Judy, USMC

Reported that the subject changed and there's nothing but links. Off to investigate the other 30+ posts ...

I've been trying to find the Marshmallow Fireside too. Had a few comments about the B&BW ones being underwicked ... so if we ever find it I'm going to be sure to wick up.

The 444 is a container wax that is relatively soft. The beeswax makes the wax harder so the "fur" is stiffer. HTH

I use soy (444) with about a teaspoon of beeswax pp.

I've always wondered how they were made. Did you dip them from scratch or just to a grubby overlay to give them that look?

Was hoping to see the pic. Sample sizes always need so much more thought.

Please share, what type wax and what percentage of FO you are using? And, what size wicks did you test so far. Hard to guide you if we don't knwo what you've specifically tried so far.

If you are satisfied with the throw then stick with what you have. I'm terrible at predicting what would be best for you. If the wattage is higher you may get a better throw, but then may not be satisfied with the length of time the aroma will last. Sorry, can't be of more help.

Just my opinion/in my experience: Hot = fast melting and intense throw that doesn't last too awfully long. Slower melt is a more even throw that lasts a little longer. I test in 25 & 35 watt melters and both are the plate w/bowl. (Sometimes the throw from the 35watter can run me out of the house.)

I've always had melting problems with the square bowls. They never seem to completely melt for me. The bulb is round - and the plate is square - not the best design to begin with, IMO. I think any round warmer is better than a square. When I sell my melts I usually ask what type of melter they have - and if they say square I caution them that the corners will not completely melt with the wax I use. HTH

I've noticed (over years of doing melts) that the season has a lot to do with throw. During the summer, with the air conditioning on, the hotter warmers(larger wattage) will seem to throw more scent. But when the room is warmer the lower wattage will throw just fine. So a 40 watt may seem to fragrance an area for a long time during the summer --- but --- the melt "life" may seem shorter in the winter. Hope that makes sense.

Thanks ChandlerWicks! That's them ~ ordering my case now.

The federal regulation on this is contained in 16 CFR Part 500. If you are in a published directory (read phone book) you can just list your city & state. Otherwise the place of business of the manufacturer - physical address - needs to be on the label. The regulation does not address website or email addresses - they are too easy to abandon, I guess. They want to know where to find you! Here's the link: http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fpla/part500.htm HTH

Swift recovery wishes from me too! Will it affect your typing too? If you can't soap maybe you could write about it .... wink.

Barbara AL - I did watch the informative videos and noticed the black brace on your hand. Hope the surgery works!

From the information I got earlier this summer Ellipso sold to another company. The new company had decided they would discontinue the clear and only manufacture the black 1 ouncer's. I did send several requests for information but never got a response from the new guys. I hope they changed their minds; those clear ones were perfect for me and sold well.

Thanks Lorelei and MarineMom - Both of you have given me some great places to start! Just in those few places there is a wealth of info that I've tagged in my Favorites file. Now off to look for Anne Watson's book. Guess the Grosso book will be my Christmas present to myself. I'm sure I'll have enough research to keep me busy til then! Bless you for sharing.

I use the liquid dye from Candle Science - no odor. I have a habit of pouring several aromas at one time in the same area. I need to identify the different aromas and do that by coloring them.

There are so many information sources for a newbie but not all sources are the same. Some books are better than others ~ same with YouTube; soooo many of them have a lot of mis-information or use their own non-standard terms. In one book it even refers to trace as "the pudding stage." Problem is I (along with a lot of others) don't know enough to filter out the bad ones. There are kits available ... but I don't want to just follow directions. I want to start off on the right foot by learning not only what to do but what not to do. So can you recommend the best starting point for someone who wants some serious direction on where to go to start their research into general soap making? Where would you send them? Is there a specific book title; or a link to a blog; or maybe even a reputable supplier's site? I know there are several great places ... just have to find them! Thanks!

Haven't investigated the clamshells yet but I stopped by and got a pack at their Swanton, OH shop. I didn't see the weight on the pack ... and the Eucaluptus Mint that I got was more of a container blend so it was too hard to get it out in one piece to weight it. I think Impact is one manufacturer. And I know there is another one on the west coast. And I know there are a bunch of different sizes manufactured. It's worth investigating.

I haven't tried this at all but (based on the name & description) here's a link to one: http://www.candlesoylutions.com/closeup.asp?cid=27&pid=424&offset=0

Would love to try it - would you share who you got the FO's from? Cider Snap is former Flickers now at Elements - and it's great on its own - but not sure of the others. Seems the other FOs are avail from several suppliers ~ but not all are the same.

YES! That's great news ..

I've been very heavily involved organizing 2 craft fairs a year for a non-profit for the past 3 years. 2 ballrooms - 85 vendors - 125 spaces. It is a lot of work! Don't forget there are some venues that require "event" insurance that would cover injury liability. Free publicity is usually reserved for non-profits. Even if it's only a small fair (20-25 vendors) you will still need someone to man your space while you are tending to other things; it's difficult to set up your booth while answering questions or giving directions. If there is a Farmer's Market in your area you may want to contact them and see if they (or their vendors) will help advertise. Another way to get free advertising is to ask "clubs" (American Legion, VFW, Rotary, etc) if they would mention it in their newsletters. You would need to get all the info to them 2 months in advance. One piece of unsolicited advice: Don't charge for admission; people will pay to enter established fairs with a great reputation but won't for a new event. Wish you well!