Beauty has many meanings & descriptions but for this issue I thought it an appropriate time of year to write about candles. Most candles are truly beautiful from the well used simple tee lights to slender tapers that sit proudly in silver or crystal stands to big bold cylinders -mind you, there are a host of ugly candles out in the marketplace but these don’t feature in my column - only the BEAUTIFUL, it’s as simple as that!
The Natural Light Company
A small boutique Bali company is very proud to announce that they have won the prestigious - Award of Excellence for Handicrafts 2008, Sth East Asia Programme. They won because their product conformed to the rigorous standards set down and the judges were impressed with the unique & highly appealing design as well, the use of lead free wicking, UV resistant dyes and of course natural bee & palm wax and quality fragrance oils.
This is an absolute credit to Kelly Marciano & her 100 team!
You may be surprised how much work goes into a candle. At the Natural Light Company, it takes a course of 11 pairs of hands to finish a candle! These candles are handmade and made by skilled artisans (more employment, including on the job training) ensuring that the traditional handicraft skills are kept alive.
The process includes wax processing, carving, mould making, design, hand finishing, color theory, hand painting, retail packaging design and hand crafting of packaging. Designs incorporate very detailed textures some of which are derived from traditional motifs and natural textures found in Indonesia.
A simple boutique industry - until you visit the factories or workrooms of such a company, most of us are completely ignorant on how much work is involved to make a product and this is the reason (that many forget) is WHY a handmade product costs more money!
And then, it’s a series of testing both in-house & by an independent consumer safety lab in accordance to international MTL safety standards. I have to say I am more than impressed with the way this business is conducted than many that I have seen in other parts of the world.
And it goes without saying that these candles produced are kind to the environment & eco-friendly.
Now we come to some - DESCRIPTION & DESIGN.
There are candles for every occasion – for weddings, christenings, and the many other celebrations. Plenty of white candles embellished with snow flakes, silver or gold motifs.
Those lovely silver boxes that you see around have been filled with fragrant candle wax, I have purchased many from deLighting, they make excellent gifts and also for your table.
Candles come in a variety of colors, shapes that are tall & short, square & round, many intricately decorated with motifs & some set within clear or frosted glass & boxed. Even spied a decorated bottle (diffuser) containing dry natural reeds, inserted into the bottle of fragrant oil – this delicate fragrance that the reeds release, will last a couple of months.
Many candles come in ‘decorated stories’ for identification like - Banana Leaf, Open Weave & Damask Collections and all candles are treated with natural fragrant scents.
Most of the candles though are for export, traveling to 25 countries, destined for well known department stores & boutiques, high-end resorts & spas. Custom designed, private label with ‘your’ special choice of fragrance or company logo, any request can be considered.
I think it marvelous that in this world of ours today with all the electronic gadgetry, computers & machines, that the candle provide us with a reminder of mans unique ability and gift to create with his hands!
Now where can you buy some lovely candles for home/gifts this Christmas/holiday season, here are some suggestions - deLighting & jenggala, as well, boutiques within the hotels of the - Bulgari, Amandari & Amanusa, otherwise contact Kelly for more information.
The Natural Light Company, Bypass Ngurah Rai 144, Padang Galak, Sanur. T: 288 072 F: 283 038 or E: Kelly@sinaralami.com
For comments & enquiries, email: retailtherapym@yahoo.com.au
