birdcharm

Hi, My two recently-used soy waxes are GW444 & 464 (still trying to decide which one works best for me, I was primarily using 444 until recently giving 464 a try) -- the rough & frosted look after burning is expected. With e/o's, I'd save my money and use them for other things, such as diffusers, etc. where there is not heat to mess with them. But, you may have good luck with them, although I think I'd blend with a f/o for back-up (for instance, I'd like to try cinnamon e/o with a good vanilla f/o). I did a square Libbey jar last year and used the biggest wick I had ... no, it didn't work! As much as the melt pool tried to get into the corners, it just didn't go. I had to switch to two smaller wicks about an inch apart in the center -- that way each wick created it's own melt pool, reaching into the corners. I learned that the square jar needs to be envisioned as though it were two candles side by side.

I think to some of us, Label #2 is saying "Pick Me!! Pick Me!!"

Label #2 seems like it could put you in the holiday spirit & take that label home with you -- it also feels nice to give as a gift.

In reading about the RRD wicks a few months ago, I saw that they are coated with something to make them burn better, but I couldn't find out what the coating is, if it's a natural substance, for instance. In one resource page, I saw that it's called "NST 2," but I can't find anything on that chemical when I do a search. Any clues?

I referred to some notes I've been collecting in regard to waxes and various wicks. I have a note saved regarding this wax and the advice given was that people use a variety of wicks with this wax (6006), but zinc was the preferred wick by some. I'm not sure if this helps or not, but thought I'd contribute it.

I'm sorry I couldn't help, all I was coming up with was "Santa's Apples" which sounded kind of strange, or "Mrs. Claus's Apples" which wasn't much better!

It's interesting to read the reviews of the various waxes. I would like to add a note here that when I was reading about this wax, I saw the following recommendation: "Do not aggressively stir or whisk as this can cause aeration; which will cause extra shrink in your wax." I'm wondering if this could perhaps be the cause for the adhesion issues, maybe you're just supposed to slowly move a spatula through this wax when adding scent. {?} Just a thought.

@Trappeur... that's an interesting & touching story about your label ... thanks for both explaining and understanding what I was thinking. Now that I understand, I can see how that is special to you. You've most likely seen these kraft heart-shaped hang tags, they're kind of cute if you need a hang tag for some reason, they might go with that theme. I'm happy to see #1 won!

@Trappeur... I hope you don't mind me offering this, but I have mixed feelings about the heart carved into the tree. What do you think about that? ...does it seem a bit unnatural to you at all?

I agree that #1 looks the best for the feel of the label. What is the name of that font? It's very nice, really. Although #2 is pretty, it's much more formal. #3 imo would be better with a more fanciful design and I think #4 would be better on a more plain label. If #1 wasn't available (I know that doesn't happen, just saying it this way), I'd then go with #4, but take out some of the decoration, the tree trunk/branch perhaps. Those are my feelings about them anyway! They all look good in themselves, but I think #1 is the best match for your label design.

I also think the HTP-62 may be the winner there. The zincs, from the photo, didn't seem to do so well, and the lean of the CD's seems so unpredictable -- for instance, the CD12 is centered, just as the others centered, but so far, it's forming an uneven melt pool. I don't think the HTP-41 is going to make it and the 83 may be bigger than needed. A great presentation ... thanks for sharing it.

I think some of the interest in vegetable-based waxes has to do with the non-synthetic aspect of it in some ways. So, in other words, adding a polymer, such as vybar, for instance, or other non-plant based additives, takes away from that in a sense. I have read before that Yankee may use what is called a slip agent to their wax, but, as you say, these things are trade secrets.

Will you be using the coconut wax in cosmetics? That sounds interesting. This has been an interesting discussion to read. As for personal bias about whether or not to test with any particular scent, I think if time is of no consideration in your testing, you could test in a variety of ways for the sake of testing. Yet, if I wanted to give candles as gifts, for instance, using a particular container/wax/scent ... then I would test with that container/wax/scent and go from there to figure out the wick. If I like the scent, I'd like to be able to test it for my own knowledge and appreciation right from the start in order to know if it's going to work in a container/wax/wick combination. I simply don't have the time, budget, or desire for doing the unscented testing unless I was going to be making unscented candles.

In my experience, if I've ever ordered anything right after a holiday or holiday weekend, I can't expect instant service.

I like to mix a combination of peppermint with rose.

I think it has to do with the performance of the candle ... you want it to do what it's supposed to do properly with a nice flame, melt pool, etc. and a healthy flame is part of the whole package. A small candle with a small flame is expected -- a larger candle with a small flame would be out of sorts just as a small candle with a large flame would be, imo.

I don't use Eco wicks, so I can't answer, but in my opinion, it seems a bit high. For instance, with HTP 104, the estimated wick height is supposed to be 1.62 inches ... my guess is that this changes somewhat based on the wax used or how the candle is burned. I normally keep my wicks trimmed to 1/4" or so -- this (obviously) keeps the flame down just a bit, but if I didn't trim, I'm guessing I'd most likely see a 1.5"+ flame.

I think the flame on your candle looks as though it's struggling ... for an example of flame heights, you can see here in regard to ECO wicks: wick chart

My kind of candle!

I would take a sharp, flat knife and just start doing some scraping ... crosswise, in one direction and then the other until you get a polished look. Do it over a pie plate and save the shavings for whatever. It might take you a little while to get the hang of it, but it will look "artsy" with a shiny, yet distressed look. These have great potential for that type of piece. For the flat sides, it will be easier; for the wicked side, you'll need to place the flat edge of the knife right next to the wick and work outward all around. I hope it works out, sorry I can't just show you how to do it!

I can only speak from experience in terms of consignment shop ... I was selling some candles years ago at a little gift shop on consignment. I didn't do too badly either, but it was a pain, so I quit. Now, as for selling your candles outright, that's an entirely different story, as then the store owner is your customer.

It looks like Flaming Candle sells supplies on ebay ... of course, the shipping for one little thing is a bit more than if it's part of an order, but it probably works in a pinch. They have magenta dye blocks. I prefer liquid dyes in candles, but sometimes if you're looking for a certain color, the blocks/chips work good; but for melts (yes, I get it now, sorry my wandered before), it probably doesn't make much difference. ebay auction dye block

I've never used pigment powder in candles ... such as this one in neon pink ... ... would it clog wicks?

I'd love to see them! I'm trying to get used to the high density, which is what I bought this time around -- I think I'm going to figure out how to add some white mineral oil to it to make it more of a medium density though, as this stuff is pretty dense and thick. I've never used this type before. Some cooler evenings may be headed my way for a few days, so I may pour another one to continue my practice session!

We had a little break in the weather, so I finally poured my first one. I've got to get into better practice (too many bubbles), but I was just wanting to get my feet wet. I used more marbles than I normally would since it was a practice candle, and learned that my "clear" marbles seem to be a bit more yellowish than I prefer. I only sunk one shell in there just to do it, and since I didn't fill it with gel beforehand, I got a little bubble out of it, but not so bad. I plan to make some seascapes with sand in the bottom sometime soon. Anyway, I promised to return, so here I am.