|
In a world of constant change and technological
breakthroughs, candles have stood the test of time. Symbols of romance,
intimacy and spiritual prosperity, candles are as popular now as
they were back in the days before electricity and people worldwide,
continue to use candles, preferring their soft light to harsh fluorescent
bulbs.
Candle making is an art and a quick stroll around any market or
gift shop will show just how creative candle makers have become.
Khun Nuntaporn Widler is an expert candle maker whose level of job
satisfaction is inspiring. She began candle making at home, as a
hobby, teaching herself through reading and good old fashioned trial
and error.
Soon her husband Henry, a successful hotelier, realized her talents
and decided to decorate his hotel with the home made candles. Khun
Nuntaporn has never looked back and today her company, Candles of
Phuket shares a prosperous partnership with Ceramics of Phuket,
in furnishing beautiful hotels and restaurants with exquisite candles
and ceramics.
Candles of Phuket consists of a factory and a showroom called Exotica
Crafts and Candles, but Khun Nuntaporn prefers to work at home where
she can devote her time to raising her children and creating new
candles at night when they are asleep.
 |
|
When making candles an artist needs to consider how it will burn,
how it will look and also its smell. Candles are made from a mixture
of paraffin and wax and the proportions need to be correct or else
it will either burn too fast in a cloud of thick, black smoke, or
it will burn too deeply, suffocating the flame. The inclusion of
stearic acid has eased this problem but experimentation is needed
to ascertain appropriate quantities in relation to the candle's
wick and size.
Once a good bass mix has been developed the artist may choose to
add some fragrance from essential oils or other perfumes before
finally making the candle and here an artist needs to be creatively
careful.
A lot of intricate designs look great, until you burn them and so
Khun Nuntaporn likes to categorize candles as practical or decorative.
Her preferred styles are classic pillars and cubes. These simple,
yet stylish shapes are conducive to long candle life, as when they
are lit in an area that is not too windy, the melting wax in the
middle will be retained by the outside "wall' of the candle.
As long as this "wall' is not damaged, the candle will
slowly melt away leaving no mess. Khun Nuntaporn believes that many
modern styles with elaborate shapes and numerous wicks are beautiful,
but not so practical.
|
|
|
Decorative candles are popular among tourists as they are commonly
made with designs of shells, flowers, fish and other tokens of Phuket,
but these compete with thousands of other inventive designs. Candles
of Phuket sells scented candles in beautiful ceramic holders and
elegant Asian style chalices and earns, which are favourites with
visitors for their link with Thailand's Buddhist religion.
This particular style would be very practical for use in a restaurant
as the wax is fully contained and the light omitted is very romantic.
Exotica sells candles in an impressive range of sizes, shapes,
colours and scents so you'll surely find the perfect candle
for a gift or to use at home. If you would like to use Khun Nuntaporn's
candles for commercial use, you'll be happy to know that there
is no minimum order. She says "My aim is to inspire people
who start small, like I did' and her consideration of small
businesses has allowed many of them to afford unique decorations
at their budget.
Exotica Crafts and Candles at The Court Yard
90/5 Moo 2, Chaofa West Road West, Phuket.
Telephone & Fax: +66(0)76 264 474.
|
