mauimom

You know, I just spent a year planning my daughters wedding and putting bows on everything. Pink, of course. Organdy, silk, ribbon etc. I got some instructions from a couple of sites including DIY, but mostly I learned it myself. All the guests got a book which was wrapped both ways with a wide bow, the programs had a pink tulle bow at the top. Start with the first loop on a side that is a third shorter than the other. Make the second loop in the other hand. Then take the second loop and put it behind and under the first loop and pull lightly. Then just keep playing gently with it till you get both the tails to hang right. Then cut the tails even. And I cut the V shapes into mine. We had bows everywhere! But it was the wedding of the year, I can tell you. Good luck. Hope this helpes.

Could you tell me what you mean? Is the coat hanger used for cutting in a straight line....or for the swirl. Sorry to be such a dummy.

You know I almost added the cinnamon too. But I decided this first time to just go with the honey. But, I think for that size batch no more than 1/2 tsp. Because it would affect the color. And, right now, with the sunflower oil, the color is a beautiful cream/tan/light yellow. I like it, anyway. I was so happy that the oatmeal is well distributed throughout the mold. That would give me hope for the cinnamon, I think.

Woops!! I forgot 4 oz of Coconut Oil. Oh my!

Yea. I realize that I spelled votive wrong. Duh! Maybe that is why I had so much trouble. D'ya think? Anyway, I can't see posting pictures. No swirls, no fancy stuff, just good soap. 16 oz. lard, 9 oz. olive oil, 2 oz. sunflower oil, 1/2 cup pulverized oatmeal at trace along with 1 1/2 Tablespoon of fresh honey. I used the MMS directions for lye and water. Smells so good....even with no scent. I am so happy!! You have no idea.

Well, folks. Yesterday must have been my day. I managed to make 24 perfectly burning, purfectly scented, perfectly colored French Vanilla voltives... ..AND the most beautiful Oatmeal & Honey (CP) Soap. La..de..da! :whoohoo: I have been trying for weeks. Now my friends in my mountain community can finally get their Christmas presents! santa wink Thanks for all your help. By George, I think I've got it!

Well, folks. Yesterday must have been my day. I managed to make 24 perfectly burning, purfectly scented, perfectly colored French Vanilla voltives... ..AND the most beautiful Oatmeal & Honey (CP) Soap. La..de..da! :whoohoo: I have been trying for weeks. Now my friends in my mountain community can finally get their Christmas presents! santa wink Thanks for all your help. By George, I think I've got it!

Wow! I cannot believe that anybody would think that anybody on this site was trying to do anything but be helpful. I am just a beginner. Everybody has been so helpful and informative. I would not be this far without these threads. But I can tell you that all the candles that I have made in the last six weeks are being used only by me. I did not even like them enough to give to family and friends for Christmas. :embarasse (Now I did give them soap that I made.) And, If you are an expert already, please tell me more about what wicks to use with what size and what mold and what FO, etc., etc. These wicks are really bugging the hell out of me! I can only think that you are having a bad day. We are all with you and want the best for you and your fledging business. Insurance!!

God, my wax from Hobby Lobby was so bad that after I got some from a supplier, I threw it away! Never will I use it again. Also, Joann's supplies as well as Target's. All gone to the garbage!

Is anybody but me having trouble accessing the Bittercreek website? The home page comes up for me and then all other pages freeze.

You know, I am very new at this. For a week I used stuff that I bought at the local stores. Then I ordered wax and wicks and scents from Peak. The difference is unbelievable, the ease of production is better, and the cost of shipping and so on is not even noticible when you view and smell the final product. I wish there was some way to tell all us new candle crafters to go for the good stuff........FIRST! Or to put up a sign in these establishments that says, "Don't Buy" Guess not! Anyway, I thank all of you for your comments and help in the past couple of weeks. You have no idea how much help you have been to me. :highfive: Merry Christmas to all! santa cool

- I used an 8oz mushroom can to weigh out my FO. What's the best way to get the scent out of the can when I am done? I flushed it with hot water, ran some dish detergent through it, flushed some more, wiped it out, then put it in the oven to completely dry it. Well, gee whiz! I can't believe it. You have made wine, you have made jerky, and you are making candles, and you use mushrooms in a can??? Whatsupwiththat dude?? I am a new person to this craft too. Having lots of trouble (especially with wicks and the right sizes for the product, etc.) and some successes. Especially yesterday. Today I am wraping up the bad ones and giving them for Christmas to the neighbors that I don't particularly like. :rolleyes2 Not really! Anyway, I have a couple of large droppers to use for FO's right from the bottle. But first, I know how much the dropper weighs empty and full. I just don't get why some FO's indicate a larger wick. I too made an excel database. And I have modified it as I went along. I also included the outside conditions such as humidity and cold weather. I am way up in the mountains so it makes a difference. Good luck! To both of us!

First of all, congrats for quitting. It is not easy at all. I agree that you will have to clean carpets, drapes, towels, walls, etc., etc. And then, the way I found to really get the smell out is to put vinegar and water in the microwave and cook it a couple of times a day and then open the door, cook some vinegar and water on the stove, and then cook some cinnimon and alspice with water. Put some vinegar and baking soda in a spray bottle and use it for everything for a couple of weeks. Cleaning the counters, the sink, in the wash, the bathrooms...just clean everything that can be cleaned or dusted with water with that mixture for a while. Then have a spray bottle with just vinegar and water to use as air freshener for a while. Sit a pot of vinegar and water in the closet for a while where you keep your clothes. And yes, BURN LOTS OF CANDLES. I know what I am talking about. It will take a while, but you will soon get rid of the smell......and have a very clean house! Good luck to you. Tell everybody you know that you have quit so you will feel guilty having to tell those people that (if you ever smoke again) you were too weak to make it stick! :embarasse I am rooting for you! Way to go.

I am a two week old newbie. What the h#@# are tarts? Sure seems like a dumb question but...................

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! Were you really born in 1919? Pearl Harbor day on your birthday. Same as my grandma's. She was also born on December 7. 1888. Thanks for your kind words. I will get this right. I have to. I am giving candles to the neighbors for Christmas. After Christmas, I am on to SOAP also. Wish me luck. And, once again, Happy, Happy Birthday. Peace to all of us!

Well, excuse me. But what I thought as a failure is really pretty good. Ugly....most definately! But, the sent is good, both upper and lower. (What I consider within a few feet of the burning candle and upstairs. I really don't know what the nose is supposed to be aware of.) And the wick is burning perfectly! A beautiful burning candle. How can I complain. Tomorrow......on to better color! Thanks to everyone for their great, great, great support. Peace! Donna

Beautiful! Please tell me how to do that. Wow!

Well, bless the poster who told me last week not to get discourged. I made my first candles last week and they were great! Today, I made some voltive's which smell good but look like cookies. Then I made a pillar which looks good but smells like ..... I don't even know! Maybe I will take up woodworking......nah!