hewells

Do a search for Harbor Freight they have them for 9.99

I really like the look of the honey pot jars though I am having trouble wicking them. They are wider in some areas which needs a bigger wick just haven't found that right one yet.

Harbor Freight has a heat gun priced 9.99 I just ordered it so not sure how well it works yet, but I have seen others on this board have ordered them.

Well I read a thread somewhere with the topic of discussion being the White Barn Candles from Bath and Body Works. I went and checked out their site, very nice looking candles, then I wondered what they were made of, so I sent an email to find out what type of wax is used in these candles and lo and behold they responded that these candles are a parasoy blend. Well to me that explained the nice look, doesn't explain the price though. Isn't it amazing that they can mark their prices up so much just to pay for the name, then at shows you have customers wanting to cut a deal. Hope someday my business can get that big that I can charge extra just for the name. Sorry just thought I would share and vent a little

Trial and error is the only way to get a candle you can be proud of. It can drive you nuts, but the feeling you get once you have "your" candle and are proud of it is priceless. To me its kinda like watching the kids at christmas. I get all excited and have to show it to everyone...lol. Keep plugging away at it. They don't call them handmade, because it was an easy process. I think they should be labeled, blood, sweat, tears, and burns...lol

It sure sounds like you need some different temps. I have the sample of 464 and poured at 135 slowly and got a great turnout. I have never used the other waxes so I can suggest anything there. Glad to hear at least you have jumped in now you just have to see which wax works for you and your wallet.

Thank you all so much. I do test for myself,usually once I see that the test is going good I will give to my mother in law to finish them off. Just never had someone outside the family ask to test, but I know she just wants a free candle. I just don't really feel comfortable letting her test anything, she calls the neighbors for the pizza place phone numbers, I think I might just tell her that I am not comfortable letting them leave my house. I think she is an air head and I am afraid she is not going to be a responsible candle burner. I just don't think I could bare if anything happened. I know that my candles won't explode or anything..that part I tested, guess I just am afraid.

How long did it take to get these once you ordered them? I tried to look on the site, but couldn't find any FAQ or what their turnaround time is..though I still ordered the sample pack anyways..

Thank you all I have gotten some good advice here and will take it to heart and to the test phase. I have 12 jars so I think I will try one with dw and one with single wick and go from there. Once I get this figured out I will have to post a picture since you all have been so nice.

Okay I have a question, this has been kinda eating at me. My neighbor has asked to be a tester for my candles, not sure if I am comfortable with that yet. I do have family testing my candles. I have a test sheet to be filled out, but my question is should I have some kind of disclaimer contract for people testing my candles. I have on my test sheet that the candle cannot be left unattended and the proper steps like length of burn, clip the wick, no drafts etc. What do you all do when you have people testing that aren't family? TIA for any responses Heather

I would try other wicks and maybe using 1oz to 1.5 oz fragrance per pound. Also if you could supply what type of jar you are using that might help narrow down your problem and people will have better answers as to what might be happening. Not to sure how long you and your kids have been making candles but please heed the advice of the posters you will want to test every combination you create to make sure that you are supplying a safe candle. I know you are trying to teach your kids good habits so that later in life they will support themselves and prosper please don't let it start with a trip to the court room with all the sue happy people out there now 1 faulty candle can cost you everything you have.

These are the small jars. I will test a few different ideas for wicks. I have 12 jars to test with. Thanks to all that responded.

There is a great step by step instruction for the presto pot conversion in the general information section to the left.

Please don't get discouraged. There has been alot of negativeness going on lately. There have been several posters that are new that have been rude and type abusively to other members and right now alot of people are kinda gun shy(if you get what I am trying to say) Im not sure but I don't think the previous post meant to sound standoffish just that the search feature is a wonderful asset, you will find a vast array of information. You may find the answer you are looking for,but there are times that you just don't find what you are looking for I just state that I have tried to search and did not find the answer to my question, that way the other chandlers know that I have been looking and not just expecting a hand out. Please don't think I meant that you were looking to be spoon fed(the several I spoke of earlier).You will get your answer from someone. Not everyone tells you to search.

I think that is awesome for a first try. Though they always say that you are your toughest critic. I just wish that I was creative enough to even attempt that, though I am sure in time I will get the gumption up to try new things. Heather

I totally agree, these people are awesome.

Thank you so much... I will try that. This is a new avenue for me. I have the fancier jars that I have been testing and testing. One of my friends asked for these half pint jars and I sure don't want to mess them up or make em so hot that they shatter...Never want to make a bomb in a jar. Again I want to thank you for taking the time to answer my question..eventhough once I got out of my blonde moment I really could of figured something out, but I never would of thought of using 2 wicks in that small of a jar. You experienced chandlers are an asset to this board. Oh and BTW I am blonde...so I am allowed to have blonde moments...LOL Heather

Please don't let these rashes itch you into not helping the ones that truly are paying attention and learning from what you tell them. It is people like this that make it hard for the "newbies" to get answers already. I am always trying to absorb more information and very much respect and value the information that is given from the more experienced chandlers on this board. It is a shame that a few nasty rashes have to ruin things for others.

Okay I have half pint ball jars that I purchased to try to add some country to my line of candles. I am using 415 soy wax, haven't decided on color or scent yet, but was wondering what any of you thought would be a good wick starting point. I have HTP wicks and the Premier 700 sampler pack of wicks I am able to use...any suggestions. I am just stumped TIA for any suggestions you might have...it is very well appreciated. Heather ETA: Nevermind I kinda feel a little retarded after I thought about this...half pint=8 ounces duh Though any suggestions would still be appreciated

Maybe you can find something to store your items in when not in use like a garbage can with a lid for your wax that way little critters won't be helping themselves. And yes that is how farm life is, be thankful that all that helped themselves was a few mice, you can find some nasty critters on farms.

OMG I don't care how close they are for those prices sheesh. That is one company I will not be adding to my "try" list.

I believe the protocol is to list it as shipping and handling, there should be something stating more then shipping, though I think that some companies have just become lax on their wording, assuming everyone will just know that when they put shipping it also includes a handling charge.

Though I am reluctant to answer your questions,I find it is going to be hard for you to get the information you seek because your attitude is just simply awful. I will try to answer your questions the best I can. To be honest you are looking for a lot of vague information(though don't get me wrong I do understand why) 1. Soy Wax- you can try Golden Brands 415 (though depending on who you choose for a supplier they may call it something different) What part of the country are you in? That might help narrow down an exact name for you. 2. As for paraffin I don't use it so I am not sure, but have heard rave reviews about Greenleafs 70/30 blend which is soy and paraffin 3. I use several suppliers can't really say that one is better then the other, but I get my supplies from either Southern Scentsations or Bitter Creek North. I am hoping to decide on fragrances to order from Peak since I have also heard rave reviews about their accuracy. 4. As for accessories again I am not sure what part of the country you are in, my suggestion would be to check out some craft fairs and see what other chandlers in your area are carrying, in all actuality you could carry burners, wick snuffers, wick clippers, etc and they may just sit there and collect dust. 5. Not sure what you mean for pouring the oil, if it is what temp do you add your scent that would depend on the scent, heavier oils need to be added at slightly higher temps in order to bind then lighter oils. I add my oils between 170-175 depending on the oil. If it is what temp to pour the wax at then that would depend on the wax you use. I use GB 415 I pour at about 100, but some waxes can be poured at higher temps. Sorry I don't have any information on those for you. As for the type and size of wick that honestly will depend on what you choose to start with whether it be soy or paraffin, what fragrance you are going to use, any dye(if you choose to use) and last but not least what jar you intend to use and what its measurements are. This is something I don't think you can get an opinion on with out your candle makeup, if you understand where I am going with this. I think once you decide on your starting point with the rest then someone will be able to give you their opinion on what wick might work for your combination. An 8 oz jj with heavy FO and dye will take a larger wick then one that is uncolored and unscented. I have learned that to get responses to your questions you need to be specific, chandlers are very protective of their "recipes" these ladies and gentleman have worked very hard to obtain the knowledge that they have and do not mind sharing what they have obtained as long as they are sure that you have done your homework so to speak. They are not going to just give someone their trade secrets, trial and error is what sets each of us apart, because they are right, what works for someone in Arizona is not necessarily going to work for me here in MI since the climate is so different. An honest quote that has gotten people far in life and I think everyone should live by is that you can attract more bees with honey than vinegar. Though you may have felt that your post was innocent others may feel that you wanted them to walk you through step by step, no person uses the same formula or ingredients to make their candle. I would suggest a good place to go to get some information is the candle cauldron. They have a vast amount of information, it may not work for you, but it will be a starting point.

You know wouldn't it be nice to have a sticky that has the extra things that people do..like logos and such that way their website addresses are available. I have looked at some of the work people on this board have done and now I just can't decide who I want to go with...there are so many awesome choices.