deanna

Welcome to the board...we are glad to have you! I am new, too, so I haven't tried the J-300. Who makes that? I am always looking for new waxes that have better results than the one I am using. Currently my fave is IGI's harmony blend 4630. I do container candles in the apothecary jars and double wick because they have a 4 inch base and get a faster melt pool going than with one large wick. When I use soy I had to wick up even though it was double. I hope you get your answer!

What do you all do with your test candles? I have about 30 half burned candles around my house. I have given some away to family unless they don't burn well, in which case I melt them down and reuse the container. I can't possibly burn all of these...I would light the house on fire! What do you do with yours?

I am looking for advice on which scents you have found that go together the best for layered candles - especially going into fall and winter. 2 or 3 layer suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I have tried layering just the dyes with all the same scent, but that is no fun!

I use either IGI's Harmony Blend 4630 or Naturewax soy wax.

I was just given a couple boxes containing HUNDREDS of pine cones of all sizes. Like making candles isn't keeping me busy enough, I want to try and dip pine cones, too! Anyone do this yet? If so, what wax do you use? I have a number of different types of wax, mostly container wax. I do have Naturewax votive, pillar, and container waxes, though. Which do you think I should use? Any hints would be most appreciated!

i tried mixing harmony blend with naturewax soy...great burn, great appearance, but had lots of wet spots. I know that mixing can be a good solution sometimes...but don't waste your time with the one i did!

what kind of container and what wick brand and size are you using? i would love to know!

I am not sure if you have tried this, but supposedly you should add your fo only a little before you pour...long enough to get a good bond, but not too long or it will cook off. I usually add the dye after my wax has melted, then wait until about 15 degrees before i want to pour...stir your fo for a minute to make sure you get a good mix...just stirring will help it cool faster. then try pouring and let it cure before you burn. it may help!

I use zinc in my soy (nature wax c3) and am having good luck with it. I use 1 oz/pound of wax of fragrance. For the apothecary jars that I am using (4 inch diameter base) I use 2 of the 51-32-18 pretabbed wicks. They work great. For my hex jars I use just one. One thing that I found and am trying to tell the world is that if you fill up the container to just below the neck (not up the neck), you will most likely not get the pitting that is common. If you fill up to the neck, the wax will pit and look ugly and be hard to fix even with a heat gun. I have found that they can mushroom, but if you light them, get them to a large mushroom, distinguish them and cut them down to 1/4" again and then relight, they don't mushroom as bad the second time around. I hope this helps!

I am trying to decide whether or not to try IGI's comfort blend (4627). I have tried the harmony blend (4630) and like it A LOT! I was wondering if any of you had preferences one way or another. I am an "explore all your options before jumping in" person. I value your advice! Thanks!

between poly bags and cello bags? I am looking to get some but don't know which one to buy. Thanks!

I just love how the candles in the gallery look!! I am new here and was wondering if there was a place where people put their "recipes" for the candles that they make and then post as pictures. I would be excited to know how to make some of the ones posted in the gallery. I am relatively new candle maker and would love to expand my knowledge from all you experts. If there is not a place, maybe we could make a new one and title it Candle Recipes. It could include the wax, dyes, fragrances (from where), any additives, etc, and then step-by-step directions on how to make it with a picture attached. What do you all think? I was a teacher for nine years and I love learning and sharing with others. I think it would be neat if we don't already have something like it!

I had to edit this because I put it in the wrong thread! Sorry to take up useless space...I am still learning! Welcome back everyone!