jolsen1973

I have read that a 2% dilution rate is common. Most of the websites that I've been checking out say that one should start with 6 drops per ounce (1%) and not exceed 12 drops per ounce (2%) for topical application. So, if you are using 3 essential oils, you would use 2 drops of each per ounce for a 1% dilution and 4 drops of each for a 2% dilution. Hope that helps. One caution I've read over and over is not to use oils undiluted (neat), no matter how safe you consider the oil. Around the eye area, I would start with a 1% dilution - maybe even less since it is such a sensitive area.

http://www.fragrantica.com/notes/Agarwood-Oud--114.html This is what I pulled up when I googled "Oud Scent." Looks like it is a resinous scent, which are used a lot in incense. Hope that helps!

I recently tested the Peppermint & Eucalyptus from CandleScience and it had an amazing cold and hot throw. It was wonderful in 75% EcoSoya PB / 25% EcoSoya Xcel poured into mini muffin liners. Hope that helps!

The wax that I use comes in flakes and I have always just added some to the wax already melting in my burner if the tart is too strong. Has always worked for me.

I think you will find that most people here use a ratio of 75% pillar/tart/votive wax (something harder and meant to stand alone) with 25% container wax IF they are using a mixture. The benefit of using a container wax for me is that it allows for a larger fragrance load and cuts down on pits and dimpling - giving you a smoother top surface. I use a blend of 75% EcoSoya PB and 25% EcoSoya Xcel. It has worked perfectly for me!

I have used JS in the past and continue to order oils from her every once in awhile. It seems that her oils are going up in price and she doesn't seem to offer the type of sales that she used to. I have several oils from NG and have really enjoyed them. There have been a few bad apples in the bunch, but for the most part, they have been super. Scent is a very unique and personal experience. An oil that I love is not going to be universally loved and I'm not going to love an oil that may be someone's absolute favorite or best-seller. That being said, don't be afraid to try. That's what 1 ounce oils are for!

I have a sample, but haven't poured it yet. I will post my review when I do!

I can definitely see myself heading in the direction of an FOHO! However, I have REALLY limited space in which to indulge my fragrance oil obsession! Also, I'm not selling right now. I have in the past (very limited - mostly to family, friends, and co-workers) and probably will again. Right now I just don't have the space to pour more than a dozen or so tarts at a time. Alas, my addiction is currently being held at bay!

The following have been poured into 2" foil muffin liners at 6% pp in 75% EcoSoya PB and 25% EcoSoya CB-Xcel with a cure time of 48 hours. Cucumber Mint: Very true to its name. Light and lovely cucumber with just enough mint. Very light OOB and CT is also very light. Mint came out more in HT and it smelled crisp and refreshing. Would be a lovely spa-type scent. I can imagine this burning while getting a relaxing massage! Driftwood: Not sure what this name is supposed to evoke, but the actual scent is nothing like I imagine driftwood smelling. This is a fabulous uni-sex scent. Very strong OOB and CT. Patchouli is main scent OOB, but once in wax sandalwood and musk are the main scents. Love it! Peppermint & Eucalyptus: Very, very true and very strong. The perfect balance of the two. CT is amazing and HT was very strong. This one made my eyes water after awhile. Love it, but was a bit much. Might back off a bit next time as this one REALLY throws! Raspberry Macaroon: This smells exactly like NG's Raspberry Zinger to me. Which smells exactly like a raspberry zinger. This is definitely a gourmand scent and if you don't like food smells, you probably won't like this one. I absolutely love it. Light OOB and CT, but amazing HT - a perfect balance of raspberry, coconut, and buttercream. Made me so hungry! Sea Mist: I was hoping this would smell different than my other ocean/ozone scents and I wasn't disappointed. It is very refreshing and clean, but there is a hint of floral. This doesn't have a lot of salty notes, it's just very clean and fresh. Has a lighter HT than some other scents, so may go up to 8 or 9% pp.

I have decided on one tart to a package. I purchased some Reynold's mini foil liners from Hy-Vee that have a base of 2". They are fitting well in a 4X4 polypro bag with a 2.5X2.5 square label! I am not selling right now - just giving away to friends and family to test!

I ordered a sample of frankincense & myrrh from CandleScience to see if it's remotely close. I'll post the results once I get it into wax.

NG has a sticky licky buns that is awesome!

Does anyone know where I can find something similar to this? The fragrance notes are described as frankincense, myrrh, and benzoin. I have a friend who loves to burn this incense and was asking if I can make a tart for her that would be close to it. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks, everyone, for all of your suggestions! I have several options to explore now and I truly appreciate it!

Coming back to the boards after a very long hiatus from making tarts. I do this as a hobby right now, but have sold in the past and am considering selling again in the future. I have been making my tarts in peanut butter cup size candy cups and packaging them in 3X3 polypro zip bags with labels. I would now like to start making mini muffin size melts and packaging them 2, 3, 4, or 5 in polypro zip bags. My question is what size bags do these comfortably fit in? I have considered purchasing several different sizes, but it's hard to find websites that sell less than a case (1000) of each size. I hate to purchase 1000 bags and find out after using 1 bag that they don't work. Any information would be extremely helpful and will probably save me a ton of wasted money!