CC on Maui

Not to mention they are all either dented, scratched or dirty with something on them that will not wipe off. Plus they are not even big enough to be 4 oz tins.

If they are all dented, scratched or dirty then you did not get what you paid for, and should be contacting them for a refund.

BTW, it is not unusual for 'less than case' quantities to be shipped as yours were.

Sorry you had a bad experience.

Here's the common name list. You'll have to look up the INCI's. Hoep this helps.

Coconut Oil

Palm Oil

Castor Oil

Safflower Oil

Glycerin

Purified Water

Sodium Hydroxide

Sorbitol

Sorbitan Oleate

Soybean Protein

The way these portion cups are constructed, the wax does not stick to them.

But my question is you say that you are going to use the wax used for containers as tarts......right? If so, it wont release from the packaging. These containers say they are microwaveable and are heavy duty. I think it would be great if you could pour directly into these and just put the lids on when cool! Anyone else using these?

Color me confused. I'm not sure why you would say that it won't release from the packaging? Wax pops right out of these small plastic cups. The whole purpose of using them would be that you can pour directly into them, snap the lid on, and VOILA! -- you're finished.

I buy my bags through these guys out of Richardson, Tx. They are an 80 ga wrap, not the 100 ga that alot of folks use.

www.kpak.com

Moonshadow -- if you'd like to try some out, I'd be happy to send you a few to experiment with. Let me know.

Aloha Holly,

We could probably give you better advice if you could breakdown each of your costs for us. This will allow us to zero in on the areas where your costs are out of synch, and perhaps some suggestions on where you could cut costs.

I've had the same experience with them that AJ mentioned.

Perhaps there are different grades of plastic used? I'd be looking for something pretty heavy-duty, especially if you plan to ship them.

Hi Moonshadow

I shrinkwrap all my pillars, but never found that I liked using the tubing. I could never get a nice clean seal on the top of my candles like I do with the shrink bags.

That said, the shrink bags I use are 6" wide x 11" long. I usually trim about an inch off this size bag to shrinkwrap my 3" x 7" round and triangle pillars.

Hope this helps.

If you just want to do this at the hobbyist level and don't want to invest a ton of money you should be able to find a postal or kitchen scale and a glass thermometer at almost any big box store for less than $15 combined.

And -- don't forget to pick up the #1 item you need before you ever start dabbling with candlemaking -- a Fire Extinguisher!

Nice job! Your labels look very professional!

If you have an area where you can place shelving overhead (if you don't have the floor space for a shelving fixture), you'll find that the vinyl coated closet shelving works great.

Never, ever put a food substance or other flammable substance in the body of your candle.

If you want that marshmallow fragrance, there are a variety of manufacturers that sell that fragrance oil.

Check out the links to the left for candlemaking info and tutorials.

I use the inkjet vinyl waterproof labels from Elements, as I didn't want to invest in a color laser at this junture. They work perfectly for me on both of my HP inkjet printers (a 940C and a 3820).

What kind of inkjet cartridges are you using (factory or remanufactured)?

That can make a difference.

Don't know what wax you are using, but I will get that appearance if I use too much vybar.

What concerns me is that alot of the sources quoted, were excerpts which were run from newspapers. They are discussing that there are a lot of lead wicks and I can only assume they are talking about imported candles in cheapie stores. The big producers in the US and the crafters like us aren't doing it, but there is no mention, it is just discussed as if the whole of the industry does this. They need to use impartial, factual sources before they change standards.

I see the National Candle Association is involved in this, but the ICGA (could have that wrong) should also be involved, it involves all of our business/hobbies.

I don't have my reference info handy, but if memory serves me, our zinc wicks still include a percentage of lead, however, at a level that is acceptable under current EPA standards.

I couldn't agree more with Dean's comments.

I love BCN. I've shopped them for a variety of needs for years now. They offer a great service experience, and I always get my order within a week of placing it -- and mine ships to Hawaii.

Check out Bittercreek's Hand & Body Lotion.

Hope you had a GREAT show today!

I buy direct from the manufacturer, however, I know Brambleberry carries it. I see you are in the midwest. Hopefully someone will come along with info on a closer supplier to you.

Did you try posting in the Classifieds for a few pounds to try out?

I think what I love the most about Bittercreek is that they continue to be consistent in their service, even as they grow their business.

For me, that speaks volumes.

I'll add this one, too. It is on creating a Press Release.

http://www.canadaone.com/promote/newsrelease2.html

I'd have a big-as-I-could-make-it sign saying, HAND-POURED.

In all my years in biz, I have never been asked for an unscented candle.

Perhaps it is because our biz is all about island fragrances. Maybe?

edited for my crappy spelling.

Thanks Sock Monkey. Good info!

I will be doing the happy dance for you. Hope you sell out!

Sounds like a fun weekend!