emilyspoppy

I wasn't able, of course, to read all of the print on your labels from the photo but I'd like to state that in my (uneducated) opinion; Your labels look VERY professional and EXTREMELY well designed. There is a conumdrum with that, however. They might look TOO professional. I didn't get a sense of "handmade" or "boutique-based" that some potential customers MIGHT be expecting from a high quality, handcrafted product. I wouldn't be surprised to see the packaging on the shelf of a mass-marketer like WalMart or Target, because they are so very well designed. I'm not into B&B myself, but my DW uses many products in that category. I can see her looking at the packaging and thinking another "over-priced yet standard quality" product is contained inside. I suppose it would depend on how you will be marketing them and in what venue. This is in no way a criticism in anyway. Whoever designed these labels in my opinion is very talented. To answer your question directly, I'd say that they belong in an upscale "chic" or perhaps "spa" category. I'm just guessing at the spa association, though. I'm too old and too fat to climb-up on the table! (lol) I hope I have not offended you. You have every reason to be very proud of the talent it took to create this design. HTH/JMO Dave @ Charlotte Hall Country Candles ETA; The board is working funny today. When I wrote my post I was the first to reply to your question. Dave

:highfive: Way to go, dear friend! (I did like the idea of having a fan, though!) lol

I'm not sure I would want to arm wrestle with you! (lol) Yes! I have had some wicks pull out of tabs when I pulled REAL hard, but I try not to do that anymore. I think that it's hard for the machinery to pinch the tab hard enough to grab into the actual wick due to that nice coating of beeswax that CW's machinery layers on the wick. I used to assemble all of my own wicks. I still do some. I enjoy the process about as much as cleaning and wicking jars (not!). I used a jewelers "split ring pliers". It did a great job. It's a tough tool to describe. I suppose you could also use a hand tool known as "crimping pliers". Either should work, if you feel the need to secure the assemblies a little better and make the wicks real taught in the containers or molds. I primarily pour 8 ounce jelly jars and I use the black plastic holders that fit the jars perfectly. I can't remember the last time a wick assembly seperated. You might also want to test the assembly a bit and give it a tug to determine if it will hold up to the tension you want it at. You could buy some extra tabs for those that seperate so you don't lose the whole wick. Just a thought. HTH Dave

Great to read good reviews. I'll check them out.

Angie; I've been searching for a DC to AC power converter for you and was stopped dead in my tracks when Sue posted the link for a battery operated cash register. I really think you might be well ahead in the game if you considered it. I have three similar Royal registers (AC) that have been serving me faithfully for years and are still in great working condition. The only thing I've ever had to replace on them is the ink rollers every year or so. The power converter MAY be less money and may provide some additional service options for you, but there are other issues that will go along with it. The ones I'm familiar with are noise, require your auto to be nearby and running from time to time to keep from draining the battery and require cord(s) which may be a safety (tripping) hazard. Event coordinators may not approve the use of one and you may find that you're stuck with something you may not use more than once if at all. It's been years since I used one (for a PA system) but it was more expensive than the WM register. The prices may have come down and the quality may have improved, though. I hope you manage to get something to work for you that provides you with a good return on your investment. (((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))) "Me"

I agree Peggy! I'll make my own using Peak's "Wild Mountain Honey" in the recipe before I buy from the "other" supplier. JMO Dave

I sent you a PM earlier today. I just checked and it shows its still in your inbox and remains unread. The message will be self explanatory. HTH

I buy my wick pins from Candlewic. My guess is you can use their custom wick "maker" to get the exact wick you need, too. I have bought thousands of wick assemblies from CW and have been very happy with the quality, price and service. JMO/HTH

Hey! The tape is known as heat duct or furnace tape. It's available at almost any decent hardware store. I'm not sure if Walmart carries it or not. I wouldn't be surprised if they did. The tape is meant to attach metal ductwork pipes together. It is heat resistant. I've only seen it as a shiny metalic looking material. It shouldn't be too pricey, but not as cheap as good old gray standard duct tape. Don't get the two confused. Good luck! Dave

No desire to stray off the subject, but I remember reading a post on the board that a member was sometimes upset because Aztec would "substitute" another FO of their choice if they were out of stock on one that they ordered. That would have been enough for me, if that's true. I'm not sure if it is factual, though, and it may have just been a sample(s) that was out of stock. The comment did get my attention, however. I've never ordered from Aztec, and after reading this thread abd the other posting, I doubt that I will. I have high regards for Candlescience, though. JMO

Place your cursor over my user name (emilyspoppy) and click on it once it is hi-lighted. Follow the drop down menu to send me a "PM" (Personal Message). The process is pretty much self explanatory from there. I'll reply to your message when I read it. Watch for a number to appear at the top of the CS page where it's printed "Notifications". The number showing how many unread messages in your mailbox will be to the right of it. Click on that link to find another drop down menu that reads "Inbox". Click on that and follow through to read my reply. It's only complicated the first time. I didn't understand it when I first joined this board. I've had hundreds since then and I didn't find this board until 4 months ago. YIKES! I wish my brain was as athletic as my fingers! "Computer Challenged Dave"

Sure! You can post it here or (better/safer) in a PM to me. Dave

If you don't mind the delay, I can buy it for you and send it to you from my address here in Maryland at actual cost through PayPal/Gift. I need to place a CW order by next week. Just let me know and the amount you want. Dave

It sounds like I'm putting ICS "Baked Apple" on my wish list for a try. We "specialize in apples" at our shop. As I've said I prefer to create my own blends, but if it "ain't broke . . . . " Thanks ladies! (AKA; "Enabelers") "Apple Dave"

I started using the Q-Tip method. I don't use it as much as I used to, but about 15 to 20 years ago when I moved over from "traditional-type" to "highly-fragrant" candles it was "state of the art" and "cutting edge" technology. You virtually waste no FO that's noticable. There are a bunch of threads which discuss this technique. They can be found by doing a board search. Board member, Tyler, will probably add that there is a kit you can purchase from SOS that will make you a pro "perfumer". I have not tried it myself, though. Moola's always "hard earned and easily lost" at this ranch. I have more important things on my "want list" right now. JMO/HTH David

I think of all of the fragrances out there "Apple" (My personal favorite!) is the most subjective. I'm still "shopping" for the best! Maybe we need to start a thread on that topic. . . "Who has the best Apple FO?" Thanks for calling me "David". I actually prefer that name to "Dave". My family and closest friends always call me "David". When my DW want's to "push my button" she will call me "Dave", pause and then wait for my dirty glare or nasty come-back. (lol) DAVID

This may be of no help to you, but it looked like a good place to offer an opinion on how to get that perfect fragrance you are trying to find and/or replace MAKE IT YOURSELF! One of the fun things about this craft for me is creating fragrances. Actually it's the only FUN thing left for me. It does mean a small investment in fragrances that you might not want to use as stand-alone scents, but once you have them in your "laboratory" they can be very cost effective. To make a "Baked Apple" fragrance you might just need to blend three basic fragrances together in a proportion that you like. Apple / Pie Crust / Cinnamon. I make all of my own pie & cake fragrances. I enjoy it and I get bragging rights that I can label our candles with "Our Own Recipe". I make "American Apple Pie" for our shop. By adding other basic fruits that can do double, triple or even more duty I can whip up a batch of; Peach, Strawberry-Rhubarb, Cherry, Key Lime, Blueberry, Lemon Merinque, Chocolate Cream, Coconut Custard, Mulberry and other "pies". I also keep "Cake Bake" and "Buttercream" in stock. It's fun and it's practical to make my own. I'm also not at the mercy of some other fragrance blender's nose. I'd also like to throw in, that you might want to keep it in the back of your mind that a name on an FO bottle can seriously predjudice you into smelling something that may not be really be there or "true". When I buy or create new FO's I get my wife to sniff and tell me what she thinks they are. Despite her protests, she seldom guesses right. Once I reveal the name to her, she almost always adds; "Oh yeah! I smell that now! You're right!" Try this yourself. I'll bet you'll be surprised. If you don't want to blend your own FO's you might want to search for samples of other apple named fragrances. I'm almost ashamed to admit this, but the base fragrance for our popular "AAP" is not "Apple". It's "Granny's Kitchen" that I apple-up a bit and add a smidge of "Pie Crust" FO. It "Rocks"! HTH/JMO Dave @ Charlotte Hall Country Candles

It's not so much I'm giving up the "other" Mulberry. I'm giving up the "other" EVERYTHING! ETA: Oh! I didn't answer your question! I've not shopped for Mulberry yet. I will post when I do shop and find one I like. It shouldn't be that difficult. IMO.

Are you sure that knowing me just hasn't made me you a better "fibber"? ME teach YOU! You my dear friend have more to offer than I ever will. BTW; I just bought a new DVD/CD recorder. I've been cranking out the goodies. My DW and I are a bit under the weather with pollen allergies right now. Your "package" may turn into an early Christmas gift, the way things are progressing. I'm so very sorry, it's taking so long to get it all together. I would probably be ahead if I just shipped out what I have and get another box ready to send later. (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) Back at ya' Dave

YULETIDE! You better not let me catch you using that as a mixer! (Call me, will ya?) I'll keep it "focused" . . . Scouts honor! You know who!

I guess it's a strange world all over!

I suppose it's a cultural thing! Over here they like to have "Wesson Oil Parties" or so I've heard! I'm not sure I will ever enjoy my DW's fried chicken ever again! Gimme Lard! My arteries still have a bit of room left!

Thanks for the info. I'll remember not to order fried chicken if I visit the UK. I live in the state famous for "Maryland Fried Chicken". Crisco is as important to the recipe as "the bird". Nothing beats Crisco . . . (Except maybe . . . lard . . . SSSH! . . . Please don't tell my DW. She thinks her fried chicken is the BEST. It's about the only thing I can get her to cook anymore, so I just agree with her. I actually like mine better, but I'll keep that to myself.) What do they fry Fish n' Chips in? OIL ??? Dave

Like SOLID vegetable shortening that's used for cooking. (Hydrogenated/solid - not liquid)