chiptooth

Yes, I made the printer with one of my graphic programs. I love personalizing the bears

That was a needed laugh thank you. Candle making...stress reliever...all the testing and wick mushrooming, and pooling, and no hot throw...Really, I used to love making candles (I used to do soy) but the market in my area has become sort of flooded and with everything in my life topsy turvey right now, I just got tired of dragging everything into my kitchen to make candles, that's why I really enjoy the bears. I still get to work with wax and fragrance but I also love to sew and crochet so when I design a bear, I can usually use one of my other talents.

Hi everyone, it's been a very long time since I've posted anything in the forums. Dealing with an impending divorce and trying to get my life back on track and restarted, I had to step away from my candle and craft business. Being, financially strapped, I suddenly became motivated to get some supplies out again to make a couple graduation gifts. This bear is scented "Hot Apple Pie" I crocheted the cap.

Those look great. Wish I had one for my son to wear to school tomorrow. I just got done decorating a large chocolate chip cookie with the Pi symbol. He will get 10 extra credit points in algebra for bringing it in to class. He has an A but nothing like having insurance!

Thanks Bernadette, you are correct. I wasn't slandering anyone's intelligence or capability, just was thinking that if they were having trouble with english that they might have trouble reading instructions properly.

that's plain ol' scary. Maybe you should direct this person to an English language class before they attempt to do something dangerous like mess with hot liquids and fire.

I haven't poured any candles in awhile but I used to order a soy pillar wax from At Wix End and it came in bags was off white in color and was flat disk shaped. It is labeled "homegrown soy palm pillar/votive wax. Once poured it has a crystal type pattern. Hope this helps. http://www.atwixend.com/product_info.php?products_id=274&category_id=7?osCsid=146bf0dc37cc00ba616a56c917da6f56

I'm definately keeping the name "The Scented Stitch" I was looking for a tag line to go along with the name. I've decided though that I'm not stuck on the "hook" part of the word because the major feature of my business is the sewn things and some things will be scented (like scented hot pads) and I will still do my air freshener bears (which I call fraggles...fragrant animals) and I'll keep my line of hanging air fresheners. At this point, I'm not even sure that a tag line is necessary, but if using one, I definately like to incorporate the word Handmade in it so people know that I'm not carrying bulk items from China (like the only other gift store in my town) Anyway....this is a work in progress, keep the ideas, criticisms, etc. coming....many minds thinking together!

I thought I'd get some bites for birthday parties after my daughter had hers, but nothing. Although I really need the money now, I'm not pursuing the business for the financial aspect. I really feel there is a need to get back to some good old fashioned stuff like the crocheting, sewing...hands on skill type things that reap useful benefits as well as building self esteem and might keep some kids from getting in trouble. In our town, if you're not in sports or dance, there is absolutely nothing for you to do within walking distance. There is also a need for a place to buy craft supplies here. In talking to the chamber president, I think I will have a good thing going. I've had a couple scout leaders ask when I'd be ready to start classes and I've had many adults telling me they would like to sign up for learning something new....anyway, thanks again everyone for the input and I guess I better get busy. I have 5 bears to dip and turn into cheerleaders for next sat. football banquet.

Awww come on, give me a break...my car died 12/22. I'd love to say I made an amount with a few extra zeros! Thanks everyone. I'll be sure to post some updates.

After brainstorming with some friends we've agreed on the following tag line: The Scented Stitch....Handmade Gifts That Hook Your Senses (royalty checks for all those who helped with the name will be sent after my first $1,000.00 in sales) LOL

OOOh keep 'em coming. I chose the "stitch" because I do a lot of sewing as well as crocheting and my mom knits and my sister makes jewelry (not really stitching, but I won't deny her selling anything in the store) so I'm covering all our bases. My DREAM is to open a shop not only to sell my things but I want to offer classes, mostly for kids. We don't have any place in town to buy supplies and definately don't have anyplace to learn how to use craft supplies. Our library has a knitting group on Thursday night that has grown in popularity. There isn't much in our town to do and I really feel that we need to teach the younger generation some of these "old fashioned" things so that they aren't lost and so that kids keep their minds active and imaginative and boosts their self esteem..so that they have something to show for their efforts. Time to put down the game and tv controllers (as my son sits and plays xbox with his friends and another friend is calling in on Skype) I would also like to be able to offer make and take birthday parties . Last year my daughter invited 4 friends to a " bubble blast birthday" I let them make glycerin soap in 3 different molds with different fragrances and colors and glitter and embeds. We also made some bath salts and they had a blast. A conversation between them and my daughter went something like this: "this was so much fun, you're so lucky" daughter replied: "why" "cause you get to do this stuff all the time" "No I don't" "why, doesn't your mother allow" "Oh I can do this stuff anytime I want, I just don't want to" Not sure where she came from. My aunts are also very crafty with one thing or another and my daughter isn't interested in any of it. There is a building for rent in our town right on the corner of the main intersection. Not sure of the footage but it has a couple of rooms in the back that could be used for classrooms. They are asking $475/month but the chamber president said I probably could get it for $400 which is very steep right now for me since I need a new car and am looking for a new house for the kids and I. So, I'm gonna start small with the name trademark and get things listed in my artfire shop and then plan on having a booth at our big fourth of july festival this summer and hopefully will get feedback on my ideas. Thanks for the name ideas. Keep brainstorming. I really like what's been suggested so far.

I haven't posted here in a very long time but pop in every once in awhile to see what everyone is up to. Having recently separated from my husband after 16.5 yrs (for the better) I'm finding myself not having time to do anything but paint and fix up the house that he never did anything too, but I need to bring some extra (never extra really) income so I can keep the house and as of 12/22 my van died and is headed for the scrap yard. I burned my last candle from my stock at work and decided I need to take a step back for awhile and get my life back on track. I have been enjoying my crocheting and my crocheting but don't want to totally step away from the aroma world, so I'm combining the too and at the prodding of my hair dresser and president of the town Chamber of Commerce...my New Years Resolution is going to be to get serious with the launching of my new business and hopefully a storefront down the road. Business will be called "The Scented Stitch" I'm stuck on the catch phrase. I was thinking: Gifts handmade from the heart.....???? Handmade gifts that ???? your senses Hopefully somebody has some good ideas. Words are just failing me at the moment.

Have to sell lots of tote bags first. Someday!!!

all the more reason for me needing to buy an embroidery machine. LOL!

Is there a pattern for these?

Thanks Texasbrat... I have been dreaming about getting an embroidery machine for years but with my kids and their sports I'm longing for a good digital camera with zoom lenses. I definately need to get the embroider out of the box ( I managed to get it out of the cupboard) so I can embroider and iron on the initials right at the craft show. The show I had planned on for 11/6 got cancelled, so plenty of time for me to practice before the next one.

I always have a "clearance" section at my craft shows, but I put it at the back of my booth and off to the side away from the "good" stuff. Most often people have always purchased things then turn to leave and say "oh here's some clearance stuff" and buy some of it too.

These are really cute. I make my dipped school spirit bears wear tossle caps and scarves that I've crocheted as well as yarn pom poms. It is a tough market here and I sell them each for $12.00

Thanks everyone. Her party was actually Saturday afternoon at the gym. She wasn't as thrilled about it as all the moms were. I was hoping all the little girls liked it and would want one of their own. That's a 4 yr. old for ya though, she liked the barbies, my little ponies, and zhu zhu pets much better! I had sooo much fun making it that I can't wait to get more cut out and sewn. My head is realing with ideas for the fabrics I have on hand. Can't wait to get to Joann fabrics and michaels on Wed. when I'm off to get trims and embelishments. The letters on the pockets are iron on. I don't have an embroidery sewing machine. I do have a Brother application station that I bought many moons ago that will embroider letters and other pre-programmed things but I've never even taken it out of the box to try it. I guess now would be a good time!

Having gotten down to my last 2 lbs. of wax and being burned out with wax, and wix and dragging shelving and heavy boxes to craft shows, I decided to step back and take a break and get back to my sewing and crocheting. I always make my cousins little girl a homemade birthday gift. She turns 4 in a few days and has started taking gymnastics and dance and I thought it would be nice for her to have something to put her stuff in. I had so much fun making this that I'm anxious to make more along with tooth fairy pillows and not sure what else in order to get ready for a craft fair on 11/6 and 11/13. It will be so nice not having to carry heavy stuff.

That's just rude. I think the scentsy reps are taught how to speak rudely. We have a 3 day arts/crafts/foods festival in our town during 4th of July. The registration rules specifically state Handmade items only, no selling of "home party or chain type things (home interior, avon etc.) there was a tiff this year because a Scentsy person snuck in. After a heated argument the day of set up and other vendors complaining...she was allowed to stay because the fee had already been paid and they were short on vendors this year but she wouldn't be allowed back next year. Anyway, I sort of wandered past the booth to check it out and overheard her telling the group of people gathered in her area that these were the best melts made blah, blah, blah and when someone asked if the melts she bought at another booth could be used in the scentsy burner...oh, what a story she was told. I soo wanted to step in and tell the customer to not listen to the BS. It's tough to turn the other cheek sometimes but as long as you know your product is good and others agree, don't let that woman bother you.

this is my number one seller. I can't say that I detect any chocolate in it either.

Thanks Donna-Do. I just checked that sight out. I will definately give it a try.

I have an officejet pro HP printer and although I love how fast it prints and the quality, the $$ of ink is killing me. I was looking on Ebay and found many off brand replacement cartridges that are supposed to be compatible. In the past I filled my own ink cartridges with a much cheaper printer. Has anyone used a compatible brand for their printer. I don't want to chance messing it up.