Rocky

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I'm wondering if these Lebermuth fragrances are special. Whether the red font is to indicate that they are sold or to draw attention to them indicates to me that there is something special about them as they always appear to be listed with red font. So if it's because they are sold already, then there must be a reason that they sell so fast. Does anyone use fragrances from them that would care to elaborate on their properties such as strength, use in soy, favorites, where they may be bought etc.? thanks Rocky

Hi, Been doing alot of reading and testing, now a question, is there something special about Lebermuth fragrance oil? I'm just wondering because when I see it listed in the classifieds it always seems to be in red. (Yes,I'm sure you can tell, I'm a still a "noob" :rolleyes2) Thanks Rocky

These comparisons are all so interesting. I have tried several brands in the past two weeks, C1, C3, EL Container, EL Millenium and GW464. Using a ratio of 1oz to 1# of the same scent in each, and the only one that had any bleed was the C3. Cooling and curing were the same for each. This was a disappointment because in my limited experience, aside from the small sinkhole in the top, I thought the C3 had the best "texture" and appearance overall. Rocky

now i hve a 14 mo old granddaughter on my lap so i will have to try aga=in later. thanks, rocku

Please send to: soycandletalk@hotmail.com Thanks, Rocky

Fire and Ice, Pouring C3 that hot will prevent sink holes? Because that was the only problem with the C3. It had a wonderful texture and smooth top and no frosting that I could detect. From what I've read, I was under the impression that heating it to 190* may burn off too much FO. This is not true? hewells, I am very impressed with the GW464, it is at the top of my list! I was very pleased with my first attempts with it. If it consistently performs this well I would not hesitate to purchase a larger quantity. I did a second pour on the C1 yesterday, poured it hot right after stirring in the fragrance, and the tops are certainly different from the first pour. On the whole it appears to be more solid, no pitting, instead it appears "pebbly" or an appearance of popped bubbles although I witnessed no bubbles on the surface during the cooling period ~ yes, I peeked! I'm sure this could be easily remedied with a heat gun as suggested by others. Rocky

Where do us noobs find this link? Thanks, Rocky

Results when following manufacutrer's instructions: C1 ~ Top is pitted. Throw ~ Cold: so-so Hot: so-so C3 ~ Top is nice, smooth, but has sinkhole. Throw ~ Cold: better than C1 Enchanted Lites container ~ Top is pitted. Throw ~ Cold: so-so Enchanted Lites millenium ~ Top looks like fine cottage cheese, even kinda hilly. Throw ~ Cold: better than EL container GW 464 ~ Top smooth and flat, there may be what you call "frosting", not sure, just appears to be some light swirls visible. Throw ~ better than C1. (I just poured the GW 464 at 7:00am this morning, so will know better after it ages a couple of days what it's true character will turn out to be.) All were poured into warmed 4 oz jellys and were cooled under a heavy shallow box in a warm place. Humidity was a constant 46. I will be repouring them all at different temperatures on the next round. Thanks for all of your help and encouragement. Now off to test some more wicks... Rocky

Thanks to all of you who responded to my desparate pleas for help, I have managed to pour samples of the C1 and C3. With only these two attempts I already have a much better understanding of the all the posts that I read. Results: C1 ~ While it is hard to tell with no dye/coloring. I do think that that there may be what you call frosting, although the tops are very flat, they do have a texture of sorts and are not creamy smooth by any means. C3 ~ The texture seems nice, smooth, matte texture, but I did get a slight depression. Heated to about 165, added fragrance, cooled to about 123 and poured into heated containers. Cooled under a box to keep the draft from the ceiling fan off from them. No pulling away from the sides. Thanks again to all of you who helped me overcome the panic yesterday. This is too much fun! I may never get anything else done! Off to try the EL & EL Millenium... Rocky

Thanks for all the tips. The testing sheets are printed and punched! Thanks, AngelaVA, for the link & Jeana for the tips on testing. Simple soy & smart tart, I dug some skewers out of the cupboard. Thanks, Rocky

Thanks all for all the help, I was close on BC but hadn't found it yet Laura, Thanks. When you say chips, are you talking about the little triangles? What wax do you use? This is so interesting and incredible how so many makers can get so many different results, thanks for pointing out your experience, daniedb, versus what was written. Also for confirming that we may indeed have to account for total liquid added when determining fragrance amount. Crafty1-AJ, thanks for the great tip on using black to deepen colors, that should prove very useful. Kaybee23, what brand of liquid dye have you found that you prefer? What wax do you use? Thanks, Rocky

Oh, thank you for your advice and encouragement. I read through your post several times, are you saying pour without the wick and then what? Stick a wick in after the fact? If that one doesn't work, pull it out and try another? Interesting, I hadn't caught or retained that little tip in all my reading. So don't have to worry about sticking no wicks today, alrighty! A deep breath helped, indeed especially after reading your post. I think lunch will help too... and no more cafeine... Thanks so much, Rocky

Okay, I have everything out on the table...feeling a bit overwhelmed. Four kinds of wax, 6 scents, 6 of each kind of several wicks...thankfully only one size jar, 4 oz jelly. Help, where do I start...I will research things to death, now it's time to do it and I don't know what to do first!!! Pick one wax, one scent, and try 3 different wick types, and or sizes. Or one wax, three scents and the same wick. Or... Okay, I found the glue gun, so I think I'll start by glueing wicks in. But which ones do I start with!?!... okay...calm down. Wick size is determined by wax, scent and jar size...OMG I'm beginning to wonder if this is too much for a tree rat. Rocky,

I really appreciate the input, butterfinger and daniebd. I will search for the bc article. Does the liquid dye have any effect on the amount of fragrance a wax can hold? (I guess the same could also be asked in general for any coloring type or additive of any kind.) I'm beginning to feel I should have taken a chemistry class before starting this!! I see many of the soy candles have a very pale look to the colors, but then I see the EVO candle in the forum and that is incredibly dark and beautiful. Is it characteristic for liquid dyes to give darker colors than powdered/chips/crystals etc.? Many thanks! Rocky

Thanks beth-vt, and butterfingers, I do have a glue gun!!! That means I may acutally get a candle made today, if I can find it. But for the long haul, "wick stickums" would probably be a good idea. Are there different brands or sizes that I should be aware of? Is "wick stickum" a brand name? What else would they be called, like is there a generic name that I would search under? Thanks, Rocky

As I mentioned previously, I've collected most of my experimental materials, except for coloring. Liquid dyes, color blocks, triangles, crystals... I seem to be having a hard time finding good explanatory info in this category. Can anyone direct me to the best place to study my options? If you feel led to share...from your experience what works best in your brand of soy, or on the other hand what have you found to be a disaster in a particular type? (I have obtained C1, C3, EL container, & EL millenium to test.) I'm going to start out with no color, just so I can do some! But for gifts I think most of my friends and family will like having some color, since that is what they are used to. Thanks so much, Rocky

Good morning, gang, Well, I've managed to gather some supplies...four kinds of wax to experiment with, wick samples, some little jars, and fragrances. As I was thinking through the process it occurred to me...how do I go about getting the wick to stay in place while I pour? What do you all do? (I have tabbed wick samples.) Thanks, Rocky

How about some pictures of kids who have survivied or are fighting cancer on the side panels, and a "Welcome, Enjoy and Thank you for your support of the American Cancer Society". If the whole purpose is to get folks to open their wallets, kids who need their help would be very persuasive. Keep your words simple and to the point... "a picture is worth a thousand words" Wishing you a sucessful fundraiser, I am involved in one myself this weekend! We are raising funds for the cancer center of a local hospital. Rocky

Now tell me about "the show" is it a craft show? How are the funds being raised? Whom are you welcoming; the genral public? Is it a trade fair? Tell us everything you think we don't need to know. We need to get a picture in our heads. Rocky

Okay, before we roll up our sleeves and get to work here we need a few more details. What is the purpose of the sign? Since you are hosting this, is it a general entry sign? Is this a sign for a booth that you are setting up your display of candles in? What material are you using? Vinyl banner? Poster board? What size are you allowed to have? Where can it be displayed? etc. etc. Rocky

Patricia, geek, and Crafty1-AJ, I do appreciate the recommendations, so much better than me just taking a stab in the dark. So many smells, so little money!! This really helps. Thanks! Rocky

Ruby, that is a most kind and generous offer! Thank you so much, I just may take you up on that, please email me when you might be coming this way. Realmarcha, thank you for the warm welcome. I will most surely check out the shipping rates from Bittercreek / Ironwood. I appreciate the info on Southern Sensations, and the encouragement. Thanks again to everyone! This is a great list. (Confession: I just recently caught on that this list is sponsered by Peak Candle Supply...very generous considering we talk consistently about other suppliers. Thanks, I'll be checking out your site later today.) Rocky

Thanks again everyone. I will try all the links. I did email you, Pam. Rocky

Hi All, This candle squirrel needs some good evergreen tree scents. Especially a good cedar, (Bullwinkle likes that home sweet home "cedar swamp" aroma) would also like pine or balsam recommendations. Thinking of starting off with Cargill C-3, in case this makes a difference in what you would suggest. Thanks! Rocky

Thanks for the warm welcome! Vicki... Yes, I suppose, but would feel a little more fortunate if there were any closer than 200+ miles as I can get to Illinois in that distance. Lorrie, Golden Brands & Carol k...Thanks for the info and the invite. I found your site Lorrie (very pretty). You and Southern Sensations are about 225 miles from me. I couldn't find a Millcreek in MI, thanks Carol for explaining why, but I can't find "Twigs and Berries" either. Do you have a link? Hi Ruby! Nice to meet you too. I'm north of GR. We have snow on the ground again and it's 24 degrees this morning. Bet you have more suppliers closer to you where you are now. Geekrunner, thanks for the suggestions, yes I am considering the kits. (this noob tastes more like squirrel.) Lovecandletarts2, I see you're from Michigan also, where abouts? I also see that you have done "co-op" orders. Would that be like if I asked how many people within a 50 mile radius of me would like to group order? Thanks everyone for all of your help, I really appreciate it and I am very excited to get started. My brain is spinning from all the research I've been doing; which soy, which container, which wick, which fragrance and biggest of all which supplier. I'm starting to think I should just close my eyes, throw a dart at the wall map and order! Rocky