The Candle Sculpture

I decided to resurrect my candle sculpture today.  I was putting Christmas decorations away,

went to move the sculpture, and decided that it not

only deserved to be lit up on a more regular basis, but needed 

a little TLC as well.

The candle sculpture has to be at least 15 years old, if not older.

I was in a coffee bar long ago and saw the coolest

candle sculpture perched on the side of the bar.

Wax had dripped down everywhere.  Down the books, down the

side of the bar and on to the floor.  It was totally inspiring!

Over the years when people have seen the candle sculpture in our home,

their responses vary and are often pretty amusing.

The creative/art people will simply say its really cool and 

look at the sculpture as a sculpture...taking mental notes

on how it was structured and balanced.
The more spiritually inclined usually comment 
that it would make a fabulous alter piece...which it definitely would.
 The less creative, more literal crowd always do the same thing.

They say it's pretty cool, then squat down low to

try and read what book titles are.

That kind of diminishes the magic and point of the

piece, in my opinion, but whatever.

I guess that's how some people process art.
Literally.

It you're going to make a candle sculpture...a few tips.

You will want to build in something metal to use as a

base for the candles so the books don't catch on fire.

Also, the type of candles you use really does matter. 

I found that the cheap package of IKEA tapers

 work the best.  The wax isn't great quality,

so the candles burn faster and the wax runs farther then

the more expensive tapers.

Since I'm planning a burn-a-thon to refresh and

replenish some of the dripped wax on the piece,

I also set it on top of a big piece of wood so the wax

won't run all over my table. 

You should definitely try to make one of your own!
The sculpture will take time, finesse and patience but
the results are well worth it.
The magic and enchantment it generates will
definitely warm your heart, expand your
imagination,  lift your spirits during the
log cold winter months!

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Have Your Home Smell Great for the Holidays. A Recipe for All Natural Room Spray

There's nothing better than a heavenly scented home, especially as we approach the Holidays. I like to burn tarts and candles, but when company is coming I like to be able to spritz the curtains, furniture (which sometimes smells like Eau de German Shepherd with our pooch), and the guest bath downstairs.

I am going to share the recipe for my Holiday Blend Ambiance Room Lamp & Linen Spray.  It smells so good!

This is also 100% natural. There is a reason major companies fail to mention the ingredients in their home scent sprays--the Air Wick and other varieties come in aerosol containers and contain a host of ingredients that are bad for you and the earth. This one is safe. It is so safe that you can even spritz some on your clothes or skin if it strikes your fancy--although some people do have allergies and sensitivities to the cinnamon, so you'll want to do a patch test first.

This is how I usually scent my home from Thanksgiving through most of the winter.

You will need:

*Distilled Water

*A small handful of whole cloves

*Witch hazel (I prefer the alcohol free witch hazel hydrosol, but for a room spray, the typical witch hazel from the drugstore is acceptable and more economical)

*Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil

*Nutmeg Essential Oil

*Sweet Orange Essential Oil

*Vanilla Absolute (you may also put a vanilla bean in the water/clove mixture if you have one on hand)

To make:

The amounts used will depend on how much you will make. Let's base this project on an 8 ounce recipe. You can make 4 small bottles to give as gifts or keep a large bottle around the house.

Combine 5 ounces of distilled water into a small saucepan. Add a handful of whole cloves. Simmer over low to medium heat for at least 30 minutes.

Strain the mixture so the cloves are left out of the liquid. Cool for a bit on the counter.

Now add 3 ounces of witch hazel to the cooled clove water.

Add in 20 drops of the cinnamon essential oil and 10 drops each of nutmeg essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, and vanilla absolute. If you have anise or almond oils, these are also nice substitutions and additions.

Stir slowly and pour into bottles. Shake lightly.

These are best in cobalt or amber glass bottles, but any bottle that is not a clear plastic will work well.

Vanilla absolute is expensive. It smells heavenly, but is pricey. You can put a vanilla bean in the clove mixture and simmer instead.

ENJOY!
--
~Karley

Karley Ziegler Mott


Editor, Chic & Green™
Owner/Designer, Loubird Handmade™
Founder, The Embrace Your Curves Project™

Find me on Twitter, too!




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Essential Oils:  Cold Relief
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