Yellow votive candles are sure to make a statement in your decor this summer.  Yellow is a popular, bold color and is one of the hottest trends in home decor for 2009.  Bright, bold colors like yellow can be paired with neutrals for a calmer and more sophisticated look.  Yellow votive candles can add just the right amount of color needed to liven up your decor or special event.

Stock up on red, white, and blue votive candles for Fourth of July celebrations.  Red, white, and blue votive candles are made from high quality paraffin wax and burn clean for at least 10 hours.  Be sure to burn votive candles in glass votive holders for optimum burn time and safety.  Votive candles are sure to last throughout your celebration.  When the festivities are over, send the red, white, and blue votive candles home with guests as party favors.

Candlelight Run 2009

Candlelight Run 2009

Ever wondered where luminary candles originated?  In the 16th century, Spanish settlers introduced the concept of farolitos, or little lanterns, which were small fires lit outside their homes to commemorate Christ’s birth.  Luminaries have been used throughout history in the ancient traditions of communicating, warning, and celebrating by using linked bonfires.  Sometime around the 19th century, American settlers brought expensive Chinese lanterns to hang from their doorways in place of bonfires.  Since the Chinese lanterns were so expensive, many people began to make small lanterns out of paper bags.

This is where our modern day luminaries originated, and they have quickly grown in popularity and are now available in various styles, colors, and designs.  Luminarias began as a Christmas tradition, but has gradually evolved into a tradition used at parties, memorials, weddings, and charitable events throughout the entire year.

Candlelight Run 2009

Candlelight Run 2009

The 2009 Candlelight Run would never be the same without luminary candles.  If you are interested in using luminaries for an event, there are some things you should know.  First, you will need luminary bags, tealight candles, and a cup of sand for each bag.  The first step is to fold a cuff around the top of the luminary bag to make the bag more stable.  Then, add the cup of sand to weight down the bag.  If using a large amount of luminaries, it would be wise to complete the first two steps well in advance of the event.

Luminaries are usually placed anywhere between 8 to 12 feet apart depending on the total area being covered.  Once you are ready to set them up, make sure the candle wicks are pointed upward, and place them down into the sand.  Do this for all of your luminaries first, and then go back to light them.  This will ensure that the candles stay lit throughout your event.  Get an early start to make sure your luminaries are ready to light up the night!

Candlelight Run 2009

Candlelight Run 2009

The Candlelight Run is a huge event that is held every year in Greenville, SC, to raise money for local charities.  The Candlelight Run is the largest night run in South Carolina with over 2,000 participants.  Volunteers spent hours lining the 3.1 mile course with over 2500 luminary candles.  With temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees and strong wind gusts, preparing and lighting the luminaries was quite challenging.  However, the result was breathtakingly beautiful, and the participants were able to experience a peaceful night run.

Candlelight Run 2009

Candlelight Run 2009

The 13th annual Candlelight Run was held on Saturday June 20, 2009 in Greenville, SC.  Over 2,200 people participated in the 5k and 1-mile fun run around the CU-ICAR facility.  Over 2,500 luminaries lined the path of the 5k run.  Amazingly, the winner completed the entire 3.1 mile course in only 16 minutes, 30 seconds!

Photo Compliments of TDiddy at Chatty Brides

Many brides search for a way to honor deceased loved ones on their wedding day.  The supplies needed for this project are a cylinder vase, ribbon in your wedding colors, ink jet vellum paper, tape roll, and glue.  Click here for step by step instructions for designing the vase.  You will need a votive or tealight candle to illuminate the vase.  The memorial vase can be placed on a table with a meaningful poem, flower arrangement, and votive candles.  This is a simple and very inexpensive project that will be perfect for remembering your loved ones.

Blue ocean breeze scented votive candles are perfect for the summer season.  They smell crisp and clean like a summer ocean breeze.  These are perfect for use indoors or outdoors.  The smell of ocean breeze is very relaxing.  Blue ocean breeze scented votive candles have 100% cotton wicks and burn clean for 10 hours or more.  In addition to their enticing aroma, ocean breeze votive candles also bring a pop of blue color to your decor.

Turn ordinary pillar candles into unique pieces of art by using a variety of decorative items.  You can customize pillar candles with colorful scrapbook paper, fabric, ribbon, buckles, and even 3D scrapbook stickers.  You probably have some of these things lying around.  This is a very inexpensive craft idea that is super easy and creates a one of a kind look.  Simply use a bit of hot glue to attach the decorative items to the pillar candle, and you’re done!

Lavender clear cup tealight candles smell and look great!  Lavender is one of the oldest and most popular scents used in candles, massage oils, and many other products.  Enjoy the fresh floral scent of lavender any time with lavender clear cup tealight candles.  Lavender clear cup tealight candles come in a disposable plastic cup and burn clean for 4-5 hours.  Lavender is a popular choice for candles because of the calming effect of its sweet aroma.