FarmCandles

Im rather new around these parts, so you might want to take what I say with a grain of salt. But if your having soot up around the rim, you might need to wick down.. Or change wicks. But then again, I have personally seen commercial products with just as much, if not more soot. So..... What wax and wicks are you using?

Thank you! This is exactly the answer I was looking for! I like the idea of using q-tips in a bag. I will have to try that. And I agree, write everything down. I have this horrible habit of keeping it in my head, then forgetting everything. Im thinking a self adhesive label with the recipe written down, stuck to the bag would be even better. That way, you can come back to it in a couple days, especially if you cant make up your mind on similar blends. For example, if you have 3 different blends that are similar but different, and you want to wait until your head and nose are clear. My thoughts on storing the blend in a clean jar just comes from the idea of efficiency.

Howdy! Been a while since I have posted, its been a very busy year here at the Farm. Now that the cooler weather is coming, I can focus my attention back into the "scented" world. In the meantime I did learn that curing candles for weeks and months really does make all the difference. I have been too busy to make any since my last batch, and what do you know, after putting some melts I made into a melter, they smelled great! I looked around, but couldnt find an answer to my question. If there is a relevant thread, feel free to point me in that direction. What is the "proper" way to blend FO's, to make your own custom scent? For instance, do you use blotter strips? Or Im thinking something like putting one drop at a time of each FO on something like a napkin or paper plate (anything absorbent), and working from there? Adding additional drops as needed. It seems like there would be an efficient procedure one could use. Maybe Im just overthinking this? Then, once you find a combo that you really like, do you make a large batch of the scent and store it in a clean jar? Or do you just leave the individual scents as is, and combine them when you go to pour? Any help and incite would be appreciated.

Thanks for the input. In my spare time I have been looking at other wick options. I have poured several more candles, for me so far, Very Vanilla and Red Hot Cinnamon (from CS) along with Crackling Birch (from NG) throw pretty well with an LX20. Other scents (I wont list them all) don't throw to darn well with any LX option that I currently have. Something to point out, maybe coincidence, maybe not, but the 3 scents that throw well have NO dye added. Another issue is that the Very Vanilla seems to smoke a good bit with the LX 20. So LX may just be a dud for me. The plot thickens..

4630 wax, 12 oz status, LX18, LX20, and LX22. I made 2 samples, one with the LX18 and one with LX20. I wasn't impressed with the 18, so I carefully jammed an LX22 in place. Did another burn test. Seems like the LX20 might be the winner.

Just wanted to add that I am very impressed with the quality of goods from Candle Science. I have already placed another order. Meanwhile, I decided I couldn't wait much longer and started testing a couple "Very Vanilla" candles, and "Cucumber Melon" melt, made on Monday. Results so far show promise.

So heres what happened. I wanted to pour a bunch of samples yesterday. I wanted to do 12 different scents in both status jars and tins. I also wanted to try 3 different wicks. I looked at my supplies and quickly determined I didnt have nearly enough supplies. I decided to pour the candles wickless. I did both tins and jars. My idea, when the time comes is to drill a hole down the center. Insert wick, use a heat gun to reseal the wick, then do a burn test. If the wick doesnt do it, then I should be able to extract it, let the candle cool, drill another hole (if needed) then insert the next size up. Rinse and repeat as needed. Anyone try anything like this?

OK. I just wanted to confirm my opinions. Im definitely impressed with the Candle Science stuff. The wax just so soft and smooth, compared to the concrete like stuff I used in the past. The FO's smell great, compared to, meh.

Todays loot included: IGI 4630 and 4625 wax, 12 oz. status jars and lids, 8 oz tins (smaller then I thought they would be) LX wick sample kit, clamshells for melts, 12 different scents, and 5 different color dyes. While I was out I stopped at Wally World and picked up the small Presto Kettle/Cooker. I have already started melting wax and love the presto. Back in the day I did a double boiler and hated it. Might add the quality of the CS stuff is fantastic. In my opinion.

Just a quick question. Im really curious as to the opinion of the FO's available at the Arts and Crafts store. Seems like that the quality isnt there, or wasnt there the last time that I had the notion to make candles. About 15 years ago. Am I right in my assumption or is this a "your mileage may vary" situation? Im lucky that Candle Science is about 45 minutes from me, but when you only need one FO.. its a sticky situation.

Howdy.. Just wanted to say Hi. Recently I got the bug to start making candles again. Its been about 15 or so years. Back then the information didn't seem to be readily available, unlike today. During the warmer months I sale produce that we grow at our local Farmers Market, so I am looking to have other offerings (especially during the lean times) and to expand my Farms "Brand Name". I discovered, to my good fortune, that I have a Candle Science about 45 minutes from my driveway. I place my first order this morning, and will be going to pick it up this afternoon.