Since our last talk, I finally found the book in which I remembered reading a recipe to create a halloween pumpkin lantern.

In this book, the many projects use pebbles, seashells, herbs, flowers, pinecones, wheat, rustic fabrics, and carved fruits and vegetables to create striking candles, holders, and table displays, shown in beautiful photos.

Author Letty Oates make us discover the art of creating candles and candleholders with simple and natural ingredients

It was first published in 1997 by Quintet Publishing, London UK. The copy I managed to get at the local library is the French version of the book, but the recipe is the same.

In my next post, I will give you the Amazon link to the English version : Naturally Creative Candles: Discover the Craft of Candle Making and Decorating Using Nature’s Bounty (Paperback), along with other titles I do recommend. Simply click on the book inside the rotating carrousel and you will be directed to the site.

Ready to start the project ?

Okay, let’s create, step by step, a glooming pumpkin lantern. Read the rest of this entry »

The beautiful autumn leaves are falling gracefully to the ground, floating effortlessly through the air. This is an open invitation from Mother Nature to get out there and breath the day away.

So I took my bike and strolled along the country road to admire the scenery that the month of october grant us which such magnificience.

Autumn is definitely the season I like best. It is agreeable to walk and bike, to name just these two outdoor activities.

I noticed on many home front porches, the seasonal Halloween decorations. And it gave me an idea!

I remember reading in a candle craft book, a project to create an Halloween Pumpkin Lantern . The tealight candle inserted into the pumpkin gave such a nice orange gloom.

As soon as I find the book and purchase a pumpkin at the grocery store, I’ll be back to undertake this project, with lots of photos showing the procedure to create the Halloween Pumpkin Lantern.

Stay tuned !

and until next, all the best.

Janice

PS: Rest assured, did not forget the completion of the hands-on session of The Complete Candlemaker Book & Kit -Part 5. Coming up soon

We must be extremely careful during the upcoming Halloween celebrations
with the handling of our home decorating candles.

Here are some some very important and wise security tips:

1. Install the candle holders on a solid surface.

2. Keep tealights and candles away from any articles than can burst into flames.

3. Let there be nothing in the way that could make someone trip near a lighted candle.

4. If you create your own candles, allow for the base to be big enough to retain the melted wax.

5. Never leave a children in a room with burning candles without supervision.

6. Choose costumes and decorations that are non-inflammable.

7. Snuff out the flame on all lighted candles before leaving the room to go to bed.

We are never too careful when it comes to safety.

Follow these tips and have a fun and safe Halloween !

- Scottish Saying

- J.M. Barrie

PROJECT : Making Hand-Dipped Tapers

Ready for a trip back in time? No rush, as wax has to melt slowly and time is needed for same to cool between dips. What a thrill it must be to see our candles take shape! Can’t wait, so let’s get going.

Step 1. SET-UP THE DOUBLE BOILER

If you do not have a melting wax pot like the one shown in the photo, choose the pot you will be using as a bottom for your double-boiler setup. Place your chosen dipping vat in the pan and put it on the stove top. Place wax in the dipping vat about as deep as the tapers you are making are long.

Step 2. MELT THE WAX

Slowly add water to the double-boiler bottom, making sure not to tip the dipping vat. Ideally the water should come up at least one-half the height of the dipping vat, more if you can do so without tipping it over or causing it to float.

Place the double-boiler setup on a burner over medium heat; you do not want the water to boil wildly, but want it just hot enough to melt the wax and bring it to the right temperature.

When some of the wax begins to melt, place a candy thermometer in the liquid wax.

STEP 3.
Read the rest of this entry »