Dawn Blakey

Thanks for the info but I just realised it's not the 4oz it's the 8oz. Any suggestions for this one please????? Dawn

Hello all, I have just finished a trial of tea lights with soy wax and have found what I think is the best wick... Now I am about to embark on a trial of a 4oz glass hex jar. I will be using soy container wax with essential oil as fragrance. As I have never used this wax before can anyone please suggest which wicks I should start my tests on please. I would be very grateful of your advice. Regards Dawn

Hi Rebecca, Yes that happens a lot with manufacturers with other things like soap as well. They market their bar as 'natural soap containing pure essentail oils' which leads the consumer to think it is fragranced with 100% natural EO's when in reality it is probably 99% FO and 1% EO. Nothing wrong with using FO's incidentally, as long as that is what you market your product as. Dawn

Hello, I managed to do a few small test batches, I am not supposed to really as I am still poorly, but, I couldn't wait. I used polycarbonate tea light containers, some pillar blend soy wax and pre-tabbed no. 1 eco-wicks. The wicks burned really well with a lovely bright flame but they tunnelled down and left a ring of wax in the container. My question is, should I have used container blend soy wax in the tea light containers? Should I have used a Smaller or Larger wick? I am new to to Soy wax. Thanks Dawn

I thought this was really interesting research, a little dated, it would be good to see further research, anybody know of any other tests? http://www.soton.ac.uk/mediacentre/news/2004/june/04_89.shtml Dawn

It sound like a lot of talk but this is why amomatherapist usually have to be certified. Because there is more room for error in this line. But I tell you if you get just the right blend and mix it with a vegetable wax candle or in a cold processed soap. It is intoxicating. Parafin doesn't throw EO's as well. You will notice alot of aromatherapy candles are vegetable or palm waxes in the big boy brands. And not because of the naturalist's hype going on. Remember to look up that sight or even get some books. Good Luck, Thank you Stacie for your very informative reply. I have taken notes lol... Best regards Dawn

Thanks Sheila, That's very helpful advice, I will email the company and ask their advice. I would normally do what you did, buy loads of different combinations and then PLAY!!!! That's what I did when I started making soap. At least this operation has kept my feet on the ground lol.. Dawn

Thank you, that's very helpful.. Dawn

-maggie ps. we're experimenting with different percentages, too - the scent "strength" of eo's seems to vary alot - for example, a redistilled peppermint is much stronger than a "regular" peppermint, which is much stronger than balsam peru, so....we're personally taking each oil and experimenting with it individually. We tend to start around 4 % and then work up from there. Hi Maggie That sounds like a fabulous job!! I am looking forward to testing as well when I am recovered and back in the workshop!! I am really looking forward to your results.... Thanks Dawn

Hey Anne, Don't burn it, as It's your very first candle, hang on to it as a keepsake! Then when you have your multi-million dollar candle business you can put on display in pride of place!!!!! Well done. I bet you feel real good (and your hubby too).. Dawn

Thanks Brandy, that's very helpful I will definitely look at those when I am better. I look forward to hearing how your results turn out. Dawn

They look good enough to eat!!

They look really fab... Well done on your first log. Dawn

Hello, I thought I'd share a pic of my wrapped Lemongrass soap. I really love looking at everyones pics. You are all so clever!!!! Dawn UK

Thank you so much for that link. I am learning a lot from you guys!!!! Dawn

Thank you so much, the information you have given is very welcome. I did think that ordinary wicks would be ok, but read somewhere that only zinc wicks are suitable for containers. So how does one determine the wick size for a candle when starting from scratch? Is there a universal type of wick? There seem to be so many different types and numbers..... I can get cotton square braided wick locally will this do for pillars and container in soy? The problem I have is that I am in rural UK and it's not easy to get supplies. Ordering from the USA would be great but the import duties make it just far too expensive. So sorry for the barrage of questions but I am afraid the candle bug has bitten me lol..... this is made even harder by the fact that I am under house arrest at the moment for at least another month Boo hoo... The only thing keeping my spirits up at the moment is the theory learning... Thanks again DawnUK

Those candles are fantastic!!! What type of wick do you use with them? Thanks Dawn

The reason I was asking was because if you don't use a zinc core wick in the container and then the wax melts to a liquid, then there is no stability for the wick to remain upright and it could be dangerous. What is the best wick type to use in a Soy only glass container? would it be Zinc or cotton or square braid? Sorry for all the questions but I am a beginner in both Soy Wax and containers. Thank you Dawn

Thank you for your comments, yes I was referring to the depth, as you look at the side.

Hello all, I was just wondering with a soy wax glass container candle, how much of the wax should melt at any one time. for example, is it possible for the wax to be clear liquid to a depth of an inch or more? or does the wax have to be burned by the wick as it goes which would mean the candle stays solid. I hope you all know what I am trying to say. TIA Dawn

Thank you Henry, Your comments are very well thought out and very wise, I will *eventually* do some experimenting and will report back. Thanks again. Dawn

They look Fantastic. Well done!! Dawn

Thank you Linda, I will... Dawn

Thank you all so much for your replies. I do want to go for the natural market. In the UK there is a big demand for this at the moment and so I was thinking of natural waxes with natural fragrances. I buy EO's in bulk for my natural soaps so the expense isn't an issue with me just the effect/danger aspect of E/O's in Candles. I am certified for safe use in CP Soaps but this is a totally different ball game to candles. I can't wait to get testing but am on 'House arrest' at the moment recovering from a hysterectomy. Thank heavens for the internet otherwise I would be board to tears lol....