evesorto

I love oakmoss but it's not popular with too many. It's amasculine, fresh scent. I believe that, like vetiver, it is a major component of most colognes. I've used Tonys and Lonestar. Felt that they were both excellent but Lonestar was much better priced. hth, Eve

Hey Rottendog, At first I was not going to respond because I don't stir shit....but I do think you could use a bit of an education, so here it goes. If, by chance you were referring to me, please see the following posts at the bottom of this message. I had a complaint about FOH, I posted, and I got no resolution. If you check those posts you will see that I began trying to resolve my issue in September. In November, via this board, I finally got a response, however, you should note that while FOH finally conceded that the oil was bad, she did not offer me any reparation. In fact, reparation did not come until December, and along with that reparation, came a message that she (Kim) would no longer sell me oils (after I spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars testing). Her actions were very inappropriate and unprofessional; I posted it then and I concurred with a fellow board member in this thread. If you have a problem with it, that's your perogative. I believe it is my right to post such info, and I believe that I am providing valuable info to other board members. It's never personal...just business. http://www.craftserver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58606 http://www.craftserver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62816 Eve

Try the Choc Chip Cookie Dough from Lonestar.......I believe it is just as powerful as FOH...and $10 less per pound ($13.95/lb). Eve

Candlebuddy, You're not alone....I received poor treatment from Kim as well. She had wonderful customer service until I had a problem with an oil and then she/everything changed. When I posted my negative experience, she black listed me (after I spent hundreds of dollars testing her oils!). At first I was devastated, but as I saw her prices go up by 50%, I thought maybe it was for the best. If she is struggling, I would wish her nothing but speedy recovery. If she should get back into this business, I would hope she might do some things a little different. Eve

I started out with a shelf in the large double cabinet over the computer in the kitchen for my fragrance oil. Now, that cabinet is full. Eventually, I had to take over the two small cabinets above the fridge for wicks, color chips, wax, cello, stickums.... but, really whoever uses those cabinets anyway. I didn't have any room for the presto pot so I just had to steal a little space in my dish cabinet. That's the kitchen. I started out with just a small rubbermaid box that I kept in my walk in closet. But, they actually have these beautiful colorful units that stack, so now I have six of those to hold ribbon, labels, tealights, finished tarts. I just needed a little more space for those goodies that people are coming to pick up tomorrow, so I stole some space in my linen closet (master bath). Since, you get a better deal on lotion and gel bases when you buy in bulk......I just had to....only they don't fit in this linen closet, so I had to just steal a bit of space in the main bath linen closet. That's the bedroom and baths. Plus, I've taken over the majority of the garage for wax, packaging, the tent, the rolling cart, tables, cardboard risers, the 60 gallon box that goes to craft fairs, parties, etc..... And the beautiful, finished candles. They were on shelves in cabinets in my basement, of course.... While my son was away at school, I used his room to store hundreds of tart warmer gift sets bec I had no place to put them...fortunately, they are gone now, too. Oh, and the hall closet is where the jars are....almost forgot. Just writing this answer is overwhelming. I am extremely organized and this hobby has spilled over into every room in my home (except daughters br)......it's scary. Eve

I think these oils are mostly for candles, although if I recall right, the sensual amber (pink sugar) was b&b safe. Eve

Wax is igi 4627, fo is 10%, wick is eco 2 and container is a two oz. tin, appx 2" diameter. I am now allowing the candle to burn for 2 hours before I rate it. I am using my master bedroom which is appx 15'x20' with 8 ft ceilings. A rating of "10" means that the scent filled the room and was an extremely powerful scent. A rating of "9" means that the scent filled the room. Well, I finally got around to testing my $5 C&S Oils and I must say that in my wax they all threw amazing. All but one, had scent throw that earned a rating of 10. And on second burn, I decided that they really all threw a "10".....maybe candle nose? I am not sure about the cold throw on some of them though, because most of them did not make me swoon....but that could just be me. I will do my best to describe scents/give my take on them. Do note that throw was amazing so it would just depend on how a person feels about the scent. Red Currant- this was my favorite. It dupes Votivo and throw is a 10++. The 2 oz tin actually scented my whole open floor plan of LR, DR and Kitchen. Red Currant/Cassis - This was extremely similar, if not identical to Red Currant. Sensual Amber - Wonderful throw but not the bbw Sensual Amber. I think it more closely resembed ICS Pink Sugar. I will have to do a side by side, but I think I am right. Cold throw was very soft. White Peach and Habiscus - Absolutely beautiful, but I don't know what the heck I am smelling? It's clean, a bit fruity...It's feminine, too.........I don't know what to name it.....Maybe, Crazy Pill? Just kidding, but I will have to think long and hard...It reminded me of a candle shoppe...no distint scent that predominates? Cold throw was nice, but soft Spa Fusion - Again, absolutely beautiful= clean, a bit fruity, maybe feminine,,,,wait, Maybe very close to White Peach and Habiscus. My daughter thought so, too. Can anybody chime in on this? Perhaps, wrong label? Dunno Cinnamon Roll - Great throw, but kinda cinnamon roll....nothing that made me go "Wow"....but pleasant enough. Orange Pomander - this one was just OK for me. I guess it's a fall scent. Had to down my % to 8% bec of fuel smell. Org and spice , still no "wow" for me.....I don't think I'm a fall lover though. Lemongrass - another amazing throw.....nice enough.......Lemon. Nice Clean. Cold throw was nice and strong Lavender Lemongrass - amazing throw...just wasn't crazy about the scent. Very clean, herbal. Not sure how it compares to Lemon Lavender. Strong cold throw Green Scent - this was the one that I first gave a "9", then upped it to a "10" Throw was very, very good. Couldn't put my finger on what I was smelling though? Candle shop, maybe? Clean candle shop? Cold throw was ok, but didn't know what I was smelling Grapefruit and Tea - This scent was very pleasant but I wouldn't know how to describe it. Cold throw was a bit soft. Pear Drizzle - another amazing throw....which is good for a pear scent. I detected the caramel. I guess it could be called "creamy pear" ...not sure if this is a combo I like, but as I said before I am not a big fan of the fall smells (Cranberry and Apple are about as far as I have been able to go). Cold throw was pleasant enough. My top three would be Red Currant (and the identical Currant Cassis), White Peach Habiscus (and the extremely similar Spa Fusion) and the Grapefruit and Tea. The Sens Amber (Pink Sugar) was also very good. I am pleased with the throw on all of these oils. I just don't know if the cold throw on some of them will be enough to attract people to them. They would do well at craft fairs and candle parties where a candle is kept burning and people get a chance to experience the hot throw. No one would be disappointed with the throw on these candles. If economics are important, these oils could save you a bunch of money. Given the fact that peoples taste do vary, I am eager to see how these fo do; I will make a few candles up in each scent and see how it goes. Eve

It (Mango Sorbet) is the very best...but soo expensive....I will not use it in tarts. I only use the mango papaya for tarts. I've been holding off to purchase Mango Sorbet....so glad I waited. Eve

Holy Macaroni! $850 on fo at one shot..... I got Mango Sorbet, Cuc Mint, Victorian Rose, Peony, Apple Caramel Crunch, Clean Laundy and Mango Papaya....$112 with shipping for 112 oz....that makes me happy. Other than the Mango Sorbet, all the rest are the economy line. The Victorian Rose, Apple Caramel Crunch and Clean Laundry will all be new to me. I hope they are nice. Eve

Hi Grama, I think I emailed you re: the fact that AH was offering Nantucket Briar. It is very differnt from WSP and NG Version (which I prefer)...in my opinion the AH fo is "barely there"....not sure if the scent duplicated the original one that you prefer as I have never tried it. If you want what I have left of the ounce, let me know. Eve

I happen to have one of these from years ago before I started making candles (3 yrs old?). I just went to smell it. It is very, very nice ...vanilla maybe graham cracker...also something a bit fruit like....hard to explain. I've never smelled a fo quite like it....not as plain as very vanilla, not as buttery as vanilla romance, not as sweet as hansel and gretel....I've never tried it but I do see that Just scent carries it hth, Eve

I recently tried Flicker's Granny Pumpkin Cookies. Using it as my yard stick, NG Pumpkin Crunch doesn't come close (don't know if this is bec the NG oil was old....smelled a little off oob?). The Flickers is very strong (like CS Pumpkin Souffle) but sweeter , which I prefer. Just my take... I know people rave about Pumpkin Crunch, Vanilla Plum, etc.....they just didn't do it for me? Eve

Here are some reviews of oils which I bought off of the classys or received as free samples from various suppliers. Wax is igi 4627, fo is 10%, wick is eco 2 and container is a two oz. tin, appx 2" diameter. I am now allowing the candle to burn for 2 hours before I rate it. I am using my master bedroom which is appx 15'x20' with 8 ft ceilings. A rating of "10" means that the scent filled the room and was an extremely powerful scent. A rating of "9" means that the scent filled the room. A rating of "8" means that the scent filled the room but was a "barely there" type of scent. Anything lower than an "8", I rated as "0". Solas Vanilla Plum .....just so-so to me:sad2: .................................................9 AH Nantucket Briar....not sure if I have candle nose ......................................8 NG Pumpkin Crunch.......just ok to me ........................................................9 KY Apple Pie.....perfect equal amt apple/cinnamon ........................................10 SNC Apple Pie.....ok but prefer KY.............................................................9 FOH Apricot Vanilla.......very strong fruit van scent ...........................................10 Peak Home for Holidays....my fav of the bunch...just wish it was a bit stronger...........9 Working on a dozen C&S Scents....will post as a seperate thread. Eve

Banning or blacklisting is totally uncool....especially after you've spent hundreds of dollars on testing different oils. If a supplier wants to ban a person, then return the money that person spent on oil testing!! Shame on any supplier who practices such disgusting behavior. May they always get what's coming to them. And may those "banned" always be able to find their coveted oils on the classys for 50 cents an ounce! Sorry if I got carried away, Eve

I have sold many 7 oz tumblers, tart warmer sets (warmer, tarts) and tart refills, as well as some B&B sets. I sold out of everything excpet a few floral type candles. The most popular scents of the season were both from CS - Cranberry Marmalade and Mistletoe. I personally, preferred Flickers Cran Fig and Citrus Balsam, respectively, but the masses preferred the more traditional take (CS) on those two scents. I actually sold out of Cran Marmalade back at the end of October; If I had an extra 100 candles, I'm sure I would have sold them. The mistletoe lasted me thru the first two weeks of December but I didn't even start putting them out until end of Oct/ beginning of November. I also sold bayberry, Country Christmas (AH) but given the choice, people usually picked CS Mistletoe. This is why cold throw is such an important aspect of candle making. For non christmas scent, the winner hands down was AH's Interlude (Angel). I believe that the name speaks to the holiday time, as well as the scent. I can't wait to see (January) what scents people get "hooked" on and start requesting. For example, the CS Wildberry Mousse didn't do well (cold throw?) but I believe when people try it they will be hooked. Same with some others. I'm very excited about seeing what happens. The only post Christmas request that I have had so far were for B & B sets - in equal amts- for Angel (AH's Interlude) and Pink Sugar (ICS). I have learned alot this year. I am not the "typical" customer and my tastes do not run "mainstream". I do not mind making the more mainstream scents, as my daughter loves all of the cinnamon, apple, cranberry type scents, as do my friends. I always try to burn my favorites when people come to my home to pick up orders, this way they get a sense for how they make the house smell. I have also noticed that if you burn a particular scent at your home/ or a candle party, you will probably sell out of that scent, so in some respects, you can control your own inventory. Eve

Luckily for me, I have only had good experiences with ICS. However, I once had a situation with another supplier - oil was rancid and she refused to take responsibility. I was utterly shocked by her actions (or inaction) bec, I, too had spent an inordinate amount of money. I hope ICS rectifies, even if it not her fault and she is late, she could say, "Damn....I don't know what I was thinking." We all make mistakes/misjudgements, but I believe that there is always time to rectify. I was at a craft fair and I sold a single candle to a woman (small order). It was well wrapped in tissue paper. She walked around the corner and must have dropped it on the floor. The candle shattered. She came back to show me what happened. Of course, she was looking for some sort of restitution even though the error was hers. I gave her another candle, more tissue paper and another bag - free of charge. I consider this the cost of doing business. Luckily, it doesn't happen often(so far, only once for me). Sometimes in business, we have to fix things that aren't even our fault. I tried to explain this to the supplier in my above mentioned situation (FOH) to no avail. I hope that you have better luck with ICS...maybe she will read this thread and have second thoughts. I truly believe that it is never too late to pick up the pieces and start again. GL, Eve

I started selling too quickly (not big quantity, though) about 2 years ago. I read about business license, insurance, etc and this frightened me so I pulled back. This was a good thing because I became more involved in testing (which is my favorite part of candle making). I realize now that my first candles were good, but not great. I have learned so much. A few months back, I did get my license, insurance, tax id and sales tax collection certificate. I did very well throughout this holiday season and I did so with calm nerves because I know that I had set the business up in a professional manner. Now, I am equally confident about my candles as I am about my business structure. I just paid my first quarterly taxes. I didn't get incorporated, but I may do this eventually, if I stick with candle making/selling. The quantity was a bit overwhelming this season and I don't want to fall out of love with my hobby. I guess time will tell. I imagine that things will slow down a bit and I can regroup/test/play....I am looking foward to the down time. Eve

So glad it worked out........keep in mind for future reference, if you spend $300 with Nashville, you will receive free shipping. I noticed last year that my few orders to Nashville eventually added up to $300 (in three orders). Thinking ahead can save about $50-70 in savings (shipping). I'm hoping that I will get thru the year w/o ordering again. Eve

I played around with my formula a bit, using CS Mistletoe. 6 %FO was not good. 8% was only a bit better. 10% Fo was very good with an eco 6, awesome with an eco 8, however the eco 8 produced a large flame (which danced alot) and eventually a big mushroom formed. Such was not the case with the eco 6. I basically like the eco wicks (vs. rrd and lsz) and find that they don't produce the mushroom. In my jar, I tend to use an eco 6 for almost everything except Vanilla Sandalwood, with excellent results. I hoped for a little more scent with the Mistletoe so I just played around w/o much expectation. The eco 8 improved throw in that it worked/scented the room really quickly. I believe that the eco 6 scents nicely, just takes much longer to get there. I know that there is not an eco 7, but is there any type of equivalent? tia, Eve

Curious to know opinions of others. Wax is igi 4627, fo 10 %, 2 3/4" jar, Eco 6. FO is mistletoe and throw is very good. Was playing around with my set up and I tried an ECO 8, throw was amazing but flame was too big, dancing around and big shroom formed. My gut says settle for less throw bec a soot producing mushroom is not what I'm aiming for. Curious to know what others do in this unfortunate trade off situation. tia, Eve

Oils have arrived....very fast shipping. OOB they seem very nice. I did not encounter any funky chemical smells. The Red Currant and Red Currant & Cassis seem very close- perhaps I did not need to order both? The Sensual Amber is very nice, not sure it's a dupe though- maybe more of a sweet amber. The Peach Habiscus is very nice- reminds me of a perfume type, rather than a fruit type. The Lavender Lemongrass is heavy on the lavender, which I like. The Lemongrass is an herbal lemon. The Grapefruit/Tea is nice, but I feel as though I don't smell much grapefuit or tea? It kinda reminds me of a slight cherry? I know this sounds odd. I havent' used any tea type scents- it's probably the tea but I'm not used to it. Pear Drizzle is strong pear but there's a hint of something sweet to it (caramel?). Sea fusion is a waterfall/ rain type scent....not a salty ocean type. Green scent is an herbal clean. Cinnamon Roll and Orange Pomander were the two sweet ones in the bunch. Both seem very nice oob, could definitely be used this time of year. Will test and review soon (waiting on 2 oz tins). Eve

Check out Nashville Wraps........they have both those sizes in a clear frosted........and right now they have a bogo sale. You can buy the big size and then recieve the smaller size for free. hth Eve

Here's what I went with....based on some of your reccomendations, as well as cust serv at C & S. For every five bottles ordered, one is free. I can't get over it.....12 lb of fragrance for $50...I think that is about 25 cents/oz. Fusion Sea Grapefruit and Tea Herbal Lavendar & Lemongrass Red Currant Sensual Amber (BBW type) White Peach & Hibiscus Orange Pomander Cinnamon Roll Green Scent Lemongrass Majoram Pear Drizzle Red Currant with Cassis I'll review once I get them into wax.

I spoke with a nice woman on the phone today from C & S (to find out my shpping). She reccomended the White Peach Habiscus and Orange Pomander from the $5 special. I am going to give these oils a try along with some of the others that I previously listed. Would still love to hear yays and nays regarding oils. thanks, eve

Can anyone give me any input on these C&S oils? Grapefruit and Tea Herbal Lavendar & Lemongrass Pear Drizzle Peach Cilantro Pineapple Cassis Freesia Red Currant Red Currant with Cassis Sensual Amber (BBW type) Spiced Vanilla Tomato Sage Spring Blossoms Sea Fusion They are scent specials. Once I bought inexpensive oils off of ebay (unkown supplier) and they were incapable of incorporating with wax. I believe that this company is reputable, hoping I won't have that type of problem. I know that throw is hit or miss, but would like to know that I could use oils for tarts regardless. Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks, Eve