Janette

Thanks for the replies. I am finding that I need 1/2 the polybar (or less) compared to vybar. I don't have any vybar left to do test comparisons with. Seems to me that the polybar hardens more than vybar, at the same %. Janette

My supplier recently switched from Vybar to Polybar, claiming they are interchangeable. I am finding that I need considereably less polybar per pound. In some applications, (floaters) the polybar seems to be causing cracks around thin edges (even at greatly reduced amounts). If anyone has experience with the two, or can tell me if I might just be crazy I would appreciate your thoughts. Janette

Nutmeg from NG is not what you might expect or hope for. I just tested this one last week. They describe it as an herbal base, and this is true. I only smell the nutmeg slightly. To me this one smells like a msculine soap scent. It smells nothing like fresh nutmeg. I also tested and poured Christmas Splendor, Spiced Cranberry and Eggnog recently. Love all three, great throw. HTH. Janette

Leave out the "something to read". Find something else to pass time, a reading vendor looks disinterested. I see reading vendors from time to time and I don't think it every helps their bottom line. My 2 cents. Janette

Polycarb produces a beautiful finish but they also damage easily, and can be ruined by scent. Seemless aluminum, gets my vote for favorite. Janette

Ask Cas about his at www.solascandle.com

I am happy that Christmas is coming!!!! And the whole Fall/Thanksgiving Season too. My bank account will be even happier!!!!

Thank you for the suggestions. I did managed to pour the NG's Nutmeg. It is better in wax, but not great. It has a strong herbal smell and the end smells like a men's soap. I can't like it. Janette

All of the shows I have ever done, have been pay with application. No money, no spot. One of my regular Xmas shows requires a deposit at the end of the show for the next year's show, (balance paid by June 1st). I think it is only reasonable to pay the booth fee well in advance. How else is the show going to get organized and well promoted? Don't let them leave you hanging, find others who have the cash to pay you. My 2 cents. Janette

Looking for a rich nutmeg, as close to fresh grated as possible. I have just received a sample from NG, oob it is odd, reminds me of Avon Bubble Bath. I hope to wax it today. Any raves on Nutmeg appreciated. TIA. Janette

Who cares if the question is a plant or a question? It is possible that this was a real question and if so, the asker is likely hiding by now. Janette

Hi Helen, Looks like it was dipped in a series of colours after it was made. What is in the bottom of yours? Is it a candle itself, or does it have a small candle inside (votive/tea light)? Janette

Black Cherry Bomb-Nature's Garden. Its a straight cherry and will knock your socks off with throw. A little goes a long way with this one. Janette

That is a Lantern, made with a balloon filled with water. The water balloon is dipped, repeatedly in a vat of wax. Once you have dipped it enough times to get the thickness you desire, release the water from the balloon and you are left with a wax shell. I put sand in the bottom of mine to keep the candle from heating up the bottom of the lantern, and damaging it. You will need a large vat, filled with enough wax to submerge the balloon (make sure it doesn't overflow when the balloon displaces the wax). I use a paraffin with melt point of 149, and dip at 160 degrees. I am not sure if the dipping temperature would work for all varieties of wax, this is something you may have to experiment with, or someone else may have some info for you. HTH Janette PS-This may not be the easiest project to start with, but have fun.

I wouldn't us that pot for food if you add scent to it. If you just use beeswax it will be fine, but the scent could be a problem. Insted, you could use a large coffee can in a pot of water. Put something like a canning ring under it to keep it off the bottom of the water pot. HTH

Okay I would like some input here. I think I'm under pricing but don't really know for sure. I charge $9.00 for these or a 2 fer special lol. They sell well at this price. I'm making a decent profit. I just wanted to get some idea as to what everyone else charges for theirs. The mottles, rustics and chunks I mark up to $12.00 each. TIA for your answers.

How deep are your floaters? Many just aren't deep enough to get 4 hours out of. The additives might help, but if they are too thin there isn't much you can do to extend the burn time that long. I do my repour after 1/2 hour, at same temp as original pour, this way I get them out of the way quickly. HTH. Janette

I agree with the others. The store is risking nothing and you are risking everything.

When I am asked to do custom work I explain that it will cost far more, as it is more work than just selling one out of a batch. Most people don't realize that it is only viable to produce in numbers. Explain how much extra work it really is to do a custom order and that they will have to pay for your time to do so. Hope that helps.

Every show is so different. For a show of that size, at that time of year, I would be looking for $1000+ per day is sales. However, I would likely take closer to $8000 in stock to the same show. As the others have said, you never know which scent/style is going to be the hot seller. Nothing disappoints me more than running out of something at a show (disappointed in myself that is). So the short answer is still "as much as you can". Good luck. Have fun. Janette

I use Nature's Garden- Pink Sugar, sells like crazy. Janette

Nature's Garden has a great Lily of the Valley

Looking for a strong peppermint for mixing.....what was your experience with Purely Peppermint? Torn between this or Buttermint Candies. TIA Janette

I wrap all my scented candles in cello. It only inhibits the scent for the first few days, and then the scent comes through the wrap. I find that I have far less damage to my product with all the set up and pack up of shows. It also avoids the finger nail gouges that customers like to make (what is up with that anyway?) I do not wrap my unscented candles before sale, but have often had customers ask it I could wrap them in cello for them. Just my two cents. Janette

Thanks for all the replies......I'm just burning my first tester of NG's Eggnog. The throw is great, and I really like the scent. The ones I like usually bomb! I think I am going to try 1 lbs just as a tester this Christmas. If it goes, I will bring it back next year. If it doesn't sell, everyone I know is getting an Eggnog candle this Christmas. I will rename it though. Cheers Janette