Shari

I have plans to make 4-6 more batches of soap and some sugar scrubs. If I have time then some lip balm and bath fizzies might be in the plan.

Hello and welcome to the world of testing and tweaking. I don't make candles but have been making soap for 8 plus years now. It's certainly a learning experience. Just when you think you've got it something happens. Fortunately, I loved the testing phase and it was well worth it. There are a lot of helpful kind folks here. Look forward to what you come up with.

I had never heard of it until now. Gimp is what I've been toying with. I stink at labels though. I know many use the program Maestro that comes free with a purchase from www.onlinelabels.com.

I've used one to make iron on labels (monogram) for weddings. It's time consuming but looks lovely on a linen bag. I've recently got a new logo and am changing my packaging up so I am working on using it for my labels. With my design I should be able to get 12-18 on a sheet. You don't have to pay a monthly fee. The only thing that generally has to be purchased are any designs (of which there are a lot), if you so choose. My daughter makes t-shirts for the kids for special holidays and purchases designs.

Sorry, didn't pay attention to where the post was placed. I have FO that are 7-8 years old and most are still good. As long as they smell like they should you should be fine. I have had to toss a couple.

I've thought about adding liquid soap but decided not to as yet. My best sellers are soaps, scrubs and lip balm. I don't see a lot of liquid soaps at my shows so it would probably be a good sellers if I get around to doing it.

Wow, great job organizing. Mine is such a mess it's embarrassing. I really need to get my stuff organized. I took over the spare bedroom for storage and supplies. It's in such a crazy mess right now I struggle to find things. It's so much easier when it's organized. I love the idea of labeling the shelves/storage containers. I might have to give it a try. I currently have them by supplier and it take forever to find things sometimes.

It will vary from oil to oil. I would first smell them and if they smell off I would probably chuck them. Olive oil, high oleic Sunflower and Safflower, Castor, Coconut, Jojoba, Lard, Palm, Shea and Cocoa Butter will last quite a long time if stored properly. Avocado, Canola, Grapeseed, Hemp will oxidize much more quickly.

Lovely looking soap!!!

Nature's Garden Southern Scentsations Elements Bath & Body Maplestreet Candle Company

There are many companies. There will be hit and misses from most of them. It's a matter of finding what you want and testing them. Also, if you read some of the post on here there are many many recommendations. Most people don't purchase from just one place as there has been a run on businesses going out of business.

I agree with moonshine. I don't agree with misleading customers. Besides, in the long run it could hurt your business. What if someone has an allergic reaction? I have some customers ask if my products are all natural and I'm honest with them. I tell them they are as natural as I can get them. I don't make candles but B&B products. I use food grade lye and the best ingredients I can. But no, not all natural as I use mostly FO and micas. I let them decide for themselves if they want to then purchase my stuff. I hate seeing all the misleading sellers out there when I know they are lying.

And another reason would be the cost of a lawsuit should you be found to be hiding something. Better have really good insurance and then you may even be at risk of the insurance not covering you for lying/not being truthful. Not worth the risk ever. I list everything in my products. Granted, I don't make candles, but if I did I'd label the same way.

I don't get Cotton Candy from my Pink Sugar either. And I've not found a Cotton Candy I like in soap yet. Morphs on me to a plastic smell in soap. I've tried WSP, Nature's Garden and a couple others. I'll have to try CS sometime. My granddaughters favorite thing is Cotton Candy.

I have the KD-8000 and love it. I use it for B&B it's accurate enough and has the capacity to weigh larger amounts of things.

My only concern would be that it state it's not leak proof or airtight. Might be worth a try anyway.

I don't do candles but B&B and sometimes you just need to take a break. I had surgery in October so haven't really made anything since July. It's a little rough getting the motivation to get going again but I plan to start this weekend. As other have mentioned maybe switch things up a bit, new jars, new labels etc. My spare bedroom is used for storage of supplies, curing and product. All my work is done in my kitchen so it's difficult to have to lug things around to get made. Unfortunately, no other option at this point and I've been doing it this way for 8 years now. I would love a dedicated work area but can't con my husband into building something.

I love your labels! They are all beautiful. My favorites are 3 & 4. I'm so jealous of your talent with these. Lovely!

My stuff will all come down this weekend. With the exception of the outdoor things as it's too darn cold to even think of staying out there for too long. So, I'll just pull the timer plug to keep santa and the elf from inflating and my mini trees from lighting up.

Unfortunately, it's not wise to only have one supplier. Several have gone out of business in the last year or so and has caused huge issues for those who put all their eggs in one basket so to speak. There are many reputable suppliers for fragrances. All will have hits and misses. Nature's Garden Flaming Candle Candle Science Aztec Maplestreet Candle Wellington Fragrance There are many others. It's a matter of testing the fragrances in your products which unfortunately takes time.

You have to pay the 150.00 membership fee on top of the insurance cost. It's so worth it to me and give me a piece of mind.

I'm bummed it didn't work but will look forward to the spring buy. Got my refund. Thank you so much for doing this!

Nature's Garden Beer smelled like the aftermath of a 3 day frat party in soap. I don't make candles so it may work there. It smelled good OOB.

Keystone Candle Supplies carries Peak fragrances.

I've been low carb for almost a year. There are some great alternatives out there now. Cauliflower rice and zoodles and spaghetti squash have been a saving grace for us.