PamR

Unfortunately, the only way to figure out the wick is to start trying some. I'd suggest a votive size wick to start. Without knowing what mp the wax is, there is no sure way to know except to keep trying till you find the perfect wick. As for cost, you are going to be surprised how much it costs you to make that large candle. Figure out what you pay per ounce for the wax, fo, then the wicks, additives, so on. Then at least double that for retail. Those puppies are heavy & lots of people will balk at the price. I don't make very many, but I do sell a few.

Pam R

The metal molds make a much nicer votive. I still use the plastic votive molds for my fairy cakes, but they are dipped after unmolding. I wouldn't bother with the plastic for regular votives.

Pam R

I received the rose candle from my customer & it's just not going to work. It is actually a wedding candle, 9 inches tall with a rose stem the length of the candle. Her 'theme' is rose & she only wants about a 3 or 4 inch tall candle with the rose. Not going to be possible to make this look right. Does anyone know of a source for a 3 or 4 inch tall x 3 candle mold that has a rose on it? Thanks so much! Looks like this is going to tough finding.

Pam R

I have a customer that is sending me a pillar that she would like to duplicate. Does anyone know of a good moldmaker that will custom make a mold from the pillar? Thanks

Pam R

You know I'm not getting a noticeable bulge or sagginess, but I've got additives in the wax that make it harder. I'm getting good burns IMO.

I 've been adding some clear beads, but might not be adding enough. Is that what you use to harden the 1343?

Thanks

Pam R

For all of you making the rustics with the 1343, do you not find that it losses it's shape when burning? I have 4 cases of it & love the look, but wish it was a tad harder. Candlewic is out of the question since I am in Texas. I'd love to try the 4045, but the shipping would be murder. Just wondered about the sagginess of the 1343.

Pam R

thank you guys so much! I will have to order some until I can find some closer to Texas.

Pam

I have a customer that wants these little jars & my town is completely void of any of these. I know I saw them online somewhere, but can't find them. Any idea where I might order them? Thanks

Pam R

I'm not sure if there is a site or not. You will just learn what everything is, lol. I know it is overwhelming for a newcomer. What are you having trouble with? I think there is a link for suppliers & their abbreviations at the top of the general candlemaking board. I know I even have to stop & think about what some are--several are similar. If I can help, just holler

Pam R:yay:

Just a suggestion. Make sure when you heat your wax, get it up to at least 200, then cool to your pouring temp. I've not had this with this wax, but have noticed it with others. A sales rep told me ideally to keep the wax at 200 for 30 minutes to eliminate any air in the wax. I don't have time to do that, lol. But I always heat my wax to 200, then let it cool to pouring temp. An small amount of vybar seemed to help to, even tho I know that wax shouldn't need it. Hope this helps

Pam R

Equal amounts of red & green make brown.

Pam R

I call them, but I think you can email your order, although you wouldn't want to send cc info thru an email. It really gripes me that they don't offer online ordering. I guess I'm just so spoiled, lol.

Pam R

I have oil paintings all over my house & have made & burned candles for the past 10 years. I have yet to see any 'damage' from candles. Sounds like the person she bought from suggested no parafin to keep them from being damaged?

Pam R

Those would be cool, but too country looking. I'm just going to have to experiment til I come up with something she likes. With prices going up, I don't want the label to cost the same as the jar, lol. What is wrong with just a plain ole countryfied label, hehe. Thanks for the reply.

Pam R

I have a customer that wants the sqaure mason jars with wrap around labels. Anyone do this? Seems to me it wouldn't 'fit' right. I guess I'd have to use the smooth sided ones with no writing. Any ideas? Thanks

Pam R

I think BCS has a bluebonnet. It is in the texas section. I tried a sample & thought it was pretty nice.

Pam R

Those are really cute!! I used to make ceramics. Basically all ceramics is, is glazed clay. As long as there are no cracks in the glaze, they should burn ok, for at least the first burn. The high heat of the candle might cause it to crack, then it is very porous. Perhaps there was an unseen crack towards the bottom, or it might not have been properly glazed & fired that caused the candle to burst into flames. Most imported ceramics are very, very thin & won't take too much heat over & over.

PamR

ps. if you use ceramic dishes to eat on, the same is true. If you start to see cracks in the glaze, or chips, it is best to discard. Alot of the imported ceramics still contain lead.

I was thinking it might be that one. Although I did a search & there does seem to be a men's cologne called Sexy Man. Hmm, I must get out more. Thanks

Pam R

I just had a customer request Sexy Man fragrance. I am clueless. Is there a sexy man fo, or do ya think it might be Sexy for men? Help please, lol

Thanks

PamR:confused:

why not do a search for 'candlemaking'? There are numerous websites with instructions for all types of candles.

Pam R

I use somewhat of the same method, but I have an aluminum cake pan that fits perfectly in the top of my double boiler pan. I make sure the wick is approx. 1/4 inch 'inside' the pillar, then level. As I remove the candle, I simply use the side of my finger to remove the drips. I find a good box with a sure nuf straight side to check to see if the candle is level.

Pam R

The fish mold makes great tarts. I use ocean type scents for them.

Pam R

Unfortunately, I don't know of any way to tell by looking what wicks you have. I can only suggest you start testing them. I know how family and friends try to 'help', lol. I had a good friend hand me a bag of USED wick tabs she had been saving for me! I didn't know what to do, lol. I just told her I couldn't reuse the tabs, & that they were cheap for me to buy. Good luck, it might be better to just toss them, unless she can remember the seller's name so you could contact them.

Pam R

I have very few clothes that don't have wax or paint (I paint, too) on them. I made the mistake of pouring just one candle with a new cordoroy shirt on, dark green. I scraped off all the wax I could see, then used DeSolvit on the greasy spot. After it was washed, there was no sign of any wax or oil spot. I swear by this stuff, wouldn't be without it.

Pam R

When I test a pillar, I will stick to the recommended burning times for the first 2 burns. After that, I light that baby & lit it rip. Most times I will burn a pillar for 10 to 12 hours at a time with occasional wick trimming of course. But these are parafin candles, not palm.

Pam R