How To Make Gel Candles

Gel candles are a great item to make. Not only are they beautiful, but very easy to light. They also burn slowly, giving your candles a long life for you to treasure. Gel candles are very easy to make as well as inexpensive. You can add your favorite scents to them as well. The supplies you need to get started include gel, zinc wicks, fragrance oils if you desire, and dye to add color. Some people love the look of a clear gel candle and prefer not to use any dye. It is important that you only use zinc wicks for gel candles because cotton wicks absorb the gel, causing them not to light or burn well. You can purchase these supplies from a craft store or online.

Gel candles can be made in a variety of holders. Using those made of glass will give you the best results. However, as long as the container is non-flammable you will be fine. To add uniqueness to gel candles, some makers choose to make them in fancy glasses, wine glasses, and vases. To add color and themes to candles, consider using embeds. This can be glitter, marbles, colorful rocks, sea shells, crystals, or anything else that won’t burn.

You will need a hot glue gun to stick the wick to the bottom of the holder you plan to use. Hold firmly in place until the wick sticks. To make centering easier, mark the bottom of the holder with a red or black marker right in the center. The wick should then be placed on top of the mark. Leave the wick long enough to reach outside of the holder. You will trim it later. To melt the gel, cut it into small strips. For best results melt it in a double boiler at medium heat. The gel should be heated to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. A quality thermometer is a great investment as the gel won’t set properly if you don’t get it hot enough and it will lose the glossy color if you get the temperature too high.

If you desire to add color to your gel candles, add it in slowly. The colors show more vibrantly in gel candles than wax candles so you will need a lot less than what you use if you make wax candles. Stir the color into the melted wax slowly. If you aren’t happy with the color you can slowly add more. If you plan to use embedded objects in the candle, it is suggested you keep the gel candle color very light. Next, add fragrance if you desire. 1/3 teaspoon is all you need for each glass of melted gel.

For best results, heat your container in the microwave for about one minute. This will eliminate those unsightly bubbles that can form on gel candles. Immediately after removing the holder from the microwave, start adding your embeds. You will want to dip them in the hot gel to get them to stick in the holder. You can arrange embeds any way you desire. For best results push them towards the edges of the holder so that they can easily be scene. You can create embed patterns or add them loosely.

It is important not to keep the gel very hot while completing the embed process. Once you have that done, pour the gel into the holder. If you allow the gel to cool before pouring it in the holder you will end up with clumps of gel throughout the candle. Make sure the wick is hanging over the top of the holder before pouring in the gel. Once the gel has set, trim it to the size you desire.

Making gel candles is easy, fun, and inexpensive. It is a great way to make your own beautiful candles for using, giving as gifts, or selling. There are wonderful books with plenty of pictures of gel candle designs you can try, or simply create your own.

Ostrich Pillow Thingy For Napping At Work

If there's one thing that feels good it's sleeping on the man's dime and not getting fired for it. And while some lock their office doors and play audio of themselves on the phone or opt to sleep in the trunk of their car, I'm more of a traditionalist: passed out on the handicapped commode in the bathroom with my head between my legs. Nobody ever gives me a hard time because nobody ever wants to hear about my bowel trouble. I mean, I'll tell you, but not if you want to eat today or tomorrow or the next day. Enter the Ostrich, a pillow thingy designed to mimic the ostrich's 'head in the sand' style of catching bees. "You mean Z's?" No Sherlock, I'm pretty sure they eat bees.

OSTRICH offers a micro environment in which to take a warm and comfortable power nap at ease. It is neither a pillow nor a cushion, nor a bed, nor a garment, but a bit of each at the same time. Its soothing cave-like interior shelters and isolates our head and hands (mind, senses and body) for a few minutes, without needing to leave our desk.
Plus it makes it really uncomfortable to breathe, so you'll probably wake up thinking you were buried alive. And speaking of being buried alive: once in my misguided youth, I actually buried a worm alive. "Yeaaaaaaah, it probably lived." No, you don't understand -- it was at sea. And that was after I'd impaled him on a hook but right before a a fish ate him OH THE HUMANITY.

General Care & Cleaning Tips for Upholstery

After purchasing a piece of upholstered furniture, it is important to know proper cleaning methods to ensure your item maintains its new appearance for years to come. By following a few simple cleaning tips, you can obtain the maximum amount of use out of your couch, chair or ottoman.
• When cleaning your upholstery, use a cleaner that also deodorizes, is safe for your fabric and does not contain any harsh chemicals. Also, be sure to lightly brush or vacuum your furniture prior to cleaning. This will prevent dirt from entering the fabric while you clean.
• Apply cleanser to stains using a strong brush. When cleaning, do not rub or scrub the fabric too harshly.
• Use a damp sponge or cloth to remove the remaining cleanser after a minute or two.
• After cleansing, be sure your fabric dries thoroughly. To dry your furniture more quickly, leave a window open or run a fan nearby.
• Consider using a cover to protect your furniture if you have animals or small children. This will help you avoid stains.
• Once a week, remove dirt from the fabric by lightly brushing or vacuuming your upholstered piece. This will prevent dirt from entering the fabric and assist in preserving its appearance.
• Turn or reverse the cushions on your furniture often so they wear evenly. This will also allow you to notice stains sooner. If you do observe a stain, remember to clean upholstered furniture with the weakest solution possible.

While cleaning upholstered fabrics may not always be simple, putting time into caring for your furniture will ultimately be a rewarding task. After all, upholstered fabrics that have been properly cared for can retain their appearance for several years.

Peacock Themed Wedding

Peacock Wedding Ideas

What better way to proclaim your Love for one another than with the Bold and Beautiful Colors of The Majestic Peacock! Imagine the elegant Celebration you can create with the gorgeous hues of green, blue, teal, bronze, and gold, as your backdrop! I've brought together some unique and stunning Peacock inspired invitations, Peacock feathers, beautiful Peacock inspired accessories, and even Your Peacock Wedding Dress for you to enjoy!

Laser Expressions Feather Tag

This stylish feather paper tag will put the finishing touch on your favors or décor. The laser detailing is amazing. Thread a ribbon through the feather or perch on a glass to create a floating effect. Space is available to hand personalize each tag with a guest's name or brief message.

Peacock Invitation

This white z-fold invitation gets tucked away into a translucent pocket with a peacock feather on the front. This insert comes with a black pre-cut ribbon.

Purple Swirl Crystal Bouquet Jewelry

Crystal Bouquet Jewelry is the hottest trend in adding wedding glamor to the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, centerpieces and even wedding cake toppers. Dazzle your guests with the glamorous bouquet jewels for an absolutely stunning touch of sparkle.

Peacock Crystal Gown!
Wedding Gown?

All right, I admit it, this fabulous dress is actually a Quinceanera gown, but imagine this as your Peacock Wedding Gown!

Seize the day in this luminous crystal organza ball gown by the House of Wu. A shimmering Quinceañera gown featuring spaghetti straps and a sweetheart neckline with pleated fabric on the torso to accentuate your curves and a full skirt in a kaleidoscope of color.

Brown & Peacock Feather Clip Decoration

This elegant clip combines brown feathers and peacock feathers with a rhinestone ornament. There is a clip in back, so you can use this deco as a hair clip or to decorate your wedding accessories. Only $10!

Peacock Hair Fascinator! Available in Purple, Turquoise, Black, Brown & Fuchsia!

This feather fascinator features a dramatic peacock plume inspired by one of Hollywood's famous weddings. This gorgeous feather headpiece is available in: Brown, Purple, Turquoise, Black or Fuchsia. Each feather fascinator has both a Spring clip and brooch backing so you can clip it in your hair, pin it to a dress or even use the clip to fasten a shawl without piercing the fabric. Perfect for bridesmaids, proms and nights on the town!

Peacock Plume Wedding Collection

White satin collection with royal blue grosgrain and jade satin ribbons, rhinestone-studded adornments and peacock feather accents.  This Gorgeous set includes all five pieces shown in photo.

Brilliance

Brilliance

A symbol of beauty, the peacock inspired this ecru, tea-length card invitation.
Two peacock feathers encase the wording of your invitation to add a sophisticated touch.

Background options include;
1. Amethyst and Espresso,
2. Cornflower and Admiral
3. Champagne and Merlot
4. Eggplant and Pewter
5. Espresso and Watermelon
6. Latte and Peacock (shown)

Brilliance Accessory Ensemble

Brilliance Ensemble
It's the little things that make
a reception special. Add a fabulous finishing touch to your affair with these vibrant essentials. This ensemble includes: a favor tag, a seal, place card, and table number.

Peacock Wedding Invite

Peacock Galore
Enclose your invitation, direction or accommodation card and other enclosures in this bright turquoise pocket, tied together by a black satin ribbon! The shimmer invitation features a black border and peacock feathers.

Personalized Peacock Votive Candle Holder

Brilliantly simple. Classically designed. Memorably personalized. With all the color and design choices for our Personalized Glass Votive, you'll quickly discover your event's color palette and these versatile favors are a perfect match! 

Peacock Feather Garter

Beautiful White Satin Garter with jade satin ribbon and royal blue bow,
rhinestone-studded adornment, and peacock feather accent.

Aqua Jeweled Hair Comb

This beautiful aqua rhinestone hair comb measures 4" in length and 1.75" wide. Silver plating combines with a lovely series of aqua rhinestones that make different flower shapes. A three-pronged hair comb is in back.

Peacock Save the Date Magnet

This magnet has your photo on the left hand side and
your wording printed above brightly colored Peacock feathers.

Peacock in a Pocket Invite

A bright white invitation is layered on top of a teal shimmer backer. A peacock feather design adds a whimsical touch. The black shimmer pocket is perfect for adding your matching enclosures.

Pugster Peacock's Tail With Black Feather Earrings

Dazzle your friends with this pair of Peacock's Tail with Black Feather earrings, crafted with a keen eye to fine detail and design. Nothing says class like a great pair of earrings, and no one makes great earrings like Pugster!

New! Peacock Mint Favor Tins

These Wonderful Personalized Peacock Tins come already filled with white heart-shaped peppermints!
What could be more perfect for your Peacock Wedding Theme!

Peacock Print Dress!

Beautiful Strapless Peacock full-length gown!

Perfect Peacock Shoes!

Perfectly Peacock! Strappy shoes with peacock feather and 4" heel!

Image source: Every Last Detail Blog

Feather Wedding Hair Accessories

You've incorporated feathers into your bridesmaid's bouquets. Your gown boasts feather-embellished details. And, feathers flow from your wedding-day centerpieces. Your hair should also flaunt feathers. Wedding hair accessories made with feathers have become increasingly popular since Kate Middleton donned a feather fascinator for the world to admire. Here are three ways to style your wedding day hair with feathers.
Floral and Feather Combo
If you love the traditional look of flower hair accessories, but want to use feathers, try a combo hair piece. If you're planning an updo hairstyle, or simply sweeping your hair over one ear, try tucking a comb into your tresses. Check out the Vintage Feather Fascinator Headpiece Ivory Bridal Hair Accessories, $48.35, amazon.com. As a bonus, this hair goodie also has faux pearls, tiny pink beads and faux rhinestones to give it a glamorous appeal.

A Feathery Veil
Let your wedding hair accessories fill your feather fantasy and fulfill your need for a veil. If you haven't already chosen a headpiece, consider a veil flanked with feathery trim. Or, opt for a demure birdcage veil held in place with a feather hair clip. Look at the elegant Feather & Chiffon Floral Bridal Hair Accessory, $50.00, Crystal Bride Dreams. The veil can be removed so the clip can be worn alone during the wedding reception. That's two looks in one!

A Bride's Something Blue
Are you still deciding on your "something blue" to wear on your wedding day? Splurge on a peacock feather hair accessory. This uncommon wedding-day embellishment will add color to your look and coordinates beautifully with blue-green-copper wedding color palettes. Carry the theme throughout the wedding by using peacock feathers on the groomsmen's boutonnieres or as wedding hair accessories for the flower girls. If you're taking wedding photos outside under a blue sky and green grass, the peacock feather accessories will shimmer.