Wow what a crazy thread, I did not start with a kit, I started at the Candle Science website, started with 50 lbs of wax, lx wicks, jj's, 2 pour pitchers, thermometer and a old electric skillet. Also 8 ounces each fragrance I wanted. I was completely candle crazy for at least a year, reading and testing. After a year I took a complete month off, then after awhile finally joined this board. The cool thing is that I usually get "donations" from friends and family. The uncool thing is that I am only satisfied with about 20% of the fragrances I test in soy. Making candles is a blast, don't take the ingredients very serioulsy, and only mention this hobby to a few people or you will get a huge following of "testers" but that is what makes this fun. Im not even sure now if I answered your question. Have a good one! Natalie