CasaSugar

Nice and New: Elephant Porcelain Candle

CasaSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:56 -0700

I've told you before about my guilty pleasure of spending big bucks on candles, and most of you said you wouldn't spend more than $25 on one. But would your opinion change if said candle came in an elegant porcelain jar you could use over and over again? The Vivre Elephant Porcelain Candle ($85) is quite pricey, but I'd almost buy it just for the textured black Limoges porcelain vessel it comes in. Its 14-karat gold painted elephant clasp is downright dashing. I'd love to use the jar to store cotton balls or Q-tips in the bathroom. I can't testify to the candle's aroma, Vetiver D'Orient, but for $85 I'm sure it smells a lot nicer than your Yankee Candle.

Nice and New: Building Brick Candles

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 05:30:05 -0700

I must admit: I've always been a big LEGO fan. I used to spend hours building entire LEGO villages, complete with nail salons and clothing boutiques (for the little policemen figures, of course). So I couldn't help but smile at this Building Brick Candle ($48). When I read that it's made of eco-friendly soy, I was really grinning. I also appreciate that it's unscented, since I'm pretty partial to the scent of my Diptyque candles. The nostalgic candle comes in blue, red, and yellow: all three iconic colors.

How Much Would You Spend on a Candle?

CasaSugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:00:18 -0800

The prices of my beloved Diptyque candles have skyrocketed since I first came across them in Paris 10 years ago; a candle that burns for 40 hours now sells for at least $60. Some of my pals think it's absurd that I would even consider buying one, while others have a worse habit than me. Call me a snob, but I think the scintillating scent is totally worth it. What's your cut-off point when shopping for candles?

Love It or Hate It? Fried Egg Candle

CasaSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:00:55 -0800

South Korean design studio Broadhong created this Fried Egg Candle (still a prototype), which looks exactly like a fried egg, but when melted resembles yolk dribbling out of an egg cooked overeasy. Once the candle has burnt completely, the plate can be used as a saucer. I think it's pretty clever; what about you?Source

DIY: Teacup Candles

CasaSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0800

When I spotted these beautiful gold-trimmed antique tea cups at a flea market, I knew that I had to take them home. But how to use them? Instead of using them for a tea party, I decided to transform them into eco-friendly soy wax candles. Making them was super easy, and the most time-consuming part of the entire process was waiting for the layers of soy wax to dry. You can find all of the candle-making supplies at a craft store or candle/soapmaking supply store (such as Juniper Tree Supplies).

What You'll Need

antique, pretty teacups, with or without saucers
enough soy wax to more than fill each cup
essential oil for scent (I used Lily of the Valley)
wicks that equal your number of cups
double boiler
Pyrex cup or funnel
chopsticks or wooden skewers
stirring tool, such as a rubber scraper

To find out how to make it, read more.

Pour the soy wax into the double boiler. Let it simmer until the wax is clear liquid.
Center the wick in the bottom of each teacup. Put one chopstick or wooden skewer on either side of the wick, balanced on the rim of the teacup, to keep the wick centered.
Add a small amount of your scented oil to the melted soy wax. Mix with your rubber scraper, and then pour into your Pyrex measuring cup.
Pour the wax into the bottom of each teacup. If the wick gets a little off-center, you can reposition it before the wax sets. Let wax harden. Repeat this process until the cup is half full. Repeat a third and fourth time until the cup is full. You'll want to continue adding small amounts of the scented oil to make sure that the candle is scented throughout.
Wipe off any spills with a warm, wet rag.
Clip the top of the wick so it's about half an inch taller than the rim of the cup.
Light, and enjoy.

I've found that the simplest way to clean wax out of my double boiler and other utensils is by heating them, and then wiping them down with a paper towel. This makes the clean-up really quick and easy!

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Cool Idea: CandlestickMaker

CasaSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:00:01 -0800

I've got a fragrant candle for the Winter season, but my candlestick collection could use a fresh, not-so-stuffy update. When it comes wine glasses, though, I'm good to go - my recycling bin will confirm this. So, I was delighted to come across the Designfenzider CandlestickMaker ($30),which will turn any wine glass into a whimsical candlestick holder. Oh so smart. Seeing that this gadget is made of glazed porcelain, I somewhat understand the cost, but I think 30 smackers is a little much to spend on something that's not actually a candlestick. On the other hand, it's so pretty with its turned wood-esque shape! It wouldn't take up much cabinet space, either. Hmm.

Casa Beta: Diptyque Pomander Candle

CasaSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 06:15:30 -0800

When I pulled the Diptyque Pomander Candle ($60) out of its box, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of nostalgia and a strong scent of . . . Christmas! With hints of tart orange peels, spicy cloves, and fresh cinnamon, the candle jogged memories of strolling through the Christmas markets in Strasbourg with a warm cup of mulled wine in hand. You may never have found yourself at "le marché de Noël," but I'm sure Pomander's combination of spices has found its way into many a wintry recipe of yours. Unlit, the candle has an overpowering smell, but lit, the scent is quite subtle and relaxing - something Diptyque always wins a blue ribbon for. I wouldn't recommend this candle year-round, but its aroma is ideal for these chilly Fall and Winter days, or perhaps your upcoming holiday party: it'll put you in the mood for some "Oh Holy Night" and a big glass of Beaujolais.

How-To: Make Pumpkin Candle Holders

CasaSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:15:04 -0800

Your jack-o'-lantern may be rotting on your back porch like mine (oops!), but that's no reason to shun pumpkins altogether. You can make seasonal candle holders that would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table from some inexpensive, mini pumpkins from your grocery store or local farmers market. I noticed this little trick within a DIY for making a mini pumpkin centerpiece on Martha Stewart, but I'm not so keen on the entire centerpiece idea. So, to make just the candle holders, you'll need a utility knife, a melon baller, tapered candles, and mini pumpkins. To learn the steps, read more.

Here's how to do it, according to Martha:

First, cut a round hole in its center with a utility knife, enough to hold a candle but not all the way through. You may want to trace the circumference of your taper onto the pumpkin first to make sure your hole isn't too wide.
Then, make space for your tapers by carving the inside out with a melon baller.
Then, slip your taper in.
You can also stack your pumpkin candle holders for a different look. If you do this, you'll want to use two pumpkins about the same size. Carve the top pumpkin all the way through, but leave a base on the bottom one.
Fini! So easy.

Source

DIY: Water Balloon Candle Holders

CasaSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:00:21 -0700

I've been totally in love with Glassybaby candle holders for months now, but I can't bring myself to spend $40 on a small votive. So when I came across CandleTech's DIY for making water balloon luminaries with very much the same shape simply out of paraffin wax, I knew I'd found an affordable alternative. All you'll need for this project is high-melt paraffin wax, water balloons, a piece of paper, a double boiler, a cookie sheet, and perhaps a candy thermometer. To learn the steps, read more.

Here's how, from CandleTech:

Fill the balloon with lukewarm water.
Melt your wax on the double boiler, keeping the temperature around 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the candy thermometer if necessary to keep track of the temperature.
Dip the balloon into the wax just below the water level, holding it for a few seconds.
Lift it out of the wax and repeat several times, letting it dry for a few seconds in between.
Lay the paper on the cookie sheet. Then press the balloon while it's still warm on the paper to create a flat base.
Continue to dip the balloon in the wax until it is about 1/4" or 1/2" thick.
Let the balloon cool completely.
Take a knife, fork, or skewer are carefully pop the balloon over the sink.
Pull out and toss the pieces of balloon.
Warm up your cookie sheet.
Then, flatten the top of the candle holder but pressing it onto the warm cookie sheet until it's level.
Set a tea light inside, and light away!

Source

Steal of the Day: Gump's Iron Candle Chandelier

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:00:37 -0700

I can't think of a more delightful way to spend my endless Summer evenings than under the warm glow of candlelight. There are plenty of trendy ornate chandeliers out there, but I love the sophisticated simplicity of Gump's Iron Candle Chandelier ($99, reduced from $250). Who needs crystals and birds birds birds when you've got timeless, hand-forged iron and classic tapers to light up the night? I certainly don't, and I wouldn't mind lightening my electricity bill, either . . .