PhoenixFyre

Excellent. Thanks again, Sojourner. I agree, Linda. It is a great forum and I have learned so much already as well. I am so envious of the experience and knowledge that so many on this site have and am thankful everyone is willing to share it with a pre-newbie like me. And I can definitely see how the people here can cheer you up on a downer day, so that's just another thing to be thankful for.

Thank you for the welcome, Puma. You were another person whose posts I've read and enjoyed. Couldn't remember your user name but I remember that snowman picture. Sojourner...Awesome! So glad to know who it was that said that! The intimidated part of me says it would have been better to get into this blind, but knowing me it's better to know what I'm facing from the start. Otherwise, I might have become so overwhelmed by the amount of factors that can (and I'm sure will) go wrong, that I may have given up before getting to enjoy it. So I'm thankful to you ALL for the info, advice, and encouragement you've given on this entire site because it really did push me to get started with a hobby I think I will enjoy immensely.

Thanks to you both! Jcandleattic...I actually did buy a small starter kit off eBay before I understood the importance of research and starting simple. Surprisingly, it turned out to be from Candlewic! I may begin with that and then move on from there. It was a paraffin starter kit, so hopefully it will give me a good starting point before the other supplies get here. Candybee...Yes, exactly the point I had reached. I have done so much reading and note-taking that my brain is now saturated with info. I figured it's time to just take the plunge and get started with some hands-on experience. Breaking into my excited dance!

I just wanted to take a moment and say hello. I have been lurking around this site for a little while now and decided to join in the fun. I have been mulling over trying candle making and have been spending time researching. My binder full of notes is due in great part to this site! It is rare to find people who are so willing to pass on their knowledge and advice these days. I can understand the fear of "competition," (especially with the current economy), but it's fantastic that there are still those willing to help and make sure people start out this craft safely. I wouldn't even call myself a newbie yet....I'm still pre-newbie. I am still spending time researching, haven't attempted any candle making yet, but think I have picked a path to start my journey. I have decided to start out with just straight paraffin wax for container candles and one container size. I picked a couple different wick sampler packs, two FOs, and one color. I also purchased some vybar and stearin, but I plan to start with just the wax first to get an idea of how it works before diving into the additives. I decided to get some straight paraffin for pillars as well but will work with just the containers for now. I ordered from Candlewic (they have a deal on shipping right now) and Peak, but since there aren't many great suppliers here in Arizona and Peak is closest to me (that I know of so far), I will probably be ordering primarily from them. After reading through many threads on this forum, I think I almost scared myself right out of trying. I read on one thread (can't remember who said it) that they were glad they got into candle making blind before realizing how much work is involved or else they might never have tried it. I am feeling that overwhelmedness (lol...is that a word?)! Thanks especially to Old Glory, CandyBee, and JCandleattic (hope I got your names right) and so many others whose posts have been so informative and helpful. Enjoy your day, everyone!