3-boys-4-me

They are all GORGEOUS! Thanks so much for sharing. You're an inspiration for an oldie starting all over again.

I use 6228. HTH

If you're wanting to test different wicks, I would go to www.bittercreek.com (North). There you can order wick sample kits, you will get a couple in each size of the type you order. Does that make sense? Sorry, snow day for the kids equals a LONG day for Mom.

I am completely new to all of these numbers and what they mean.

Now when you say wick up you mean get a bigger size on the chart and where did you get the 44's?

I just checked NG's site and you can get the 44z wicks there, as well as the 51's and 62's. For some reason they skipped the 60z.

What wick are you trying to use now and what type of wax are you using?

I was just wondering what is a 51Z wick?

I have been getting my wicks from natures garden.

The "z" stands for zinc. 51 is the size. If I remember correctly, NG carries them. Atleast they used to, it's been awhile since I ordered from them. HTH

How about that stuff called Goo Gone or something like that. I think you can buy it at the Home Depot or Lowes.

I am sure someone will chime in with a better idea, but I typically just pry them off with an old butter knife. HTH

For my 8 ounce jelly jars I typically use a 51z. You will have to test to see what works best with your wax/FO combination. Some FO's will require a larger wick while others could be wicked down. HTH

It's so very easy to work with and tons of fun. You never know what your going to get until you unmold the candle. It's like getting a present! I am still testing wicks. Have fun!

The wax arrived earlier in the week and I have been having such a blast with it. I have made more candles in the past couple of days then I have in the last 2 years! I have been having so much fun experimenting! So, thank you to all the wonderful ladies and gent who posted their suggestions/information/words of wisdom. I haven't yet achieved the look I was hoping for, but every candle gets me a little closer. I will post a picture soon in the gallery. Thanks again all!

I too purchased those jars. I only had time to make and test one, which didn't do well. I started with a 60z (all I had on hand was 44z, 52z, and 60z) and that wick was way too small. I haven't yet had to time to play with them anymore and I am waiting for my wick sampler pack to come in. I will post should I find a wick that does well.

BethVT uses the 4045H and it mottles great...so don't be scared off yet. You can PM her and ask her about it. I've seen some of her mottled candles and they are absolutely beautiful. She switched from 1343 to 4045H for the same reason that I did...1343 doesn't hold much fragrance oil and the throw is not that great, in addition to how the wax bulges when you burn it for long periods of time. Some people have been able to overcome the bulging problems with the addition of several additives but I'd rather not deal with all that extra work you have do in order for it not to happen. You'll find that everyone has a preference for a certain wax so you may find yourself sampling quite a few before you settle on one...or a few...that you'll continue to work with. I'm not really sure what the difference between the 4045 and the 4045H is except that the 4045H seems to mottle more than the 4045. I haven't used the "H" so I haven't had a chance to compare the two. All I know is that I get a very good mottle out of the 4045 so I'm not complaining and the scent throw is very good.

So you have just the 4045? Did you purchase that from Candlewic? I didn't even see that on their site. I will keep in touch with you and let you know how it does for me. I can't wait to try it out. I have used the same waxes since I started making candles, nearly 5 years ago. I have tried others, but also stuck with what I knew. If it does well for me, maybe we can swap a few pounds. Then you can try the "H" and I can try the other and see what the difference is. I will keep in touch Fern. Thanks so much for all your help.

I'd be interested to hear more reviews about this wax. I tried 4045H and could not get it to hold oil even with vybar 343.

Oh now don't tell me that, I just ordered a whole case of this wax. I had to order a case to meet the minimum order amount. Oh well, I will play and learn...that's part of the fun.

I also plan to sample the wax you're using now. I love to try new things and experiment.

Anybody have a link for TVG?

Here ya go:

http://www.tvguilfoil.com/

That's where I got my apothecary jars when I was making them. If I remember correctly they not only have the prim black metal lids with handles but also rust. Good quality and they are great to work with.

Welcome to the board! Nice to have you join us. Are you using the 4045 or the 4045H. I thought Candlewic stopped carrying the "H". If its the 4045, I use it and although it is not classified as a mottling wax...it mottles beautifully, holds quite a bit of FO, and the hot and cold throw is much better than a lot of the other straight paraffin waxes I have used. I use 1 tsp vybar 343 pp of wax, 1.5 oz. of FO and dye to make my mottles. I pour around 180 and let cool at room temperature and they mottle great. Good luck and make sure you show us your creations in the Gallery.

Thank you for the wonderful welcome. I believe it was the 4045H. I found it under Candlewic Blends (or something like that). What is the difference between the 4045 and the 4045H?

Also thank you for the information on the additives and the amounts you use. IF I can make anything half decent with this wax I most certainly will post pics. Again, thank you...I can't wait to try this wax.

Howdy and welcome to the board

You'll find all kinds of threads about this wax if you do a search here on it

Thanks so much for the nice welcome. I am loving this board. I searched the board and found tons of great information. I ordered the wax and can't wait to try it out.

Steve, thank you as well for the information. Your candles in the gallery are just beautiful. If I can't achieve the look I am after this the 4045, I will be contacting you to purchase some candles. Thanks again all!

I don't sell my candles anymore, I only make them for myself but when I make a container candle I use either the 8 ounce jelly jars from Tennessee Candle Supplies or the 4 ounce melon jars from Bitter Creek. I really like the look of the melon jars.

Nothing is ever the same once you have kids.:rolleyes2

LOL, isn't that the truth!

Thank you so very much Beth for the information...it's truely appreciated. I can't wait to try it! Have a great weekend!

Your candles are gorgeous. I just posted a question about the 4045 wax. I read the description at Candlewic but am confused as to if additives are needed with this wax. If you don't mind my asking, do you use vybar or stearic? Thanks so much and again...your candles are beautiful! Wonderful job!

Hi again all. I am full of questions today. I quit making candles about 2.5 years ago when I got pregnant. I kept most of my supplies including my wicks and wax. Recently I ordered some new FO samples and decided to make some pillars using my usual 6228 pillar/votive wax. I made a grubby candle just like I used to and wicked with a 51z wick. They just aren't burning well like they used to. So, my question is...is it possible for wax and or wicks to go bad over time? They have been stored in a closet down in the basement all of this time. I am thinking that possibly over the years the wicks have become damp. Thanks for your help!

Hi all. I am new to this site and would appreciated any information you could send my way. I have been making candles for years, quit selling after becoming pregnant with my 3rd son and now only make for myself. I have been viewing all of the mottled candles in the gallery and they are all absolutly beautiful. I would love to try my hand at them. I have done some research and found a wax at Candlewic called 4045. I was wondering if anyone could offer their opinion on this wax. Would you suggest I use stearic with this wax? Any other recommendation or suggestion you would like to share? All information is appreciated. Thanks so much for your time and have a great day!

I visited Early American several years ago. They are super nice people. They showed me around the factory and gift shop, loaded me up with TONS of wick, wax, and jar samples, then helped my husband load the wax I purchased. I didn't buy an of their FO's, just wasn't looking for anything new at the time...but I did sniff EVERY FO they offered and they all smelled wonderful. I get my wax and wicks from them. They are quick to ship and they have never messed up an order. If you ever have the chance to visit them, I would suggest it. It's a neat place and like I said, they are so nice there!

Lisa

Sounds like a classic case of "candle nose" to me. You probably just got used to smelling it, and therefor it didn't seem as strong anymore. Happens all the time.

When I was first learning, I purchased Candle Making for Fun and Profit. It's a great book. I want to say that Bittercreek has it, I even think it's on sale. HTH