I thought I would share a favorite of mine, Christmas Time Potpourri Sachet.
What you need for the potpourri is:
4 cups of dried lavender
1 cup of dried sage spice
1 gallon zippered food storage bag
3-5 drops of frankincense organic essential oil
2-3 drops of myrrh organic essential oil
What you need for the sachet (the amount of materials below will do one sachet, you should be able to get 2-3 out of the potpourri recipe above):
pencil
fabric marker or pen
math compass to draw circle (not needed if you are able to draw a decent circle)
sheet of printer paper 8"x11.5"
scissors
10x10 piece of printed or colored fabric
pinking shears
10x10 piece of netting
3/4 yard of ribbon
3 small silk flowers
Fabric Glue
1 cup measuring cup
To begin mix all the ingredients for the potpourri in the gallon bag. Zip, shake, and set aside for a day. This will allow the different scents to marry. Be sure to shake the bag good before you set aside, and again before adding it to your sachet.
Next take the piece of paper and lay it on a flat surface. Take the compass with the pencil in it and draw a circle that almost fills the paper up. Take scissors and cut the paper circle to use as your pattern. Place the pattern on the netting and trace the outline of the circle with a fabric marker or pen. Do the same for the piece of fabric being sure to draw your circle on the back side of the fabric. Now take the pinking shears and cut the circle out of the netting and the fabric.
Then take the netting and lay it over the fabric circle. Make sure you lay the netting on the backside of the fabric so when you are ready to tie it off the netting is on the inside and the fabric has the printed side facing out. Put a cup of potpourri in the center of the netting. If it looks too full simply remove some.
Finally, you gather up your fabric and netting and tie the ribbon around it to keep it closed. Tie your bow very tight. Put a few stitches in the ribbon where your bow is if you are afraid it will come undone. Take your three small flowers and arrange them into a tiny bouquet, and attach them below the bow with a little fabric glue. Allow to dry. If you want to hang your sachet you can do so by adding a small piece of ribbon to the back (looped through the ribbon you used to make the bow with) or use an ornament hook.
You now have your own wonderful smelling potpourri sachets to hang in closets or put in drawers. For full appreciation though I recommend putting them out where they can be seen. If you do not like the ingredients used you can always substitute with dried rose petals, spices, herbs, and any number of essential oils. A great one to hang in your kitchen is made of dried orange peels, allspice, cinnamon (the spice), and vanilla essential oil.
Have fun and feel free to share your potpourri sachet recipes.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Romantic Candle
It is almost the time of year when we start closing all our windows, and dragging out those fall jackets. Kids are going back to school, and couples are beginning to prepare for the yearly "Holiday Hustle." No, it is not the funny dance your weird uncle did last year when he ate too much. It is the time of year when couples are so wrapped up in the holidays, school activities, politics, and work that they forget to make time for each other.
We all know the tune--you drag out decorations and spend a whole week putting them up(everyone tells you they look great) so that two weeks later you can take them back down (everyone tells tells you that you look tired). Like a broken record, the story replays numerous times over the various holidays in the spam of a few months. All the while shuffling the kids to school, answering your bosses constant questions, complaining about the price of gas, and trying to remember what important event/date you are forgetting. Oh, and don't forget about all the gifts we buy during the fall and winter months, birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, hostess gifts, and then there is the big gift giving exchange to consider in December. What about you though.. What about couple time?
As fall approaches, it seems everyone is buying candles if not for himself or herself, then as a gift to someone else. (The hostess, dear Aunt Sally, the babysitter, your neighbors, and your business associates are all probably going to get a candle as a gift between now and January 1st). However, that someone else should be our significant other, and the candle should be a Soy Massage Candle. Sure, they are Eco-Friendly, reduce our carbon footprint on the world, are natural and all that other good stuff...but most importantly Massage Candles are a great, and affordable way to spend some time with your significant other, or to simply pamper yourself. (Leave the plain Jane candle of the past to scent your home with).
Who would not want to come home one day when they were tired and have their significant other rub their back and legs with the warm massage oils from a soy massage candle? Sure it will leave your skin softer, but what about your relationship. Who could resist loving someone (preferably your significant other) more deeply for being kind and thoughtful enough to rub your stress away, and give your body warmth on a chilly day?
Go ahead and call me a hopeless romantic, but remember this: candlelight has been a huge part of Romance for many, many years. At sometime in your life candlelight has probably played a role in some larger romantic scene, i.e. asking someone to marry you, celebrating an accomplishment, enjoying a quite meal for two, and so on.. It is the equivalent of a moonlit stroll, but in the warmth and comfort of your own home. So ask yourself this. Are there signs of Romance in your home? If not, try giving your special someone a massage and see if it does not bring the smile that melts your heart, to their face.
If I got you to think “outside of the box” about candles, then I have done well.
Soy Massage Candle How To
I wanted to take a moment to talk to you about Soy Massage Candles. Not all of the Massage Candles on the market are created equally, but let's focus for a moment on the Soy version of the Massage Candles on the market today.
Not all candle makers are using the right kind of soy in their massage candles in order to be able to call their massage candle "100% Organic." Some blends of soy on the market make the labeling of "Natural" uncalled for. Keep in mind some sellers are honest, and some are not. So before you go and purchase your Massage Candle from a candle maker ask yourself this:
1. Does this seller list any warnings on their site in regards to Massage Candles? If not, ask yourself why someone would not list the ingredients.
2. If they have not even so much as typed a sentence saying for you to discontinue use if irritation occurs--run, do not walk, away from the seller. They should at least have 2-3 sentences about irritation, avoiding getting in the eyes, and the most logical the warning not to play with fire. You have to wonder if the seller even cares about the health of their customers at all.
3. Did the seller list the ingredients plainly or did they list them all as scientific names only? If scientific names are the only ones listed--you have to wonder if they are trying to trick some unaware person into buying a product with an ingredient in it, they are allergic too. Check to make sure they used a natural wick in the candle as well.
4.Does the seller boast that their Massage Candle is safe for everyone and all skin types? For every ingredient in the world, both natural and man made, their is someone in the world who will be allergic.
4. Price should not be your sole focus!! Some sellers state that any Massage Candle that is less than 25 dollars (or a different amount) is not made of Organic Natural Materials... I did a little research here--bought one of the more pricey brand Massage Candles and then laughed myself silly when I read the ingredients (which where not posted on the site).. I paid for a fancy jar and nothing more.. I was expecting to see a lot of different organic oils in this product.. So next time you are looking at Massage Candles look at ingredients first and then price. The current average price is around 14-20 dollars for 5-6 oz quality Massage Candle. Shop around before you commit. Remember that too cheap (below 12.00 for a scented 6 oz one) should throw up a red flag--but too expensive should throw up a red flag too. If you just have to have an expensive massage candle (the ones that are 20+ dollars for 6-7 oz) check out the companies reputation before you put all your eggs in their basket.
5. If you are buying a Massage Candle that has been scented and labeled 100% Organic, ask yourself this -- is the seller using Fragrance Oils? If so the candle is not organic because Fragrance Oils are man made chemicals. The seller should only be using Essential Oils if they are calling it 100% Organic--and then you want the essential oils that are put in your candle to be "uncut" or "neat" prior to being put in your candle.
6. Does the candle seem excessively pricey? Look at the jar, if it is fancy compared to other companies you may be paying the extra for the jar. Next look at who you are buying from... is it a big company or a little company. Big companies have the ability to go one of two ways. They can sell their products cheaper because they can buy in larger bulk, or they can raise their prices and make the consumer pay for a "name" instead of a product. In addition, consider if your product is being hand poured or factory poured. If it is factory poured ask the seller if other products are sent through the same machinery.
7. Exactly what type of soy is being used in your massage candle? Know that if your seller lists the soy as a blend you may want to find out what type of blend it is before you proceed with your purchase. Some blends are soy and beeswax (not really an ideal blend for this purpose), but some can be harmful like soy mixed with paraffin (a known carcinogenic).
Still can not decide...take a moment to contact the seller with any questions or concerns you have about any aspect of the candle. They should be happy to help you.
Once you get to use your new candle note the way the oil feels on your skin. If you noticed a thick white waxy film over your skin---you should contact the seller. They have made their candle with mainly soy wax and not enough of the other ingredients. The purpose of the Massage Candle is to nourish your skin with emollients (moisturizers) not act as a wax body peel. Candle making is all about Ratio's and you want to find a seller who keeps up with their Ratio's.
***Side Note*** You should get around 10+ full body massages out of a well made 5-6 oz Massage Candle, because a little will go a long way. You can, of course, use the candle without lighting it. Just scoop a little out with a spoon and rub on. When the ingredients reach body temperature your skin will absorb them. Properly made soy massage candles do not cause burns when used according to directions. The oil will only be slightly warmer than body temperature.
For some common information on some of the ingredients found in Massage Candles Click Here
Until next time happy massaging!!
Not all candle makers are using the right kind of soy in their massage candles in order to be able to call their massage candle "100% Organic." Some blends of soy on the market make the labeling of "Natural" uncalled for. Keep in mind some sellers are honest, and some are not. So before you go and purchase your Massage Candle from a candle maker ask yourself this:
1. Does this seller list any warnings on their site in regards to Massage Candles? If not, ask yourself why someone would not list the ingredients.
2. If they have not even so much as typed a sentence saying for you to discontinue use if irritation occurs--run, do not walk, away from the seller. They should at least have 2-3 sentences about irritation, avoiding getting in the eyes, and the most logical the warning not to play with fire. You have to wonder if the seller even cares about the health of their customers at all.
3. Did the seller list the ingredients plainly or did they list them all as scientific names only? If scientific names are the only ones listed--you have to wonder if they are trying to trick some unaware person into buying a product with an ingredient in it, they are allergic too. Check to make sure they used a natural wick in the candle as well.
4.Does the seller boast that their Massage Candle is safe for everyone and all skin types? For every ingredient in the world, both natural and man made, their is someone in the world who will be allergic.
4. Price should not be your sole focus!! Some sellers state that any Massage Candle that is less than 25 dollars (or a different amount) is not made of Organic Natural Materials... I did a little research here--bought one of the more pricey brand Massage Candles and then laughed myself silly when I read the ingredients (which where not posted on the site).. I paid for a fancy jar and nothing more.. I was expecting to see a lot of different organic oils in this product.. So next time you are looking at Massage Candles look at ingredients first and then price. The current average price is around 14-20 dollars for 5-6 oz quality Massage Candle. Shop around before you commit. Remember that too cheap (below 12.00 for a scented 6 oz one) should throw up a red flag--but too expensive should throw up a red flag too. If you just have to have an expensive massage candle (the ones that are 20+ dollars for 6-7 oz) check out the companies reputation before you put all your eggs in their basket.
5. If you are buying a Massage Candle that has been scented and labeled 100% Organic, ask yourself this -- is the seller using Fragrance Oils? If so the candle is not organic because Fragrance Oils are man made chemicals. The seller should only be using Essential Oils if they are calling it 100% Organic--and then you want the essential oils that are put in your candle to be "uncut" or "neat" prior to being put in your candle.
6. Does the candle seem excessively pricey? Look at the jar, if it is fancy compared to other companies you may be paying the extra for the jar. Next look at who you are buying from... is it a big company or a little company. Big companies have the ability to go one of two ways. They can sell their products cheaper because they can buy in larger bulk, or they can raise their prices and make the consumer pay for a "name" instead of a product. In addition, consider if your product is being hand poured or factory poured. If it is factory poured ask the seller if other products are sent through the same machinery.
7. Exactly what type of soy is being used in your massage candle? Know that if your seller lists the soy as a blend you may want to find out what type of blend it is before you proceed with your purchase. Some blends are soy and beeswax (not really an ideal blend for this purpose), but some can be harmful like soy mixed with paraffin (a known carcinogenic).
Still can not decide...take a moment to contact the seller with any questions or concerns you have about any aspect of the candle. They should be happy to help you.
Once you get to use your new candle note the way the oil feels on your skin. If you noticed a thick white waxy film over your skin---you should contact the seller. They have made their candle with mainly soy wax and not enough of the other ingredients. The purpose of the Massage Candle is to nourish your skin with emollients (moisturizers) not act as a wax body peel. Candle making is all about Ratio's and you want to find a seller who keeps up with their Ratio's.
***Side Note*** You should get around 10+ full body massages out of a well made 5-6 oz Massage Candle, because a little will go a long way. You can, of course, use the candle without lighting it. Just scoop a little out with a spoon and rub on. When the ingredients reach body temperature your skin will absorb them. Properly made soy massage candles do not cause burns when used according to directions. The oil will only be slightly warmer than body temperature.
For some common information on some of the ingredients found in Massage Candles Click Here
Until next time happy massaging!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Selecting a silk floral arrangement
If you are in the market for buying a custom made silk floral arrangement I often advise customers to set down and think about detail. The following list is not only for those who are having a custom made flower arrangement made for them, but is for the do-it-yourself people.
1. Sit in the room where you want the flower arrangement to go. Look at the style of the room (country, modern, classic, cottage, vintage, etc), then note the colors of the room (the main color, the accent colors, and the colors of any woods), next note any type of collections you have in the room, and finally measure the space (height and width) that you have for said flower arrangement.
2. Decide if you want a 360 design (which is a fully flower arrangement all the way around and is often used on tables in the center of a room, etc) or if you need a wall arrangement (this arrangement has one side without floral material in it so that is will sit closer to a wall). If you are doing a dried twigs (purely twigs, pods, and other wood looking dried materials) then skip step 4.
3. Note at least three of your favorite colors (does not have to be a color used in the room) and your five favorite types of flowers (roses, tulips, hydrangea, etc).
4. Decide if you like dark greens or light greens (for the foliage in your arrangement). You may want light greens if you have dark wood in the room, or dark green if you have light wood in the home. It is just a matter of how noticeable you want the arrangement to be.
Now if you are having the arrangement custom made for you submit the above to the designer with your budget and they should be able to come up with several options.
If you are doing it yourself, sit down with a color wheel and find the room's dominant color. Look at the complimentary color of the dominant room color and the triad, tetrad, and split complimentary colors. See where your favorite colors fall into place and if one is appropriate go ahead and chose it for one of the colors in the arrangement.
Now you can chose to have just one color in varying shades in your arrangement and the container can match your accent colors in your room. You can chose to have your accent colors and your favorite color in the arrangement. The options are limitless for the number of combinations you will be able to make by just asking and answering a few questions of your self.
Once you know what you want and get your supplies play around with the placement of the floral materials before you cut them to length. If you have already snipped on one and it is too short now-- add some length back with floral wire or stakes and floral tape. Always have your container in front of you before you begin--this will help you to maintain your shape. Try to always work by placing the tallest to the shortest from the middle to the outside of the container. Never be afraid to experiment and look around at what you have collected in the room--you might be able to incorporate a piece of it into your arrangement.
Written by Marty owner of Design Time Haven
1. Sit in the room where you want the flower arrangement to go. Look at the style of the room (country, modern, classic, cottage, vintage, etc), then note the colors of the room (the main color, the accent colors, and the colors of any woods), next note any type of collections you have in the room, and finally measure the space (height and width) that you have for said flower arrangement.
2. Decide if you want a 360 design (which is a fully flower arrangement all the way around and is often used on tables in the center of a room, etc) or if you need a wall arrangement (this arrangement has one side without floral material in it so that is will sit closer to a wall). If you are doing a dried twigs (purely twigs, pods, and other wood looking dried materials) then skip step 4.
3. Note at least three of your favorite colors (does not have to be a color used in the room) and your five favorite types of flowers (roses, tulips, hydrangea, etc).
4. Decide if you like dark greens or light greens (for the foliage in your arrangement). You may want light greens if you have dark wood in the room, or dark green if you have light wood in the home. It is just a matter of how noticeable you want the arrangement to be.
Now if you are having the arrangement custom made for you submit the above to the designer with your budget and they should be able to come up with several options.
If you are doing it yourself, sit down with a color wheel and find the room's dominant color. Look at the complimentary color of the dominant room color and the triad, tetrad, and split complimentary colors. See where your favorite colors fall into place and if one is appropriate go ahead and chose it for one of the colors in the arrangement.
Now you can chose to have just one color in varying shades in your arrangement and the container can match your accent colors in your room. You can chose to have your accent colors and your favorite color in the arrangement. The options are limitless for the number of combinations you will be able to make by just asking and answering a few questions of your self.
Once you know what you want and get your supplies play around with the placement of the floral materials before you cut them to length. If you have already snipped on one and it is too short now-- add some length back with floral wire or stakes and floral tape. Always have your container in front of you before you begin--this will help you to maintain your shape. Try to always work by placing the tallest to the shortest from the middle to the outside of the container. Never be afraid to experiment and look around at what you have collected in the room--you might be able to incorporate a piece of it into your arrangement.
Written by Marty owner of Design Time Haven
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
