Soy Candles

Taper candles are widely used and very common.  They often come to mind first when thinking of candles.  They are tall, thin candles.  Their burn time depends on their height.  You can find them in a variety of sizes, colors and scents.  Taper candles are most often made by the dipping process.  This is done by taking a very long wick and dipping it into a pot of hot wax.  You can even do two at a time if your wick is extra long and looped at the top.  This process allows for different layers of colors in a single candle, while producing a very smooth texture.  Another way to make tapers is by using molds.  This allows for mass production, unusual shapes, and uniform looking tapers.  Beeswax can also be used for tapers by rolling sheets of beeswax around the wicks.  These are more expensive but have a very rich and delicate scent. 

The waxes used for tapers can vary.  Paraffin is one choice, beeswax as described above is another.  Then there is the cleaner burning choice of soy-wax.  It burns at a  lower temperature, produces much less if any soot, is non-toxic, and is a renewable resource.  Soy-wax is made from soybeans and helps promote the American farm industry.  Soy-wax can be dyed or scented as desired and holds its fragrance longer.  

Tapers must be burnt in a candle holder or they will fall over, becoming a fire hazard.  They are a good idea to have around in case of a power outage.  Better yet why not have several pillar soy candles around the house.  They will last longer, since they are made from a larger amount of wax and you don’t need a candle holder to keep them upright.  If you want a more elegant looking candle try a chunky pillar soy candle.  They have small bits of different colored wax mixed into the main pillar that when lit become even more beautiful as the flame dances behind the multi-colored translucent wax.