AboutDodie Casey Expertise I am able to answer questions regarding: ceramics, beeswax candles, cleaning things from other things, working with wood/pinecones/etc. in the making of centre pieces & wall hangings. I also have a Christmas Village that is approximately 60 square feet in area & takes, at this time, 3 days to assemble for the Christmas Season, but only one day to take down. I also am a great baker & cake/cookie/cupcake decorator (I made my own wedding cake, my sister's for her 25th wedding anniversary, & for two of my friends weddings) & chocolate user for fancy stuff. I have done some small quilting projects & am starting something known as a "Farm Quilt". It requires taking pictures of people, animals & farm buildings on the farm you are using for a model. These pics are then transfered onto the quilt & "quilted" into it. Great fun! Great Family Heirlooms! I know a little about bisque, but more about ceramics. I also do sewing pictures. No, I do not do needle point. The pics are drawn & then various stitches are used to create a three-dimentional appearance.
Experience I have made many presents for others--Christmas, Birthdays, etc. Also, I sold crafts for several years. I have also worked with 4-h-ers for several years as a craft leader, goat leader, woodsman coach, & photography. Now, a friend & I have a business (more hers than mine:) making several varieties of pure beeswax candles. Not the cheepy ones you buy in the dollar store. We go through several hundred pounds of high-grade beeswax every year. It is more a natural, life-styles choice than just candles for burning. They are all natural in style although they take on various shapes as we learn more about versatility.
Organizations I am still a 4-H leader in crafts & gardening. "The Garden Bee" is the name of my friend's company. You can view it at www.thegardenbee.com on her website, should you so desire. Also, I have recently retired after 16 years of directing our Church Choir.
Education/Credentials I have a BSc in Psychology/Computer Sciences. As well, I have taken a couple of courses in ceramics & basic painting which have come in very handy over the years when doing various things with students & friends.
Awards and Honors Absolutely none, unless you count the numberous children & adults who have shown their gratitude for the teaching/coaching/helping/providing that I have done over the years.
Question I am decorating an Easter Candle for use in our church. It is 51% bee's wax. Is it possible to use gold leaf on this candle and, if so, how would I apply it? I have the product that you mix with acrylic paint for adherence -- but gold leaf is very different! THANKS!
Answer Dear Shirley:
In relation to your question regarding the application of gold leaf on your candle: You can apply it to bees' wax candles. The method escapes me, although I have used it on ceramics & porcelain bisque.
Leave me with this for a couple of days, as my partner & I are preparing our bees' wax candle/ornament stock for the beginning of our season of Craft Fairs. We will consider this problem & I will get back to you before the end of the week.
If this is not something you can wait on, please, let me know & I will try to speed up our research.
Sincerely
Dodie Casey
Single Oak Farm
Centre Rawdon
Nova Scotia
