grandmaskitchen

Welcome to Candletech! Check the temperature of the wax in your pour pot before you add fragrance oils. I usually add my fo at 175 degrees and stir well for a couple of minutes to be sure it is mixed real good. Some oils are heavier and require more mixing than others. Hope this helps!

Does anyone premix b & b products and then store, or do you mix them to order? (eg: bath salts, lotions, body butters, etc.) I don't want to start mixing things and then storing if it will be a problem with shelf life. I'm really new to this, so any comments would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all for your input. It is greatly appreciated!

I do have a hot plate, but my husband says they will take forever to heat a pot of water for a double boiler. My mother-in-law has one and hates how long it takes to cook on it. I guess that's why I think a stove would work better.

The reason why we put up the shed is, my husband has a hairy fit over the fragrance oils I use in my concoctions. He likes it better when he doesn't have to smell or see what I make. Me, I love all the wonderful aromas from my oils. I have more privacy, can make all the noise I want, and I don't have him peeking over my shoulder to see what I am doing all the time. And, I don't have him complaining about the smells in the house. I just turn on my radio and away I go!

I am new to the soapmaking board, and I have a question for all soapmakers. 1. If you do not make soap in your kitchen, where do you make it and what do you use to cook or melt it? Reason I am asking is: I purchased and set up a pre-built shed last summer just for making candles, soaps, and other crafts. (Started with just candles). My husband and I remodeled the inside to make it look like a little shop with electricity, countertop, and storage cabinets. I even have curtains on the windows to make it look homey. I do not have plumbing or access to a stove to melt wax and soap. I already have a couple of Presto pots just for melting wax, but need something different for soaps. I shop at Cabela's quite often to get gifts for my husband. I ran across a propane cast iron stove that can be used inside or out. You can get a one, two, or three burner stove for a reasonable price. I was thinking about purchasing a two burner stove to use just for soap making and would like your opinion on this. Here is the link for this product: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=Related_IPL_514808&id=0006429512535a&navCount=4&podId=0006429&parentId=&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=&indexId=cat20110&hasJS=true If I do purchase this, my husband will be installing the propane tank on the outside and running the hose through a hole in the building next to where my counter top runs. Honest opinions are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Yes! That is exactly the color I was thinking about! Thanks! I love the scent and it does throw very well. Don't let the price fool you; ICS has some great scents at decent prices. And, the shipping cost is very reasonable!

Those do look pretty sturdy and probably would make a beautiful candle! If you do make one, be sure to post it in the gallery. Can't wait to see what it looks like!

I love the pillar candles! I would send a picture of those! They look great!

I think they would look very pretty, but I would be afraid to burn one for fear the glass would shatter from the heat. Would have to be a heat resistant glass to withstand the temperature of the hot wax. If I had a candle like that, I would only use it for decorative purposes only.

WOW! Beautiful candles and excellent photography!

You can also get it at Candlewic. Here is the link: http://www.candlewic.com/store/category.aspx?q=cConcentrated+Liquid+Dyes

I just purchased a slab of JS 50/50 and I really liked how well it turned out. It is 50% soy and 50% paraffin. If you are interested in trying something with a combination of both, this would be worth looking into. You can get this wax at Just Scents.

I have always found that goo gone works the best for removing stubborn glue in and outside the jars. And, it's not very expensive!

Out of all the fragrance oils I have used, I would have to say I love Greenleaf's the best!

When I want a deep, dark, red color, I usually add a few drops of black liquid dye.

Don't feel alone! I never go out on New Year's Eve and I'm almost always asleep before midnight anyway!

Hi! I ran into the same situation where I had a lot of soy and paraffin sitting around, so I ran a couple of experiments with both. 1. Tried 70% Golden Brands 464 with 30% J223. Had problems with wax pulling away from the jar, some rather large sink holes, and a little frosting. 2. Tried 50% Golden Brands 464 with 50% J223 and got some excellent results. Still had some wet spots but not as bad; no sink holes and the hot/cold throw was fantastic. The only thing I can say, is try a few different tests with what you have and see what you like the best. I like the 50/50 blend the best, but that is my preference. Yours may be different. Good luck!

I have to agree with geekrunner because I do it the same way. I always wash my jars and heat them prior to pouring. Have never had a single wick stickum come loose from any of them. And, they are very difficult to remove once the candle is done burning. I usually clean the jar out real well with paper towels and then use some goo gone to remove the excess glue on the bottom. Works like a charm!

I heat up my pour pots, wax melters, etc. and wipe them out good with paper towels. Then, I spray some goo gone in them and wipe out excess wax, oils, and dyes. Works great!

I have 3 presto pots with the valve and spigot; love them all! They are so much easier to use than to dip wax out of a pot. I just open the valve to relase the wax into a pitcher then pour into containers. I have bought all 3 presto pots on eBay and they have all worked great! Coppercreekinc's General Store has the best ones. Here is the link if you are interested: http://stores.ebay.com/Coppercreekincs-General-Store_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm They run auctions on them for $44.95 already built and ready to ship. They have excellent customer service and ship very fast! I purchased two of them from their store.

There are two sources on eBay that offer great scents: CandleChem and The Candle Source. I have bought from both of these and have great results from their fragrance oils. All others (though they offer great deals) are just watered down scents that do not work very well in wax.

No, I didn't have any problem with hangup on the sides with the LX 22, but it depends on the wax you are using, too. I think I was using the 70/30 perfect blend from Greenleaf at the time. santa big

Have a wonderful Christmas and the best the New Year has to bring! santa big

I've used an LX 22 in the square mason and had some great results. Tried the RRD before, but went back to the LX series wicks because I think they work better. But, everyone has their own preference in wicks; just try both and see which one works best for you.