How candles can save your day
These ones by Annie Lin of Candlescape in Singapore come in irresistible shapes
I want candles, and I want them now.
But then so does every other stressed-out person who needs help calming down.
Candles to me are all about relaxing. Meditating. Having nice dinners. Lighting the way when it’s dark – or when there’s a power outage. (But that’s a story for another time.)
Candles usually look the same everywhere – you basically get the same shapes, scents, containers and colours, with a few variations. And that’s okay.
But what if you do get candles that are different – so much so that you wish you could eat them, or keep them unlighted or on display for as long as possible? (By the way, do not eat them.)
That’s how I feel when I look at Candlescape’s candles.
Candlescape is known for candles that are – you guessed it – shaped like desserts and sweets. Theirs are made with eco-friendly organic soy wax and phthalate-free fragrances.
Their candle “café” is located at Chinatown in Singapore, where people can shop for unique candles and enrol in candle-making workshops.
Customers can also buy the candles online and make corporate or special-occasion orders through Candlescape’s website.
Oh, and they offer diffusers too.
3 reasons to get and light that candle now
So you and me both can achieve a more Zen-like state of mind. Or at the very least be able to reflect about our life choices and make peace with them.
I asked Annie Lin, Candlescape’s founder, to share hers.
I know I said her candles are too good to light up, but candles are meant to be used – no matter how delicious they look. (Darn it.)
#1 “Candles are a great way to relax and unwind”
What she just said. It bears repeating.
“They can be used to set the mood and make any space feel more homey,” she adds.
“Some people enjoy burning candles for their aesthetic value, as it makes any space look cosier.”
#2 “Candles are also a great way to get rid of bad odours”
“So they can be used in the kitchen or bathroom,” she says.
“The scent is one of the most important aspects of candles, as it’s what makes them so relaxing.”
#3 “Candles make great gifts”
“Candles are great for someone who’s just moved into their own place for the first time, because they're affordable and can make any space feel like home.”
Why you need to make candles now
It’s simple: “It makes people feel good.”
“Candle-making also makes people feel safe in their homes,” says Annie. (Me: I never really thought of it like that, but I like it.)
“Candles can also be used for religious purposes, such as prayer or meditation.
“Some people like to do it in their spare time,” she continues.
“Some people find it therapeutic. Other people just enjoy the process of creating something from scratch, which is what candle-making is about.”
If you can’t make it to Annie’s workshops, try these tips first.
Why it’s cool to buy and create candles that look like desserts now
Other than making us feel hungry or crave that sweet treat.
“There is a growing trend for candle-makers to use different shapes and designs to make their products more appealing,” says Annie.
“One way is to create candles that mimic desserts, like a mini cake or waffles or ice cream, which can be very satisfying for the senses.
“You can also find candles that are like other objects, such as a whiskey on the rocks or bubble tea or milkshake, which are fun to make and customise as gifts.”
What effects do these dessert and “sweet” candles have on people?
You’d be surprised (or not).
“We have people who are drawn to our shop by the look of the dessert candles, and they ask us: ‘What are the flavours?’ We have to explain to them that they are candles and are not for eating. We have kids running toward us and yelling ‘ice cream, ice cream’, and we have to disappoint them by telling them it’s not real ice cream,” recounts Annie.
But other than that: “I love hearing how it makes them feel when they walk into our shop and the scent is so welcoming,” she describes.
“The effects of my candles don’t only include making people feel welcome; they also make them feel calm, relaxed and at peace. I’ve seen how it has helped with anxiety and stress levels, as well as improve moods (or not, as they’re disappointed that the candles aren’t real).”
What do candles, candle-making and scents mean to Annie personally?
And to us too, as current and future candle customers.
“Candles represent the pursuit of creativity and beauty. They are often used to provide comfort, especially in times of loss,” she answers.
“The act of candle-making is a symbol that also signifies creativity, skill and beauty.”
Plus: “Scents can evoke memories or emotions that we associate with certain scents.”
So which one could be your new favourite candle?
If you ask Annie about Candlescape: “My favourite is the 3D flower candle,” she admits.
“I love the idea that I can enjoy the flowers while they’re fresh, and before they wither I can preserve them and make them into a candle to prolong their lives. It’s my way of keeping things sustainable and reusable.
“Our Merlion candle is one of our bestsellers for tourists,” she says. “Knowing that our proud Singapore symbol is going all over the world and into people’s homes always brings a smile to my face.”
What can bring a smile to my face? (Yours too.) Actually lighting a candle and taking advantage of how it makes us feel, instead of just talking about it. Hehehe.
I’ll light one (or a couple) for those who feel out of sorts at the moment; it’s a small way for me to show my support (even if we don’t know each other), and say someone is thinking of you and wishing you well.
I think that should also be what a candle’s for – candles shaped like desserts, especially. We all need one, don’t you think?