Being a newbie to candle making I've been lurking for a bit trying to soak up as many tips as I can!
I've always had some sort of hobby, but then life gets in the way and things get put aside. Now that I have the time to take up a hobby again I figured candles would be great (who doesn't love candles right?!) So I ordered a soy starter kit from CS to make 12 8oz tins and 4 FOs. Vanilla, Lavender, Pineapple Mangosteen and Egyptian Amber. I didn't get to hand pick the FO's but since it was my 1st time I didn't mind. I made the Mangosteen and Egyptian Amber first. I really liked the musky unisex smell. I followed the directions 1oz FO to 1lb wax at x-temp. waited for it to cool, then poured. I knew right then I'd found my new addiction!
The second night I decided to fool around with the Vanilla and Lavender and mix them to make - well Vanilla Lavender lol. I just did not care for the smell of the Lavender alone. I must have done something really right on that batch because the hot/cold throw was perfect! I let them sit for 2 days until I couldn't stand it anymore and then lit them. I tested them in my bedroom because it's a small room and I wanted to be sure I could smell them when I walked in. They burned so good! The 2 musky ones I let sit for 4 days before I tested them. They gave a great cold throw but I wasn't impressed by how they burned and had a weak scent. The pool would never quite reach the edge either. It wasn't until it reached near the bottom that I could get a somewhat nice throw. I was bummed but hey try, try again! So I figured I'd let the remaining ones sit until the end of the week to see if that would make a difference.
But I was so excited about having a hobby again I decided to order more. This time I went to the site and ordered the 10lb bag of the GW464 and picked up some Black Sea, Coconut, Vanilla Cedarwood, Birds of Paradise and Sea Salt Orchid. I was making candles like mad! I have enough to make about 6 more tins so I'm trying to control myself and wait since I have a nice stash sitting at the moment. So far I've given some to friends to get their feedback.
I'm burning the Black Sea in my dining room now and the Sea Salt Orchid in the bedroom. It hasn't been quite and hour and I'm really pleased with the smell! The coconut alone I'm not too keen on, but my BF loves it. To me I think it would make a good mixer with other scents. I haven't burned the Vanilla Cedarwood, it smells good cold but almost has too much of a wood scent for me. I'll test that one in my bathroom lol. I also haven't burned the Birds of Paradise. I don't know if I like the smell, it seems very sweet so I figured I'd let those sit for a while too before testing. I've been reading up on curing and how to get a good hot throw - and boy there is so much more to this then melting, mixing and pouring. I had NO IDEA. But that's what I like about it. I have so much to learn about wicks and how to pick the right ones for the different size containers. I saw the burn test thread with the pans. That was so helpful!
Right now I'm just fooling around and making them for me and a few friends or for gifts. But I figured since I like it so much why not just order the 50lbs and switch to mason jars and pick up some more FO's.....HAHAHAHA! OMG the shipping costs - are you kidding me. I could go broke so fast! I'm trying to justify it in my head, thinking ok do I just bite the bullet and order $300 worth of supplies - BEFORE shipping, just to start a hobby? Take my time and become this mad scientist in my kitchen a few nights a week? Should I spread it out and buy the wax first then wait for CS to have their spring sale and load up on FO's and wicks and sticks? How long will 50lbs last me as a 'hobby' if I only make a few candles a week for myself? You can tell I'm trying to justify the math lol. But I really enjoy this! So either way I'll figure it out.
I love all the tips that other members give, where to order from etc. When I saw the FO stash thread I my mouth hit the floor lol. But I understand there are a lot of sellers so it makes sense - but man was I envy! Anyhow just want to stop and say hello and look forward to learning more!!
