SheilaW

What a good story teller you are. I enjoyed reading of your orb making attempts and I'm certain you'll have it down to a science in no time.

I've tried GL's 70/30 - like it - except I get some weird horizontal lines - can't seem to get my 4 inch containers wicked unless i double wick though.

Has anyone tried TN's 70/30? It's a little cheaper than GL's and is closer to my home, so I would hope shipping would be a bit less.

Anyone compare it to GL's?

I'm ordering a sample once I get back from vacation. Just wanted other folks insights.

Thanks

Yes, I have used both and really can't tell any difference. I switched from GL to TN because it's cheaper and the shipping is less for me.

I add my fo/eo to the Natrasorb, mix it real well and then add to the bath salts. It does a great job of retaining the smell and really comes alive when it hits the water.

Do this carefully, but put your stick blender into some hot sudsy water (dish detergent is what I use, to cut the grease) then turn the stick blender on. Presto! Kinda cleans itself. LOL Then I unplug and wipe carefully with a clean dishrag to make sure I got all the gunk off.

Plug it back in, then dip it into hot rinse water and turn on for a moment to rinse. Unplug and let dry.

When I'm ready to make lotion the next time, my stick blender goes into a bleach water solution and/or rubbing alcohol to prepare it for the next batch. Usually both, because I'm paranoid.

This is also how I clean mine. Seems to work.

I have a Coconut Bay(strong version) from Royal Aromatics that I'm really impressed with. Smells like the dupe to me.

Same here.

Love the way those look!

Satsuma from AH/RE.

I second this one. It holds up great in every thing I have put it in. Not to mention that it smells great.

I think your boyfriend is right. !!!!!

Even though you may love the fragrance that you have on everyone else may not want to taste it as you walk by.

If it's strong enough for you to smell it all day then I can assure you that it is much too strong for everyone else.

Just out of curiosity why would you want people to notice your perfume unless they are close to you???

I haven't used or even heard of " Coastal Scents" but Candle Science has good products and great customer service. I have an order of fo's coming in today. I thought I would try some of the ones I have seen recommended here. There are quite a few threads about their fo's.

I went to Coastal Scents and noticed that they are in Naples, they aren't listed in the state supplier list let us know how the fo's are.

There is a place in Daytona that is suppose to have good fo's ( http://www.soapsupplies.net/ ) It is next on my list to try but reviews have been good. What part of FL are you in? I'm in Palm Bay.

I store mine in the freezer. There is no difference what so ever even after 6 mos. in the freezer.

Hard to see but it looks like the black was a good choice. Congrats on doing so well so soon:cheesy2: Now post some bigger pictures!!

Hmm, trying to say Southside Scents makes me feel like I have a lisp ( say it fast a couple of times ) and seeing candle spelled with a K annoys me for some reason. Also if you decide to branch into B&B you would be stuck with the candle in your name.

I do like MissMary's suggestions though.

Also something about " Swanky Scents" catches my attention.

Okay, sorry no ideas here from me .

Hmmm, I really don't want to do that because I don't have some things like a crock pot.

I don't want to go buy a crock pot and decide this is a PITA, I will do CP instead. Then I have a crock pot I paid for sitting there.

Plus it will make the family see it sitting there and they will come up with recipes of their own (you know like food ones) for me to cook in it and that ain't happenin

I bought a crock pot at the thrift store for $2.00 (for soaping only) and my family knows better than to think I would actually prepare FOOD in the kitchen:rolleyes2

I use a metal funnel.

Make a small batch of each and that will give you an idea of which method you prefer.

Love the informative post. I have not tried this company but it is on my list since they carry a pretty big inventory. I hate the fact you have to order so much at a time though. I like little samples before investing such a large amount of money. But I suppose I could always throw it up for sale if I didn't like it!

Great post!!

I don't know if they still do it but they use to send you 3 or 4 2 oz samples for free/without an order.

I use Candlewics palm and unmold while it's still very hot, I use pam spray on the inside of my molds and I have never ever had a problem getting them out of the mold ( with a huge knock on wood!! )

Also I do mix the crystal and feather at around 50/50 so that may have something to do with it??

Sorry you're having that problem.

Royal Aromatics also has a lot of fo's and eo's. Large selection.

Cucumber Chaos~True and strong cucumber scent

Herbal Rosemary~Great Rosemary..very true.

Pumpkin Coffee~Awesome scent!

Vanilla Voodoo~ I like Millcreeks Extreme Vanilla just as good

These were all strong throwers for me in CB135.

The only one that I have gotten there that was a complete DUD was RED BANANA. Absolutely no hot or cold throw...nothing!

Still looking for a great banana scent!

Sorry the Red Banana didn't throw for you. I use it in 70/30 and I can smell it all through my house. It's one of my personal favorites.

ok, another question:

what happens if when you do your testing and your test is perfect. Then In the candle you sell or whatever something happens and the candle does not burn. Keep in mind it is the same batch of wax and same everything as your test..

Has anyone bought a batch of wicks that some may be defective in away?

P.s. please don't think I am against testing. (I have tested and tested since I have started) just looking for some expert advice..

Wicks can be very different from supplier to supplier. Batches of wax can vary. Fo formulations can change. ( suppliers don't always tell you when they switch manufactures of a certain product they sell. )

If I haven't changed anything I will still spot test to make sure that my candles are still burning the same.

what happens if when you do your testing and your test is perfect. Then In the candle you sell or whatever something happens and the candle does not burn. Keep in mind it is the same batch of wax and same everything as your test..

" and the candle does not burn" do you mean the wicks wont stay lit?

I would do a lot of research on EO's before putting them in any product but particularly in a leave on product.

Beautiful soap! The photo is very nice, shows off the color and subtle swirl.

From everything I read it seems that a nice lavender would be a good bet.

ETA I use a small amount of lav. in almost everything that is to be used on the face ( scrubs, creams, oils etc. ) I have CP'd a blend with lav. but not straight. E could probably give you the ins and outs on possible problems.

Now that's how an fo review should look. Good job.

On the other side of the coin, when I had first started making candles and didn't know squat about wax other than some of the differences between soy and paraffin. I was at the farmers market and a man was selling some really awesome looking food candles ( very expensive ones. ) I certainly had no aspirations to even trying to duplicate any of his stuff for me much less to sell. As I was admiring a blueberry cheescake I very innocently asked what kind of wax it was. He went into a mini rant about not giving out his formula. All I wanted to know really was if it was paraffin or soy and the man had no idea that I had ever made so much as tealight but he lost a sale that day. Sometimes when people ask how you make something it's because they are in awe not because they really want to "know" your formula.