Sarah S

It's sad, because before coming to Craftserver, I really would have thought that was ok.

Well, hopefully I would have more sense than to decoupage and glitter the INSIDE of the jar, but the rest of it? I mean, it's HGTV, right? I would just assume they put up quality stuff. So many people don't even know where to start when researching these things, it's such a shame when a company that can reach millions misses an opportunity for real education and just throws up the most marketable crap instead. 

That's brilliant!

I'm going to try that!

11 hours ago, Gary in Canada said:

Haha..it is cold up here....  I tried amy's, or previous posters idea of pouring a candle with no wick, making a hole with the skewer, then testing different wicks. I wasn't sure if it would work, so I tried it today with an old mason jar full of used wax that I collect to make firestarters. Poked a hole down the middle with a wooden skewer, and have tried a couple of wicks already.  Worked great!! Its actually burning pretty good...its a mixture probably of about 4 different waxes (no idea what they are lol)...multiple scents...different colours.  The only thing I know for sure is the 2 wicks i have tried in it..lol.  And I can tell you...it is well cured!!!  

I live in Maryland, we've been enjoying 70 degree weather for the past few weeks. This week it dropped down to the 49s and 50s... Every winter I remember why I moved from New England, lol!!! 

I'm glad that trick worked for you! Let's hope no one in your household falls in love with your mystery candle, you'll never be able to replicate it! 😆

Marvel at my control and self restraint!!!

All I ordered was the Mistletoe .... And 5 one oz for the $5 special.... And one teeny weeny 8oz of Jack Frost for my daughter. That's good, right?? 

I could look at @Trappeurs candles all day! Always so pretty!

@bfroberts, I have those jars too, and I had the same thought... That's a lot of candle!

I would never buy a candle that size for myself, not just because of the price, but also because it would take me years to burn it! Even before I started making my own, I liked to have 4-5 different candles because I get tired of the same scent, plus wax tarts... It takes a while to go through all that wax, lol. But I guess there must be a market for them because I see huuuuge candles on the shelves from the big companies all the time.

Let us know if you do it, I'm curious to hear your experiences!

17 hours ago, Jcandleattic said:

 

When researching ask the coordinators/organizers if they allow Direct Sales. If they do, or if they hesitate (IMO that means they do) I would pass. I try to make sure the craft shows I do, only allow handmade. 

However, I only do 4 shows a year, and don't rely on them for my income. If I relied on them, like some here do, for my income, I may not be as picky, depending on which Direct sales people they allowed in. 

On their application it specifically says they only accept one direct sales vendor per brand, so I'm going in with eyes open. I expect I'm going to be in the minority with handmade. However, I'm looking at it as an opportunity to present a unique product to this market!

This is my first year selling, so I'm just picking venues that are local, have a reasonable table fee, and seem to be advertised well. 

I remember when direct sales just started taking off around here, I was deeply offended, and I wasn't even selling back then! My family has always had a tradition of artisans and a love of handmade, and I was horrified that people would actually consider it acceptable to have Tupperware in a craft show. I guess now I'm just numb to it. 

2 hours ago, Trappeur said:

You better get going selling those firestarters Gary!......lol.....They will sell!

 

Trappeur

Especially up in that cold north, eh?

😆

OH man, they have a couple others I've wanted to try too, I think. I need to refresh my memory... Maybe I'll just take a little peek.... 

😶

That is the most adorable snowman ever!! What a cute label!

What about a mix of chocolate and marshmallow? Like a warm cup on a snowy day...

You could call it "Snow Day" or "Mug of Love"

Knowing my customer base, if I called it Cacklin Bitch, I'd probably sell twice as much!! 😂

Thank you for the kind comments! I'm testing the waters with craft shows, hopefully I won't get lost amongst the Tupperware and Mary Kay ladies! 😏

I don't think I've ever let a loaf sit this long before cutting! Over two weeks! It's just been that crazy!

Here is the Cracklin birch all sliced up. I'm so pleased with the swirl. I know the photo is terrible, but it's a lovely warm tan with red and yellow hangar swirls.

I also got around to wrapping some for the craft show next weekend.

Center is my Lovespell blend, back left is Polo Black and back right is Chanel 5. Again, apologies for the bad quality. 😁 mamma needs a new iPad!

2 hours ago, bfroberts said:

 

I use a lot of zinc wicks.  I do find them challenging with heavy scents in containers 3+".  When a 51z or 60z doesn't work, I go to CD's next.  They are hotter and will get the job done.  I use CD 16 or 18 in status jars which are basically the same size as your containers.  A lot of 6006 users prefer CD wicks, and I would definitely recommend you give them a try.  The Flaming Candle is where I buy mine.  They sell sample packs and small (dozen, I believe) packs and they will ship via USPS, so it would be very inexpensive to give them a shot.

Hope @bfroberts doesn't mind the quote!

I'd suggest for any new member with basic questions to start with a forum search. Tons of information!

On October 24, 2017 at 11:49 PM, TallTayl said:

 

 

I have to laugh along with you about your make my own and save some money comment. Reminds me of a meme I see every once in a while: Why buy that {soap/candle/bath bomb/etc.} for $6 when you can make it yourself for $92 in supplies?

 I hadn't seen that before! Too funny, that is my life!! 😂😂😂

I am the queen of DIY disaster!

Welcome!

Your post in the firestarter thread had me chuckling for days! 😄

It must be tough to get supplies in Canada, so many of the suppliers are in the US. I'm always grateful for American consumerism. 😆

Welcome! This is friendliest and most helpful forum I have ever been on, jump right in!

Love the design!

I think in keeping with the simplicity, I prefer the Soy Candle. In my mind, the "natural" part is kind of understood.  And like @birdcharm said, that way you aren't caught in the dilemma of non natural fragrance oils and such to muddy the waters.

Your labels always look amazing!

That sounds like a lot of pouring!

I am going to pour some mason jars in Filmore's Lemon Biscotti now that I'm done testing it. My daughter has already claimed one, lol. Hopefully I can crank out some more Cracklin Birch and Christmas Splendour too. My melting pot is very small, so I have to break up my batches.

Meanwhile I have a Creme Brûlée from Filmore to test burn, and OH MY GOSH, I poured CW's Mohagony Spice last night and I can't wait to burn it!!! It smells soooo good!

And maybe I'll get around to cutting that CP soap I said I was going to cut on Sunday. 😂

I have a small small craft show next weekend as well (I am still very small potatoes, lol), so I should probably check to make sure I have enough body butter and stuff like that too.

whew!

And I have to work my real job. Maybe I should start working on all that now. 😆

12 hours ago, katmeltswax said:

It seems Pumkin is always popular here in South,Tx .Let me know and I will get you a sample out asap.How is Flaming Chai ? I order alot of their oils ,never tried the Chai .I placed a order with Flaming today .I got Alpine Cheer ,Old town Christmas ,Amish harvest and Balsam fir .I chose Home for the Holidays for my free sample. Have you tried any of these ? Thank you for any info you can provide .Do you have a favorite of Flamings ,or any referrals to note ,thank you bunches .

I only just started ordering from Flaming, but every FO I've gotten so far is a winner. I wanted to give them a try because my oldest daughter's favorite fragrance is Supernova, and so few suppliers carry that one. Their version is strong, and a great dupe for Lush's. I haven't put it in wax, so I have no idea if it's a good thrower, but it is wonderful in CP soap. Their dupe of Avobath is also fantastic in soap, but I am having issues with a fuel smell in candles. I'm going to go down in FO load to see if that helps, but those two I got primarily for soap anyway.

Their Chai is very spicy and not sweet at all. It is super strong! If you're looking for something that smells like a drink you'd get at Starbucks, this is not it, it is dark and exotic and bitter. I quite like it, but I'm thinking about getting their Coconut Cream to mix with it to make it a little sweeter.

I got their Golden Rum, and oh goodness, I love it! It smells like the stuff you'd risk life and limb to smuggle through customs!  😆

Its a great mixer!

I got the Alpine Cheer as a sample, I like it OOB! Haven't put it in wax yet, I'm planning on doing some tarts with it.

I've heard great things about their Amish Harvest.

@Trappeur uses them as one of her main suppliers I believe, I'm sure she could give you feedback on your fragrances! She has nothing but good things to say about Flaming, and that's another reason I wanted to give them a try. So far I am very pleased!

On November 1, 2017 at 10:10 AM, katmeltswax said:

Sarah s, I have a bottle of Cw Pumkin Chai .I would be more than happy to send you some to sample .Let me know 😀

Oh my gosh, that is so kind of you to offer!

I am determined to plow my way through this pound of Flaming's Chai before I think about another, but if I don't get a chance to go back to Candlewic before then I might take you up on it!

Of course, pumpkin season will just be a memory by then I'm sure! 😆

I think you are going to be really happy with the HT with this wax!

It's crazy how much the FO affects the wicking, I had no idea it would be so complicated when I started this hobby (obsession). 😂

11 hours ago, ellajoan said:

You are all awesome.  Fillmore for the win!!!!!!

 

While I'll be ordering from there, anyone have any good fo suggestions from there? 

 

Iced Lemon Biscotti!!! So good!

Their Patchouli is really close to the EO, if you like patch. 😁

Amy, that is a huge wick! What size is your container?

I use HTPs, and although they are supposed to be self-trimming, when I get to the end of a power burn or if the wick is just a little too long or too big they will behave that way.

I'm a paraffin user, and the HTPs love my 4630 blend. I've not heard that they are a good wick for soy though. There are so many experienced soy users here, I'd suggest doing a search in the veggie wax forum for wick suggestions with the C3. It sounds like you've invested some time and money into the HTPs, but I would hate to always have a sub-par candle if it were me. Just a suggestion! 😊

15 hours ago, amy91 said:

@Sarah S I out loud "BRILLIANT!" I mean seriously, never ever would have thought of that, so simple yet so extremely helpful.  I am just starting out and trying to stick to HTP wicks and naturewax c3. I had no clue initially just how hard this whole process is, I sense lots of rewicking in my future, so you have been more than helpful!

I got that tip from the other wonderful members here, and it has truly been a life saver for me!

Did you see TT's comment above about C3 and HTPs? And it might be useful to check out the threads in the veggie wax sub forum about the changes to soy wax, it's my understanding that it is even more difficult to wick this year. I have been following the conversations, and am truly grateful I use paraffin, lol. 😁

3 hours ago, Trappeur said:

Hi Sarah!

 

You know I have never made a pink sugar but I'm thinking a couple shops I have might be interested.  May I ask where you get yours from?  I think I would like to try TTayl's and your dupe since it sounds so good.

 

Trappeur

I got mine from Mad Oils when they were still selling oils. Arizona Oils carries their FOs now I believe. It's a great fragrance, I'm looking forward to TTs dupe, I'm sure it's excellent!

Well, my visit to Candlewic didn't go quite as planned, traffic was horrible and by the time we arrived they were just about to close so no sniffing for me. 😭

It was so hard to choose what to order from all the great suggestions!

@katmeltswax I got the Voodoo Love, and it was exactly what I was looking for! I already made incense with it! I need to go look up the ifra for it, I would love to soap it and do a body butter.

@LRed the snowflake is so strong! OOB it's knocking me over, and it does smell a lot like a snowfall. I'm glad I got the lb of it, I'm going to mix it with the boring frosted pine to make a snowy woods. 😄

@Scented, the mohogany spice sounded like just my thing so I got that too. It is very intriguing OOB. I love unusual scents, thank you for that recommendation. It isn't soap safe is it?

@GailC and @Belinda I did NOT get the spice, lol! I did get 8 oz of the cinnamon, and I agree it's not the best I've smelled but I think it will be just fine in blends. I'm super bummed I didn't get to sniff the samples, because the pumpkin chai was on my list to smell. The only reason I didn't go ahead and order it was because I just got a lb of chai from Flaming.

For my free samples I got Lavender Silk, Moonlit Path and Rattlesnake Grass. The Lavender Silk is very nice OOB, I got it for my middle daughter since she is my lavender lover, and she is thrilled. She also loves the Moonlit Path, and surprisingly I do too! It is a lovely soft floral with musk base and just a hint of powder. We are going to make tarts with it for sure, and if it's skin safe a shampoo for her too.

The Rattlesnake Grass is very green and clean. I know there is citrus in it, but I don't pick it up as individual notes, it just add to the energy of the mix. It also reminds me a bit of Sweetgrass, it definitely doesn't have the same sharpness as a fresh cut grass fragrance.

Thank you everyone for all the great recommendations!

And would you believe I totally forgot to order the coconut oil?? 😂

Maybe I will get to try the pumpkin chai after all....

😆😆