Why a Gel Votive Candle?
Candles have been around for centuries providing light and comfort for most of our ancestors. A recent development in candles is the gel candle. Gel is made from mineral oil and polymer resin. The resin is a powder that mixes with the mineral oil and gives it a jello-like quality. From there it can be dyed different colors and poured into molds or have scents added to it to make scented candles. Votive candles or the votive candle holders work well with gel as an easy, simple to make candles.
Votive candle holders are inexpensive and plentiful, so coming up with a good supply of them should be easy to do. Clear votive holders can be mixed and matched with gel that is colored for different decorating ideas. A liquid candle dye is typically used to maintain the translucency of the candle. With a clear votive holder and a translucent candle embeds can be used to further decorate each individual candle.
Wicking is very important on a clear gel votive candle. Since the candle is see-through it is necessary that the wicks stand straight and perpendicular to the bottom of the holder. Quality and craftsmanship can be tested by how precise the wicks are inserted in the candle. A straight wick gives a more aesthetic and pleasing candle.
Fragrance can also be added to the candles and if you are making your own candles, the number of different fragrances to use is only limited by your resources and willingness to experiment. Perhaps a more cautious approach would be to order some of the candles in a fragrance you think you would like and then if you are feeling crafty to try and duplicate your favorite ones.
Candles are still around and even though electric lighting is ubiquitous and it’s easier to just “flick a switch” to get light, the warmth and mood that a candle projects just can’t be beat.