beaglady

My molds are homemade, with hinged sides. The ends fit inside the sides, rather than being mounted to the ends. That's how they can be adjusted. Adjustability is nice for times when I want to make a 1# test batch, but want the finished soap to be the same size as my other bars. The other time it's very handy is if I'm adding sheds or chunks of one soap to a new batch. Thet way I can adjust the length of the log to compensate for the maount of shreds added. I also think they''re easier to line. My ends ahve been coated with silicone tub caulk, so they don't need lining. I just take a length of freezer paper, make 2 folds, drop it in, put the ends in, tighten and I'm done. I hate 'giftwrapping' the inside of molds. Diane W

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has noticed the similarity of these scents. Puppy breath has a lot of the same notes too.

Do you usually gel your soap? If not, and if this soap gelled due to the fo being 'hotter' than others you might use, that could explain the difference. Does it have a spice component to the fragrance? Spices are known for heating soap. Gelled soaps are more translucent than non-gelled. Just speculating, but maybe that will give you some insight. Diane W

Thank you. This is wonderful timing for me too. I poured my first real candles last night. They're just 4 oz jelly jars, 100% soy, no fragrance, with 3 consecutive sizes of wicks. I bought thte supplies months ago, but have been avoiding using them cause there are so many unknowns. After 24 hours of no electricity due to a storm last week, I decided unscented utility jar candles was a good place to start, lol. Edited with a question: Is the cure time needed because of the fragrance or because of the wax itself? Do I need to cure if no fo is added? Diane W

Brambleberry has a Milk & Honey fo in their candle fragrances. I haven't tried it though.

I love the Rooibos, but can't sell it in soap, no matter what I call it. I've never tried it in wax.

SOS Zen Christmas

Like the (ahem) plant material, or like the smoke? The one from SOS smells like dirty ashes, IMO.

Lemon Slices (Soap n' Candles)

For those of you who shrink the ends first, do you have trouble with the bands going off-center? I have, so I usually do the center first, then the ends. I just went through a learning curve with these when I switched from my old hair dryer to a real heat gun, especially with them splitting at the perfs. I've started staying farther away and moving slower & have had less trouble. When I shrink soaps, I always lay them face down on a thick terry towel, which seems to help the front stay smooth. Diane W

I've occasionally had a soap get too hot while gelling and end up really hard. I've go tone now, and plan to shred it into a batch of something else. It lathers well and is otherwise normal. Diane W

I don't sell (or even make) candles yet, but I do sell soap & there's a definite parallel here. I believe in taking the high road and avoid making negative comments about another vendors products. When asked if my soap is 'all natural', I usually tell the customer it depends on how they define 'natural'. Then I tell them about my locally sourced ingredients, how I render my own tallow, but that I use fo's, etc. Usually, they respond by turning to their comanion and saying, "Hey Betty, did you see how pretty this soap is. And its all natural. Here, smell" Then they but some. IMO, just make a good product, be able to explain why it's good if asked, but keep away from spreading negative energy about other vendors. Let them make their own, lol. Diane W

Ack! I haven't made any candles yet, but have been accumulating all the supplies so i can make a few for Christmas gifts. Yet another variable to worry about! Diane W

I use my xyron to laminate labels for sugar scrubs. If you laminate both sides, the sticky stuff won't stick to the laminate. If you don't lamiante bith sides, water can get in. I haven't had any trouble with corners lifting on curved surfaces, but I've heard that others have. Diane W

Thanks for your help. I did search again and found a bit more info. Why do I always want to do things that 'can't' be done? It sounds like tins might be a bit safer than jars. Guess I'll start there. Diane W