I promised we would get spicy and so we shall. Today the focus is on scented Valentine candles for the bedroom. Candles at dinner, from my perspective, are best left unscented so as not to clash with the aromas of the meal. Once you have moved on from dessert, then essential oils will help carry the mood along.
A pillar candle is the best shape for this purpose. Once completed and burning, add one or two drops only of essential oil to the liquid bowl of wax that feeds the flame. Too much added oil and an adjustment of the wick size will be needed. A pillar shape, ( wider than a taper ) can adjust to the added oil better than a thin taper candle and truly, the intention is that your focus is going to be on things other than whether the candle is burning properly.
Research shows that our bodies react to hundreds of natural and not so natural stimulants. To be a true aphrodisiac, it needs to create sexual excitement and there is some debate about what creates and what simply enhances what is already there. Your mind may be the strongest aphrodisiac around and to that end a nice cup of something warm and stimulating while putting your candle together can certainly help hold your focus and intention.
This is a lovely loose leaf cup of Organic Cherry Rose Green Tea from culinary blossom.com. I love the fact that they package the teas with empty tea bags inside. Culinary blossom only ships within Canada but I know there are specialty stores around the world that have something similar. Choose something romantic and tasty while you work.
Cut a 100% beeswax sheet in 3 lengthwise. In most cases sheets are about 16 by 8 inches. This is one that has over wintered and has a few little nicks on the sides. That is absolutely fine. All you will see in the end is the last outside wrap and all the not so good parts will be hidden inside.
The size of the wick is determined by the width of the candle. My supplier would say that a #3 wick would be needed. Your supplier might have a different source for wicks so please make sure to ask what the right wick size would be for three lengths of wax.
Cut a piece of wick the width of one third of the wax ( just under 3 inches ). Place it at the end of the wax and gently turn the honeycomb over the wick. Honeycomb beeswax is more forgiving than flat beeswax sheets and if you make a mistake it is possible to unroll and reroll in the correct position.
If you notice that three lengths of beeswax have slightly different widths, this is also okay. Start with the narrowest sheet and save the one with the most width for last. That way all possible issues will be hidden inside and underneath the finished candle.
One you have rolled the wax around the wax the first time. Do it again and then spread your middle three fingers so they reach the ends of the beeswax and push gently forward rolling up the beeswax. Watch the top line as you roll to ensure you are rolling straight.
When you get to the end of one length of beeswax simply place the next strip at the end and continue rolling, Roll all three strips of wax, one after the other until all pieces are added. Roll back and forth over the edge of the last piece to help it stick to the beeswax below it.
Done!
Find a nice candle holder. No burning candles should be left unattended and it is good to be secure if for some reason the candle starts to drip. Place in a safe place for later with matches and your choice of essential oils.
Foods like figs, bananas, carrots and avocados make the list aphrodisiacs for their shapes. Some like ginger and cinnamon, are used to promote good blood flow and heat the body. Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose and Sandalwood are other aromas that traditionally have been used in the bedroom. It is important that you and your partner enjoy the aroma, so some experimentation is helpful.
Scent and for that matter music, have the ability to link memories and experiences through our emotions. Stimulating the senses with scent helps to bring back memories and build on past adventures so you might want to think about playing with creating a personal mixture of essential oils for your special times.
Like in all things use in moderation. One or two drops is all you will need once the candle is lit and has burned long enough to create a bowl of liquid wax. Do not drop the oil directly into the flame but into the melted wax below. Adding more later is always an option.
Aromatic Candles from My Kitchen Wand
If you are curious what the pearls are for check out wisewomanscookery.com. That topic is beyond the scope of this post and this page.
