PamR

This happens alot. Even with other types of wax. Sometimes as the wax is made, the tubes that cool the wax springs a leak. I've never had a problem with using the wax. The water will settle to the bottom of the pouring pot. Mike & Pamela at Cajun are super people, if you just can't live with it, & want to pay to return it, I'm sure they will make it good. Personally, I'd use it. Pam R

I'm glad I'm not the only person that s*** happens to, lol. I wouldn't sell the candles, but I bet you won't have a problem burning them, back in the middle ages they were made with animal fat--imagine the smell, lol. Pam R

I wouldn't do it either, unless it is a hurricane that will in no way cause the flame to reach the cinn. sticks. Don't go by what you see in stores, lol. In Target the other day I saw a regular 3 x 6 pillar that was nothing but pot pourri & wax with a wick in it. What's wrong with that, you ask? I know from dumb experience, lol. Before I ever thought about making candles, a friend of mine said she made pot pouri candles for her family each year. So I thought, that's a neat idea, duh! After pouring the candles--oh these were container candles--I decided to light one to see how they burned-HA! In a matter of minutes I had a torch!! I felt so stupid!! But this is the kind of stuff you will find at some stores. Thank goodness I learned the proper way to make candles. Pam R

I'm afraid all the books on candlemaking won't help except for basic steps in making the pillar, such as melt wax, wick mold, yadayada. When I started I bought every book I found & while they were interesting, I don't really think I learned any more than searching the web & just pouring the candle myself. Thru lots of mistakes you will learn to make a wonderful candle. Since all waxes are more different than the same, you'll need to find the closest source. I know this probably isn't what you wanted to hear, but IMO that's how it is. What type pillar are you trying to make? Pam R

It's been a long time since I used any plastic molds, but if memory serves me, you will have to cut a hole. You should be able to tell where the hole is supposed to be. Just use a small sharp knife or small scissors to cut away the plastic. I'd cut away small pieces at a time, just so you don't cut way too much. I hope this helps. Pam R

yeah, something I can help with!! I've been making bundt cakes for 6 years now. The absolute best wax that I used was Astro V. I discovered this quite by mistake. I had been using my regular pillar wax with extra vybar to make it white. I never had any turn brown, but some did yellow some, usually that made with a yellow vanilla fo. I ordered a slab of the astro v to try for votives--hated it for that, but discovered it not only stayed nice & white, but did not crack & come off my bundts. I am currently trying to find a replacement since my supplier now wants $63 a case for the stuff. If you have some, try it. Pam R

I agree, everyone has their favorite wicks. I use a soy/paraffin blend for containers & paraffin novelty candles. I use mostly the cd wicks. For votives I use the lx wicks. Pam R

I made the switch to lx & cd wicks about 4 years ago when the media started the hype about the metal wicks. I only make paraffin votives & use a lx10 in almost all of them, however, I have one customer that says they need a lx 12 because the lx10s were drowning out. Funny thing is, I can get the 10s to burn completely without drowning out--but to apease her I make hers with a larger wick--go figure. Pam R

I use 1353 & 941. The only way to guarantee people will burn them properly, is to NOT offer them, lol. Most people have no clue how to burn candles. All you can do is put the instructions for burning in an obvious place & hope they have the brains to read them. When I test burn anything, I test burn for the 'moron' that will buy it. Pam R

Wow, what jerks your testers were! I think you know exactly what to do, you just needed to vent! Hold your head up high--& endure. That's really all you can do. Continue making the best candles that you possibly can, burn tarts at work, if that's possible. Decide right now what you will or won't do as far as sales with coworkers. They'll be back, you might even get an apology from the jerks, maybe not. I don't have testers--if I don't like it, I don't sell it. Even fragrances that aren't my favs, I still know whether or not they make the cut. So, jump back in there, ignore the snots, & make candles. Pam R

Just had to post about the candlemaker store. I've bought several of his fos for years, we used to call him 'Steve, the nice guy', although I think some people might not agree, lol. I've never tried the B grade, only the A grade. They are great! I do use less than with other fos in most cases, so they are really more economical. When you order samples, these are the A grade fos. Some that I order over & over again are: Cranberry Relish; Blueberry muffin; spiced vanilla; fruit salad; & strawberry shortcake. Pam R

Please be sure to test burn. If you are just painting tarts, you are probably ok, but the acrylic paint CAN catch fire if it comes into direct contact with the wick. Pam R

Are the 16 0zers apothecary? If so, one 51 wick will not be large enough. It's been a long time since I used the 4786, but most waxes in that large a container will need to be wicked with a 60z or 60c, or perhaps a cd18 or 20. I only use cd wicks now. Pam R

Opps, sorry if this posted twice. My first post since the board was moved. I've been looking at all the great pictures in the gallery. You guys are really talented! I'd like to try the vybar 343. Is Candlewic the only supplier that carries it? Thanks PamR