debscent

Cuban Carmel comes to mind.

Pom. Cider from CS is a nice summer to fall scent for me. But my all time favorite, is still classic Amish Harvest by Peak. I always go back to that one. I did smell Y's Apple Cider and loved it, I need to find that dupe from someone.

A peppermint/vanilla would be good for a candy cane scent. Vanilla Bean Noel for Santa's Cookies. For Valentine's Day sweet tart, lightly scented rose, chocolate and cherry.

Suzy, something seems wrong with that. $4 per clamshell should give you a nice profit. How much does it cost you to make one clamshell? As for pricing, I sell mine for $3.00.

My personal favorite Christmas scents are usually Peppermint (I used KY's, not sure if NG has put it on their list yet) and Cran. Marmalade from CS.

What characteristics do YOU want in a good candle that you would purchase? That would be my starting point. You state you are making votives. My standards for votives was to have great hot throw, even burning in a proper votive container (which should be a close fitting container) and long lasting 12-15 hours.

Nice scent, not much cider in it to my nose. I made tarts with it, and at 6% it's a bit strong. Haven't tested the candle yet.

I used to make votives and include an inexpensive votive cup. My packaging I used was a small cake round (cardboard with gold on the top side) and shrinkwrapped it. It enabled the customers to see the colors and it was already wrapped. They would just pop a bow on it. I would pick Christmas themed scents that were easy to identify. Gingerbread and Vanilla Bean, Hollyberry and Christmas Spruce, etc.

I mix this with Peak's lavender and call it Lavender Passion. 2 parts VP to 1 part Lav.

I personally would prefer to use a wax that my customers can easily pop out of the clamshell and when finished can remove easily. My experience with a parasoy container wax, you had to scoop out the wax. I prefer it being hard enough to pop out with pressure from a knife, or simply put in the freezer for 2 minutes and it pops out.

No color. It looks like a sepia tone to me (as in the old time photos). Cool idea.

Jluper, It seems that everyone here is trying to help you, but you can determine what is excessive babble and what is helpful. I personally would have found the suggested wick size for your container & wax (from various supplier sites), and add color & scent and go from there. If you tend to like "foodie" scents that are heavy be prepared to wick up one, two or three sizes, but if you try a lighter scent you could very well be testing a nice scent while calculating your burn time and burn characteristics. Enjoy the hobby.

Rehoboth has Grottos to blend into the sea air. LOL! But there is a subtle scent difference in locations. I live in the suburbs in DE and when I go to the Poconos it is a much more "earthy" scent and when I go to the beach I get the "salt & sand" aroma.

Jamaica Me Crazy, Coconut Milk and Mango Papaya from Peak. Three of my top 10 for years!

Labeling large orders like a fundraiser.

I love the tart bar idea a lot. And I can see how repeat customers would come back for the clamshells.

Baby wipes.

Great job. Love the idea.

I would think that since this is a more affluent area you may sell more in quantity overall instead of raising your price $1.00 a jar or something.

I agree, WildFire has great FOs. I don't live remotely close, but buy from her without hesitation.

Looks like I may be making it this year. Waiting to hear if my hubby can get off work and whether he wants to sit through all the demos and I should be registering soon. I've been out of the biz for awhile, but getting back in and this is a great way to start. I'm looking forward to it.

I don't think CS has a dupe, but I got one from KY and I LOVE it, as I'm a Downy fan. I think the bottle says violet & rose.

Candles & Supplies pink dye will make a bright pink. One drop per lb produces a nice pale pink, 4-5 drops will give you a bright pink.

My niece who is now 13 did MP soap when I had my candle business. She was very focused and knew what scents she liked and followed the scent trends, she did a fabulous little business. She even knew how to keep records. She has also donated her hair to Locks of Love three times. So, yes there are 13 year old kids who have a good business sense and responsibility to their community. (Yes, I am very proud of my niece).

My Discover was a back up to Paypal, but removed in 2010. My other business card was never linked to Paypal. (These are two individual business cards under one business account). I went through my records and the only place BOTH cards was used was Candles & Supplies and that purchase was in 2010. For those of you who are indicating what type of purchases are being made with your credit card now is irrelevant, you need to focus on where you made authorized purchases. All I know is Discover has a very good fraud detection unit and monitored our spending and declined all of these charges. Heck when I used my card to get gas, they called me immediately to question the purchase.