Bella Luna

I think it's very nice =) The things that really stand out to me and that I find important in a website: - When you click on the picture it actually enlarges to a nice size photo so the detail can be seen - The cart total is in the sidebar - the page loads quickly - Neutral color scheme, easy on the eyes. Doesn't detract from the product.

I found an asparagus steamer pot at a discount store for maybe $8? It's about 10" tall. It looks kinda like this but not as expensive: http://www.amazon.com/All-Clad-Stainless-Asparagus-Steamer-Basket/dp/B0000696J2

I dug back through the archives but didn't see anything addressing this specifically. I've *almost* perfected my votives. The only thing that's really bothering me is a thin film of wax left on the votive holder. It's not a shell... the votive melts all the way to the edge. But as the melt pool goes further down in the holder, the glass has this film on it. I'm not explaining this well =\ I was wondering if it's some additive in the wax maybe? I've purchased votives before that left the glass looking almost new! I'm using IGI 4794, btw. Thanks in advance!

I would like some input on potential business names. I'm awful with naming things, and I've come up with a couple things but I would like outside opinions on them. Here's what I have so far: Belladonna Candles (or candle co. or chandlery) Lunar Elements Elemental Reflections Elemental Ambience Lunar Reflections Wicked Elements (I liked this, but it looks more like wicked 'bad' than wicked candle, lol) Bella Luna Candles LunaEssence (my friend came up with this and I liked it because it sounds like 'luminescence' but there's already a Luna Essence makeup line or something) So, you can see what I'm going for kinda. I really like the idea of incorporating something to do with the moon or 'elements'. And I like the 'bella' thing, but it's kinda overdone (sorry if I offended anyone). My line of products is more 'elegant' and 'earthy' than country/rustic, and I'm pagan so that's what's up with all the earth/element/moon stuff . I don't want the name to be blatant about it though, because I don't want to market to just a portion of people... I want all people to be interested in my products and not potentially turned off if the company name is pagan or witchy. So please help me out and let me know what you think of the names... and honesty is much appreciated. Thanks!

Alright, I dug through past topics, but I thought I'd bring this up again and see how you business owners handle this. I've been making candles for about a year. In that time I've invested probably about $300 to $400 in supplies and equipment. It's not a ton but it's a lot to me at the moment. I've spent countless hours reading up on techniques and problems and how to improve my candles, looking at pictures of what I want to produce, and testing. I'm seriously considering turning my hobby into a part-time business. I mentioned this to some close friends of mine and instantly they tell me what a great idea it is and how they would totally buy my candles and how much they love them, and.... then they ask me to teach them or tell me that I should give lessons. Now, they are close friends so I don't want to offend them, but there is *no way in hell* that I am going to start giving lessons or teach them the things that have taken me hours and days and months to learn. Not to mention I don't know if they expect to use my supplies or not, but all this stuff costs money! It's taken me a couple hundred dollars just to get to the point where I can make some pillar candles and color them and scent them how I like. So, I'm interested in hearing how other people handle this? If I do help them at all should I just teach them to make votives and have them order their own supplies? I mean, I'm not trying to be terribly exclusive about what I do... but. I mean, I'm trying to sell candles! Not teach others how to make them so they can market them too... Help!

They also have them at Overstock.com, but I don't know how the price compares http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?page=proframe&prod_id=1784756&IID=prod1784756

I find the LX 12's 'okay' for votives, but not optimal

Those are beautiful! I can't wait to try some of the Glass Glow wax

Thanks again everyone! I appreciate all the feedback Thought I'd post a burn pic for those that asked. This has been burning for about 2.5 hours: http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/bernadette_/DSCF0599.jpg

Thanks for looking everyone! I appreciate your comments twinmom: I used 2" molds, in 4.5", 6.5", and 9.5" heights Thanks topofmurrayhill for the tip... I hadn't even thought of that but I will definitely try pouring the top layer hotter on the next go 'round!

Well, this is my first gallery post! I made these 2" pillars for a friend's birthday. They seem to have gone over really well, and it's the best burn I've got from the 2" pillars yet (no burn pics, sorry). They are kind of a rustic and mottled mix... the rustic part was an accident, and I don't know how it happened as I poured fairly warm into 'not cold' molds. http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/bernadette_/DSCF0586.jpg http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/bernadette_/DSCF0585.jpg http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/bernadette_/DSCF0584.jpg http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a195/bernadette_/DSCF0579.jpg Let me know what you think!

Alright, I searched but couldn't find anything to answer my question. I'm using 2" seamless round molds right now and I've been using the 'foam pad, washer and wick bar' method of sealing the hole. The question is... For those people that use seamless molds and the same method, how the heck do you get your molds to stand up? With the seamed molds, there's that little 1/2" of lift at the bottom but the concave portion of the seamless molds is so shallow they won't stand up unless you... set them in something? I've been using a bowl of beans, lol. Surely there is a better way!

I love the labels! I think they're super classy

That's what I do (the towel/plier thing)

ChristyNE: I agree with you.. The candle would need to be returned before a replacement or refund is given. IMHO, anyway

With all due respect, I think this would make the customer upset and defensive. For the sake of customer service, at the very least a replacement should be offered, along with an apology. It doesn't have to be, "Oh my gosh I'm so sorry that my candle damaged some of your stuff!" It can be said without admitting any guilt... "I'm so sorry to hear that ____ was damaged". Giving the customer the benefit of the doubt (again, this is not to say that your candle was actually defective or caused damage), put yourself in her shoes. You give a candle as a gift only to hear that *somehow* wax got all over and ruined some of your friend's things... So you contact the person you purchased it from and they ask for pictures and for you to return the candle so you can show it to your attorney. No offer of a refund or a replacement. I don't know about anyone else, but I would be apalled and upset.

Yeah, that's a good question! You can get 24 to 28 oz of wax out of a weighed lb when you've worked a long day and can't think straight! I edited the original post, lol.

Sorry to kinda head off topic again, but as far as the votives go I get between 6 and 8 per (weighed) lb of wax (I'm using 4794). I'm also using the standard 2 oz metal molds...

Honestly, from working in customer service for so long, I'd give her the benefit of the doubt and offer her either her money back, for the return of the candle, or a replacement, also after the 'bad' candle has been returned. Most often when a customer takes the time to let you know about a problem they are being honest. Yes, there are scammers and liars and the like out there, but how many people would take the time to do something like that for an 8 oz candle tin? Not to say that what she says actually did happen, but if she's being honest think how embarassed she might be to have given the candle as a gift and have it ruin someone's furniture (or whatever it was). I'd reply first with a sincere apology, then an explanation that you extensively test your candles and have never had this happen. Let her know that you value her business and as such you are happy to either replace the candle *or* refund her money... after the so-called defective candle is returned. Then document absolutely everything, in case she tries to sue for damages.

Wow, thanks everyone for your responses! And scrubzz, I just about fell out of my chair laughing... To answer some other questions... the one I tested last night had only sat for a couple hours after the 2nd pour.... It burned oddly though... pretty good at first, but it still didn't reach all the way to the edge of the votive holder... I'm using the LX12's... maybe I should try the HTP 41 next? Anyway. Yes, I'm a huge newbie! I appreciate all your help!

Thanks Sherie. Do you think it's that I poured too hot then? Maybe I burned off some of the fragrance (or whatever happens to it, hehe)?

Well, I'm new here. I've been lurking for quite awhile, but this is my first post. So, my question is... what has been your experience with the cold and hot throw of Peak's sage and lemongrass FO? I was making votives and found it to be... not quite adequate? This is what I did: 4794 (votive blend) 1 oz pp of FO First pour at 175 into warm votive molds. Second pour the following day at 185. I can hardly smell it. Any suggestions/experiences?