sharyl55

Welcome to the CT family. Be sure to read the info under General Information and Techniques & Ideas on the left side of the screen. Also check to see if you local library had any books on candle making. That will help you with the terminology and safety issues. Mostly importantly have fun.

I'll definitely be putting all my stinky stuff to the test then.

Jenn it is like anything else we do. You have to do your research up front on how to handle things like the lye. I started by reading, then reading again the CP tutorial under Bath and Body. That covers the safety issues pretty thoroughly. Then I participated in E's class. Have to say I was pretty proud of my 1st batch of CP soap. E's recipe was pretty idiot proof and I was able to find all the supplies locally. Today I participated in AJ's Oven Hot Process Method. Hope the soap turns out as good as my 1st batch of CP. I did go out and buy the goggles. For safety sake I measure my water into a pitcher. Then measure out the lye into a separate container. Then I take them outside to mix. I feel safer combing the 2 outside. Basic rule I got from the tutorial is add lye to the water not the other way around and use a plastic pitcher. For E's class I used a shoe box for the mold. Today I used a plastic box. Got to say it has been fun. Now to find some willing guinea pigs to help test my soaps. LOL

You're welcome. The pink awareness ribbons are good sellers for me. I've had less success with the yellow (armed forces) and red (heart).

They are so cute.

Here is another site for awareness ribbon cookie cutter. http://www.foosecookiecutters.com/index.shtml I like this awareness ribbon a little better.

Nice looking rustics. JudyVega's tutorial is fantastic.

Thanks Donna. I'm such a soapin' newbie I wasn't sure.

I've studied the sticky for Scents that Rock in CP. Do those scents also work in H? I'm signed up for Sundays Smoking Hot HP class and don't want to screw up the batch with my scent selection. Thanks

Makes me want to buy a box of oatmeal. Great idea.

Love them but then I love everything you make.

Depends on your area. I'm in VA and fish, lighthouses and butterflies are popular all year. You could try frogs, awareness ribbons, birds, etc.

Yes. Go to the BCN web site for instructions.

Go to Classroom and read the tutorial by Judyvega on Tilted Rustic pillars. She really did a great job explaining each step.

You can use any color except white. I found doing small images works better. I had problems handling larger images - always got wrinkles. For your application it should work fine. I print the entire page with my images, spray 2 or 3 time with the Krylon, apply and spray again. Pretty much followed the instructions from their web site.

Because of the obvious fire hazard. Paper inside a container candle??

Mine were Chestnut and Brown Sugar- JS Cinnaberry - my mix using Peaks oils Mistletoe - CS Vanilla Buttercreme Crunch - JS Cranberry Swirl - my mix using Peaks oils

Like SatinDucky said you would need to press and dry them. It would probably be easier to use silk rose petals. So how did your Memorial candles turn out?

Guess you could start with the mold in an empty water bath. I'd make more of a mess pouring the wax and then filling the bath with water. For a picture cane you need easy access to the inside of the mold to hold the picture to the side and the outside for the wet cloth and ice. I never use an icy water bath for my 'canes. Tepid water works best for me. Like anything with candles the key is the details. Temp of wax, preheating mold, heating pour pot and utensils, temp of water bath, etc. I use a length of chain on a Tupperware container and set it on top of my molds in the water bath to hold them in place. Any type of wt. set in any container, set on top of you mold will hold it in place in the water bath. My 'cane molds hold approx. 4 lb of wax. If that is a problem for you the hold a mold thingy might help. Just be sure it will work for your 'cane mold. Many won't handle a mold that big. Tip of the day: If you have cats, get the litter in the plastic pails. Makes a great water bath container. Also great for storing wax.

Great tip Soja. I had been putting 1 drop in 1 T of wax and then cutting up the wax disk. Your method is much more practical and will produce repeatable colors.

Definitely read the instructions Vicky gave you the link to. Then read then again. And maybe again. I do use the mold release powder. I started using it with my 1st 'cane and have been afraid to stop using it. Mine come out of the mold just fine and I don't want to mess that up.

Sorry, didn't know you meant making a picture 'cane. No you don't need an insert for those but if you want to embed other objects like Satin Ducky said you will need a mold insert.

Most hurricane molds are at last 5" in diameter and that is too big for most carriers. I wear gardening gloves to pick up and move my 'cane molds. Donita uses folded paper towels. If you wan to make embedded 'canes you will need a 'cane mold insert. Whoever you buy the mold from should have the insert. Go to Techniques and Ideas on the left of this screen for info on making embedded 'canes. Have fun

You are the flower queen Donita. They are all lovely and will definitely will be treasured by whoever is lucky enough to get it. Hope Sid gets in and out OK.

And that's why we have so much fun right Donita? Always messing around.