botanica

Ok, so my search continues. A couple of days ago I ran across a site out of BC (I think) that sells magnetic mold sealers for really cheap, like .68/ea. Now I can't find it. Does anyone know of a supplier in BC?

Thanks! I'll have to check that out. I LOVE magnetic mold sealers.

Anyone know of a manufacturer, or a place where I can order these in bulk?

Let me start out by saying that I'm definately not an experienced Ebayer. So, I have a little $2.50 fee that I didn't pay on time, I guess. I was never emailed an invoice, and after sending me a message through their own mail system, they decided to try to pull this money out of my bank account and credit card, through Direct Pay. Then, when both these attempts were rejected, they assessed me a $15 fee. Too bad I never signed up for Direct Pay....I've been waiting in queue for like 15 minutes for live chat help. Think I'll have a chance of not having to pay this stupid fee?? I mean, if they would have reminded me about the 2.50, I would have paid it. My mom just passed away, and all things kinda came to a screeching halt... ***Edit to say, they refunded the fee as a one-time courtesy. Isn't that nice?

Thanks everyone...unfortunately, you've confirmed what I thought. Cheers, Jodie

I have a customer that's requesting an all-natural coconut scented candle. Has anyone ever heard of a coconut eo?

Thanks for your input...I really appreciate it. The city I live in isn't necessarily a tourist-spot and constant foot traffic would be hard to come by. I'm in love with the idea of opening a store and have been for years now. I think that I need to do more shows and build up a steady customer base. I'd also like to sell supplies, which I think would add a lot to the start-up cost--especially fragrances. I really believe in my products and think that I could make a go of it, but it's really the money that always gets me hung up.

Have you tried craftlister?? www.craftlister.com Membership is pretty cheap, but you'll be able to see shows in your area for free too. HTH Jodie

Yes, I use these and they take a while to melt but my customers have said that they are great.

Anyone who owns a store, what led you to your decision?? How did you know you were ready financially and product-wise? I've been toying with the idea for a couple of years and would like any input on why you did it, and if it's been successful or not successful, why. Thanks!! Jodie

Nope, no coupon. I just happened to call the bb&b around here and that's their sale indefinately. I think that not only does it melt a lot more wax, but it has the spout (that you don't have to install yourself). So, I'm getting two! Yes this "hobby" is very expensive. I can't even count all the money I've spent over the last 10 or so years. But I love it anyway.

Yes--no more chopping please. I'm always trying to be quiet during the baby's nap and can't get much done without chopping. :rolleyes2

Sweet! Thanks so much. I can't wait to try it out. I can't believe I didn't figure this out sooner...

Yes! That's it the one! I'm so excited...I think I'm going to buy two--one for soy and one for paraffin. I just wanted to make sure it was safe for paraffin... I did search the forum for this and no one really seemed to say that they had tried paraffin--just that it didn't seem like a good idea. Thanks for all your imput!!! Jodie

I found a great deal on Surf & Turks at Bed Bath & Beyond...69.99 with a 30% discount!! So, I was wondering if anyone has used them for melting paraffin??? I know they work great for soy, but haven't seen any posts about paraffin.

This is the wax that I use, and I've tested Eco, RRD and now CD's. CD's have worked the best for me, but I use a different size jar. HTH.

It's sooo cold here too. My studio is in my cold basement... If you're using pure soy are you all pouring at 100 degrees?

Hi everyone, I have been pouring my containers and then cooling them in a cooler. This has worked pretty well, but I need more space. How do you all cool your larger batches? Do you just pour them and put them back into the box? Thanks!!!

Thanks for your responses. I'm using IGI 1239 w/ 1/2tsp vybar per lb. I don't get cracks in any other of my molds...the cracks happen at the "joints" of the star. Do you use stearic?

Yeah, it hasn't been every candle I've made with this mold, and every color/scent is susceptible, but how annoying!!!!! Now I know I'm at least not alone.

Does anyone get cracks when using this mold, even when poking relief holes? I'm trying to figure out how I can prevent this....

Thanks all for your responses! Getting a merchant acct. is kinda scary. I don't have a lot of $ to throw around.

Does anyone accept credit cards at shows with a wireless unit like the Nurit 8000? I've seen some cc merchant providers offering a free Nurit 8000 with a merchant account, and was wondering if this sounds about right... $20/month fee 1.75% .19 per transaction No contract If you don't use a wireless unit, how do you accept cards? Thanks for any input!

Goodness, I didn't know that...I've been using 1 tsp/lb. thinking that it was alright.

I would love to have seamless lately. I've had lots of leaks, not only from the wick hole, but because my molds are a little old, have been used lots, and the sautering (sp?) is breaking down. The leaking is driving me crazy! Such a waste of time and effort....