Diana in TX

An old metal putty spatula is great for cutting slabs of softer wax.

Your message sounded desperate. . .will you have time to test your new wicks to make sure they work with your wax, oils, etc?

Red is a good choice.

Intrigues me that Lilac is such a big seller for so many. As we don't grow those flowers in TX, I can't give away a lilac-scented candle. However, I can sell the heck out of the following: Orange Vanilla, Pomegranate, Pineapple, Olive Blossom, Gardenia, Rose, Bluebonnet, Amaretto, Grandma's Kitchen, and Sugar Cookie. I do think different regions, or states, have lots to do with what sells. Fun thread.

When wax dipped teddy bears first became popular, I said to myself, "why in the world would you dip a perfectly good teddy bear in wax?" Now, with the advent of wax-dipped toilet paper, I'm asking myself the same type of question. I suppose you can make a buck or two, or even eight or ten, but I just don't get it. This concept eludes me! Is it because they're pretty? works of art? smell good? I'm stumped. No disrespect to those who do make these items - I'm just ill informed.

Wonder if you'll find an ingredient list on the back of the main label, visible from the back of the bottle after you've used about half the product? Very interesting that VS isn't following FDA guidelines.

Would seem that we could join and then take advantage of members' registration fees? I'm holding out til last minute to make my decision, but sure hope I get to go.

I'm really pondering going to this. Not a soapmaker - not yet anyway - but really interested. Figure it would be fabulous info to get and store away for when I might use it - hopefully soon. I, too, am trying to talk AnitaG into going!!! Hopefully it will be something she's available to go to. More later, when I learn if my Dad's surgery/recuperation will be at the same time. Hope it's not.

IGCA used to be a really worthwhile organization, but I think it's sort of fallen apart in recent years. I had the pleasure of attending one of their summer conventions years ago in Connecticut, but have been unable to attend another one. If anyone gets to go to this year's convention this year, please report back about classes, attendance, contests, etc. Usually about 100 - 120 folks go and there are tons of various classes so you can tailor your own experience. Be sure to take some of your product to enter candlemaking contests, too.

Seven years ago this Christmas, my husband gave me a beginner's candlemaking kit from www.bittercreek.com (Bitter Creek North) and that was the beginning of a hobby that got out of hand and is now a business. Be careful when you start making candles, as you will find it's addicting. It would be nice if a local hobby store carried high quality supplies that you'd use, but you're much better off doing your research and ordering online. You'll find jars, wicks (and wick explanations), fragrance oils, dyes - everything you'll need - at Bitter Creek. Please make sure you test thoroughly before selling your candles, or even giving them away. At this time of year, it's easy to think that you'll be able to make some Christmas presents, but you're likely to need a bit more time to test before you have a safe product. Better to give a gift certificate that can be redeemed when your candles are tested and safe!

Help is help, and I'll take it anyplace I can get it. It's ludicrous to resent suppliers' presence on this, or any, board. Thank you, Doneen, for taking time to read a message board other than your own. I'm sure you have many customers on here who do appreciate your help.

It's been a couple of years ago, but I made wax ornaments using the Brown Bag cookie molds. I used a very hard pillar wax and loved the way these ornaments looked, but found that I didn't use enough UV inhibitor and they faded too much. I love those molds anyway and found tons of 'em on ebay.

It depends what kind of sniffy you wish to make. From fragrance oil suppliers, they'll often include a sniffy of fragrance oil - usually a half ounce of oil that's being promoted. Are you thinking of giving away tiny candles so that a customer might, hopefully, find a new favorite candle? If so, the 1.5 oz. hex jars are great for that.

Your soap looks fabulous. You always get the colors just right, not to mention how great your soap is! Congrats on these batches!

I'm just curious if the dentist or his designee has already agreed to the $1 per lip balm? If so, then there's no concern about a discount, unless you just wanted to give them one. If the discount issue is a sticking point on getting the big order, then you could propose the discount. Congrats on your big order!