VictoriaK

The zinc core could very well be the problem. This is the first time I have used these kind. So would these wicks that I have now, the 36-24-24 work in regular 15hr parafin wax votives? I cannot remember who I had purchased my wicks from before, but I believe they were just cotton and I used them without problem between my parafin and palm. So is zinc looked down on or anything? Im not sure if I like the idea of the metal being there. Any suggestions? Should I just go through a different supplier to get non-zinc wicks?

Cierra Candles is costing me far too much money, especially with shipping considering I am constantly having to make new orders because of their mistakes. Tonight I recieved an order, and realize my votive boxes are missing. Double check my package content list and it is marked at '0' for being temporarily out of stock... Hmm, okay, but I paid for them! A few days ago I noticed a 1.49 refund from Cierra, but not purchased anything for 1.49 and my multiple quantity purchase of the votive boxes most definetly do not amount to a little over a dollar. So this order draws the line, before I had dye or cello bags missing from my order and customer service not responding to my emails or actually send me my missing items. Im shaking because I am SO furious.

I just recently went through a supplier that offers Palm 3 for my votive/tarts, but im having a problem with wicking the votive. I had bought 36-24-24 which are getting drownt in my regular 15hr votives, and only burning half down at most. Before I purchase the other votive wicks which are 44-24-18 and burn at .04oz/hour more I just wanted to see if anybody had any opinion and perhaps tell me if I am running in the wrong direction and they know of a better supplier. I really appreciate the help, as I am unfortunately avoiding orders from customers because of the situation Victoria

Hmm, I just popped out a few more of my tests and it seems like there is just an initial jump line on the bottom, except for a couple. Hopefully a touch above 185 will do the trick with the jump lines

So I have experience with candle making, and just recently trying out Astrolite V for tarts and votives but I keep getting jump lines. I tried 175temp, then today tried out 185 and still have lines. There isn't humidity, and the room temp is controlled at about 80 if not a bit warmer. I don't warm the molds, but they felt room temp and not too cool to the touch. Also, I am noticing that there is almost no cold throw, its only hot throw where you can just slightly smell the fragrance(Even when using BC's Candy Cane, which is pretty strong considering the peppermint). I use 1/2oz per pound of wax, as that has always worked fine for me with other waxes. Hoping I can figure this stuff out because the appearence is smooth, and it does have a good release from the molds. Does anybody have tips for this?

Yeah, I have been mind boggled over it the last couple days. Currently not working so I think I will have to experiment. If anybody figures out the mystery get in touch! I was thinking it may have been a layer made in a cookie sheet, so it could be textured and color easily mixed.. but I see no lines, and I think most of the 'texture' would be rubbed off while pressing it onto the base candle.. Hmmm -Victoria

I was googling around and saw these candles, and I love them! Does anybody know how to make these?

I am interested in trying (African)Black Soap now, does anybody make any and willing to let me know what ingredients they use(so I dont' get anything I know will irritate my skin) and have a sample available? Thanks for everyones help so far, Victoria

I have adult acne, and ofcourse open to trying anything new on my face since I am still 'looking for the cure'. So to all the soap makers out there, I am looking to buy some soap samples. I have oily skin, but with a dry T zone, and hoping to get some soap that can moisturize, yet ofcourse wanting something to hopefully help clear me up (or atleast not make me break out haha). So yeah, I am looking for a new facial soap and also moisturizer so feel free to contact me because I need you!

Im unsure what to think either. The area of the candle that is against the mold is perfect looking, but the top gets the rough bumpy sorta look. You are probably right about the Vybar, I kept getting the 'honeycomb' effect so I got scared of it and began using very small amounts. I will pour these votives at 180 into the mold, keeping it tilted at first to be sure to let it fill without any bubbles. The wax I am using is for pillars, so I will give it another test with more Vybar, then try out using the 130mp container wax I have to see if that evens out more on the top. Thanks Top!

Hello, For months I actually was at war with pinholes. Just recently I found a way that works well for me, and that is just to calm down haha. I always had programmed in my mind that as soon as the wax reaches the pouring temp that I had to practically run to the mold with the melted wax and pour it in the mold. Well, you really don't have to be as crazed over pouring as I thought. Now when my wax hits pouring temp, I pour it into the mold while it is tilted, so that the wax can flow down the side of the mold instead of before when i just poured it in the center of the mold(like where the wick is). Just don't pour too fast, keep the mold titled while pouring at first, and if possible, do candles on a warm day(or keep the temp in your home up) so that they can cool at a more stable temperature. Also, I pour about 5-10degrees hotter than suggested temp(Pour around 180-185 instead of 175) since the pouring is slower, and there isn't worry about 'jump lines' -Victoria

Okay so I finally elimated the biggest problem I was having, and that is pin holes. As long as it is a warm day outside(so they don't cool too quickly), I pour them slow/average speed into a titled mold. Works like a charm, but now the tops of my votives and other various candles are getting this almost, rough look. I get my wax localy, and if I can help it I would like to keep it that way, so hopefully someone can suggest the use of an additional additive. I use slabs of paraffin with a 139 mp from GloryBee, and a pinch of vybar 103 for a pound(about 20 beads), also from GloryBee. Additive suggestions, maybe a different cooling process, and ofcourse another wax.

That looks really nice! I agree, I love how it is not overwhelming with thousands of candles, but has just a big enough selection. I wanted to mention... Something that tends to go over well is keeping a little bin of tealights under the counter and offer them with a card or even small candle scent list to anybody who has any interest in a candle. Alot of people are scared to buy homemade candles(especially because they can be a bit more spendy than a cheap walmart 50cent one), so showing that step of confidence by offering them one will give them a chance to love it and then they will be ready to place an order and tell everyone "This really nice couple gave me this cute candle to try out and it is just absolutely amazing, let me find their card because you just have to try them out for yourself". I am amazed at how many orders I get just from people LOVING the sample tealights I offer. Its great because tealights are SO easy to make, and have just enough wax for people to get a good feel for the candle. Sorry for the rambling, haha, again, I love the set up! Victoria

The candle pictured is not actually my own, it is the example I posted to show an idea of what it is that I want. Yeah, I dont' know if I will wick it as the maker has because i dont' want it to burn out as fast as you would expect the pictured on too. I will have to check with Donita, she is definetly the queen

Those came out great, what kind of wax did you use?

Okay, I specialize in making gothic themed candles and one candle that I have personally wanted around my home is the black weeping candles I keep seeing. They look extremely easy to make, as they are just a red pillar with a black overpour..Problem is, I have NEVER done any overpours on my candles. Suggestions from those who have done any overpours? Curious about temps and if there is some way to actually dip the candle or if I just pour wax over the candle...Help please! -Victoria

Thanks for the replies, hopefully she likes them as well. I will have to check out that site to see what they carry for the candles. Yeah, they do have seams. I water checked the buckets but will probably need my hub to check them over for me(I was just excited to get them poured last night haha) -Victoria

Going into the warmer season my mom has been asking for some Citronella candles for in her backyard, and I finally got around to doing some for her. I found these adorable 5inch metal buckets, and tubs at Walmart tonight and couldn't help but try them out since they were under a dollar a piece. I think they worked perfectly and will go great in her yard since it is really mellow and in the country.

Those came out great, you are the queen of grubbies. Yet I am next to Quiet, where did you get that mold!

Did you put on the pressed flowers yourself? That looks great and I am sure she will love it. What votives are you giving her for the set?

Im curious as well. I am looking into a new supplier for waxes and heard about the samples of wax. Wouldn't have to worry about giving me oil, but I am definetly interested in trying out the wax. -Victoria

Wow, I think yours are cute pixie, and I also like how you get so many chunks in yours Crafty1. Im completely inspired to try out some chunks now! Curious if you guys fills the votive cups with chunks then pour the melted wax over the chunks? Damn, those are too cute for votives And you guys even make your own slabs for chunks????

Haha, yeah it is a bit nasty now. I definetly want to see it when its cut

For the last year now I have been using Paraffin slabs and had nothing but problems with pinholing(especially on votives, which people say are the easiest!), and other various physical appearences. Then was told to try out Vybar, since it could really help. Still no fun. Some how managed to get blistering on the top of my candles(yet I am still wondering if this was caused by the wax itself since the slab was discolored) or a 'honeycomb' effect from using to much Vybar. After these non-stop problems I have turned my back on candles for the last month, and now after recieving some free supplies from a wonderful local gal that I met through Candletech, I figure its to early to give up. So, I think I am going to turn my Paraffin use off and try some different waxes and hopefully enjoy using them instead. I shop at a local candle store, which is GloryBee's, and curious if anybody could give me some pointers. I linked the soy wax at the bottom, and wondering if anybody has ever used this before. I know its pre-blended, but should I add anything or keep any special advice in my mind being a first time soy user? I hear alot about specific temps but haven't seen info on an exact. http://www.glorybeefoods.com/gbf/Shop_List.cfm?PC=4&PSC=75&ProductCat_Name=Soy%20Wax&Token=71.193.128.52:{ts_2006-03-15_10:16:23}-527147 And as much as I may hate paying shipping fees, does anybody have a specific soy wax(even paraffin) supplier that they go through and just adore? I will be doing mostly containers, and like everyone in this world hate wet spots(hard to embrace since im a bit of a perfectionist). So if anybody has good reviews on a company and their specific wax then let me in on the secret. Thanks so much for advice, Victoria

I finally am up and ready to go with candles again after taking my short break, but after going into your album I can nolonger access your instructions but only your own personal photo galleries of your work. Have you changed the location of the slideshows? I thought I remembered seeing instructions for making a 'cracked' appearence on the outside of a candle, so if you did make them unavailable for public viewing could you give me some pointers for making the 'cracks'? I would truly appreatiate the help Thanks, and your work is truly beautiful Victoria