Do you ever stare at the last dregs of wax in a beautifully presented candle and wonder what to do with the lovely holder? Some are works of art, aren’t they? I’ve converted glass ones into drinking glasses before, but they’re never quite right and, it pains me to say, sometimes I’ve simply thrown them away.
That’s why I was thrilled to try the wax refill kit from Constant Candle Co founded by Rachael Clark and Nicky Hoad. Next time you finish a candle I recommend you replace it with one of their kits – they are just great fun, easy to do and you get a great new candle.
The new wax (which smells amazing) arrives in a cardboard tub, together with a new wick and a wooden spatula with a hole in it. Just take the lid off the tub and pop the whole thing in the microwave for between one and two minutes, use a drop of the melted wax to stick down the new wick in your (cleaned) old holder, then pour the remaining wax in, using the hole in the spatula to keep the wick in place, and leave the wax to set. That’s it, a new candle, which took ten minutes and lots of fun to make – and with no mess either.
And what a fabulous candle. The wax is made from rapeseed and soy oils, not paraffin. Paraffin wax can emit toxins which can aggravate lung disease such as asthma and may even cause cancer, so best avoided.
If you’re not a hoarder like me, and don’t happen to have a supply of previously loved candle holders, Constant Candle Co have thought of this too with a lovely set of ceramic ones available, created by Somerset Ceramics Artist Bridget Hemmings.
The website has really useful candle advice too. I was particularly interested in Memory Burn (no, I’d not heard of it either – it’s when the candle burns deeper in the centre than around the edges). Simply light your candle for long enough to melt the wax right to the edge each time and it won’t happen.
And while on their website, check out their full range of scents for their wax refill kits, created from essential oils, spices, flowers and fruit. At just £15 for a wax refill kit you get a high quality sustainable new candle – what’s not to like?
By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.