Violetsexoticcandles

Hi, What is WSP? Thanks!

Hi Guys, I'm intrigued with the idea of making aroma beads. I saw them on Bitter Creek, but I bet shipping would kick my butt from there. Anyone know of anywhere closer? TIA!

You mean the grubby look, right? I've done something like that- still didn't get it as smooth and creamy looking, more like coconut pieces than whipped topping. I'd be interested in knowing how they do it, too... Maybe they use some sort of frosting tool like one of those tubes with tips? Hmm...

I use Nature Wax, C-3. It's great and if you invest in a heat gun, you don't have to worry about ugly tops. :rolleyes2

Nat- I guess I didn't think of that! Oops. Good to know!

Usually 1 to 1.5 oz per lb is called for... but less for stronger scents. For example, I have a spring rain that is so strong i only use 3/4 oz per lb. I guess experimenting is the only way to go! The good thing about tarts is that over-scenting won't clog wicks.... but it will make the tarts sticky! Yuck. Good luck!

I made a bunch of chunk candles last night. 2 are spring rain (blue), 2 are strawberry rhubarb, 1 is strawberry daquiri and 1 is strawberry colada (I had WAY too much strawberry made... lol). This was fun and very cool! Can't wait to make bigger jars!

I've seen soy chunk candles on ebay- they look really cool. Wonder how well they sell? I did something similar last year- but I just dropped the chunks in after pouring the initial candle. Didn't know to add the chunks first. I'll let you know how mine turns out when I try this tonight. Violet

Hi Kristi, I did something like this before, but probably didn't use enough chunks (they were scraps I had laying around). They really didn't show through. I'm just worried that the overpour will reduce the affect. Soy isn't opaque like paraffin. Oh and how do I warm the jar? Would a heat gun work? I'm gonna play around with it tonight. Thanks for your advice.

Hi Kristi, How do you get the chunks to stick to the side of the glass? I'd like to try it. Thanks~ Violet

I agree with Cindy- either the FO just isn't going to work in soy or the wick size may be the issue. Maybe if you wick up it will solve the problem. Also, curing does seem to work, as well. Good luck!

Hey Natalie- What's a spicket? Also, I too use a measuring cup... it's imprecise until you know how many cups needed for a certain container. I guess that's where the glass measuring cup comes in handy! Ever since I started using a glass measuring cup I know I'm dead-on about how many ounces are in my different containers. Don't know if this helped...

Good to know! WOW! I've been using the microwave for months. I have a reg melting pot/double boiler set up, but it takes a lot longer. Presto pot? Maybe I'll look into it, esp after reading this post!

Invest in a heat gun and go 100% soy! I bought mine at Home Depot- it was $30.... well worth it if you're selling your candles. Try Nature Wax C-3 too... a great wax to use and scent throw is awesome with most scents! Or let your wax cool to around 110 degrees before pouring. It also depends on the container you're using. Best of luck!

Eh YES Yank's prices are high and they don't burn well either! Forget the scent throw. I started making soy candles because I simply couldn't afford their prices, but loved their scents. BUT- when I started making my own and realized how much they cheat people out of scent throw, I will never go back to paraffin!!!!!!!!!!!!! Same with Party Lite... Walk into a candle shop that sells Yankee and see what happens! DOLLARS flying right outta your pocket! Why bother? Make your own and sell a few to make things even out.

Yes I have! Ebay customers don't like to buy votives or tarts at the prices I need to cover costs but I've worked up a customer base of about 50 so far. You're opening a shop! COOL! I wish I could! What will you offer? Okay going to check my email now...

Awesome, Nancy! Just remember- CD12's work best- they burn the cleanest. MUST use a very tight fitting container. And make sure your molds/wick pins are warm enough when pouring= room temp. Good luck and stay in touch! Violet

Hi Nancy, Shipping definitely is a huge factor on whether I stay in business. I just ordered a LARGE amount of C3 (200 lbs). I'm in the big leagues now! Hehe... I live in Kinderhook, which is about halfway between Hudson and Albany. How long have you been in the soy candle biz (or experimenting)? I've been at it since August. Still have some frustrations w/certain things. Soy is touchy... lol. Violet

Hey Nancy I get my V1 from The Natural Artisan in Vermont. It's about $18 for shipping and about $49 for 50 lbs. I get my C3 from Connecticut (The Jar Store). I wish they carried V1, but they don't because they said that they don't sell molds, therefore don't sell the wax to make pillars/votives. Too bad. I actually like the C3 mixed with beeswax- it burned great for me today. I don't know if I can afford to keep it up once the wax is gone, though- beeswax is expensive. Hunter Mountain, eh? Cool!!! You're only about an hour away from me. Maybe we could help each other out. Have you tried selling locally? Email me- violet@violetsexoticcandles.com

I use V1 with CD 12 wicks. If burned in a tight container, it burns clean every time! I'm experimenting with C3 & beeswax combo right now; 60% C3 and 40% beeswax pastilles. Poured right when wax melted, no color, cd 12 wick, strawberry rhubarb scent. Burning one right now to see how it does- if it does well, I'll probably use this combo, then no more need to use 2 different types of soy! The issue I've had with V1 is that the wax cracks, especially during cold spells... never affected burning, but doesn't look pretty. The beeswax/C3 combo came out suuuper smooth! I'll let you guys know if this works better.

Do you have a distributor list for Golden Brands? I'm looking for one close to Upstate NY. Thanks, Violet:D

Save on Scents' Strawberry Rhubarb is great! Smells just like a strawberry, not like bubble bath like some other strawberries.

I haven't ever used dye chips but have used dye blocks. I got them from NorthStar and they're soy based. They have dye chips there. I hear that the chips are a lot more accurate and easier to mix. If you happen to get some, let us know how they work out!

Hi there, I have used c-3 for tarts when I have extra wax, but learned the hard way to spray the molds with mold-release first (use plenty of it, too). Also, with certain colors and molds, it won't always come out okay and/or it'll be sticky and cracked. I really love V-1 for tarts/votives. Much easier to get them out of molds and they look better. White tarts seem to turn out fine with C-3, though. Good luck!

Different fragrances call for different amounts... I have some scents I can use 1 oz per pound of soy, and some others I have to use more. It's a general rule that you use 1-1.5 ounces per lb with soy. The key is testing the scents. That is the part that is the key...