Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Fight mosquitoes with citronella candle options

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citronella garden gnomeI had a request inquiring where to find some citronella candles for mosquitoes a couple days ago so sharing some of my finds.

Here’s a citronella candle offering a new slant on the garden gnome. I’m not sure what’s up with the blue color but it’s different and can be found at Clean Air Gardening. I’m not a big fan of gnomes but my daughter gave me a tiny one and I didn’t have the heart to tell her so it’s sitting on my desk.

If you’re looking for a more traditional looking candle, check out these votives called Bug Away from 100Candles or citronella pillar candles from HGTV Market Place.

If you want to make your own citronella candle, check out CraftBits simple citronella candle project instructions.

Citronella candles do help if you sit close enough but it’s still best to have some back up protection.

Thanks to Cathy Wong, I found several other natural mosquito repellents you could try. Apparently, repellent containing 5% fennel oil is 84% more effective against mosquitoes after 90 minutes.

See Natural Mosquito Repellents for more ideas.

Have you read?

Hubcap Creatures: Transforming Roadside Finds into Sculptural Wildlife

Hubcap Creatures is the creative project of British sculptor Ptolemy Elrington, who has transformed discarded hubcaps into captivating sculptures of wildlife. Operating from Brighton, Elrington has been crafting these unique pieces since the late 1990s, turning everyday automotive debris into stunning representations of animals from the natural world.

The artistic process behind Elrington’s sculptures is centered around recycling and upcycling. The hubcaps he uses are typically found on the side of the road and often show signs of wear, including scratches and dents. Elrington believes that these imperfections add character and depth to his creatures, making each piece truly one of a kind.

His work spans a wide range of animals, including foxes, fish, and birds, with each sculpture thoughtfully crafted to showcase the unique features of the materials. The brand logos, grooves, and markings found on the hubcaps often contribute to the creature’s expression and structure, giving them a distinct, textured look.

Elrington’s Hubcap Creatures have been showcased in various exhibitions, both in the UK and internationally. His innovative approach has gained recognition for its creativity and environmental awareness, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into meaningful art.

For art enthusiasts or collectors, Elrington offers a mix of available sculptures and custom commissions, allowing individuals to bring home a piece of this upcycled art. Hubcap Creatures stands as a brilliant example of how creativity can breathe new life into the most unlikely of materials, all while promoting sustainability.