Donita

Congrats for getting back into the swing of things. I like the one on the left too. The white makes it look so dramatic! One of these days........I might make something.....if I can remember how. At least I am back on the east coast so I can buy wax from Candlewic which is my fav.

Cool. Good to see you are making beautiful candles again. I am trying to do something....even if it's wrong (smile)..... You haven't lost your touch. Very pretty. Donita Happy Valentine's Day and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Very cool. They sure are fun to make aren't they? Donita

....and ....thanks everyone for your compliments. Candlemaking is a labor of love. Donita

Oh....60 ply flat braid? Hmmmmmm.....I am getting ready to try #3 and #4 SB. I have never had 60 ply. Is it huge (smile) Thanks, Donita

I know that there are many people who can use IGI wax and wicks that don't work for me. I tried and tried to make my mottles work with IGI wax. I only had so so luck. I always had to "hug" my candles. I don't think one should have to do that. Just light the dang thing and it should self consume with very little attention. As soon as you add something to mottling wax to make it burn better......you lose the mottle. I always had pretty consistently good burning candles with Candlewic's 4045H. It will mottle. Mottled too much for me so I had to change it a speck. The 4045 mottles too. Just a bit different. What the difference in waxes is a mystery to me. I have burned 100's of candles and watched and watched and watched and spent $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. You can always do a search on this forum board and find all kinds of information.....but it always will come back to you. Everyone does something different. Room temp....how well your mold is cleaned....cooling temperatures.....etc. I have had many people here help me over the years. Thanks to all of you. Donita ps....be sure the mold is CLEAN between pourings.

Here is another luminary orb I recently made. I have always used SB #1 wick for beeswax tealights. Made a bunch. Nope. Didn't work well. I called Ellyn at Candlewic and she helped me out. She recommended CD-5. I tried several wicks and this one burned consistently for 7 hours. Boy....this takes a lot of time but I am happy with the results. I am not an expert on wicking beeswax....and didn't know that each new batch needs to be tested. The beat goes on...........(smile) Test Test Test Test (: Anyone have any suggestions on wicking 2" and 3" beeswax pillars? Thanks, Donita

I agree with everyone. It is very pretty and I love the color. I use to make the "pour in pour out" candles. Good job!!!!!!!!!!!! Donita

Sabrina.....they look beautiful. You have come a long way over the past years. Very professional. The labels are elegant. Email me and tell me how you are. I promise to write back. I am still trying to get settled after moving across the country in June. I am doing wick experiments at the moment. Getting ready for.....something (smile). Not sure what. Sorella Donita

Those are very pretty. I love wax. (smile) Donita

Back when I was making painted candles.....the best luck I had was to put a couple of light coats of matte finish spray varnish on the wax. Let it dry and then just paint with acrylic paints. Worked great. Then I put a coat of UV resist over the paint to inhibit fading. Hope this helps. Donita

Well hi there in Palmyra Virginia.....I am Donita. Used to live in C'ville left for Lake Tahoe four years and just moved back to Crozet. I used to have a store on the downtown mall and a kiosk at Fashion Square Mall. I was part of Farmer's Market and a founding member of Transient Crafters now C'Ville Arts. Do I know you? I made many many many hurricane/luminary type candles. Thousands. I like plastic cups so I bought boxes of tea lights from Candlewic ....took them out of the tin cups and bought plastic cups from them. I found it cheaper to do that. I could have bought wholesale from Colonial candle but their minimum order was something like 5,000. The candlewic tea lights burn fine. I am making my own beeswax now. I like the color of the flame and the way they burn better. Good luck. I used to live out in Bremo Bluff....overlooking the James. Where are you selling candles or do you just make them for fun. It is so good to be back in Virginia.

Good to know information. I haven't been making candles for 4 years and want to just work with beeswax. I guess the bees or some other group will find fault with that too (smile) Donita

Thanks for the compliments. Wow. I haven't done a show for years and I really feel OLD. This was a first time show that didn't have any advertising....they should have put me on that committee (smile).....but I still sold the most. This time of year candles sell well. I used to do half of my business for the year in Nov and Dec.

Hi old friends and new people. I haven't been "working" for four years. Just a few candles here and there. I actually just finished a bunch of beeswax luminaries for a show tomorrow. Hard to do in a small apartment....but I actually have some inventory of autumn leaves and flowers. Mini ones are 4" and medium are 5". I have one picture but will take some more. I have missed my wax. I also made beeswax tealights to go inside and sell in little bags of 4. Candlewic accidentally sent my order of tea light cups and wick to Tahoe.....whoops. Thanks to Ellyn....she got the cups and wick to me in less than 24 hours. Go Candlewic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi pretty lady. It has been a long time since I have made any candles. I love the new ones you just posted. Hope you are doing well. I am doing a show tomorrow. First time to be selling in over 4 years. I know how you feel about cats. My friend just lost a cat because the vet didn't know that lilies were dangerous to cats. She developed renal failure. The vet didn't figure that our for two days. Did you know that? Hugs, Donita

I like your candle. Very pretty. Donita

Nice job for being new at this. Have you test burned them? That is the trick. I swear.....I have been doing this candle making thing for years and I keep on learning. Keep on experimenting and sharing.

Probably right. I belong to the World Wide Pressed Flower Guild.....so guess I am not a fan of silk flowers. I make wax flowers just because but I have pressed a million real flowers. I like your colors. (smile)

Looks like you have been having some fun. Just checking in. I recently moved back to Virginia from Lake Tahoe and one of these days I might actually make some candles. You always inspire me. Donita

I am a fan of the jewelry too. Your candles are sooooooooooooo darn pretty. Seriously. I love everything you come up with. I know how much time it takes to make fancy candles. Donita

Just love them. Donita

Beautiful gift. Donita

I like it. Very pretty mottle. I made several chunk candles in that shade of blue and scented Patchouli and she loved them. Just reminded me I still have one left. Must send it to her. Donita

Beautiful as usual. I haven't had time for candlemaking so it is fun to come here and see what you all have been up to. One of these days....I miss making candles so much. Donita