Violetsexoticcandles

I would go with the heat gun. I always use a heat gun, even though a lot of my candles come out nearly perfect. It helps with those air pockets you may not even know are there. Good luck with retail! I've just started trying to market to local shops. I hope it pans out!

Hi Guys, I'm looking into getting my candles out to craft fairs. Does anyone know where I can go to find a listing of craft fairs in my area? There was one that I found, but they charge for the list. I'm in Upstate NY, about 25 minutes south of Albany. Thanks In Advance! Violet;)

oops forgot to subscribe!:undecided

I have a potential customer who only wants essential oils, pure dyes that are not chemically based and all natural wicks (no zinc). I have a supplier for all, but have no idea how to mix them, if they would require different wicks, etc. Currently I use C-3 soy from Nature Wax for containers, CD wicks, V-1 soy wax for votives. Can anyone tell me the process one would use to make soy candles with essential oils? I am planning on ordering from Save On Scents for my oils. They have: cedarwood, white grapefruit, lavender, lemon, orange & peppermint. They are really costly, though. I've been told essential oils are strong. Does this mean I'll have to use less per lb of wax? That'd help! Does anyone know a supplier close to NY who has more of a selection of scents in essential oils? Six is okay to start with, but my contact may want more of a variety. TIA! Violet

Hi There! What does ICS and FOS stand for? Also, DS? Thanks! Violet

Hi, What's A & S? Thanks! Violet:cool2:

OMG all of you guys are great but how will I choose? Thanks!

Anyone know of a good pillar blend? I have a blend from Cargill, but either it wasn't good or I was using the wrong wicks?? My sides would crumble and spill over the sides like tapered candles. I was using several different molds, one 3 lb flowerpot that is about 5 inches across, one pillar that was about 3 inches across and about 6 inches tall, one that was about 1.5 inches across and about 8 inches tall... After a while, I kinda gave up but it would be nice to use up the rest of the wax. Anyone know what wicks to use in this wax and my mold sizes? THANKS!

I ordered pink sugar because one of my customers requested it. Lemon Sugar sounds great! I have lemon verbena- very good strong scent.

I've seen monkey farts before- never smelled it though. Maybe I'll get a sample of it. I want citrus & sage, too. Cheesecake sounds yummy-

Hi Guys, Was just wondering what your favorite spring & summer scents are. I'm trying to figure out what to order and I only went into business last fall, so I'm in need of feedback as to what scents are really popular. Here is where I get my scents from: http://www.saveonscents.com/index.php/cPath/19_94_92 TIA! Violet:D

Hi Nancy, You sent me an email last week but I am wondering if you received my reply. Some of my emails don't seem to be getting through. Let me know!

That is insane! I couldn't imagine cooking my food with my wax. LOL. Wow.

I use C3, but I've heard of others using CD3's with different soy waxes for tealights and that's what I use. good luck!

Try CD12s. They worked great for me with 40% beeswax and 60% soy (C3). Good luck!

You should cover your container candles with lids after they've cooled completely in order to cure them. For tarts, after they've cooled, put them in ziplock baggies to cure, or something similar.

Banana nut bread! Try Save On Scents- they have an awesome banana nut bread, along with some other spectacular scents! And- free shipping for over $100 in scents ordered, plus! FREE samples if you order over $50. This is how I've tested scents to see if I like them. If you check out my website, most if not all of my scents are from SOS. That will give you an idea of what scents throw good, because the ones that didn't aren't for sale.

I use C3 and have wicked a 4", but never with LX. I use CD wicks. The only pain about them is the mushrooming. I use 2 CD12's in my 4 inchers. Wish I could help more!

Cure time can be important, especially with lighter scents. I have a candle that my son and I made 1.5 months ago- it's a light scent (awapuhi seaberry). We set it aside w/its lid on and keep smelling it every week, and every week, it's stronger. We're going to burn it in July for my bday. Other candles will cure for 24 hours and be fine to burn right away, great scent throw. I agree with the others- you've got to add your FO and color as soon as the wax is melted. I add the color first, stir for a couple minutes, then add the FL and stir for a bit longer. If it's a strong scent, like lemon or blackberry sage, I'm not too worried about stirring too much, just enough to blend. BUt a light scent will require all of the above. Add hot, stir like crazy, cure... I don't wait to pour til the wax cools to 110- I have C3 and I believe the pour temp recommendation is 165 but I pour immediately, then let them sit overnight, then hit the tops with my heat gun. I LOVE HEAT GUNS! I got mine at Home Depot and it is the greatest thing, next to my pyrex, of course.

Welcome and don't be afraid to ask. It would have saved me loads of time (& money) if I had started here.

Maybe try a healthfood store... Maybe you could use coconut oil? Hmm...

Thanks everyone!

The specks occur when not stirring the wax after adding color- you have to add the shavings when the wax is around 170 degrees. The caving happens with wax... I've found two ways to avoid most of the blemishes that are characteristic with soy- pour at 100-110 degrees, or buy a heat gun (I got mine at home depot) and blast them with it for a few seconds the next day. I bought a heat gun. Quickens up processing time. Good luck!

I've done this with tins, but not containers, and the soy wax was more crumbly than grubby. Any tips?

I just emailed you. Thanks!