Brotato

The first thing that popped into my mind was “Home for the Holidays”. 
 

have fun! Working on some of those myself 

This looks great and so functional. While I haven’t delved into my craft area I’ve been slowly decluttering for the last year or so. It is so much easier to make a functional space when all of the junk you don’t ever use is gone. The same will apply when I make it to the craft areas I’m sure. I’ve also found that as I actually use a space it evolves into what works best for me. 
 

look forward to seeing more! I love to see organizing ideas. 

7 hours ago, Kris10Tackles said:

https://www.dollartree.com/wood-slat-crates-2375x5125x325-in/296698?traffic_source=google&traffic_medium=cpc&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvZDeioXigQMV6dLCBB1NEAxIEAQYBCABEgKX0PD_BwEB

Thank you!

Just lovely! I am also excited to try tonic in soap as well as a few others.  I’m going to have to look for those dollar store crates too.

I love where this is going and agree with talltayls analysis of brainstorming. In design school for branding they taught us to do just that. Ironically, I’ve been doing the same for my own future brand. I had to dial it back and really get to the meaning and authentic purpose of what I’m trying to do. Authenticity is what sells or what I want to sell anyway. Think about the feeling I’m trying to convey rather than just focusing on the name. I think this thread is on that wavelength. 
 

some that came to mind to me are 

Generations Scent Works

Scents of Community

i particularly love the idea of the use of the word generations. I think it speaks to the past as well as the future. Just my two cents though! 😁

I second the trend toward minimalism. I’ve been on that journey as well and had no idea how much mental space physical things take up- until they weren’t there. I also have thrown many things away, donated and given away as well. We had double of everything when we got married. Sometimes it’s hard when you’ve spent money on it BUT it makes me a super conscious consumer, later. 
 

I think with that in mind your fresh business model sounds great! Change can be scary but also an exciting new adventure! If you were successful before you’ll be successful again  I try to take in all of these ideas as I explore and figure out how I will set mine up, one of these days. Everyone here is so inspiring and creative. I’d say that the craftserver community helps keep me motivated, knowing I’m not alone in this journey. Also the thought of being my own boss one day is extremely appealing. I’m a free spirit at heart lol 

1 hour ago, TallTayl said:

I use one of the paper crafting roller blade tools to cut both the paper and the foil.  At least everything starts out the same size, but devolves into chaos as I can’t fold.

 

 

the little heat seal packets seem to be working out.  I had a few sizes on hand and all are working.  I don’t dread the job as much now. Hoping the new ones coming tomorrow work as well. At least they will be pretty. 😂

Ah all of those are great ideas! I hope the new packs are EASY more than anything. I’m sorry it’s such a pain and thank you again. And I agree this is no rush at all whatsoever!

Thank you for doing all of the work!!

my only ideas to hopefully make that faster for you would be 1. Maybe grid out the paper quickly then do drops of a whole scent, then cut? May be just slightly less tedious. It’s easier sometimes to cut that stuff with an exacto knife and a metal ruler than scissors 2. Enlist family including child labor if necessary   Glad the Mylar is easier! 

really appreciate you taking the time to do this! So excited to hear everyone’s opinions. 

Also thank you @TallTayl for all of your work with this! 🌸

I got some sniffies!! 🎉 

I received:

1. pinion pine- this smells like Christmas to me for some reason. It’s beautiful. 

2. black raspberry vanilla- I agree with TallTayls analysis of this. Smells tart like real blackberry

3. strawberry rhubarb jam- this smells awesome to me and not like fake strawberry. smells very jam

Personally, if I had to pick these are my top 3 I think. The rest are close behind though. They’re all good! 
 

I also received:

4. blue hyacinth-agree this will be amazing in spring

5.strawberry jam 1- I really like this one too but prefer the other jam if I had to pick 

6.down to earth

7.strawberry vine

8. fresh cut stems- agree I think this would be a great mixer

9. This does have a sweet mint to it. I like it but this one is my least favorite I think

i am Not good at describing scents but can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks. 
 

13 hours ago, TallTayl said:

The only component of citrus I’ve ever been taught to worry about is bergaptene. Bergaptene is known to cause photo toxicity. Many places offer bergaptene free bergamot essential oil. While technically a wash off, superfatting leaves behind some residual soap on the skin.

 

all that said, many citrus oils fade quickly in Cold process (cp) soap.  Along with Bergamot I can never get plain orange or grapefruit to stick.  
 

Lemon can be a fader too. litsea cubeba essential oil is very lemony and can help give a boost to lemon, or be used in place of lemon.

 

 Orange is available “folded”, or concentrated, 5x and 10x which helps with longevity. sometimes other forms of orange, like blood orange might stick longer.
 

You’ll see lots about “anchors” of base notes like patchouli.  Most ive found are old wives tales, but do try them yourself for the learning experience. 
 

Cold pressed lime is usually sticks ok and doesn’t morph. I like this one a lot!
 

I add all of my fragrances and essential oils to the base oils before the lye so that I can blend thoroughly.

Thanks so much for this. That makes sense about the super fat- I didn’t even think of that. I’ll keep my super fat low to hopefully skirt around that. Maybe I’ll try the concentrated ones or blood orange sounds nice! I’ll have to try the lime and litsea cubeba as well. Hopefully I can make some of them stick. 

4 hours ago, NightLight said:

Litsea as TT says is good. Super lemony, it does discolor. I do like anchoring with patchouli. 

I’ll have to try the anchoring as well I’ve seen some suggestions online about those. 
 

thank you both for your help and suggestions!  so many things to try! 
 

Im still pretty new to soap making and finding conflicting information regarding citrus EO in soap. Would it be ok, photosensitivity wise, since it’s a wash off product? I’m specifically interested in orange at this time but probably lemon/ lime too down the road. Do you like to add yours at trace? 
 

thank you in advance for your help! 

Bailey

4 hours ago, TallTayl said:

Oh I DID! The morning coffee ritual is sacred. 

Good!l Same here! I’m sure pre-coffee made bot destruction that much more satisfying! 🤣

Thanks for taking care of them! Sorry you have to deal with that. Make sure you get your coffee though!! 😋

Thank you! That’s what I think I’m finding with the tins. I  know it’s a lot of trial and error and testing, testing.. and some more testing. I’ve only made it as far as I have due to the generosity of everyone here. 
 

I agree that the expectation may be off. Soy won’t burn like anything but soy so some of my comparisons may not be fair. Probably especially with hot throw vs a paraffin candle.  

Ah thank you! That’s kind of what I suspected. I initially thought double wick but then was looking at a yankee candle and wondering if that’s why they single wick it. I’ll have to see if the excess heat helps with underwicking. I’m just using 464 as I learn but thinking of branching into other territory. Will also have to check out McCalls. 
 

I was thinking that the chimney aspect may help with scent throw. I’m noticing in the tins the top of the candle doesn’t throw as well as the bottom. The bottom does heat up more so it could just be the bigger melt pool rather than the height of the tin. Or both. I’m able to accomplish this while keeping the tin around 100 degrees or so. 
 

I do like tins and how they look as well. I like that they are lighter in weight and won’t shatter if something went haywire. 
 

im a glutton for punishment though and will likely try the apothecary jar at some point lol

I’m thinking about trying out an apothecary jar because I like the cottage-y look about them with a flat lid. Still pretty new to candle making, I am slightly concerned about container temp due to the “dip” at the top of these jars. I’ve recently had some minor successes in candle tins with container temp but could see how these jars would heat up at the top. I’m not married to the idea of using them and may just try a tumbler instead if this is a real PITA. 😆 just curious to hear anyones experience with them. 
 

Thank you in advance!

Bailey

How exciting! I second the soap comment. Do you know if they are soap safe to try? Or formulated specifically/only for candles? 

16 hours ago, TallTayl said:

Oh happy day! A lovely package just arrived. It was nice to have a scent break from yard work and house projects in preparation for graduation house guests and party.

 

My First impression Our of Bottle (OOB) thoughts:
1) Black raspberry vanilla.  Super exciting.  It’s tart and sharp. I am crossing fingers and toes that it works well in my waxes as it will make lots of people VERY happy. 

2) strawberry Jam #1.  Warm and sweet. Super excited about this one too.  Should blend well with tart rhubarb in a blend! 

3) strawberry jam 2. A little less sweet than #1. Not quite as strong? If I didn’t smell the #1 I would not have any thoughts other than it is a nice sweet strawberry jam. 

4) Pinion Wood. If this one throws well I think we can finally dry tears from missing Rocky Mountain Christmas from elements bath an body.  I will love this in a candle during the winter season! (Please throw. Please throw!)

5) cedarwood amber.  I get a strong hit of dial soap in this one.  Not bad, just not sure what I expected.  Looking for cedar wood without adds that would hit plain wood notes strongly in candles. Cedar is one we never can get to throw well no matter what variety we have tried from Every varietal EO to all the fo. They are usually all weak OOB, and don’t burn well to boot. 

6) mahogany teakwood.  It hits like cologne.  I think it’s the BBW dupe? It smells like it should throw well.  My People tend to love true wood essences, like standing in a wood shop.  

7) frankincense & myrrh.  It’s soft. Lovely.  I’m used to the frankincense carterii that is a bit sharp. I’ll test it but would prefer something closer to the essential oil and resins.

8.  Nag Champa.  I pick up a LOT of baby powder in it.  i soap a version of nag champa that is really popular that contains more floral notes.  
 

I’m going to make a few candles and melties with the fruits now.  I just can’t wait!!!

How exciting! These sound great.  
Can’t wait to hear how they turn out! 

So happy for your success and can’t wait to see all of your creations!!

Warmest welcome! Best of luck on your venture and can’t wait to hear more about your creations! 

Welcome! This forum is a wealth of quality information. I can attest to it’s helpfulness when those frustrating times come. Definitely focus on safety with candles. Good luck to you! 

3 hours ago, Lizzy said:

I, too enjoy unique scents & blends. I am more of a Fall, woodsy, spice, resin and bakery/foodie type. 

I love me some fall scents too. My husband and I are a big fan of bakery ones also. They can make me hungry though 😋

9 hours ago, TallTayl said:

I looked hard at the Ikon Art kit and just didn’t want to spend the extra $100 for basically fonts and a few stencil ideas on a partner site. I use Canva and Silhouette design studios, so it was redundant. 
 

I did buy 5 sheets of the fabric and 5 sheets of the hard surface films to try out against the old fashioned emulsion.  They shipped within the hour! 
 

I’ll give a side by side with the traditional screen print and the ikonart in case anyone is considering playing along.  The uv lights from Amazon should do the trick to develop the image on the emulsions for both types.

 

getting excited now!  

That is a super smart idea on how to test things out and I agree with you on not spending where you already have it. Can’t wait to see what you come up with! 

14 hours ago, TallTayl said:

The rep is sending some commonly available dupes along with a few original blends for us to sample. I personally am no interested in BBW and similar dupes, but if there is interest we can certainly explore them. My opinion, and it’s only my opinion, is that I like unique fragrances that my customers can’t get elsewhere. 
 

It will take some time for the rep and us to learn one another so we can dial in things just for us. 
 

my personal interest right now is geared toward summer.  I’m in the farmers market type of groove right now.

fruit preserves, herbal blends, floral, and of course resins and incense.  
 

BTW, I brought in a few of my dupes recently and have extras to share. Pink Sugar, Provence, Vetyver, Dragons Blood and Tonic each have several lbs available. 

8 hours ago, PhoenixFyre said:

I can only echo your statements, @TallTayl - I've been a hobbyist chandler and soaper for a few years now (some of you longer-time members might even remember when I posted pics of the first melt I ever made...good grief, I remember how excited I was when I could smell the HT throughout the room!), and I remember feeling like it was more often you would find fragrance oil winners rather than duds. The last couple of years or so, though, it feels the opposite is true. Couple that with the cost of everything now, and I've had to have the argument with myself of whether this is a hobby I can continue with and pursue into a possible business or need to just let go and focus on other interests. 

 

Problem is - I LOVE LOVE LOVE these forms of art and each time I've thrown up my hands and screamed, "I'm done!"...I always end up crawling meekly back asking the artistic universe to forgive me. 🤣

 

If this helps give the members with businesses a leg up or even just makes the hobby more enjoyable for those like me who have felt unsuccessful of late, I am down 1000%.

 

My preference is same as yours, @TallTayl - I'm all about unique fragrances. If the preference of the group is more toward the dupes, though, no worries at all and I'm still happy to be part of it.

I agree with you two about unique to me/us scents and something new. I’m in spring/summer mode as well! I have a fancy for rose and rose blend scented everything for some reason at the moment. If I get a decent HT on anything you’ll hear about it 😂 it’s been a slow process. Some stability would be amazing. What a lovely thought!