There are many methods for
scenting a home or office that are alternatives to
candles. These are growing in popularity because
many people either can't have a flame in the area or
don't want a flame for various reasons. They are
excellent also for use in offices and classrooms and
the like where a flame is not allowed.
One method is called no flame
candles or some variation of that title. Basically
they are a candle with no wick. Many come in travel
tins or other shallow type jars for easy melting.
You use a coffee mug warmer, the electric type small
hot plate, put the flameless candle on the hotplate,
turn it on and as the wax melts, it throws a scent
as if you're burning a candle, yet with no flame.
Ours are called "no flame candles", check out at the
Make an Order form.
Another way are tart melters of
some type. There are many on the market and called
many things, but they come in one of two types. One
has a small bowl on top that is heated by burning a
small tea light candle underneath it (not truly a
flameless way to go); the other is a small bowl of
some type that is powered by electricity. Whichever
melter you get, you place a small amount of scented
wax in the small bowl portion, and as it melts, it
throws off a scent. The small pieces of scented wax
are called tarts, melts and a host of other things
and can be purchased through stores and various
candle makers.
A variation of the above method
is instead of using tarts or melts, put a small
amount of pure olive oil in the small bowl area,
with a few drops of either candle fragrance oil, or
essential oils. These oils can also be used as
potpourri refresher oils when potpourri begins to
lose its scent.
Reed diffusers are also a newer
idea and lots of fun. The basic concept is a jar
filled with a scented base, with long porous reeds
coming out of the top. The scented oil wicks up the
reeds, creating a scent. The reeds should be
flipped end over end ever couple of weeks or so.
The product is finished when the oil is used up.
These are very long lasting. The scent throw is
usually lighter in a reed diffuser than say a
candle, but an especially nice in a bathroom or
bedroom setting.
Light bulb rings are another
method to scent without a flame. These are small
rings made of various materials that you put on a
light bulb, and add a few drops of scented oil. The
heat off the light bulb activates the scent.
If you care to buy an ounce of
two of concentrated oils from me, let me know. It's
$6.00 an ounce, and they are undiluted/uncut. If
you make your own soaps or body products (for
personal use) and would like some, let me know.
Most of these oils can be used for those
applications too.
Experiment with various forms
to find your favorite method. Or you might be a
tried and true candle lover, with flame and all, but
it's fun to try new ways.
by Valerie Garner
