Decorative Crafts Dictionary

By Blake Pieck

1st Edition of "Decorative Crafts Dictionary", covering over 2700 words, and their meaning through various topics.

This dictionary delves into the world of decorative crafts, specifically focusing on Candle Making, Soap Making, and Potpourri Crafting. With over 2700 terms meticulously defined and explained, this dictionary serves as a vital resource for craft enthusiasts, DIYers, and professionals alike. It offers in-depth insights into the techniques, materials, and processes involved in these crafts, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the terminology used in these artistic endeavors.

Candle Making: This is the craft of creating candles from various materials such as wax, soy, or beeswax. It involves melting the base material, adding colorants and fragrances, and then setting the liquid into a desired shape, usually using a mold or container. Wick placement is a crucial step. Candle making allows for a range of creative expressions, from simple, functional candles to elaborate, decorative pieces.

Soap Making: This involves producing soap, typically through methods like cold process, hot process, or melt and pour. The process includes combining fats or oils with an alkali like lye. Customization is a key aspect, where makers add colors, scents, and various additives for texture and skin benefits. Soap making blends chemistry with art, resulting in unique and practical creations.

Potpourri Crafting: This is the art of creating a fragrant mixture of dried, naturally scented plant materials, often used to freshen the air in homes. Ingredients can include dried flowers, herbs, spices, and essential oils. Crafting potpourri involves choosing a harmonious blend of scents and textures, and it often includes decorative elements. The craft allows for personalization and creativity in creating natural, aromatic blends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blake Pieck
• Release date: Dec 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223111849

Book preview

Candle Making Dictionary

A

Absorption Rate   -   Scent Behavior   -   The rate at which a candle’s wax absorbs fragrance oils or essential oils. 

Abstract Design   -   Design Concept   -   Candles crafted with non-representational or non-objective patterns and designs. 

Accelerator   -   Production Material   -   Additives that speed up the solidification or set time of the wax. 

Acid Dyes   -   Colorant Category   -   Dyes that are water-soluble and used to achieve vibrant colors in candles. 

Acrylic Molds   -   Equipment Category   -   Molds made from acrylic material, which can offer clear visualization and easy removal. 

Additives   -   Materials Category   -   Substances added to candle wax to achieve desired characteristics like scent, color, or texture. 

Adhesion   -   Candle Behavior   -   Refers to the way the cooled wax adheres to the sides of its container or mold. 

Adjuster   -   Equipment Category   -   Tools used to fine-tune or adjust elements of the candle during production. 

Aesthetic Appeal   -   Product Quality   -   The visual attractiveness of a candle. 

Aesthetic Balance   -   Design Principle   -   Refers to the harmonious arrangement or proportion of elements in a candle. 

Afterburn   -   Burning Behavior   -   The continuation of a minimal flame or ember after the main flame has been extinguished. 

Afterglow   -   Burning Behavior   -   The soft luminescence visible just after the candle flame is extinguished. 

Aging Process   -   Production Behavior   -   The natural process by which some candles may change in scent, color, or texture over time. 

Air Bubbles   -   Production Challenges   -   Small pockets of air that can get trapped in the wax during the molding process, leading to imperfections. 

Air-Cured   -   Production Technique   -   Allowing the candle to harden and cure in open air, rather than speeding up the process artificially. 

Alight   -   Burning Behavior   -   The act of setting a candle wick on fire. 

Alignment   -   Design Principle   -   Ensuring various elements of a multi-wick or layered candle are centered or positioned as intended. 

Alleviate   -   Candle Purpose   -   Candles designed with scents meant to relieve stress or anxiety. 

All-Natural   -   Material Category   -   Candles made exclusively from natural ingredients without synthetic additives. 

Alumina   -   Color Stabilizer   -   A compound used to stabilize and brighten the colors in some candles. 

Aluminum Molds   -   Equipment Category   -   Durable molds used in casting candles, offering smooth and uniform shapes. 

Amber Resin   -   Fragrance Ingredient   -   A warm, sweet, resinous scent used in various candles. 

Ambiance Candle   -   Product Category   -   Candles primarily designed to create a specific mood or environment. 

Anchor Wick   -   Wick Behavior   -   Ensuring the wick remains centered during the candle-making process. 

Angled Cut   -   Design Technique   -   Cutting the candle or its elements at an angle for a specific design effect. 

Aniline Dyes   -   Colorant Category   -   Synthetic dyes derived from aniline, used to color candles. 

Animal Tallow   -   Traditional Materials   -   Fats derived from animals, historically used in making candles before the advent of paraffin and other waxes. 

Animalistic Scents   -   Fragrance Category   -   Fragrances derived from or reminiscent of animal notes, like musk. 

Animated Candles   -   Novelty Category   -   Candles with moving parts or elements, often battery-operated. 

Anniversary Candles   -   Theme Category   -   Candles crafted to commemorate anniversaries or other special occasions. 

Antique Finish   -   Surface Treatment   -   Technique to give candles a vintage or aged look. 

Aperture   -   Mold Design   -   The opening in a mold where wax is poured in. 

Applicator   -   Equipment Category   -   Tools used for applying details or designs, such as glitters or embellishments, on a candle. 

Appliqué   -   Decorative Technique   -   Adding decorative elements, often in a layered fashion, on the surface of the candle. 

Apricot Wax   -   Wax Type   -   A blend of natural waxes that gives a creamy texture and is often used for luxury candles. 

Aqua   -   Color Category   -   A light blue-green shade commonly used in various candle designs. 

Archetype Shapes   -   Mold Type   -   Molds based on fundamental, universally recognizable shapes, like spheres, cubes, and cones. 

Aromachology   -   Scent Science   -   The study of the influence of odors on human behavior and their therapeutic benefits. 

Aromatherapy   -   Scent Category   -   The use of essential oils and other aromatic compounds in candles for the purpose of altering mood, cognitive function, or health. 

Aromatics   -   Scent Materials   -   Natural or synthetic compounds that emit a distinct and often pleasant odor when added to candles. 

Art Deco   -   Design Style   -   A design movement from the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by rich colors, bold geometry, and decadent detailing. 

Art Nouveau   -   Design Style   -   A design movement characterized by flowing lines and natural forms. 

Artisan Workshops   -   Production Location   -   Small scale, often local workshops where artisans handcraft unique candle designs. 

Artisanal   -   Production Type   -   Handmade candles crafted in small batches, often using traditional methods. 

Ash   -   Burning Residue   -   The solid residue left after the complete combustion of the candle. 

Asian Inspiration   -   Design Style   -   Candles influenced by Asian cultures, motifs, and aesthetics. 

Assembly   -   Production Phase   -   The process of combining various parts of a multi-piece candle or adding embellishments. 

Asymmetrical Design   -   Design Concept   -   Candles crafted with uneven or non-matching sides for an artistic effect. 

Atmosphere Candle   -   Product Category   -   Candles designed to alter or set the ambiance of a room or environment. 

Atmosphere Enhancers   -   Candle Purpose   -   Candles designed specifically to elevate the mood or ambiance of a space. 

Aura   -   Scent Effect   -   The overall vibe or mood created by the combined visual and olfactory elements of a candle. 

Automatic Molder   -   Equipment Category   -   Machinery that automates the process of molding candles, often used for mass production. 

Azure   -   Color Category   -   A bright blue shade that can be used to color candles. 

B

Backdrop   -   Design Concept   -   The base layer or background design of a candle upon which other elements are added. 

Balsam Fir   -   Fragrance Ingredient   -   A crisp and refreshing scent reminiscent of the balsam fir tree. 

Balsamic   -   Scent Category   -   Warm and sweet resinous fragrances reminiscent of balsam trees. 

Bamboo   -   Scent Note   -   A light, woody fragrance with hints of green, capturing the essence of bamboo stalks. 

Bamboo Wick   -   Wick Type   -   Wicks made from bamboo fibers, offering a crackling sound when burned. 

Bare Wick   -   Wick State   -   A wick that hasn’t been coated or primed with wax. 

Barnish   -   Surface Technique   -   Adding a protective or glossy layer to the candle’s surface for shine or preservation. 

Barrier Layer   -   Production Technique   -   A layer added to prevent colors or scents from blending in layered candles. 

Base Note   -   Fragrance Structure   -   The underlying scent in a fragrance blend that lasts the longest. 

Basket Weave   -   Surface Design   -   A candle design that mimics the appearance of woven baskets. 

Bastion Wick   -   Wick Type   -   A sturdy wick that’s designed to maintain its structure even in high-temperature wax. 

Batch Mixing   -   Production Technique   -   Mixing a specific quantity of wax and additives to ensure consistency across a batch of candles. 

Batch Number   -   Production Tracking   -   A unique identifier for a specific production run of candles. 

Bay Leaf   -   Fragrance Ingredient   -   A scent reminiscent of the aromatic bay leaves, slightly spicy with subtle sweetness. 

Beaded   -   Surface Design   -   Decorative beads embedded into the candle’s surface. 

Bee Wax   -   Wax Type   -   A natural wax produced by honey bees, known for its pleasant scent and golden color. 

Beeswax Sheets   -   Material Form   -   Thin sheets of beeswax used for rolling candles. 

Bergamot   -   Fragrance Ingredient   -   Citrusy and slightly spicy scent derived from the bergamot orange. 

Bespoke   -   Production Type   -   Custom-made candles tailored to specific client requirements. 

Bespoke Blends   -   Fragrance Category   -   Customized combinations of scents tailored to individual preferences or specific occasions. 

Bevel   -   Design Technique   -   Creating angled edges on a candle for decorative purposes. 

Binding Agent   -   Additive   -   Materials used to bind or hold the wax mixture together, ensuring consistency. 

Biomass Wax   -   Wax Type   -   A type of wax derived from organic biomass, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional waxes. 

Bisque   -   Color Category   -   A pale, grayish-pink color used in candle making. 

Bittersweet   -   Scent Category   -   A fragrance that combines sweet and slightly bitter notes. 

Blackened Wick   -   Burning Behavior   -   A wick that has turned black due to incomplete combustion. 

Blended Waxes   -   Wax Category   -   Mixtures of different types of waxes to achieve specific burning and molding properties. 

Blossom   -   Scent Note   -   A floral note derived from blossoming plants, often light and airy. 

Blowout   -   Burning Behavior   -   When a candle’s flame is suddenly extinguished due to external factors like wind. 

Blush   -   Color Category   -   A pale pink shade used in candle making. 

Boil Point   -   Production Behavior   -   The temperature at which wax turns from a solid to a liquid. 

Botanicals   -   Additives Category   -   Natural plant elements added to candles for aesthetic or aromatic purposes. 

Boudoir Candles   -   Theme Category   -   Candles designed for intimate or bedroom settings. 

Bougie   -   Historical Term   -   French term for a candle. 

Bouquet   -   Fragrance Structure   -   A harmonious blend of several scents, typically floral. 

Braided Wick   -   Wick Type   -   Wicks made by braiding multiple strands together, often for a consistent burn. 

Branding   -   Business Aspect   -   The process of creating a unique name, symbol, or design that identifies a candle maker’s products. 

Breathe   -   Aging Behavior   -   Allowing a freshly made candle to sit and air out for better scent throw upon burning. 

Bridging   -   Wick Behavior   -   When the wick forms a secondary burning point, typically due to a fragment of the wick falling onto the wax. 

Brighteners   -   Additive   -   Materials added to enhance the color or shine of a candle. 

Brimming   -   Mold Behavior   -   Filling the mold to its maximum capacity. 

Bronze   -   Color Category   -   A metallic brownish color used in candle making. 

Brulee   -   Surface Technique   -   A torched or caramelized finish on the surface of the candle. 

Brushwork   -   Decorative Technique   -   Using brushes to apply designs, colors, or textures to a candle’s surface. 

Bubble Removal   -   Production Technique   -   The process of eliminating air bubbles from the molten wax for a smooth finish. 

Buffer   -   Production Equipment   -   A tool or machine used to polish or smoothen the candle’s surface. 

Burn Rate   -   Candle Property   -   The speed at which a candle consumes its wax. 

Burn Test   -   Quality Control   -   Testing a candle by burning it to ensure proper wick size, scent throw, and burning behavior. 

Burn Time   -   Candle Property   -   The length of time a candle will burn before it’s fully consumed. 

Burner   -   Equipment   -   A device used to melt wax or burn candles. 

Burning Point   -   Wax Property   -   The temperature at which a particular type of wax will ignite. 

Burnished Finish   -   Surface Technique   -   A polished finish on the candle’s surface, giving it a smooth, glossy appearance. 

Butterscotch   -   Scent Note   -   A sweet, buttery fragrance reminiscent of butterscotch candies. 

C

Calibration   -   Production Process   -   Adjusting machinery or tools to ensure consistent and accurate candle production. 

Candelabra   -   Accessory   -   A decorative holder with multiple arms to hold several candles. 

Candle Artistry   -   Design Category   -   The craft and technique of creating decorative and artistic candles. 

Candle Capper   -   Accessory   -   A device placed on top of a jar or container candle to promote an even burn and enhance fragrance throw. 

Candle Chronology   -   History   -   The study and timeline of the development and use of candles throughout history. 

Candle Connoisseur   -   User Descriptor   -   A person who is particularly knowledgeable about the nuances of candles, including their fragrances, waxes, and burn properties. 

Candle Cozy   -   Accessory   -   A decorative sleeve or wrap for candles, often used to enhance the aesthetic or protect surfaces. 

Candle Draft   -   Environmental Factor   -   The effect of moving air on a burning candle, which can cause irregular burning. 

Candle Dye   -   Colorant Category   -   Specialized dyes used to color candle wax. 

Candle Euphoria   -   User Experience   -   The calming and joyful sensation often described by enthusiasts when burning a favorite candle. 

Candle Flicker Led   -   Novelty Category   -   Electric LED lights designed to mimic the flicker of a real candle flame. 

Candle Gloss   -   Surface Treatment   -   A product applied to give candles a shiny or glossy finish. 

Candle Heater   -   Equipment   -   A device used to gently heat candles, often to release scent without burning the wick. 

Candle Lumens   -   Measurement   -   A measure of the total quantity of visible light emitted by a candle. 

Candle Mass   -   Event   -   A Christian religious service that traditionally involves the use of candles. 

Candle Meditation   -   Activity   -   Using a candle’s flame as a focal point for meditation or relaxation. 

Candle Mold Release   -   Accessory   -   A spray or agent used to facilitate easier removal of hardened wax from molds. 

Candle Opera   -   Artistic Expression   -   A play on the term candelabra, referring to a grand or dramatic presentation of candles in decorative arrangements. 

Candle Poetry   -   Artistic Expression   -   Written works that celebrate or draw inspiration from candles, their light, or their ambiance. 

Candle Power   -   Historical Measurement   -   An old unit of luminous intensity, based on the light emitted by a pure spermaceti candle. 

Candle Safety Standards   -   Regulatory Guidelines   -   Set of rules and recommendations for safely producing, selling, and using candles. 

Candle Sand   -   Accessory   -   Sand used in candle holders to stabilize the candle or for decorative purposes. 

Candle Scissors   -   Accessory   -   Specialized scissors used to trim the wick to a desired length. 

Candle Shade   -   Accessory   -   A cover or shield used to direct or diffuse the light emitted by a candle. 

Candle Snuffer   -   Accessory   -   A tool used to extinguish a candle’s flame without blowing, preventing wax splatter. 

Candle Symposium   -   Event   -   A gathering or conference where candle makers, sellers, and enthusiasts discuss trends, techniques, and products. 

Candle Tunnelling   -   Burning Behavior   -   When a candle burns down the center, leaving a ring of unburned wax around the edge. 

Candle Vigil   -   Event   -   A gathering where participants light candles, often for remembrance or protest purposes. 

Candleberry   -   Fragrance Ingredient   -   A sweet and tangy scent reminiscent of the candleberry tree’s berries. 

Candlelit Dinner   -   Event   -   A romantic meal setting illuminated primarily by candles. 

Candlemaker’s Guild   -   Organization   -   An association of candle makers, often established for support, networking, and standardization. 

Candlestick   -   Accessory   -   A stand or holder designed to support a candle while it burns. 

Candlestick Chart   -   Financial Term (Not Directly Related To Candle-Making)   -   A type of financial chart used to describe price movements of securities. 

Carnauba Wax   -   Wax Type   -   A hard, natural wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm. 

Carved Candle   -   Design Style   -   Candles that have intricate designs carved into their surfaces. 

Casting   -   Production Technique   -   The process of pouring molten wax into molds to create candles. 

Chakra Candles   -   Theme Category   -   Candles designed with colors, scents, and intentions related to specific chakras or energy centers. 

Chalk   -   Color Additive   -   A substance that can be added to candles to achieve pastel or matte colors. 

Chalky Finish   -   Surface Appearance   -   A matte, non-reflective finish achieved by using certain additives or techniques. 

Chandlery   -   Business Term   -   A place or business where candles are made and sold. 

Charring   -   Burning Behavior   -   The blackening or burning of a wick or candle surface beyond desired levels. 

Cinnamic   -   Fragrance Note   -   A scent characteristic that is warm, spicy, and reminiscent of cinnamon. 

Cire   -   Historical Term   -   French term for wax. 

Citronella   -   Fragrance Ingredient   -   A scent derived from a type of lemongrass, often used in outdoor candles for its mosquito-repelling properties. 

Citrus   -   Scent Category   -   Fragrances derived from citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and orange. 

Clay Molds   -   Mold Type   -   Molds made from clay, allowing for intricate and unique designs. 

Clove   -   Fragrance Ingredient   -   A warm and spicy scent derived from clove buds. 

Cocoa   -   Scent Note   -   A rich and creamy fragrance reminiscent of chocolate. 

Coconut   -   Fragrance Note   -   A tropical and creamy scent reminiscent of fresh coconuts. 

Coconut Wax   -   Wax Type   -   A soft, creamy wax derived from coconut oil, known for its clean burn and luxurious feel. 

Cold Throw   -   Fragrance Behavior   -   The scent released by a candle when it’s not burning. 

Column Candle   -   Shape Category   -   Tall and cylindrical candles that stand upright without the need for a container. 

Concave   -   Design Feature   -   A surface or design element that curves inward. 

Container Candle   -   Product Type   -   Candles made directly in the