catseye

I used to have the same problems. The two things that solved them were 1) making sure to swirl between pours, and 2) letting the candles cool SLOWLY. I put mine in a stryrofoam ice chest. HTH

I've had a bag of V-1 for a while now, and I'm ready to start playing with it. I also have a sample wick kit of both CD and LX, with 5 wicks per size for the sample. This doesn't leave too much room for testing (I'm still working with containers and pillars). I would (obviously) like to start with the most efficient wick as possible. I've done several searches in regards to wicking soy votives, but I've seen a range of answers with different soy waxes and am a little confused. TIA!

Beautiful!!!

The next time I'm in the San Antonio area, I'm going to swing by this shop! http://tinyurl.com/uuake Talk about an eye-catcher!! Here's the website: http://www.oldfartcandlesupplies.com/

[ATTACH]9264[/ATTACH] Sorry, I had to compress the file to get a better picture....hope this did the trick!

This is a rustic I made today, and I think it turned out right. It cooled a little fast, as I opened the windows to freshen up the house (we're in Texas, and it's been in the upper 70's here). It came right out of the mold - no wax on the sides. I'm going to remelt this candle and allow it to cool properly, but I wanted to post this pic and see what the experts think. Thank you for looking!

I've been working hard to get my rustics to turn out right, but I'm getting anxious. I poured the candle at 6pm, and it's now 9:40. Can I hurry this process along by putting it in the fridge at this point? Or should I wait until tomorrow morning?

Hello everyone! I LOVE the George Carruth candles at Aspen Bay, and naturally the question that occured to me is, how can you make your own molds? I was at Michael's the other day and saw a mold casting kit. I didn't take a close look at it, so I'm not sure if the material was appropriate for making candle molds. If anyone here makes their own molds, could you please point me in the right direction? My own limited research has turned up quite a list, but I'm just not sure where to begin. Thank you! Mary

I too use the C3, but my problems have been cracks rather than sink holes. Just for fun, I played around and added 25% paraffin. It fixed the problem. I recently purchased an FO from Lone Star, and honestly, I haven't been impressed. I also bought some samplers from soycandle.com - what a HUGE difference!! I also noted a difference in the viscocity of the oils, the soycandle samples being noticeably thicker. I also purchased some USA from them, but I have yet to try it out in the C3. I'll keep you posted!! HTH. -Mare

Geek - my parents are celebrating their 31st on the 13th, too! Congratulations! And yes - she wants something else....

I haven't had those results with the ECO wicks, and I've been testing them with different colors, w/o dye, and with different brands of oil. That's weird....

Miss Sharon - I checked Candles and Supplies, and they don't have the multiple colors anymore - however, they had a nice selection! Miss Sally - I will look into the etching fluid option. I had not heard of that technique before, but my husband likes making stained glass and has all sorts of supplies. He knew there was a paint available - we might even have some etching fluid around the house! Thanks again!

Which state are you moving to? City??

I LOVE frosted glass! Does anyone know where you can get frosted glass containers in a variety of colors, though? They're difficult to find!!! I read somewhere that you can buy the paint to make your own frosted glass - does anyone have any experience with this? Where I can I find directions and paint?

I know you didn't have a 'tone'.....I just wanted to say that, being new and having NO experience, there is a great deal to learn about the business end of the deal....and I want to be smart about it, and not rush in head-first (despite my enthusiasm!!!). I am fortunate in that I live in a city where there are MANY craft fairs, and I anticiapte that's where I'll start off. I brought up the eBay thing because my husband had suggested it, and eBay makes it sound like you'll make a fortune, you'll be so successful, etc. I'd rather find out from the people that actually do it before I leap. I was a bit of a lurker around here, and I must say that I appreciate the politeness and helpfulness I've seen. I think that experience can be the best education....so, why not ask the people that know?? I'll check out the website you recommended for cards and flyers. I have yet to settle on a name (I keep changing my mind!), and I only have a partial business plan complete. Thank you for your help!!! Please don't think I thought you wre being rude! I just rattled off the earnings figure I saw in that book, and wondered if it were really true.

Oh, I am aware that would take time!! I am under no illusion!

My goal is to start a company by next January - I want to do this so I can stay at home with children! I am very new to all of this, and I have done limited research. I can build a website and I can make products, but I wonder: 1. How do you advertise? 2. Is eBay a good place to start? 3. Do you sell to local gift shops? If so, how do you solicit business? 4. How much business do you do from your website, and to whom do you sell? Is it mostly to individuals, or other small businesses? I have never purchased a candle through the Internet (not that I wouldn't, but I make my own!!) I also don't know people who have ordered through the Internet, so I wonder how much volume do you move SOLEY through this portion of business? 5. How do you specifically achieve growth? 6. What mistakes did you make in the beginning that I should be aware of? Any advice for a newcomer is VERY WELCOME!!!! I've checked out Home-Based Business for Dummies, and it was ok. I'm looking for some information on the business side of things that is specific to candles. I have read that the average home-based candle business makes ~$25,000 - $50,000. Is this accurate? Again, thank you for your help! -Mare

I want to pick up a digital scale. My husband picked up a cheapie kitchen scale, which is fine for the wax, but I estimating the FO is a nightmare. What kind do you recommend?

I tried to make my first rustic, and it didn't turn out right. I used 75% Naturewax P-1 and 25% paraffin. I poured at 155F (I tried to pour at a lower temp, but the wax started to solidify a bit - didn't know if that was ok), then put in a water bath for 2 hours. The candle was smooth and shiny, rather than rustic. What did I do wrong? Also, I put the mold in the fridge while the wax was melting. TIA!

Thanks guys! I also found some more information at Candle Cauldron, and I'll be putting my husband to work. Thanks again!

Is there any way to make your own FO? Do you know of any sites that give directions?

I am interested in purchasing a Presto Pot, so off I went to Target, then Wal-Mart, and couldn't find the right kind - I'm looking for the one with the spout on it. Can someone tell me where they purchased theirs, or give me a model number? TIA!

Your candle is beautiful! But I just HAVE to know what in the world a monkey fart smells like.....

Here's another link, in case anyone is interested: http://www.nbc10.com/news/4287825/detail.html

Here is a link: http://www.hisessence.com/category_s/19.htm I've read about them elsewhre - thought it was a great idea, but wondered what it smelled like. I'll see if I can find more links.