violetmoondrops

Just sitting back here admiring your work! Brilliant idea. Now, darn you, I HAVE to try it!! I've been looking at that Oatmeal Base from WSP for awhile - glad to see if can be used in numerous applications creatively!! You did a lovely job ... hoping to see more of your MP recipes in the future (actually, I think I might just demand it!). - Meg

Rachel I'm having a similar problem. I swear, I'm beginning to think I'm cursed with candles. Im using EcoSoya Pure Soy CB ... I've been testing for awhile now. No luck. The candle burns great ... very even, etc. but the scent throw is just NOT there. Cold throw is okay, like you, if you stick your nose up to it. I've been using standard 1.5oz per pound, 1 oz for very strong fragrances. I have a lot more to test burning, but after the couple I tested in my latest batch didn't give me what I wanted ... I've been a little too discontented to try again. Will be giving it another shot tomorrow. I need to keep detailed records of my pouring temperatures too and make sure I do them all at the same exact temperature. Hopefully it's something simple we can figure out ... I got quite a bit of wax I need to use up (and to SMELL GOOD!). Edited to Add: I used HTP Wick.

Good work! Your displays look excellent!!!

Absolutely stunning! I'd attend the wedding just to get the favors! That tart burner is beautiful - where did you find it?! (If you don't mind sharing). Love the label too!

Both look very classy!

Wow, Wow, and WOW. Beautiful work. Absolutely gorgeous. I believe you'll have many, many, MANY repeat orders! Love the hang tags!

Thanks so much for the response! I usually wait until the last minute - and I'm sick of the pressure of labeling with no time! I think Ill go ahead and start working on my July Craft Show inventory. Although I will save certain products for last like the Sugar Scrubs. For some reason Im still wary of those. Thanks again for your response!

I don't think it would be a wise investment, Judy. This lady I know sells gift baskets and such - and invested $1,000 in advertising in the local phone book. In the few months it's been there she hasn't received even one call from the ad!! However, for only $25.00 a month it might not be a bad idea to try for maybe six months just to get your name out there. Who knows, your area might really respond!

Actually, to a certain extent, I think this does work. My friend just made candles out of her home last year. She put up a sign in the back of her car that said "I make candles" and she had a couple of people stop her to ask her about it when she went in shopping places. But, of course, she didn't think to have candle samples or brochures in her car! xD

I've been invited to a very large Craft Show in July. Now, this is also going to be after another one the weekend BEFORE. So I'm needing to start NOW on making my goodies so Ill have more than enough by July ... enough to stock up at both shows. I have roughly three months now before the shows. I am debating when I should start making each thing ... I know with soy candles/tarts that the curing process only makes them BETTER. So I'm not worried about that. However ... here's a list of things I also make: - Lotions - Creams - Body Mist - MP Soaps (kid soaps, confetti bars, etc.) - Sugar Scrubs - Rollon Perfumes (made with cyclo and oils) - Lip Balm - Soap Dipped Petals I'm hoping that you will all share how far ahead you make your own products. I am probably over thinking it a bit too much - and should be busy now making stuff. I also hope this thread will help others who are preparing for craft shows this year! Many thanks, Meg

Coffee Caramel Cream is my biggest seller in Tarts! And the Lemon Meringue Pie ... LoL, my Mom is CRAZY over that. For awhile there thats all she would allow to be burnt candle/tart wise here! Ooo, now I HAVE to get the Chocolate Chip Cookie one. Yum, Yum, YUM! I can imagine some adorable votives with dark chocolate chunks .... woohoo! I haven't tried Clove yet. Carol ... STOP! You're making me start to write up a new order! I'm going to have to wait anxiously for my latest order to get here! - Meg

As I've said - they're AMAZING. The scents are almost always dead-on. I've only had a few that I didn't like (and simply due to personal preference). With the excellent prices ... it's hard for me to choose any other supplier. I get quality fragrances from Loren for very reasonable rates ... when some charge almost double what he does. I'm waiting on an order now for the new Britney Spear's Fantasy and Relaxation! Carol, happy to hear those were good choices! Since he also sells soy wax, I'm assured that his fragrances work terrific in that too. They're worth a try anyway - especially with the great prices. I think you'll be thrilled! - Meg

I'd go with Sweet Pea. It's such a nice fragrance (my BEST SELLER!) ... and most women love it because it's light and refreshing. Another choice might be Fresh Cut Roses ... but - with Rose, I've noticed you either love it or hate it! But, for something with more power, you may want to go with something like Vanilla & Fresh Berries!

Actually, regarding children ... I usually keep some hard candies and such on hand behind my booth. I ask their parents if it's okay for them to have a piece of candy ... and let them grab one or two. This keeps their hands busy (and the parents appreciate me thinking of their children ... which makes them stick around my booth longer). I also sometimes give out soap samples, etc. to the kids. This is a quick (and cheaper) way to keep them happy so they're not going around messing up jars of cream and sugar scrub! Although I dont mind if they latch onto a kid's soap. Encourages the parents to buy it seeing how much they love it. Good Luck! - Meg

I actually made similar ones myself for Easter! The ducks are lovely ... although the ones with the bunny ears were a tad bit too top heavy to sit in without a little extra work. Yours look amazing! Terrific job! Hope yours sell as well as mine!

I LOVE the Candle Source. Loren is the greatest - and his customer service is exceptional. He has helped me through so many projects! Also, he is VERY particular about what scents he adds to his business. I know that any scent I order is "Loren approved" - and I tell ya, that means a lot to me! I'm almost completely using nothing but his Fragrances ... and no one can beat his prices! I did have to purchase from BulkOils ... (they also have bulkoils.com I believe). Both of the ones I purchased were strong and smelled exactly like I thought they should (I got Fresh Cut Grass for special order and Mango Mandarin). I do have some from the Candle Source that I was about to put on ebay (I buy tons I don't need!). PM if you're interested!

Not sure where they are located since I have never seen their website or ordered from them before. But, I was about to make an order for something for my uncle this morning and no one was available to make it ... lack of people in due to the recent bad storms across the region. Again, not sure of their location ... so this may have nothing to do with them ... just thought I'd share just in case!

First, I think you should put preservatives in EVERYTHING. As far as I know, they're required in all lotions, SUGAR SCRUBS, etc. Sugar Scrubs can turn nasty without them! Hmmm, I've never heard of a coffee infused lip balm. Sounds neat - you should try it out. However, someone with much more experience here may be able to offer you more advice! I have never made Shower Gel before. But, worse comes to worse, check out some of the premade bases available. They are nice and have their own preservatives added - so you don't have to worry about it! Good Luck!

Candle Man ... the link doesn't seem to work?

I've been searching everywhere for a way to package standard tarts. I'm mostly looking for the right size bag that will hold three in a pack (without them toppling over if stacked). I've tried two or three sizes and have yet to find one that I am satisfied with. Anyone here have a suggestion for some sort of packaging for three tarts (four would be okay too)? Right now they're being packaged in 3x3 zip baggies. Wanting to try a different look!! Thanks in advance!

Those have to be the coolest Votives I've EVER seen! You go girl! For a first timer - I think you got yourself a hit! Now ... please please please tell me you need a tester? (Pick me, Pick me!!). Can't wait to see further votives from you ... Amazing work! - Meg

Have not tried it, but the delicious sounds of it alone make me want to order and test for myself! Edited to say ... I Have tried Coffee Caramel Cream from The Candle Source. Wow ... amazing. Not a big coffee person - but that one knocks my socks off!

I have to be honest ... this is something I've continued to struggle with. I have finally decided to limit myself. Based on previous experience from customers, I've been told that I have too large of a selection (and they like so many, it's hard to choose). For lotions, creams, body sprays, etc. I'm going to be having four of my best selling scents. The creams/lotions are a pain to make in a dozen different scents! Something flower-y, something fruit-y, something vanilla-ish, and another flat out best seller (Lavender!). May add Sandalwood ... going to see how it does in my area after my next sale. In soaps, I think I'll have about ten different scents/designs. Still enough to have something for everyone ... yet limiting my usual 20 to 25! Now, in my new soy candles I've been testing for awhile now, I'll eventually have about 6 scents. Leaning more towards bakery ... still debating on that one though. Will try to just have six available choices (based on testing ... which scents have a good throw will win out!). I'm looking forward to further answers. I'm hoping that limiting myself this year will lead to more sales (of course, I do have an entire different collection for the Fall/Winter). Hope to help! - Meg

Vicky that sounds lovely! Ill have to try that!

I've never paid more than $100. I simply do not have this kind of money to invest (and at the risk of having a bad show - I'd be heartbroken!). If you DO have the money to invest (and potentially lose) I'd say go for it! Every craft show I've went to has brought me new customers (and two wholesale accounts!) ... whether my actual sales were good or bad.