Gel Candles

 Now when I think of candles I think of paraffin candles, which just shows my age, as there are so many different types these days. Gel candles have gained in popularity of late, as they come in every colour imaginable, with scent or without, and can be found in many different kinds of containers too to help accessorize your home. There are some really neat and unusally shaped candles out there that you can use as unusual gifts, or to accessorize your home.

The article below will give you some more ideas if you are new to the idea of gel candles. 

Gel Candles -  Better Than Paraffin Candles?

In days gone by, all candles were made from paraffin wax, but over the years this has changed, so we now have gel candles and soy candles made from soybeans, as well as beeswax candles. This has brought about a big change in the use of candles. They are not just for emergency use any more. There are candles of all different shapes and sizes, different colors to blend with a room, and different aromas to suit the purpose of the room.

Gel candles have helped to change the candle scene too, as they are ideal for adding different things too, like sea shells, or pine cones, or butterflies or flowers. And each gel candle can have its own scent too, like cinnamon, or strawberries. Quite amazing.

Now these gel candles do burn differently from paraffin wax candles. The wax when burnt produces soot, which it is not good to breathe, so gel candles are better to burn. However, when there are different items in the gel, you have to make sure that theses do not burn, and just like you never leave any candle lit and  by itself, the same applies to gel candles.

Gel candles are often in glass jars mugs, so that the decorations added can be clearly seen, and they are ideal gifts to make for friends at any time of the year. There are plenty of different gel making candle kits available, which include the instructions, along with gel, wicks and scents, even in some cases the jars and dyes.

Different densities of gel is available, with the high grade being more expensive, but for most projects, a medium density works just fine, allowing for a little more scent than the low density, but less than the high grade gel. However, the denser the gel, the heavier the items that you can suspend in the gel.

Craft stores carry any number of objects that you might like to suspend in the candle gel, like miniature fruits and candies, dolphins, sea shells, hearts (especially around Valentine's Day), goldfish, and the list goes on.

The dye for the gels come in many different colors and shades too, and can be in an oil base that you just pour, or it can be in a solid block that you need to peel slivers from. And then there are all the different scents and aromas, like bubble gum, or banana, roses, or lilacs.

So, the options for making truly unique gel candles is limited only by your imagination. Some people like to add glitter to make their candles sparkle - yes, there's plenty of choice.

If you prefer, instead of using scents, you can use pure essential oils which can help to de-stress you or invigorate you, depending on the oil you choose. But that's for another page!

So, use your creative skills to make your own gel candles, as you'll find it rewarding and fun to do. Of course, if you prefer not to, you can just buy ready made gel candles, there are plenty around in the stores now, and the gel burns much better than paraffin wax.

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