Twoscentsworth

"And about the stealing thing, it doesn't really feel that way. I'm thinking of buying one of the art pieces for my western room. On canvas, framed..real art. But a screenprinted copy of it on the net doesn't feel like "stealing product". Am I wrong? Is it standard to make a contract with the artist or something?" This bothers me on sooo many levels. OF COURSE it's STEALING...you are stealing someone's idea and design. This is how they make their living and you think taking it is not stealing because you are "thinking" about buying one of their pieces "on canvas, framed...real art" good grief anything made from the original is "real art" . Professional artists are in business and to take, make that steal, their creations and not even think it's wrong to do amazes me. Who in heck is teaching these kind of values? geesh.

Yes, my first tip is "don't do it". But, you probably will anyway so my best tip is make sure your overhead is LOW....rock bottom low. since you are on a candle making forum let's say you are going to sell your candles. Figure out how many candles you have to sell a week just to pay your overhead...don't forget to subtract the cost of making those candles. Now, do you really think you can sell that many candles in a week to cover your overhead? Every one thinks they want to open a store. Check and see how many here have opened a store only to shut it down within six months or less. Most times they have an excuse like, poor health, crazy people bothering them, etc etc but the reality is "low sales" and not enough money to cover their overhead. Just because you build it does NOT mean they will come. 1. Make a business plan. 2. Keep overhead low. 3. figure what supplies you will need (fixtures, bags, register, sign, etc.) 5. What will your store hours be? Remember you have to be there to make sales. 6. Make sure you have a great location. 7. Make sure you have enough money in reserve to cover all operating expenses for a year or more. 8. DO NOT count on making any income from the store for at least two years or more (if you do then count your blessings!) most money will be poured right back into the business. 9.Do a LOT of research on small businesses. I really hate to see people pour their money and effort into a store front only to lose a lot of money. Owning a shop is not as easy as you think. It's not as much fun as you think it will be either. In reality it is a lot of hard work, time and money just to get going. IF you are prepared to lose money for at least the first six months to a year or more and believe you can stick it out then you will have almost an even chance. With rising gas costs people are not spending like they used to. They are not traveling to the small independent retailers like they used to either. (There are always exceptions, shops that have been around a long time, shops in great locations etc.) Be very very very sure this is what you want to do.

Here is something you might want to read: http://www.ivanhoffman.com/slogans.html HTH

Not sure if she can get to a computer, I got a message from her from her cell phone saying she is on a job. Hope she is able to check in soon.

...another interesting thing is if you do a search on the uspto site for trademark protest you find some interesting things, on p.2 of my search at the very bottom of the page was www.uspto.gov and it starts out..."This, as you all have seen, is a Trademark application." If you continue to read through this meeting further down you will read: MR. KRUGMAN: I mean, I know I don't use the letter of protest in my practice because as a practical matter, it's so cumbersome and it's so unlikely to be granted, but that doesn't seem to me to be a reason to not have it. It seems to be a reason to improve it and maybe formalize it and just make it better. Does anybody on the committee have a contrary view? Does anybody go along with the office's proposal to abolish it just so we can be heard on that, or is it pretty much unanimous? (No audible response.) So, as you can see protesting doesn't seem to be a very viable option...unless the process and the USPTO's reaction to them has been drastically updated and from my experience the government doesn't ever move quickly on much of anything. Christine, I admire you for taking this on and for the information you have gotten and shared with everyone. You've gotten a lot further than I ever expected anyone would.

MHO it is the same wax. There can be a difference from batch to batch / season to season due to growing conditions. Of course a company is going to tell you it is "theirs" because they want you to buy from them...and it is "theirs" in the sense that they bought it

Stop using the beeswax it can actually hinder your throw, I don't care what someone else does that works for them it's not working for you. Make sure the FO is recommended for soy, then up your fo to one and a half oz per lb. Are you weighing the fo? and your wax? Now I am not a fan of "cure" time because mine need to smell right away and I use oils that do that but I see that you do let yours cure for a week or so before you burn them so you might continue that. I know some one will come on here and say if you have to use 1 1/2 oz per lb. then it's not a good fo, they only use 1 oz. yada yada yada....go ahead and use 1 1/2 what works for them may not work for others. Also, you aren't going to make money at this right away....so if you have to have money now I suggest a part time job and I am not saying this meanly. It is going to cost you a lot to make a good candle that you can sell and it will take quite a lot of candles and time to recoup our outlay. So I suggest: eliminate the beeswax add 1/2 oz more FO be sure you are weighing the wax and FO I hope the above works for you and you finally get a good thrower!

How hot was the gel when you poured it over the embeds? You really want the gel to be fairly cool before you pour over them...you can also put the embeds in the freezer for a minute or so before using them. It takes a bit of trying to let the gel get to the right temp before doing your over pour. I have always bought HPCD II from Penreco to make my embeds IMHO this is the BEST embed wax any where...but Jazzbo (poster here) makes fabulous embeds and maybe she will post the wax she uses.

What it means is that you can not use the name on any products that you make/carry that are the same/similar to theirs....it doesn't matter if you put the tm after it, that name belongs to that company for it's exclusive use on that type of product. You can not name a candle Votivo® and legally sell it with that name just because you use the symbol...you do not have the right to use that name or symbol only Votivo® has that legal right(this is just an example, don't know if they have TM'd the name or not). You can sell similar products but you must use a different name....now if you make an entirely different product like cement horseshoes, you can then use the name for that product unless someone else has TM'd it for cement horseshoes. Basically, when a company TM's a name for a product or products (there are many categories to file in) they are protecting their use of the name on those products. While it seems silly for them to be able to TM a common name they are TMing for use on a specific product or products so that is why it is allowed. Example, you can TM the name Sweet Dawg for use on shoes, or candles, or baby clothes. Once a TM is given for the name Sweet Dawg on baby clothes then no one else has the legal right to use it on their baby clothes....but if you want to file a TM for Sweet Dawg on candles you are free to do so and then use the name on your candles and no one else has the legal right to use it on their candles....but it may still be open for someone to TM that name on shoes. A U.S tm registration does not preclude you from still using the name in Scotland...but check with the Madrid Protocol to see just what your country's laws are. some countries do recognize the U.S.Trademark ... there is also International TM with other countries...you will have to research this. since I have no plans to go international I have not researched this. The cost to file International TM is prohibitive to me...but perhaps within your reach and desire. You can find answers to all questions or where to call to get answers at www.uspto.gov It takes a bit of reading but the answers are there. Unfortunately with the use of the internet names are going to be gobbled up quickly and most of us will be scrambling to come up with names that we can still use....with a cost to file for each name you have to have some financial where with all and a desire/belief that you are going to go BIG time to spend that kind of $$$$. I have two registered TM's that I filed myself and the above is based on some experience but is totally MHO. edited to add that if the company above has applied for the TM's on cosmetics only then you can still use them as candle names if they are not TM'd by someone else.

The Wicked Hunter (although people might think you are a mean outdoors sports supply)

Just a FYI those are jewelry crimps and the hole is to string wire through...it doesn't matter which way it goes and I usually snip them off also. You can buy wicks with a high top tab, would save that step for you.

If you're using Avery, at the top when you click Format there is a place in the menu that says "rotate", click on that and a box will pop up, then click on the orientation you want. Other programs also have the rotate feature.

Get some linen spray, use a fine mister and a soft rose fo....then lay them out on some foil and spray. Then you can also include a small bottle of linen mist in the basket...that's what I do and it works fine.

So the Apples and Oak fo is nonpolar, I suggest you try a different FO but make sure it has no citrus notes to it. My experience is that it is the polar FOs that will cloud the gel, I haven't had any nonpolars cloud .... (that said it is suggested that even if your fo is said to be nonpolar you should test it yourself because there have been cases of fo's said to be nonpolar being polar) And even though I am going to be chastised for this, I will tell you anyway that you can use more FO. You will of course test test test . Also try using a larger wick or, if you are using zinc, try one that burns hotter. This is trial and error, trial and error, trial and SUCCESS !!! I also suggest that when burning your testers that you place them in the sink just in case......In the 8 or so years I have been making/testing gels I have not had any incidents but I still do my testing in the sink because you just never know. I am not familiar with the other wax you are using so I can't make any suggestions there. Since these are for your own use (heck, even if they weren't) it's all about experimenting, formulating and learning what you can and can't do. It's very good and well to heed directions etc. but you won't find out what you can really do until you experiment...using some common sense of course. AH, just saw you are using a small mouth mason......you might try using a wider mouth container too.

What fo are you using? You will most likely get fuel smell from citrus type FOs.

Would also suggest a different wick for soy....try the RRD's or CD's

Have been making candles probably longer than Vicky has been out of high school so while I don't consider myself an expert I am old and have a lot of experience I check in here when I can but running a shop,making my candles etc. keeps me pretty busy but I do try to help when I can because many helped me when I started. My main focus is on containers ... just easier and take less time for me. First started selling molded candles way back when, then when gels became available sold them and then soy because,again easier for me and good sellers. As Vicky says, you are never done testing. Each new container, fo etc. needs to be tested. My first experience selling...and I figure you are asking about selling my candles, was at a large vendor show back in 1991 or so give or take a year or two..remember I am old and the mind isn't as sharp as it used to be :embarasse. My biggest nightmare was a box of CBL-141 that I use for making muffins and that was would not hold scent no matter what I did...and I made 122 muffins before I finally realized I had a dud:mad: It was my last box before the one show a year I do now and my muffins always sold out and paid for everything, sigh. I still have nightmares about it LOL. Again, Vicky gave THE BEST answer to "how to be just like you". You want to be yourself and find YOUR center. Find your wax,fo,wick,container choice, whether you want to sell wholesale,from home, craft shows or have a shop. (although I do have a lot of warnings about having your own shop, it works for me because of my unique circumstances). I think the very best advice I could give to anyone would be to focus. Don't fly all over the place at first, pick one or two things and do them the best you can. Spend your money wisely....just because you see someone else doing something or buying 200 FO's doesn't mean you have to do it too. If you are serious about this as a business I repeat: spend your money wisely. Plan, plan and focus, once you start making money you can then add, experiment etc. Focus on making the best candle you can.

Gel is where my business began and I still do a large percentage of it. When gel first hit there were several gel boards going hot and heavy, I moderated one and we had some kinds of fun discovering all we could do with the product. I think a lot of people got hit hard in the pocketbook as prices shot up, that and it does take a bit more time to make a candle scene or a forever candle...much easier to melt and pour another type of wax. My gel's smell just as strong, some stronger, than my other waxes ... which BTW I have many people buy and not light also because they are so strong, SIGH. I know of several gel makers in the Upstate, two with shops. Lots of people browse forums but don't participate so there might be more gel makers out there than you think.

Good grief! I would be upset too.

Bill you can do it either way BUT it is easiest to insert the votive or other glass into the gel empty, that way you can hold it on the inside with your fingers.... I like to get the insert glass level with the gel in the outer container, just looks better to me that way. There are a few methods to doing the inserts....you can add the insert while the gel in the outer container is still very warm and almost filled (gotta be a good judge of how much gel the insert will displace) or you can fill the outer container just to where the insert will sit, let it set up and then place your insert on top and pour enough gel into the outer container and around the insert just enough to hold the insert, let that gel set up and then do another pour. As with most things gel related it is a matter of what is easiest for you... experimenting will give you an idea of what works best. After I get the insert settled and evenly spaced then I wick it and fill it with gel.....then I provide instructions on how to remove the gel/wick once it has burned down and to replace with a votive or tealite. HTH some.

Sorry Vickie, but my years of experience with gel will have to heartily disagree with you. 5% of 16 ounces is 8/10 of an ounce, I dont think that 1/5 of an ounce qualifies for a "that way excedes" remark. I have used 1 oz. per lb of gel in mp for many years.....and luck has nothing to do with never having had a problem. It is testing, testing and more testing. Most manufacturers will err greatly on the minimum margin side for safety. 1 oz per lb will not blow you or anyone else up as long as you have high quality components and good quality glassware.

Is your FO gel safe? I have found that some fo's are more oily than others so I am betting the reason the gel is acting like it is is with the fo. You can use 1 oz fo per lb. Best to get a scale that measures in ounces...you can get nice digital ones for reasonable price...Kycandlewaxsupply has one for $25.00. First pour a very thin layer of gel, then add your shells, let that set up, then another thin layer of gel, let it set up and then finally cover the shells with gel and let that sit up until completely set and cool. Then continue pouring but pour on the cool side.

Have been in "real" business for six years, retail locations for five...first in the mall then free standing shops. It takes a LOT of product to meet your overhead...at the mall I had a partner and sold a variety of items along with candles and b&b. Would not have made overhead etc. if I wasn't splitting the costs and time at shop. Now I own my own building and my overhead is almost nothing...so I do make a profit. I built up a customer base from craft shows and setting up at the mall before moving into a shop. A lot of people don't stop to think that just because you open a store doesn't mean people will come in to it. You may find it takes quite some time to get people to shop with you. The only way I would do it again would be to start with my own building, and very low overhead...low enough that I could carry it without selling one thing....because there will be days you won't sell a thing. If you have been on any of the candle/soap boards you can see how many open their stores with high hopes only to close within months of opening them. Lack of capital and no idea of how long you may have to carry things usually do you in. I would love to tell everyone who wants a shop to go for it! If you really want it badly enough you will make it work! But the REALITY is you can work your booty off, have wonderful product, be determined etc. and still not make it. With rising gas prices and people unsure about the future buying has slowed...look and see how many stores have diversified their product line, you can get candles,gifts and Christmas galore in grocery stores, Lowe's carries candles, clothing stores are now offering candles and gifts. It can be done but you have to be very prepared financially and the wind has to be blowing in the right direction ...

Try not to start with the heavier oils...like Vanilla, cinnamon or balsam LOL...and try not to use too much color, you will usually have to wick up for both the deep color as well as the weight of the oil. Usually the heavier oils are darker in color and the bottle is not as full as the lighter oils. Notice I am not giving you any absolutes, because there will always be an exception and because a lot depends on your wax etc. Get a scale so you can measure your wax and FO, some may think it's not necessary but if you eventually decide to have a business it will make a difference in the long run. Try light clean scents, like Ocean...Lovespell...hopefully others will have some suggestions because I use a lot of heavy oils not too many light ones...am just now adding some lighter FO's to my line and then mainly in the melts. If you use the heavier oils, wick up one to two times the suggested wick size. Again, it will depend on your wax, wicks, FO, color, container etc. which is why testing is so important and why we harp on it so LOL. We can only give you general guidelines, it's not that we don't want to help but we can't possibly cover all the variables.

Domain names....sigh. If you even think you want one then get it and keep it I waited a day too long and someone got one I wanted...then they let it expire and someone else scooped it up ! Someone who wanted it to sell figuring I guess, that since someone was interested it would sell....well I had TM'd the name and was danged if I was going to pay extra...it took over a year but I now have that name...guess they finally figured out I wasn't going to pay and no one else would want a domain name that had a Trademarked name to it BUT I do consider myself lucky. You can check on GO-Daddy to see if the name is eligible to buy...if not keep checking and I can't stress enough to any one who is even thinking about a name to go and check out Go-Daddy search and be ready to buy it then if it is available.