glassware is NOT intended for candle making.

6. Q: What is the recommended storage for the fragrances? (i.e. are they temperature sensitive?)
A: Fragrance oils should not be stored in a temp over 30 - 40 C, as some components in some fragrance oils could be vulnerable.

7. Q: What is the shelf life of the wax/colour chips
A: 24 months is the recommended shelf life for total stability We have heard of candles that are 4 years old with natural wax and still carrying fragrance. Containers with lids help maintain the fragrance of your candles.

8. Q: Why does candle colour fade ?
A: You should not put your candles in direct sunlight; this could actually cause the wax to start melting on top and form a yellow beading or yellowish tint. Coloured candles may actually fade if exposed to direct sunlight so it is best to keep them out of direct sunlight.

9. Q: How or where do I sell my candles?
A: There are many ways and places to sell your candles. Local gift or specialty stores, friends and neighbours, home parties, fundraisers, craft fairs, farmers markets, doctor’s offices, weddings, church or school functions, trade shows, etc. You can also host some candle making classes to show others how to make and sell their candles too. Once you start thinking about it the possibilities are endless.

Sites of interest

Bomboniere: Your complete planning guide.