Kristen Green started making candles when a massage therapist friend mentioned that she couldn't find all natural unscented candles that she could then add the essential oils that she wanted for her aromatherapy sessions.

"I was making jams, jellies, and even some wine to sell at farmers markets," Kristen said.

"I'd made candles many years ago; tapers dipped in paraffin, but had never made candles from natural sources.

Research on candle making and beeswax led me to wax made from soybeans and decided to give it a try. You never know unless you try. An added bonus, she can make the candles at home while caring for her children, Sarah and Luke.

The beauty of it is that anyone can add their own favorite oils to an unscented candle. She said, "Light the candle, let it burn until the melted wax makes a pool, then add three or four drops of any essential oil to it . . . good for three to four hours. Repeat or change oils for variety.

Green Family Products was started in February 2010. "We are a family operated business that produces all natural soy candles. Soy candles burn longer and cleaner than traditional paraffin candles."

Many soy candles claim to be all natural because they use natural soy wax but they add chemically treated wicks, dyes and fragrances. Ours are truly all natural. These use wax produced from soy beans grown by American farmers, cotton wicks, 100 percent pure aromatherapy grade essential oils, and organic herbs. Chemical dyes or fragrances are never used. The results are candles that last longer, are cooler and cleaner burning without soot buildup.

Unscented candles are very popular. Her stock includes: citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint and tangerine. She started blending scents with the first named At Home, with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and orange. Her three newest blended scents are: Be Calm with lavender, geranium, sage, and rosewood; Breathe Easy with eucalyptus, lavender, spruce, camphor and cedarwood; Vital Blend with lemon, rosemary, peppermint and basil.

Soy candles can be purchased at Munson's Main Street Gallery in Cedaredge, Stoney Mesa Winery in Cedaredge, Hardin's Natural Foods in Hotchkiss, Heart of the Dragon in Paonia, and Osage Garden Farm Store in New Castle. Kristen sets up a booth at most local craft shows.

These candles make great gifts for the holidays. Custom labels and wholesale pricing are available.

Eight tips for safe candle burning.

1. Never move or leave candles unattended while burning.

2. Keep wick trimmed to 1/4-inch.

3. Burn in a draft free area clear of combustible material such as curtains, books, baskets, books, etc.

4. Keep the burn pool clean, never throw matches into the candle.

5. Keep candles out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

6. Always place candles on or in non-combustible, heat-resistant bases set on a level stable surface.

7. Extremes of heat and cold should be avoided. Do not store candles in the freezer and never leave them in the sun or a hot car.

8. Place out of reach of young children.

Kristen Green with her husband Chris and their two children, Sarah, 5, and Luke, 2, moved to their home in Cedaredge from Silver Plume in 2002. Sarah has started school through the Surface Creek Vision program this year.

Chris is owner of Tasteful Trimmings, LLC. He has been a carpenter in the construction industry for 18 years, specializing in interior trim and offering frame to finish carpentry as well as construction management.

Kristen started working for Lewis & Company in 2004 and is currently working part-time there. She also does the bookkeeping for her husband's business.

The family enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, four-wheeling, and soaking in the hot springs.

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