How to Make a Container Candle
It’s not that I’m not willing to spend $22 on a divine scented candle in great packaging, but I’m not a happy camper when it’s burnt out in two days. So, I decided I’d learn to make my own, and as it turns out, it’s quite easy! Here’s my step-by-step tutorial.
1. Stuff you need:
-A double boiler (this one is from Ikea)
-Containers. Glass jars, old coffee tins, whatever you like.
–Wax. I use natural soy way that I buy here, or you can buy some at your local craft store.
-Wicks. The wicks that I buy at Millcreek come with these useful stickers at the bottom, which you can use to attach the wick to the bottom of your container.
-Essential oils for fragrance and dyes for color. I think they look most elegant in their natural color, but if you want to add some drops of coloring, suit yourself.
2. Let’s get started. If you’re recycling old candles, place the candle on top of wax paper (and a cutting board) and start choppin’. I use a screwdriver to break it up. The wax I buy comes in flakes, so you can skip this step if you’re using new wax.
3. Put some water in the bottom boiler and your wax in the top. Turn the range on low. As the water boils, your wax will start to melt and liquify. While you’re waiting for this, you can prep the containers.
4. Place a wick sticker on the bottom of the wick and secure the wick to the bottom of your container.
When you pour the wax, the wick is going to get all sad and limp. So I use a clothes pin or two to hold it in place and keep it upright while the wax cools.
5 . You can add a few drops of your fragrances into the double boiler pretty much whenever you want, but I do it just before pouring. Same goes for your color dyes. You may want to keep a plastic spoon on hand to swirl it all together.
6. When the wax is liquified and about 100 degrees (you can find a thermometer for just this purpose by the candle supplies at the craft store), go ahead and pour it into your container. Leave about 1/2″ at the top.
7. Your first pour is going to leave a bit of a sinkhole around the wick. So when your wax is almost entirely cooled (give it and hour or so), top it off with some more melted wax. Perhaps you want to use this opportunity to throw in a surprise.
8. Ok, go ahead and trim up the excess wick. You’re done!
Trouble shooting:
-Flashing: You over-poured or hit the side of your container. Oh well, now you know.
-Bumps and sink holes. This is a pain in the neck, and unfortunately comes with the learning curve. Tip: the cooler you pour it, the less likely you are to get bumps or sink holes.
Give it a try and leave a comment if you have any questions. Chances are someone else has the same question.
Spring 2012 Trends alla Kitsch Trading Co.
This morning stylist Sandra Antoun from Kitsch Trading Co, takes a look at the trends you’re bound to see everywhere this spring. So take note and decide whether you’d like to join in or go your own way.
Cheerful Color-Blocking
Spring runways were extremely colorful this year. Bold, solid-colored pieces—such as a cardi/skirt combo, a wrap dress, or a demure one-piece suit—make simple apparel look feminine and glamorous. Style tip: Stick to three colors maximum, to avoid that “girly, Rainbow Brite-esque” appearance.
Super Bold Prints
Vibrant, swirling patterns sashayed down the spring 2012 runways. And there was plenty to choose from. Large print florals, mirror-like geometric shapes, and even parrot prints are my first picks.
Oranges and Tangerines
My number one pick for the sunny orange trend is Tangerine Tango, which was ubiquitous in the fashion scene this year. And if tangerine doesn’t flow with your vibe, there are plenty of other similar hues to choose from. The simplicity behind wearing a color as vibrant as this foreshadows a chic and glamorous inclination for 2012. Try pairing some bright orange pumps (or sandals) with a basic white pant/short and blue T. That way, if going for an overly bold ensemble isn’t your cup of tea, you can still incorporate current fashion trends into your own personal wardrobe.
Pastel Shades
For those of us with more subtle tendencies color-wise, pastels are in our favor this season. These shades and hues give off a low-key, lady-like ambiance and, in my opinion, have remained extremely sexy (and timeless) when it comes to budgeting and choosing this season’s wardrobe.
So there you have it, folks. Check out Sandra’s work and if you live in the Austin area, have her come over and find the secret gems that have been hiding in your wardrobe!
And the Beatnik Goes On
Shaggy beards, tight jeans, newsboy hats… Are hipsters really a thing of the 2000′s or just a reinvention of the Beatnik? Referring more to the stereotype of a deliberately disheveled artist-type, both groups are perhaps looking to tell a deeper story through their serious glasses, goatees, and apathetic grins. The hipster’s nostalgic predilection for the wavy sound of vinyl records and old relics like typewriters and single-gear bicycles, may be a link to his politically wary beatnik cousin (or father, as it were). Whether through literature, occupy movements, or acoustic jam sessions, both the hipster, the beatnik, and their wardrobes suggest a search to protect the disenfranchised and find beauty in the mundane through rose-colored Ray Bans.
Contestants for the title of Miss Beatnik of 1959
Circa 1965 Cher, Sonny, Bob Dylan
Young Beaniks in London, 1960s (By Harold Chapman)
Singer, Judy Henske (Aka “Queen of the Beatniks”)
Wait, what’s Che Guevara doing here? He’s a revolutionary socialist with shaggy hair and berets. He counts.
Jack Karouac
Karouac, Ginsberg, and their buds
Beatnik Fashion
Boatneck Sweater from Knitty.com
Ray Ban’s Original Red Wayfarer Sunglasses
Frye Jillian Oxfords in Purple
Old Navy Striped Boatneck (There are so many in this post, I had to include it in the shopping list)
As always, we love to hear your thoughts. …And if you see anything you like PIN IT!!
Featured Find: Georgia O’Keefe Bracelet & Earrings
Georgia O’Keefe, one of America’s most important modern artists paved the way for women in the art community. Acclaimed for her work decades before women had even gained access to formal art training. She became the first highly celebrated female artist and a cultural and style icon in her own right. Her abstract work was innovative and revolutionary, and her large scale paintings filled the canvas with power and emotion. For many, her paintings represent the beginnings of a new American art free from the irony and cynicism of the late 20th century.
Her namesake bracelet and earrings are rustic, lightweight silver plated pewter and look like dripping paint, making them a great stand-out accessory.
Featured Find: Juliette Gordon Low Earrings
Our Catherine’s Finds are named after strong women in history and literature. This week, we spotlight Juliette Gordon Low (aka Daisy), the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. And, as a matter of fact, Catherine Nicole (the business) has a few things in common with Low (the person). 1. They were both born in Savannah, GA. 2. They both dedicate resources to instilling courage, confidence, and strong bonds among girls. 3. Both promote inclusivity and open-mindedness, which can be a scary and risky stance when you’re an organization as big as The Girl Scouts.
The organization just celebrated its 100th birthday this month. Here are her namesake earrings, as well as images of the original Girl Scout herself.
Juliette Gordon Low, source
Juliette Gordon Low (far right), source
So, what are your favorite cookies called in your state? Tagalongs or Peanut Butter Patties? Samoas or Caramel Delights?
Tip: Next time you get your hands on some thin mints, bite off a bit of two ends (I know, it’s round!), and use it as a straw to drink milk. Ah, I’m already missing Girl Scout cookie season.
Hunger Games Style
The Hunger Games movie comes out this weekend, and I have been excited about this for months! After reading the book, it got me thinking about all the beautifully elaborate dresses Katniss will be wearing as “the girl on fire”. Here are some sneak peaks from The Hunger Games’ wardrobe department, the red carpet, and other upcoming movies with spectacular style.
Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games, source
Josh Hutcherson in The Hunger Games, source
Elizabeth Banks in The Hunger Games, source
Julia Roberts in Mirror Mirror, source
Lily Collins from Mirror Mirror, source
Lily Collins in Mirror Mirror, source
Carey Mulligan and Leonardo DiCaprio in The Great Gatsby, source
Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby, source
Carey Mulligan in The Great Gatsby, source
Kirsten Dunst in Marie Antoinette, source
Pretty Little Liars, source
Who do you think has been the best dressed character?
Leslie Cochran and Other Style Shakers
Leslie Cochran, Austin’s beloved resident who was known for his wild style and sky high lady’s heels, passed away early this morning. In his honor, today we want to celebrate Leslie and other style shakers that we admire for their unique taste, boldness and originality.
Leslie Cochran, statesman.com
Debbie Harry, with her platinum blonde hair and fearless style made a lasting impression on the punk music scene.
Debbie Harry, stylist.co.uk
David Bowie, a style icon in his own right. From his glamourous Ziggy Stardust costumes to a classic suit, he wore it all with confidence.
David Bowie, DanceHallPimpsBlog
Madonna, in her most famous style shaking cone bra look. For decades, she constantly redefined her style. Hopefully she’ll surprise us again one day and come up with a crazy new look for her 70′s and 80′s like Iris Apfel.
Madonna, TheHairyMonster
Boy George took androgyny to the main stage.
Boy George, Wikia
Who knows if we’d have Lady Gaga without some of these aforementioned trail blazers, but she has proven herself to be quite a unique character. I have no doubt she wouldn’t be that different than she is, even without other style shakers leaving their mark before she and her monsters came along.
Lady Gaga, Issues
