Many candles available today are made from paraffin wax which is derived from petroleum. While global reserves of petroleum continue to dwindle, and paraffin prices increase, my love of candles has encouraged me to make my own from 2 renewable resources: soy wax and palm wax.
Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans. They are grown and harvested right here in the States. The beans are cleaned, cracked, hulled, and rolled into flakes. The leftover husks from the soybeans are used primarily as animal feed. The oil from the flakes is extracted and then hydrogenated. Hydrogenation alters the melting point of the oil which allows it to remain solid at room temperature. The flakes look like a mixture between imitation snow and white parmesan shavings. When poured into a candle, the texture of the wax is creamy. Soy wax burns clean. Burning a soy wax candle creates 95% less soot than burning a paraffin wax candle and is therefore easier for people with breathing problems. Soy is bio-degradable and easy to clean up with soap and water.
photo: courtesy of USDA-ARS soy wax at room temperature
Palm wax is also a vegetable wax which is grown on palm trees. The palm kernel has the highest oil content of any plant, so a large amount of wax can be harvested in a small space. The palm wax looks like white beads of fake snow before melting. When poured into a candle, the texture of the wax has a crystalline appearance. Unfortunately, there are reports of rainforest areas around the globe being cleared out to make room for palm plantations. I procure my palm wax from a supplier that is dedicated to preserving the rainforest.
palm wax at room temperature
I offer the following scented candles:
- Amber Romance Type by Victoria's Secret - vanilla sandlewood scent.
- Cinnamon Buns - smells like fresh baked cinnamon buns. Yummy!
- Freesia - lovely light floral scent.. nice and fresh.
- Caramel Apple - smells like fresh baked apple pie.
- Eucalyptus Mint - freshens the room and clears out pet and smoke smells. Great for stuffy sinuses.
- Lavender - nice and soothing as lavender always is. Close to a French lavender.
- Clean Cotton - smells like freshly washed cotton drying on the line outdoors.
My candles are poured into stylized keepsake glass containers which can mesh with just about any decor in your home. The small size is 4oz. The large size is 12 oz and comes with a lid. I also offer a mirrored paisley glassware candle that is also 12 oz. This glassware is lovely at night when the light shines though the paisley patterns in the glass and casts paisley-shaped shadows on the counter or table.
I pour Amber Romance, Freesia, Lavender and Clean Cotton with palm wax. I pour Caramel Apple, Cinnamon Buns, and Eucalyptus Mint with soy wax. Both burn the same and have the same burn times. The wicks do not smoke nor do the wicks contain lead. Be sure to keep the wicks trimmed to 1/8 inch before each burn. Keep out of reach from children and pets, and away from flammable objects. Keep away from drafts and never leave a burning candle unattended.
Special orders accepted! Please email diana@springtimehenna.com with your detailed requests.
PRICES
- Small - $5
- Large - $15
- Silvered Paisley - $20
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