LauraInNY

I started handwriting into a journal and then went to a template that I print out and put into a 3-ring binder. But I'm liking the notecards idea...hmnnn. I'm sure I could make a template and just shoot the cards through the printer and then write the info on them.

I'm making my very first pillars. Thought I'd start with something easy (is there such a thing? LOL) Just doing a couple of 3 inch pillars in JS Holiday Wassail (smells just like fruit punch to me).

I believe the vodka recipe works well (not sure about 100% LOL - is it for wearing or drinking), but is for personal use only. You can't sell them with the vodka. Bunny, I haven't looked into the oil based colorant. I'll have to check it out.

Wow, what a difference...they look great now. I really like that crackle finish. Great save!

Those look really great!! Well done...

I thought so to both - LOL!! (I did a search on those names together and came up with that preservative.) I like the way the sprays come out with the cyclo/fo mix for room spray, but wish I could add color to a body spray. Some of the oils are just not attractive as they are. I could always use a colored bottle instead of clear and that way no-one would see what they look like! LOL Thanks for your help, Bunny!!

Okay, I get it. And these are all INCI names for the ingredients of one preservative? Am I correct in that without the use of water in the sprays there is no need for a preservative or should I be using one anyway?

Hi Bunny, I am confused about what you said about listing ingredients. When listing ingredients for the cyclo/fo mixture with fco as a binder wouldn't you state ingredient list as : Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Fragrance Oil, Triglycerides of Caprylic/Capric Acid. Is there something I'm missing?

I believe you can use anywhere from a 3:1 to a 6:1 ratio depending on the strength of the fragrance oil. I believe the witch hazel/distilled water recipe will not mix as oil and water do not mix. I use a cyclo/FO mix and still have some FO's do not mix. In this case I will mix some fractionated coconut oil and this will bind them (different FO's may take different amounts of FCO) (ie Clean Cotton just a little and Lavender, Cucumber & Sage will take more).

Thanks for all the responses everyone!! I am going to try Candle Cocoon and Natures Garden and see which one I like better. I have been putting off placing an order with NG for a while now and I think I can put it off no longer...sigh...I'm off to get more FO's.

I am getting low on my Orange Clove and it is a big seller for me (candles, room spray, refresher oil and potpourri). I am currently using JS and it's good, but I used one from SF Herb for my potpourri and loved it, but it's sooo expensive (almost $16/8oz). Does anyone have a recommendation for one better than JS? TIA

Solas Candles - It's awesome!!! mouthwatering fresh picked straight peach!! I can send you a sample if you like.

I just started ordering samples to test too. I have the lotion, aloe bath wash and handsoap from BCN and am ordering samples from JustScent. Has anyone tried Becky's new b&b stuff? I was also thinking about trying NG - does anybody have any opinions on them? I have heard several "no" votes on Candles & Supplies so I am staying away from them (for b&b anyway). I like the lotion from BCN, but thought it was just a tad heavy.

I would also consider using the wick tabs with the longer necks so that it doesn't get too hot at the bottom of the wine glass. Just my 2 cents...

I think it really stinks that people are like that. They must think we are really stupid. Yeah, I'm going to teach you how to do this and you're just going to make them for yourself - BULLSH__!! I certainly wouldn't give away any secrets. I just had a neighbor invite me to a PLite party that she was having this week. Now come on, do ya really think I'm gonna come? She told me I could just come and have a glass of wine if I wanted and not buy anything. Now I have to add that I haven't really talked to her in several months and she had no idea that I was making candles until about 3 weeks ago. I just thought it was funny that I haven't heard from her and then she all of a sudden invites me to a candle party. You can bet that I'm gonna send over a complimentary package in a couple of days (about a week before her plite order is due in) so she can use mine first and then compare them to the plite ones. Boy does she have a surprise coming...LOL. Irony - About 10 yrs ago I used to sell plite!!

Those are adorable votives! You certainly didn't start out with something easy did you? I love the flower embed for the top, it's really pretty. Stuff like that you hate to burn em to test em (I know...we get over it and then light those puppies up.) Very well done, and yes, they will only get better!

Cute idea!! Nice lobster... (you're right, it does remind me of the "Red Lobster" Restaurant).

Very very nice work. What a huge amount of time to perfect those. I love the waterfall and ripple effect in the final pics. Best of luck in the "come back". Welcome...

They look nice. Great color/scent match!

Very cute!! I like that shade of green too. Perfect!!

I pay $50/month for an 8x4 space that I decorate and stock myself. I pay a 3-7% commission on sales, and work 8 hours/month. They pay sales tax for me. I get a check every week. Make sure you get a good contract and make sure it covers damaged product. Especially if they drop it while stocking your merchandise or if a fire, water damage, etc. Make sure it's in a high traffic area too. You can have the best product for miles, but if it's not right in a customer's face they aren't going to see it. I am in a 2 story bldg and had a 8x6 space on the second floor. I moved to a smaller space (dropped my partner) on the 1st floor in a high traffic area and sales have more than tripled. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION (LOL)

Tarts sell best for me. Mine sell 3 for 2.99 in a cello bag. I couldn't justify the cost of the pkg for the clamshells. Even though I love the ease of pouring and the look of the clamshells. I sell a ton of tarts.

Those are just gorgeous. Very, very nice work . . .

Thanks everyone for your answers. I guess I'll experiment with both ways - ya never know how hard something is unless ya try. Poohbaby - I'd love to hear how your show went and how your prim tapers sold. Where did you find a 6 taper mold? I found a 2 taper 10" mold at pourette, but it would take forever to make a bunch. Do you have the wicks connected for 2 molds like you would for hand dipped or are they a cut wick? (KWIM?) Do you scent them or just color them? I'd love to see some pics!

Ditto what Michael said. I was thinking the same thing. I do 8 oz jelly jars (straight side - not quilted crystal) and 16 oz mason jars for a country look. Try to find something to tie them all together like the same label or a piece of homespun or something that will make them your own.