Snippets of our weekend

We're a bunch of homebodies by nature really and also very indecisive about what to do so without any decisions being made we busied ourselves around home. Saturday saw me going to our local organic shop for a free chocolate making demonstration.  I brought my camera with me and asked if I could take a few pictures, it was a great idea it seems to have brought my camera with me.  One of the ladies who works at the shop asked if I could email the pictures for them to use on their face book page since she forgot to bring her camera, I'm always more than happy to help out and to get a bit more practice in different situations. The demonstrator asked, once things were complete, to look at the photos and asked if I could also send him the photos. As a way of thanking me gave me an array of their products, to say I was happy was an understatement.  Maybe this might just be what I need to build up my confidence.

There was an impromptu trip to the park to see the fireworks.

Some crafting 

and candle making.  I have to say I was a little nervous making these candles and now with the information I have learnt I might give them another go but for now I have a few for us and some to give as gifts too so I won't be making any more for a little while.  I thought I would share some tips I learnt along the way so if you decide to give candle making a go they might come in handy.

Here's my candle making tips:

* use newspaper to cover your work surfaces.  Makes cleaning up much much easier.

* when choosing equipment to melt your wax in, ensure that it's not your best because it's messy and cleaning wax can be and was very difficult.

* pour a small amount of wax in the bottom of the jar, then using the tip of a pencil push the wick and holder into the wax and allow to set before you start your pouring your candle.

* to prevent wax from getting on your wicks when pouring, you can cover it with some blue tac.    When you unwind the wick from it's holder (eg. bamboo stick) then there will be no wax on the wick and it will look pretty and professional (unlike my very handmade creations).

* when using beeswax be aware that it does shrink when it sets so only fill the jar half way, let it set then tighten wick.  When it's set you can do a second and even a third pour to ensure there is no gaps between the glass and wax, also to fill in any air bubbles that may have formed.

* if you happen to get wax that has dripped on the outside of the jar (I had lots!), I found that a little bit of eucalyptus oil was fantastic at removing it.

Happy candle making if you decide to give it a try and happy week to you.