Candles make good holiday gifts

Information on wallcovering designs and making rubbings will be the featured topics on “Creative Living” at noon on Tuesday and at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Anne Martin is the spokesperson for The Wallcoverings Association in New York City, and she’s going to show three new design trends in wallpaper: patterns, retro looks and naturals. She has lots of samples of each design to share.

Author and artist, Margaret Peot, also of New York City, will tell about the history of rubbings, and explain why people used them to record historical data. She’ll also demonstrate making a rubbing and compiling a rubbing sketchbook. Her latest book is titled “Make Your Mark.”

Information on candle trends, masculine decorating tips and clothing alterations will be the featured topics on “Creative Living” at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday and at noon on Thursday.

Olga Puzas and Bob Rosenberger, PartyLite Gifts, Inc. in Plymouth, Mass., will discuss some of the newest candle trends and explain who’s buying them. They will also show an array of gift baskets filled with candles for every member of the family.

According to decorating expert and spokesperson for Hewlett Packard, Deborah Durham, it’s sometimes hard to think of masculine ways to decorate a home office. She’ll show how to make a bulletin board, mouse pad, magnets and other items — all featuring a clever “fisherman’s theme.” She lives in Santa Fe.

Clothing specialist, Mary Roehr will demonstrate how to make various alterations on jeans. Her company is Mary Roehr Books and Video in Sedona, Ariz.

Candle Care

• Tealights – feature clear cup open containers and metal cup closed containers.

• Floaters – trim wicks to 1/4” and keep them centered; use proper holders; if using in the swimming pool, keep away from filter.

• Votives – trim wicks to 1/4”.

• Taper/dinner candles – trim wicks to 1/4” and keep them centered and out of direct sunlight.

• Pillars – trim wicks to 1/4”. At the first lighting, burn for 5-10 minutes only, then burn a minimum of 1 hour per inch.

• Square pillars – trim wicks to 1/4” and keep them centered; never “hug” wax.

• Balls – trim wicks to 1/4” and keep them centered.

• 3-Wicks – NEVER trim wicks; keep wicks pointed towards center; burn a minimum of 6 hours at each lighting.

• Wax-filled glass – trim wicks to 1/4”.

• Buff and shine your candles with a nylon or fine mesh stocking before lighting.