SpaceGirl

Hmm... must be the tamarind coming through stronger than the others. Thanks for the link, Candle Man and the suggestions from everyone else!

I do my own parasoy blend with GB 415 (EzSoy, I believe) and IGI4630 at a 75/25 ratio (call me weird but I think better in quarters) and it works great -- very little shrinkage and I don't baby my jars. I know some really hate the 4630, but it works for me at that percentage - behaves more like pure soy but with little to no frosting. Are you looking for a blend for specifically chunks or just in general? I've never tried my mix as chunks, so I don't know how that would work.

Thanks for the feedback on the LoveSpell. I used to order FO's ONLY from NG but their shipping kills me and because Peak is in Colorado I'll always try them first (I love customer pick up!). But I'll make sure to check out NG's LoveSpell in the future since I do still order from them. The scent isn't bad -- it just as a lot of melon to it -- more than I expected from the name (and I've never smelled the actual VS scent :embarasse )

Grumpy -- ordered off your website last week (got the product yesterday cuz of all the snow we got - delayed EVERYTHING) because the site is truly awesome! I showed it to my hisband yesterday and he got a kick out of it as well. It's so rare to find a sense of humor online - or at least people who aren't afraid to show their less than PC side. I think that after my current supply of B&BW stuff is gone I've found a new love.... Now if you'll just carry Orange Ginger (like B&BW) I'll be yours forever........

I made candles for a few months before I gave them to some co-workers for testing (with a test score sheet!) I did sell some that Christmas, about 4-5 months after I started to create. Looking back that wasn't long enough. I'm confident that I didn't sell anything unsafe but I'm sure they didn't burn as well as they should have. Luckily for me, life got in the way for the first 6 months of this year (did a lot of re-evaluating in my life and relationships) and the candlemaking took a backseat until early fall. At that point I starting creating and testing again so that what I sold this Christmas was head above heels better. I'm finally at the point where I feel comfortable knowing what to test, so I think that it'll be a few weeks testing for each new candle -- combo of wax (which is now stable, thank goodness!), FO, wick and dye that I bring on board.

They kind of look like an old style of oil lamp? Either I've read somewhere (of course could be that my imagination is making it up) that people used to make lamps with animal fat and a cloth wick in shallow containers?? Anyone else every heard of that or am I channeling Little House on the Prairie.... Everything does look gorgeous -- and like a lot of work! I certainly don't have the patience for that sort of detail.

Some wicks do curl and that will cause them to burn more on one side. ECO's do curl some, especially if they aren't properly trimmed or if there's too much FO oil in the candle. I use ECO's a lot and usually off-center them just a little - it's barely noticeable and the burn looks a lot nicer. I believe there's a thread in the Veggie Wax section on wicks curling and how to tell what direction they curl (I'd probably botch a summary). I'll try to find the link...... Here is is..... it's talking about HTP wicks, but the concept is the same.... http://www.candletech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39179&highlight=wick+curling Once again there's an answer hiding somewhere in this forum!

Can you clarify burning uneven? Is is more towards one side?

LoveSpell and FrenchVanAmber - both from Peak's. I have to tell you I'm not incredibly fond of the LoveSpell but I've heard good stuff about it, so I'm going to give it a try this year. With only 2 scents and 2 containers that's 4 combos of FO, dye, container and wick to mess with - makes it much easier on me! Anyone else have some good tried and true V-Day scents?

I'm going to be doing a package deal with my friend - her business is handmade jewelry - very individual, ecelectic stuff. We're going to focus on the guy who's getting something for his wife/girlfriend, etc... and wants to really go fancy (set the stage, perhps??) with a few candles and maybe some potpourri. Just got in the 2 scents I'll be doing, so for the net 2-3 weeks I'll be testing. My goal is to have everything made a little after mid-January so it can cure and be ready for the big day! But I have to tell you... I got some new tins in and I hear them calling me every day..... "work on me, work on me, who needs Valentine's Day....." LOL

The Citrus and Teakwood is excellent. I love that one so much I have a hard time putting those up for sale!