jbradshaw

Oh wow - as someone who lives in the desert (only hot in the summer, though) this is very intriguing to me. I'll need to look more into stearic acid for my melts...

On 10/3/2017 at 7:33 PM, Trappeur said:

Yes it does.

Wax has been cured for 3 weeks and some even longer.  I heat till it is all liquid which is a very low temperature and then pour into my jars.  I do a very thin repour on the top so I can pour at a very low temperature.   I don't want to lose any fragrance throw by heating higher so I do it this way.  Works wonderful.

 

Trappeur

I'm so confused by this - can you provide a little more detail? Do you heat to 185, add FO, then let cool and cure, then reheat just to liquid and repour into final containers? 

It looks like I'm the lone wolf but I haven't had to wick down in 464, I've still been using a CD 12. In fact, one of my recent tests is looking like I'll need to wick up - but I'm guessing that'll be too much, this FO might just not work out. 

Thanks! Adding Wassail and Mistletoe to my order - can't wait! It's so hard to choose but my FO cabinet is getting out of control. 

On 10/1/2017 at 2:59 PM, Trappeur said:

Oh my, you said you hate Santa's Pipe Jbradshaw......Oh no...I was thinking of ordering a pound of it I love it so much from sniffing the bottle.  I definitely pickup the cherry and other things in the pipe and also the tobacco and i love i.   But now I'm nervous to even buy a bottle of it after you said it is horrible.   What is it that you don't like about it....?    Did you put it in wax  or was that based on sniffing the bottle?   Darn.....

 

Trappeur

I hated it OOB but put it in wax - it's better in the wax but it's a bit sickly sweet for me. I'm hoping it will mellow as it cures, and I'll still probably see if my normal 'testers' like the scent. 

I'm about to order some Pumpkin Caramel Crunch - the Toasted Pumpkin Spice from CS has really grown on me lately...I blended it with Aztec's coffee and man oh man is that nice. 

I'm about to place an order from Candlescience and just thought I'd check to see if there were any can't miss fall or holiday scents I should check out...

Here's what i've got:

White Birch

Cranberry Woods

Frasier Fir

Toasted Pumpkin Spice (which has to come all the way from north carolina which is a bummer for this utah girl)

pumpkin caramel crunch (trying this based on Trap's rec)

I've already got mulled cider and chestnuts (not impressed OOB), Amaretto Nog, Red hot cinnamon, apple and maple bourbon, blue spruce.

Anything else? 

I think the only way I can go into this (if I go into it) is to say that I'm willing to do all this as an investment and see how it goes. I hate that none of these markets take any liability for damaged or stolen goods, but I checked all the markets I could find like this in Utah and it's standard procedure. 

Having been a volunteer and a customer for many of these markets, that does assuage my concerns a bit because I'm familiar with how they run. If i do it, I'll minimize the risk as much as possible by doing candles in tins only. I can also stop by as often as I want to straighten or restock, and I can be a volunteer at one of them, which would mean I could keep an eye on things. I'm just so torn - all of this input and caution has been incredibly helpful to me. I feel a bit cornered just because if I want to participate in the local craft scene, I have no choice but to do these markets. I can try to expand online, and get wholesale going, which I'm definitely going to invest time in, but I feel like the opportunity to get product in front of customers is so valuable. 

What kinds of markets do you all have in your areas? This seems to be really unique to Utah.

Agreed, those booth fees are crazy high - I didn't do either of those shows because of it. 

The booth fees for these are only $20/weekend since they take a percentage. And luckily they don't try to sell people on anything, customers just peruse the venue and purchase what looks good. They basically only admit vendors they like the product for and think would appeal to their customer. 

I'm definitely concerned that I wouldn't be there to answer questions, or even to steer people towards the scent they might like best. I just can't decide if it's worth the risk or not. 

I appreciate all the input. 

They are incredibly popular here - the majority of markets around are set up like these, so I feel like I can't really avoid them. 

They vary in the % they take, anywhere from 15%-20%. I don't love losing that %, but it does seem fair given that I don't have to be there, don't have to manage the checkout or sales tax, etc. You do sign a contract, but from the ones I've seen, the market is not responsible for theft, damaged, or missing product. You are paid 2 weeks post market via check, it works like a payroll and you fill out a W9 I believe. 

Unlike consignment, they are pop up markets. So the market will rent out a venue for a weekend, one week, two weeks and the market gets set up, then comes down. Which is nice, there's a limit to the time table. 

I know you didn't really need the answers to these, but it was helpful to write them out. I've talked to other vendors and some love these and some hate them. One in particular refuses to participate because she just can't justify losing 15% - however, she has been around for years, and supports a family of 7 off her business alone, since she does enough online and at other markets to ignore these. I feel like it's a good way to get my brand out as well. 

In my area, we have:

farmers markets

craft lake city DIY fest (which is basically a weekend long craft fair outdoors)

swiss days (booth fees are $1K for a 2 day festival)

Pinners conference (booth fees are $900 for 2 days)

these central checkout markets, which are numerous

So I feel a bit backed into a corner if I want to grow my business. 

Gail - you were SO RIGHT about Leaves. I went back and ordered a pound. 

Also - the Aztec Cinnamon Peppermint Creme is really nice OOB and from cold throw. It's got some curing time left before I can burn but I have really high hopes. 

I think someone mentioned Santa's Pipe from WSP (I know that's more holiday and halloween) - but I hate it! Hoping once it cures it'll be better but I could barely stand pouring it. 

Pumpkins - I have now tried Aztec Pumpkin Souffle, Aztec Pumpkin Spice, CS Toasted Pumpkin Spice and I just can't do any of them...I'm just broken I suppose, I don't like pumpkin scents. 

I love both of those oils, and I actually prefer White Birch because it seems lighter to me than Frasier Fir. What about mixing it with something cranberry? I actually ordered CS Cranberry Marmalade to have on hand and mix with pine/evergreen scents because they go so well together. Or maybe a musk, amber or vanilla? 

I have some JS Chestnuts and Brown Sugar and it smells very much like Butter Rum lifesavers to me once it's in wax - good throw in 464 but I can't speak to any other waxes. It's super nutty OOB but that mellows once it's mixed. 

I was going to suggest CS White Birch, but you already have it   

What about something a little camphorous to get that cold feeling - maybe mix in some eucalyptus with something you already have? 

Many of the local markets here are set up where you come set up your table/booth/whatever, leave extra product under the table or in a back room, and then leave it to the market runners to manage. They have central checkouts (which take a % of sales) and volunteers/employees who straighten your display and restock as needed. The seller can also stop by to straighten or restock throughout the market.

Anyone had experiences good or bad with these? I've volunteered at them in the past, and can attest that they do have enough volunteers to monitor shoplifting and keeping the tables looking nice. I've been accepted to two this holiday season, figured it made sense to just apply and then see how I felt about it. I also have ZERO idea how much inventory to have ready for these, but that's another issue. 

Thanks!

18 hours ago, njcurley said:

 

I sell scented, soy blend container candles.  Three different containers and lines.  We have status jars, interlude jars and frosted black and white jars.  The interlude jars are our fall scents and we color those.  The frosted jars have wood wicks and are our "spa" scents.

 

The best sellers were Salted Caramel (FC), Sea Minerals (Aztec), Apple Harvest (CS), Chocolate Brownie (Aztec) and Sweet Chili Pepper and Citrus (FC).  I was surprised that people were asking for Patchouli and Sandalwood!  I had those for the longest time and they weren't selling so I did not bring them.  I'm going to bring a few back tomorrow.

Oooh where do you get frosted black and white jars? (If you don't mind sharing your supplier.) I looked all over for reasonable frosted jars about six months ago with no luck.

On 9/27/2017 at 8:16 AM, Moonstar said:

CS Oakmoss + Amber . OMG it stunk up my house for days . I swear I could even taste it in my mouth and the smell was everywhere. I know many love that scent 

but not me. Im like you Gail, no patchouli or incense scents for me either. 

That's one of my best sellers! How funny - it smells so mild to me. 

On 9/15/2017 at 8:46 AM, Kerven said:

Do you happen to know the lot number of the wax? I'm hoping this isn't the beginnings of a new Lot F.

I don't - I maybe could call CS and Flaming (I have now had this happen with two different bags of wax).

On 9/15/2017 at 3:24 PM, Candybee said:

When my scale batteries are low my weights start getting quirky. Some weights are fine while others are off so it can be hard to tell at first that there is a problem. When they get really low the scale shuts off or the light goes off. Then I know for sure its the batteries.

 

Another thing I thought of, vanillas are usually the culprit for me when it comes to seperation. I never go over 5-6% with a vanilla.

OK I feel like it could be the vanilla - the Aztec FO I used is 6.3% and the Very Vanilla from CS is 5-10%. I've used Very Vanilla many times with no issues - I wonder if it's the change in weather that is effecting this? I'm also seeing cracks in my candles and I've never had that happen either...

Just now, Moonstar said:

Any other good ones I should try since I'm getting SPB ?

I love their Tobacco, Cozy Cabin, Citron Cedarwood (my #1 bestseller - people are obsessed), and Cider Lane. Pumpkin Souffle has great hot and cold throw - I don't like pumpkin scents though, maybe they'll grow on me. But it's true to what it says, and throws well. 

I'm about to put in a WSP order and will definitely add Santa's Pipe and Apple Balsam Pine. I've got plenty of JS's Vanilla Bean Marshmallow but maybe I'll try WSP's as well, since I don't use much from JS. 

1 minute ago, Moonstar said:

Guess what I'm off to buy lol 

ding ding ding Aztecs Sweet Potato Brown Sugar . Do you ladies do 6% or higher ? 

I do 7% in 464 - mostly because I accidentally measured out 7% once and it was so good that I kept doing it (oops!). 

This FO is seriously amazing - sweet but there is also a tartness to it somehow? And buttery. So buttery - but in a good way. I am TERRIBLE at describing fragrances lol. 

A friend has requested marzipan candles - I kind of hate the smell, but she absolutely loves it. Any suggestions? I don't think I'd be a good judge so I'm hoping someone here has one to recommend. 

On 9/13/2017 at 9:56 AM, GailC said:

I poured some Aztec Sweet Potato and Brown Sugar yesterday for the first time this season,  and oh my goodness, that stuff smells good!  It beats out any Pumpkin scent I have, in my opinion.  

 

The A/C checkup guy loved the smell and so did the wheelchair repair guy.  In fact, he ended up buying one, but I made him promise not to burn it for at least a week.  He also wanted something cinnamon so bought a Cinnabon candle.

 

I'm also loving RE's Spiced Pumpkin Latte right now.  New for me this year.

Aztec's Leaves is turning out to be very popular.  I had it last year and didn't even make any. My friend bought a candle and was raving over the scent.  She said the name,  'Leaves' didn't do it justice. It should be 'Heaven' or something, so I said Almost Heaven.  Think I'll make some kind of blend and call it 'Almost Heaven'....if I can achieve a smell that good.

 

Those are just 3 of my long long list of fall FO's I'm using this season.

 

 

 

I'm test burning Aztec's Sweet potato brown sugar and it's AMAZING. I'm not a foodie/bakery scent person but I can't get enough of this. The cold throw is so strong that it fills my bathroom if I keep the lid off. 

I have some of Aztec's Leaves and I wasn't impressed (I love the BBW candle it's a dupe for) - but maybe I'll pour it and see what it's like. 

I don't wear safety glasses either, but second the ventilation!

My habits are:

1. closed toe shoes

2. respirator - I only put this on when I get to weighing, pouring and mixing FOs. I don't wear it while the wax melts. 

3. gloves

4. spill cabinet - it's a big yellow metal cabinet where I keep all of my FOs. That way if anything spills it's contained, and keeps my dogs and kid out of FOs as well, also keeps them in a dark space which I think is beneficial.

5. rubbing alcohol - I like to have this on hand to clean up any FO drips or spills

6. open windows in the room I'm in and adjacent room

7. unplug everything when I'm done - presto pot, heat gun, griddle all get unplugged from the wall, not just turned off. 

3 hours ago, Candybee said:

I mix the cranberry marmalade with straight orange for a cranberry citrus. I know some like the gingerbread but it smells yuck to me like fake plastic. I use a much better gingerbread so will stick with that.

 

I am wanting to try the cranberry woods and white birch. I already have enough pumpkin so I may skip the toasted pumpkin spice.

OOoh I'll have to get some orange - that's a great idea. 

I'll probably pour cranberry woods and/or white birch today so if I do I'll let you know what the CT is like. What pumpkins do you love? I am having a lot of trouble finding ones I like/don't mind. 

1 hour ago, gls said:

Sorry to hear this happened to you!!

 

It is unbelievable how people think they can pirate creative work and sell it - much less put it online for everyone to see.    I've heard people say "well I've seen it on Pinterest so it is OK to copy...WTF...to me it is the same as walking in a store and using a five finger discount.

I think it's OK to see something on pinterest and copy it for your own home, or even a gift, but NOT OK if you are going to try to make money off of it. 

The company I'm thinking of does candles that are inspired by the Disney parks and rides, they did rebrand semi-recently, but kept making the same scents. Their product photos are also sometimes taken at the parks, and given how aggressive Disney is, I'm shocked they are getting away with it. 

I personally can't imagine trademarking my stuff at this point in my business, but this does give me pause. 

Some of these are new, some just new to me, I've noted which is which. Just got these in so thought I'd do a little OOB first impression. 

New to CS (as noted on their site)

White Birch: Soooo nice. Has a really nice evergreen smell to it - I used to have a room oil from The Body Shop called 'evergreen' and it smelled exactly like this. Might mix with Cranberry marmalade.

Cranberry Woods: Love this! Has the tartness of the cranberry but is evened out with a good forest smell. And some citrus?

Toasted Pumpkin Spice: I normally don't go for bakery scents, and I'm very pleased that this is mostly spice-y and not sweet. 

Vetiver: Classic - but not very strong OOB. We shall see.

New to me

Cranberry Marmalade: Too sweet for me as a standalone - I will mix with something to mellow it out. I bought it to try with Fig as someone on here had suggested, and will probably also try with an evergreen scent.

Gingerbread: Not too sweet, and the spices really come through. 

Mulled Cider and Chestnuts: VERY nutty. Not getting much cider or spice at all, but I'll see what it's like in a candle. 

I'm most excited for White Birch, Cranberry Woods and Toasted Pumpkin Spice. I might do the pumpkin spice with a little vanilla and call it PSL to be cheeky.