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Oh I don't like this one bit...I just had a buyer purchase 8 shawls, and return all but one claiming they didn't fit (and didn't contact me just shipped it back.) I don't offer returns, and she just decided to ignore that. I refunded her money and she still left a review about them being too small (I have the measurements listed, and the shawl I make is more generously sized than most.) I feel she just wanted to see all the colors I offer and decide in person which she wanted. With the extra cost to ship and insure I didn't make much on the sale. I just feel like Etsy already doesn't protect us much so this is a step in the wrong direction!

Thank you for letting me vent...99% of buyers are wonderful but the 1% can get you down. Etsy doesn't need to enable them more. 

I would keep burning it and see how it continues to perform. When I was testing that wax I usually had hang-up until the bottom of the vessel!

I can wipe it off, almost like a soda ash, but I am thinking it is the bloom. I have a few test bars curing with less % or no cocoa butter. I like the feel it adds to the soap, but I don't want this happening months later! Thanks TallTayl!

I sell crochet items on Etsy. I do offer the free shipping because it supposedly helps in the search ranking so I have an average shipping price built into the cost. I am not sold on this though, and I am open to changing my policies if I start to see it isn't working for me. 

On shipping I win some and lose some...someone buys a single scarf I don't make as much profit but I have had several sales with 4+ items. I make up the cost and then some! But I still have things priced to make sure I get a minimum profit I am comfortable with!

Hello All!

I made this soap last July. It looked fine until recently and it developed what looks like soda ash, but I don't think that is it. It does have a high % of butters (15% shea and 15% cocoa), so thinking that could be it (butter bloom?) But what is confusing me is I have a dozen other batches with the same exact recipe that don't have this issue. Any help would be appreciated!

Amy

On 1/21/2022 at 9:18 AM, TallTayl said:

Mix.  Always mix.  There are many components within wax blends that have different melt and drop points. Keeping a blend as homogenous as possible gives the most consistent results. 😊

That makes sense, and I always did. I can’t blame my poor performing candles on that then 😂

I experimented with a coconut and SP-487 blend too. If you are using a Presto pot and have leftover blended wax, do you have to stir it when you re-melt it, or does it stay blended? I always did, but wondering if it was needed.

I only tried in CP soap but their Peony & Blush Suede is beautiful too. It is a nice, soft floral. I tried Tom Ford Oud Wood too and it was nice. 

I have been using Soapers Choice for both shea and cocoa butters and I am very pleased with the quality!

Sweetcakes has a non-discoloring vanilla (White Vanilla) that I tried that was more of a true vanilla extract scent and less buttery if that is what you are looking for. I just wish they would post their IRFA info since they have so many great FOs!

Oh those look great! 

What's your name? Amy

How old are you? 45

Where do you live? Pittsburgh

How long have you been making candles/soap/whatever? Since 2020

How did you get started making candles/soap/whatever? My friend started making candles in 2020, and I started making soap. I worked with her for a while making and selling candles but it was too hard for me to juggle with my full time job. I started to focus more on cold process soap and perfumes and I have been making ever since! I also crochet and have an Etsy shop for my blankets, shawls and scarves. 

Are you married? Any kids? Single with furkid!

If candle/Soap making isn't your primary job, what do you do? I am an engineering manager at an energy company

Anything else we should know? I have been here for about a year and I love this forum. I appreciate the years of experience that members have here and how they are willing to share their time and experience!

I usually just lurk (and soak up all the info and knowledge I can) but I find the opinion of the people on this forum extremely worthwhile since they have been doing this for years! No detailed review needed lol

Can you try to go down one wick size and see if it still happens? That may help you pinpoint that it is the wick.

I used Creme de Pastiche in wax melts and it was wonderful! I am still testing wicks in my jars so I haven’t tried in a candle yet. 

This is why I gave up on C-6. I had major issues with the FO seeping at 6%. I tried less FO but the cold throw was non existent. I really wanted to make it work but I just couldn’t.