MLG

Even though this is an older thread, it has a TON of valuable information. However, I am still needing some help. I have never done a craft fair before and I have been asked to participate in one this fall. This particular event is an annual 2-day craft fair (and a rather large outdoor one) which has great monetary potential. Last year - out of nearly 400 booths - there were only two booths that sold candles. And they were not the main focus of the booths (they were part of a bath and body booth). My head is spinning right now. I have looked on Pinterest regarding booth/tent setup and I "think" I have a good handle on that part at least. My problem is product quantity. Would someone please be willing to guide me in the right direction? How many different scents should I try to focus on? I plan on bringing 8oz and 12oz containers along with some clamshells. There is one signature scent that I will carry in a 31oz Libbey Cylinder (military related). I just want to make sure I have plenty of supply without overkill. I feel like I'm trying to hit a hidden target. I can't remember the last time I felt so green on something.

Have you tried another supplier? What I have noticed over the years is that the same fragrance can/does smell significantly different between 2 or 3 different suppliers. For example, I ordered Pink Sugar from NG and reordered it from CS (in order to save shipping cost) and there was a distinct difference between the two. While there was nothing wrong with the CS version, my nose much preferred NG - and quite honestly, it throws better for me.

I have a product in my line that is very similar to this. I am a math teacher by trade and one of my fellow teachers raises high-powered rodeo bulls. To make a long story short, her son is a bull rider. He loved the scent so much he named it 8 SECOND RIDE! It is one of my BEST sellers !

I have a question regarding Rustic Escentuals. I just placed an order with them which totaled $63.11. I just received an order confirmation showing they tacked on another $3.75 for a "Manual Order Processing Fee." Is normal business practices for them? Now granted, I didn't read the terms of submitting an order with them, but I feel it should have been in plain site on the original billing invoice (IT IS NOT)! The charge was added as an afterthought. I found out by looking at a second emailed invoice. No explanation - just the added charge. I'm feeling a little duped and irritated right now (bait and switch).

I would love to go and meet you all. Unfortunately, with all the rain we've had lately, I'm expecting to still be cutting hay. A farmer's work is never done!

These are beautiful!

Is Zazzle user friendly? I have been working with PicMonkey for a few weeks and am still discovering new things. I would like to try Adobe Lightroom, but I'm not sure I have the patience, but your labels are gorgeous!!!!

Yay!!!! Cute mold!

Someone had told me a while back to add 1 Tbsp of coconut cooking oil (the liquid) to every 1 to 1 1/2 pound of wax. Weigh your wax and melt as normal. You then add it in AFTER the wax has been melted. This trick worked well for me when I was using the 464. Still had some minor frosting, but nothing like I was having in the beginning. I have also been using this trick with my 6006 and it works wonderfully for me. The candles adhere to the glass better and I have very little sinkage (if any). So far, it hasn't had any affect on my wick size either.

I tried the soy route for awhile and could never get a hot throw - no matter how much fragrance and no matter what wick I tried. I finally just gave up on it and began using IGI6006 and love it. When you say jelly jar, are you talking about a "normal" straight side jelly jar or more like an 8oz square mason jar? I have been using these for quite awhile and have had good luck - after a lot of testing. I have tried all kinds of wicks with this jar and finally settled on Eco 2 or Eco 8 (if using a heavier FO). Also, are you using any dye or coloring in your candle? That can also affect the burn.

Well....I'm ordering! Thanks

I am definitely going to try this. I had heard about this program awhile back, but I had never gotten the chance to check it out. Thanks for sharing the link.

And that's why I started this thread! I was hoping I wasn't the only one who thought she was "stoned."

Heading to their site now! You all really are ENABLERS!!!! I can't wait to get started looking around. Any other must haves from TCS? I am looking specifically for a French Lavender and Honey (BBW). I purchased a sample from eBay but was sorely disappointed. The bottle had no flashpoint listed on it. I am trying out IGI 6006 with 10% FO at 165 degrees. Since the recommended pour temp for 6006 is between 160 and 170, I'm wondering if the flashpoint was much lower than that. The scent seemed strong in the bottle, but now barely throws a smell Hot or Cold. Aggravating to say the least.

Thank you all for suggestions. You have given me a lot to think about. I have intentionally NOT contacted my homeowner's insurance due to fear of cancellation, but you have have given some great alternatives and I appreciate your help

Actually, her heating directly over the burner was not as much of a concern as the rest of the video. My main concern here is the assumption that any wick used is the correct wick. That's really the fire hazard to me. I made a group of candles a couple of weeks ago and used the same wick I always used for that particular jar and wax combination. I can't explain it, but I had a bad feeling about it so I burned one - mainly to make myself feel better. OMG!!!! I'm so glad I did! That wick burned so hot and so fast that I could not touch the jar. The only thing I could think of was that I tried a new fragrance combination. I guess it was such a heavy combo that the wick was literally consuming it at such a rapid rate that the flame resembled a small bon fire! I remelted the wax and tried a couple of different wicks - what a difference the right wick makes. If you noticed in the video - her wicks we're going every which direction and supposedly her three drops of fragrance oil was enough to scent four or five different candles. If that's the case, I should quit wasting my money at various companies and just go to Hobby Lobby or Michaels for my fragrances. The sad thing is - if i had not come across this forum by accident, i would have taken her information to heart! THANK YOU!!!!!

I'm not sure this is in the right place, but there is SO much wrong with this. I ran across this tutorial on Pinterest today. I wanted to post a reply to her channel, but I couldn't find the niceness at the time. I wonder how many fires this misinformed tutorial has caused. Not to mention the money wasted. Maybe I'm just having a bad day, but this seems like a bad idea. I'm using my iPad right now so I hope the video loads for you. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HRXAArUSFgo

I just looked on the WSP site and they explicitly exclude candles. And that's a shame because the price was great. I also checked into The Guild and it seems to be a great fit for me. I've researched others and I'm always skeptical of companies I don't know anything about. I'm also extremely hesitate about mentioning my new business to my homeowners insurance for fear of them dropping my coverage. The Guild's site was very forthcoming and free with information. Thanks so much for your help. Unless I am missing something, I think I'm set

I am looking for a dependable and reasonable insurance company - for both candles and bath/body. I am new to selling these products and I am scared to death of being sued. I am an LLC, but I just feel I need insurance to further protect myself and my family/business. Any recommendations please????

Congrats! Best of luck to you. Your layout looks fantastic! Would love shopping there.

I cannot tell you how appreciative I am for you all and this site. I post very rarely, but visit the site OFTEN! The wealth of advice and expertise I receive here has saved me many many goofs and upsets. You all are very free with information and I am grateful. Thank you!

I started the process today. I live in Missouri, but I would think an LLC is an LLC. It cost me $105 to file and register my name. That is the first step. It usually takes about a week to get that cleared. Once you have this step completed, you will be able to get a tax ID number. This will allow you to open a bank account, etc. The rest of the process is just completing formalities (corporate book, minutes, signatures, etc). It shouldn't be all that expensive. I think the book should be around $100 or so. The majority of your fees will be in attorney fees. Here in Missouri it'll run you around $500 give or take a little. This process should also help you with purchasing an insurance policy (which is my struggle right now). It will also help you with your taxes.

I was actually using 8 oz tins, not 8". I guess there's a slight difference. lol They have worked out well for me so far. I'm thinking about trying the Pink Magnolia again only with IGI 6006 this time. I've read good reviews for this product and it seems it might be a better place to start. Any suggestions and advice would be very much appreciated.

Thank you both for your suggestions. I am using 464 (with 8" tins) and am loving it. However, I got brave and decided to try to make a 12 inch jar container (not straight sides). It looks really pretty and has great CT. The problem is that there is very little HT. I didn't realize at the time there was a curing period and I lit the candle a few days later (burned about 5 hours). I put the lid back on it and left it alone for 7 days. I relit it last night and the throw was a little better, but it's not burning a full MP. I am thinking I should've wicked up. My plan is to try and melt it down and re wick with a larger wick. I used the Pink Magnolia from candle science and LOVE the CT, so I am hoping my plan works :/

I am new at candle making and I am still trying to find a good reputable supplier. I have tried Candle Science and have good luck so far. It's tricky trying to find the right wick to use with a specific jar type. Has anyone ordered FOs through The Candle Makers Store? Is so, any thoughts or suggestions? TIA