Whether you're using candles for relaxation, or simply enhancing the atmosphere, candles can be a beautiful addition to any space. Using them incorrectly can lead to poor performance, safety issues and shorter lifespans.
In this blog, we'll explore some of the common mistakes made, and offer some practical tips to ensure you get the best out of your candles.
First and foremost, and the most common mistake, is failing to trim your candle wick before each subsequent use. This can lead to a whole bunch of issues, from uneven burning to excessive smoke, and sooting. Your candle should already arrive freshly trimmed for your first burn, however when the wax has solidified, and before lighting again, don't forget to trim your wick to about 1/4 inch. This will ensure a much slower, clean burning flame.
Always burn your candle within sight on a level, heat resistant surface and never pick up your candle whilst lit. Avoid positioning your candles near flammable objects, fabrics, or anything that could catch fire. Keep your candles away from drafts or open windows to prevent uneven burning and potential accidents.
To maximize the lifespan of your candle, and to prevent tunneling, allow it to create a full melt pool during each burn. A full melt pool means the melted wax reaches the edges of the container.
Whilst you might be tempted to leave your candles burning all day or all night, it's important to practice caution. Burning candles for extended periods of time can cause the container to overheat and weaken, increasing the risk of breakage. Four hours is the recommended max you should be burning your candles each time. When your candle is almost empty, leave around 1/4 inch of wax. Allowing an empty candle to continue to burn, can also cause your jar to overheat and break.
Investing in low-quality candles might seem like a money-saving strategy, but it can quickly backfire. These types of candles often contain subpar materials that produce more soot, smoke, and minimal scent throw. Instead, opt for quality candles to enjoy a cleaner, calmer and more enjoyable burning experience.
Blowing out a candle haphazardly can lead to wax splatters and residual smoke. Avoid using a candle lid to extinguish the flame, as this only results in smoke being trapped within the wax, which will effect the scent throw. Use a candle snuffer or wick dipper instead to extinguish your candle gently and smoke free.
Proper storage is important for maintaining the quality of your candles. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures can affect the candle's structure and scent, so avoid storing them in areas like your car or near heaters.
By embracing these tips, not only will you enhance the mood of your space, you'll get the absolute best out of your candles!
]]>Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love making candles, and find the whole process extremely therapeutic, but it wasn't easy to learn in the early days. It took a long time to master, and a whole lot of patience.
So what exactly does candle making involve, and is it an art or a science? In this blog we'll take a look at the main steps in crafting these beautiful and calming gifts of light and scent.
Candle making begins with melting the wax. This initial process sets the foundation for creating beautifully crafted candles. Whether you're using soy wax, beeswax, or any other type of wax, the careful application of heat and the gradual transition from solid to liquid is an important step that requires patience and precision, whilst just the right temperature is reached. Once the wax has reached its molten state and required temperature, it's ready to be infused with fragrance, and poured into containers.
As the Christmas holiday season approaches, businesses everywhere will soon be gearing up to show appreciation to clients, partners and employees through corporate gifting. The practice of giving thoughtful gifts during this festive time is not only a tradition, but also a strategic way to strengthen business relationships and foster goodwill.
Corporate gifting is an especially important part of doing business, as it signals to clients and customers that you value them. It also communicates your brand values, establishes and strengthens relationships and builds trust.
From choosing the right gift, to delivering it in style, corporate gifting plays a huge role in building strong business ties. With that being said, we understand just how daunting and time-consuming the journey of corporate gifting can be - and that’s where we come in.
It's something we feel really strongly about and is why we've taken the leap into the wonderful world of corporate gifting!
If you'd like to be hands-on in the design process, we'll arrange to meet in person to discuss your needs. If you prefer to be a little more hands-off, you can send over your preferences. We'll then arrange to get some samples to you.
Offering samples in the beginning allows you to find your new signature scent without yet committing to a full order - as well as being able to explore scents and enjoy the process!
Or option three, you can leave absolutely everything to us!
We work with an eco friendly UK based print company to create quality bespoke labels for your candles.
We'll ask you to send us a PDF of your logo and we'll get to work with them to create a label that really illuminates your brand!
Enhance your candle experience with the perfect accompaniment! Choose to present it on its own, in a natural cotton drawstring bag, or gift box for added luxury.
Alternatively, we can put together an exquisite gift box by adding a delicious chocolate bar or luxurious matches alongside your candle.
All of which we offer through our partnerships with the likes of Coco Chocolatier, Hotel Chocolat, Archivist Gallery and The Chocolate Tree. If you have anything else in mind however, just ask! Our list of partners is growing all the time.
Once your signature scent and container of choice are decided, the creating commences!
This is probably the most important part of the process and we'll carry out some tests to ensure your candle not only burns perfectly - but smells divine!
We'll then get a prototype to you to test also. We want to be sure you're in love with your choice.
The whole process from start to finish can vary, but on average, and once you've chosen your scent, will take 4 weeks. This allows sufficient time for the sourcing of supplies, creating your candles, putting together your gifts and preparing everything for shipping. However we'll always do what we can in a pinch, so if you have a last minute event - just ask, and we'll be able to confirm if this is something we can fulfil for you.
So there we have it. Thanks for reading about the journey of corporate gifting with Create Calm!
If you have any questions or would like some help with finding the right gifts, just reach out and ask us about how we can help you with corporate gifting today!
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Scent is strongly linked to our memories. So much so, that when we catch a hint of a familiar aroma, it can transport us right back to a specific moment.
In this post, we'll explore how scent is linked to memory and share some tips on how you can use this knowledge to set the right mood and create a calm and relaxing atmosphere in your home.
When it comes to self care, sometimes the simplest thing can make the biggest difference, and that's certainly true of scent. Just a few whiffs of a calming fragrance can help you relax and unwind after a long day. And research shows that certain scents can even improve your mood and cognitive performance.
So how does it work? Well, our sense of smell is closely linked to the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls emotion and memory. This means that certain scents can trigger positive associations and memories, which in turn can boost our mood. In other words, our sense of smell is intimately linked to our emotional state.
Usually when we think of fond memories, we feel happy and calm. Scent can trigger this reaction. For example, the smell of the sea-side might remind us of summer walks by the coast, whilst the aroma of freshly made pancakes might evoke memories of baking with Gran. The smell of fresh-cut grass might remind us of childhood summers playing outdoors with friends, and the scent of someone you love, for example a whiff of their signature perfume or cologne, can be an instant comfort to your heart. Scent really does have a profound effect on our mood and well-being.
For many of us, stress has become a part of life, but there are ways to manage this and even reduce it's effects. Certain scents can help to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and make you feel more relaxed. Not sure which scents to try? Here are a few that are known for their stress-relieving properties:
Lavender is one of the most popular scents for relaxation. It's known to help with tension headaches, and can be used as a natural sleep aid. Light a lavender-scented candle in the evening, and you may be surprised at just how much of a difference a simple scent can make.
Chamomile, like lavender, has a calming effect that can help you wind down at the end of the day. It's also known to help reduce anxiety.
This citrusy scent of bergamot has a refreshing, uplifting quality that can help you feel more positive and less stressed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, try lighting a bergamot candle to enjoy whilst soaking in the bathtub.
So there we have it. Incorporating scents into your self-care routine really is a great way to help you relax and set the right mood, and by understanding how scents work, you can confidently choose candles to best suit your needs.
Whatever scents you do choose, be sure to enjoy them!
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Why do gifts make you feel happy? For one, it feels good to know that someone was thinking of you and took the time to pick out a present just for you. It's also a nice way to show your affection for someone, or to say thank you.
Sometimes, the best gifts are ones that are unexpected and come from the heart. So even if you're not sure what to get someone, don't worry too much. A simple gift that shows you care, can be even more meaningful and appreciated than an expensive one.
If you're looking to boost their mood with a gift, then why is home fragrance the perfect way to go? Let's take a look.
Have you ever felt down, and then caught a whiff of your favorite scent? It's like a warm hug from the inside out. Well that's because fragrance has the ability to lift our spirits and transport us to our happy places and memories, whilst triggering those feelings of contentment and relaxation.
And that's why giving a home fragrance gift, like a beautiful hand poured candle, can be such a thoughtful gesture. It's a way to say, "I'm thinking of you and I want you to feel happy."
And so on that note, a scented candle that fills their home with a pleasant aroma, really can be the gift that keeps on giving. That little boost in their mood that comes from the power of scent, each and every time they light their candle.
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There's something truly special about a hand poured candle. The molten wax, the careful pouring, and of course, the end result... a beautifully crafted candle. Besides the obvious artisan craftsmanship, and the care and love that goes into each candle, what are the self-care benefits of hand poured candles and what sets them apart? Let's take a look.
Ever feel like your mind is racing and you just want to relax? Candles have long been used to create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. Whether lit alone or as part of a set, candles are renowned for their ability to calm and relax the senses. But not all candles are created equal. When it comes to candles, hand poured candles offer a superior experience in terms of quality and scent. These candles are made with high-quality waxes and fragrance oils, expertly blended and poured by hand, resulting in candles with deeply rich scents that burn beautifully, giving you a simple, yet effective way to turn your living space into a relaxing oasis.
If you're looking for a way to relax and pamper yourself, our beautiful, handcrafted products can provide you with the perfect ambiance for self-care. Whether you're enjoying a soothing bath or reading your favorite book, artisan candles can help you unwind and recharge.
Many people suffer from stress and anxiety, both of which can negatively impact our health and well-being. There are many ways to help alleviate these feelings and reduce their harmful effects, such as exercise, meditation, and eating a healthy diet. Another great way to help relieve stress and anxiety is through the use of candles. Whether you light them for relaxation or simply to create a calming environment, candles are known to help soothe the mind and body by creating a relaxing spa-like atmosphere.
If you want to experience the peace and tranquility of your home in a truly authentic way, nothing quite compares to candles. Candlelight emits a soft, warm glow that both relaxes and soothes the senses. What's more, hand poured candles are made by hand with great attention to detail, ensuring each one is perfectly crafted to bring out tantalizing notes and complex fragrances. Whether you enjoy candles for their aesthetic appeal or their therapeutic properties, it's hard to deny the inherent beauty and serenity they can provide.
Our candles come in a wide range of scents, all chosen to have a calming effect on your mind and body. Whether you prefer earthy blends of herbs and flowers or uplifting notes of citrus and spice, choose a scent that really speaks to you, and let yourself be transported to a calmer place. If you’re looking for candles to help you relax, de-stress, and enjoy some peace of mind, we invite you to browse our collection and buy one today. Thanks for reading!
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Hand poured candles are unique and beautiful creations that embody the spirit of craftsmanship and careful attention to detail. Unlike traditional candles, which are mass-produced in factories, hand poured candles are created one by one by dedicated artisans. These candles are made slowly and carefully, with each individual step being undertaken with great care.
The process of making these candles typically involves infusing scents into the wax at a precise temperature as it cools, and then ensuring the finished candle burns perfectly when lit. Given the care that's put into each hand poured candle, it's no wonder why these candles are loved by candle enthusiasts everywhere.
Whether you're looking for a beautiful piece of home décor or simply want to relax with a calming scent in your living room, hand poured candles have much to offer. So if you're looking for something special and unique, look no further than these beautiful handcrafted creations.