Judy, USMC

A couple of years ago Impact was manufacturing them (the little larger ones with the indented circle on the bottom of each of the 6 cubes). When Impact discontinued them I found them @ ICS. At that time they told me they had their own mold ... but I don't know where they are manufactured.

Do you think that, on that first burn, it's melting off the top shell and hitting the air pocket and that is causing the flare up? Or is it just that you are uncomfortable with the CSN flame height in general?

Really, REALLY nice! That is a talent I wish I had.

I've never been to the one in Atlanta - but I go to the Chicago Merchandise Mart Shows at least once a year. There was a slump the past few years but the feedback I've gotten from exhibitors there indicate that sales upticked a bit. So that is good news. And buyers are always looking for new and different goods so their shops don't get stale selling the same old-same old. I really hope it goes well for you. Keep us posted on the results please!

The first couple of years I would load up the FO in a candle to the maximum the wax would hold and scratched a few citruses (orange, lemon, lime) off the list because of the fuel smell. When I went back to them I found the fuel smell went away when I decreased the FO load. Went from a 9% load to 7%. Maybe try that if you like the fragrance. For melts I can load to the max and don't get the fuel odor.

I guess it's possible ... with a certain wax combo with underwicking and poured into a little larger votive holder. I doubt that it would be scented and have any noticable throw.

I'd have a couple of concerns. If it doubles as a clock the battery won't last long so what type of replacement battery does it take? Is there an adapter available and how much does that cost? Also, it doesn't tell you what the + or - tollerance is ... which can throw your measurements off especially if you are making small (votive size) testers. And if the whole unit is 8 1/4 x 6 1/4 the plate on top is probably much smaller which means if you are using a standard pour pot you may not be able to see the readout. You don't need an expensive model - but please don't get something that is too small or inaccurate just because it is less expensive.

I have use the Escali P115. The set of 2-AA batteries that came with it has lasted 4 years and counting on the first one I purchased. There are a ton of places that sell them if you do a search for it. The prices range from $25 (add shipping) to this one I found for $31.69 that includes shipping and has a variety of colors: http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/escali-scales/p115/p348360.aspx. At Candle Science they run $26.99 and added shipping would not run much more if you added it to an order. You may want to check with your supplier and see if they carry them. In any case (with the scale and shipping) I personally wouldn't pay more than the $31.69. The 136DK has the metal tray so it will not get "melted" like the plastic on the 115 but, speaking personally again, I don't think that feature is worth the extra $25. ETA - The melting is not from the heat of the container. I measure my FO's and sometimes a drop will get on the plastic and affect it; has absolutely no affect on the function or accuracy.

In my experience, the people who regularly burn votives buy the individual votives. However when they are making a purchase for gift giving they will get one poured into a holder and buy some "extras". So I'd recommend making individuals the bulk of your pouring ~ and then pick a great aroma to pour into a holder and package with a variety of other (different) individual aromas. Cut a cardboard bottom for a gusseted clear polypro bag, add some shred and a filled holder with 2-5 individuals. Add a hangtag at the top that has the required info and attach it with raffia. Low cost and a great gift giving idea. ETA - Actually I've done the above presentation all with individual votives ... just drop the scent you want into the votive holder. The wax I use needs to have the container heated before pouring to prevent jump lines. Using the individuals saves a lot of pouring prep time.

If they were stored properly I don't see why they wouldn't work ... but the only way to be sure is try one. I've had some that long that still smelled great but I had them poured into polypropelene containers and those containers stored in a screw top glass jar.

Actually I do all the above. Since I don't name them with holiday specific names I won't start putting the holiday aromas on special until the end of the season (March). Some of the ones that are considered Christmas-y (Mistletoe, Mulberry, Gincerbread) I actually keep in stock because it sells year round. In April I'll keep what I like and know I can use up and let friends & family opt for what they want. The rest of the wax products goes into storage and I'll start off next winter season with a sale to get rid of them. Remember - wax doesn't spoil so it depends on how much storage space you have. The room sprays should also hold over if you used the right preservative ... if not I'd get rid of them quickly. HTH

Jeanie must be a mind reader - that's exactly what I was thinking - the flame hit the void. I don't flip or wait until the tops are set to "wreck" them. I will break the thin top layer of hardened wax several times as it is cooling and then do a top-off. If I'm using CSN wicks I will off-set the wicks a bit to compensate for the curl but only 1/4 inch or so. Seems like the ones in the pic are off-set more than that. TreatYourNose ~ I would be interested in knowing what type wax and wicks you are using. May be able to offer more help.

During this time of the year I only do indoor shows and fairs. Maybe you could find some of them to do next year. Hope all goes well for your mother-in-law and speedy recovery to your husband. It does sound like a very busy season for you! Merry Christmas.

Another one that turns off & unplugs every day. I'll try to get it as empty as possible by then end of the day & try to leave the pot not more than 1/4 full.

Yes, both the Slatkin & White Barns state that they are made of vegetable waxes. The difference I've noticed is with the wicking on the Marshmallow Fireside. The Slatkin I got earlier in the year looked like it would drown out - but never did - which gave it a long burn time - and the hot throw was great. The White Barn I got a few days ago has a strong flame - deeper melt pool - but has a lighter hot throw. Looks like it may have gone from slightly under wicked to a bit over wicked. The wicking has me wondering also. It isn't self-trimming (doesn't curl) so that leaves a few options out. And there is no metal core so that leaves Zincs out too. Will be interested to see if there are any specific guesses.

And if it sounds just too generic you can turn it around and make it Herbal Lemon.

#1 in soy wax clamshell melts was Mistletoe (CS); ran out of stock twice. Sales seemed to be better this year ... but it may have been the location. Usually we are at a pavilion and this year we were at the Officers' Club. Suspect we had more attendees that came to just see the inside of the club and they wound up making purchases.

Could I recommend that you put out maybe 2 or 3 of each item? If you have more people at the next fair and one person has picked up the one you put on the table - then no one else can see or smell it. I personally keep 3 out and restock the table as items sell. Hope that helps.

Congratulations! Most important question - Did you enjoy yourself and have fun? Does not look like you had very much on the top of the table. Did you have more products underneath the table to put on the table as you sold the items? Too bad I couldn't read your poster - but I know absolutely no Italian. Good luck on the future fairs.

Thanks for the update - and the good news. Thank goodness you have an understanding husband. Hopefully you will be able to work out a schedule that will have several dedicated breaks for vacation time. With enough advanced notice your customers should be able to order around your timeline. Wishing you the best in 2013 too!

I have only gotten a handful of special orders at a fair. Only 3 from the last fair and 2 were from friends. I'd rather take the inventory and make a sale at the fair than take special orders that need to be delivered; delivery takes gas money and more time. I agree with Slliver - in my experience people want things they can take with them for gift giving especially this close to the holiday.

I think it's more of a regional/location thing. I can charge more for mine in Chicago than I can in Jacksonville, NC. I also can charge more at a local retail shop than I do at Craft Fairs. To me it all depends on the customer demographics. But then again I don't do internet sales so I don't have to worry about price conflicts.

Copied this from their website - "All of our other soaps are made with a blend of coconut and palm oils, sometimes with olive oil added. Milk protein is in our milk line and Honey is used in our Goats Milk & Honey products. ... Please see the “ingredients” tab of the individual product for a full listing of ingredients." Here's the link so you can but I haven't found the "ingredients tab" they mentioned. http://www.caswellmassey.com/bath-and-body-soap-bar-soap.aspx

My statement was for sales that you make when you are physically in the state. Online sales are different ~ it depends on the rules of the state and I'm not up on that. I'd check the state's department of revenue site to check their current laws.