PhoenixFyre Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 I just wanted to take a moment and say hello. I have been lurking around this site for a little while now and decided to join in the fun. I have been mulling over trying candle making and have been spending time researching. My binder full of notes is due in great part to this site! It is rare to find people who are so willing to pass on their knowledge and advice these days. I can understand the fear of "competition," (especially with the current economy), but it's fantastic that there are still those willing to help and make sure people start out this craft safely. I wouldn't even call myself a newbie yet....I'm still pre-newbie. I am still spending time researching, haven't attempted any candle making yet, but think I have picked a path to start my journey. I have decided to start out with just straight paraffin wax for container candles and one container size. I picked a couple different wick sampler packs, two FOs, and one color. I also purchased some vybar and stearin, but I plan to start with just the wax first to get an idea of how it works before diving into the additives. I decided to get some straight paraffin for pillars as well but will work with just the containers for now. I ordered from Candlewic (they have a deal on shipping right now) and Peak, but since there aren't many great suppliers here in Arizona and Peak is closest to me (that I know of so far), I will probably be ordering primarily from them. After reading through many threads on this forum, I think I almost scared myself right out of trying. I read on one thread (can't remember who said it) that they were glad they got into candle making blind before realizing how much work is involved or else they might never have tried it. I am feeling that overwhelmedness (lol...is that a word?)! Thanks especially to Old Glory, CandyBee, and JCandleattic (hope I got your names right) and so many others whose posts have been so informative and helpful. Enjoy your day, everyone! 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jcandleattic Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Welcome to the board! (and the addiction! ) Another good way to get your feet wet is with a candlemaking kit. I know Peak sells those. Sounds like you are starting off on the right track. Let us know any questions you have, and take us with you on your journey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Welcome to Craft Server! Glad you decided to start posting. I think there is a point at which it gets more confusing to continue reading and you just need to jump in and do something hands on to learn. Working with wax can be both fun and frustrating. That's why I think it helps to start out with one candle in mind and one wax and work with that until you feel confident about it. This is a great place to learn and there are some good people here willing to help out when you have any questions or concerns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixFyre Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Thanks to you both! Jcandleattic...I actually did buy a small starter kit off eBay before I understood the importance of research and starting simple. Surprisingly, it turned out to be from Candlewic! I may begin with that and then move on from there. It was a paraffin starter kit, so hopefully it will give me a good starting point before the other supplies get here. Candybee...Yes, exactly the point I had reached. I have done so much reading and note-taking that my brain is now saturated with info. I figured it's time to just take the plunge and get started with some hands-on experience. Breaking into my excited dance! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puma52 Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Welcome PhoenixFyre! We all have been there in your shoes. We are also excited about the journey you are beginning! You have great reason to be excited! Creating something wonderful out of several items that are nothing by themselves is quite an accomplishment and we all were so proud of ourselves at that moment let me tell ya!! It is awesome creating that first candle.Then you begin to think of the possibilities of other things you can make. Where your creating can take you. There will be lots of questions, but that is par for the course! Welcome and yes it is time for you to get started ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 "I read on one thread (can't remember who said it) that they were glad they got into candle making blind before realizing how much work is involved or else they might never have tried it. I am feeling that overwhelmedness (lol...is that a word?)!" LOL - THAT WAS ME!! But - like I said, sooo glad I did because even though there's lots to learn, not as simple as I'd thought. I love it because it is fun and its the perfect hobby for me ( I don't intend to sell my candles). I've learned so much and amthisclose to making my perfect candle! I also started with a starter kit, but didn't research OTHER candle supply companies & their starter kits. but oh well, I still learned from it though. live & learn. I hope you enjoy it too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixFyre Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share Posted February 28, 2015 Thank you for the welcome, Puma. You were another person whose posts I've read and enjoyed. Couldn't remember your user name but I remember that snowman picture. Sojourner...Awesome! So glad to know who it was that said that! The intimidated part of me says it would have been better to get into this blind, but knowing me it's better to know what I'm facing from the start. Otherwise, I might have become so overwhelmed by the amount of factors that can (and I'm sure will) go wrong, that I may have given up before getting to enjoy it. So I'm thankful to you ALL for the info, advice, and encouragement you've given on this entire site because it really did push me to get started with a hobby I think I will enjoy immensely. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 PhoenixFyre: I had no idea what i would face - just thought oh, easy-peasy - make scented candles instead of spending a fortune on them, lol.Then I became obssessed on my quest to make a great scented candle. I set a goal and I intend to achieve it. I do all kinds of research & ask questions and get great answers and advice from the experts on here. I believe you will most def. enjoy it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unique candles Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Welcome, this really is a great forum, I have learned soo much about candles they r right , I started out with one type of wax and container and learned all about my wax,wicks,etc by testing,testing and more testing but got it right, now just about everyday someone is posting pictures of soap which are all beautiful so guess what?, now I am going to try my hand at making Melt n pour soap, everyone is so helpful and never be afraid to ask question you will always get an honest answer at lastly, if you ever feel down and out or just having a bad day, this forum will always make you feel better, bless everyone on this forum.Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixFyre Posted March 1, 2015 Author Share Posted March 1, 2015 Excellent. Thanks again, Sojourner. I agree, Linda. It is a great forum and I have learned so much already as well. I am so envious of the experience and knowledge that so many on this site have and am thankful everyone is willing to share it with a pre-newbie like me. And I can definitely see how the people here can cheer you up on a downer day, so that's just another thing to be thankful for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Well, everyone started as a 'newbie'. The ones that stuck with it got great at it and many on here sell the things they make - have their own businesses. So.....we will get good at too! with patience & determination...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debratant Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 So glad you are here phoenix I have found over the years that this forum is exceptionally helpful for anyone at any stage of their crafting from newbieness on upward. If I have a question, I just feel very comfortable asking here. I've always felt that way about this forum. I actually can't believe I've beencoming here this long...lol....where did those 8 years go? I'm a hobbyist...so I still consider myself a newbie compared to most here Good luck on your new journey...and do post some pics of what you are making. We love looking at pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixFyre Posted March 1, 2015 Author Share Posted March 1, 2015 Right on, Debbie. Thanks for the welcome. Once I get my hands dirty, I plan on taking lots of notes and pictures, so I will be posting them. I will need all the help I can get to know where I went wrong, lol! And then eventually, with time, maybe I will be able to post some that will inspire someone else to start making their own. I know I've already been inspired by many of the creations I have seen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonshine Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Welcome!!!You will find your new adventure just as addicting as this forum.....even though I have not personally met many on here I feel I have friends here I can talk candles, fragrance and even personal vents and issues! So much great advice is here with so many wonderful people- I still learn something new every week and I have been doing this for 7 years now!I hope you enjoy your new addiction and look forward to hearing about your journey and that first Omg I made a successful candle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixFyre Posted March 1, 2015 Author Share Posted March 1, 2015 I appreciate it, Moonshine. This forum is addicting...I keep finding myself wandering back to the laptop to see what's new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest OldGlory Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Hi PhoenixFyre and welcome to the madness/passion that is candlemaking. And thank you for your kind words. We are all about the sharing of information, helping and listening to each other, and the personal and professional growth that comes along with it. With candles I just dove in - no help other than books ... and dogged persistence. I wouldn't let it beat me! I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into. And that lead me to... Soap making. I was exactly where you are right now: at the jumping off point. I wanted desperately to be able to make old fashioned soap after buying 6 bars at a craft fair. Man, was that stuff great. I read books, I looked up as much information online as I could, and one day I knew it was 'now or never'. That, and more dogged persistence and stubborn determination. That about sums me up. So, for the most part, we have all been in your shoes. This is a journey, for sure, and you will make mistakes along the way and curse your rotten luck, but through it all you are learning your craft. One day you will have that candle that burns right, smells great, and THAT is a magical moment. You'll get there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kandlekrazy Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Welcome, Welcome! Yes this forum is a wealth of information for candles and B&B. While we use different waxes, wicks, suppliers for our favorite fo's and tweak recipes, we all have the samepassion for what we do. It's usually my ZEN time when I go downstairs into my candle room and play. I love doing it. You will have great days and bad days but if you enjoy it you won'tgive up! Happy to have you aboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trappeur Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Hello PhoenixFrye, I wanted to welcome you too here. Such a nice bunch of folks here...you'll love it. Oh, .....Love your avatar! Trappeur Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixFyre Posted March 2, 2015 Author Share Posted March 2, 2015 Thanks so much, Old Glory, kandlekrazy, and Trappeur for welcoming me. Just waiting anxiously for my supplies to arrive and looking outside every five minutes for a FedEx or UPS guy/gal to show up. Yes, even on Sunday, I'm still watching, lol. Thanks for the compliment on my avatar, Trappeur. I dig it, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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