Judy, USMC

I don't know about mixing FO with any straight liquid. It's like mixing oil & water. I'd be afraid the oil would separate out unless it was emulsified. The Dawn is advertised that it "cuts the grease" so that formulation above might work ... but then I don't think it could be used on glass or mirrors. Will be interesting to read other opinions.

If you are looking for a website that has free shipping try soap. com. 4 Mega rolls of select a size for $10 delivered free (with an order of $25 or more.) I ran into a deal in January. Local grocery was selling the patterned ones for 75 cents a roll, needless to say I bought them all! I believe the case has 24 rolls so you'd need to order 6 for a case.

I've found the 135 relatively easy to wick and the usual "wick up" advisory with vanillas. I do have some frosting issues especially with navy and brown dye. But then again I go with the flow - and if it frosts it frosts - but then I'm doing jelly jars so it just looks Rustic. Cure time is usually the same as with a lot of other soys (4-7days.) I have found some FO's will cure a little quicker. I stay with 135 because I like the throw. HTH

Please let us know how it works out for you! Would be interesting to hear how things go in your part of the country.

Isn't it funny that we will go through months/weeks of testing to perfect the perfect burn ... and then once you get that experience under your belt you can instictively toss a few "leftovers" together and make a beautiful creation like you did ... Congrats!

Only lost 2 sales because I didn't take credit cards in the past few years. Last craft fair had one check (from a personal friend) and the rest was cash. Had one ask if I took debit and, when I said no, came up with the cash. I round everything to .25 ... so 5's 1's and a roll of quarters is good advice.

Let those candles set for another few days and then light them off again. Let us know if that added cure time helps ...

You don't say if you are doing wax or B&B or soap. I do wax and also avoid outdoor shows. Have no opinion on soap or B&B. If you decide to do the conference you may want to consider labeling an item especially for the event. Maybe something fragranced with Angel dup and labeled with the title and year of the conference under the Fragrance name. If they are coming from all over the attendees can take back this "souvenier" and maybe pick up an extra to gift a friend who could not attend. And any leftovers can always be relabeled. HTH

Yes, it could. Or it could be that they were just not manufactured well to begin with. You don't have to spend a lot on name brands ... the most I've spent is $1.50 for a set from Walgreens. Others here have mentioned the dollar stores. It may be worth $1 to try a new set.

Hey Shar - I'm so glad you can confirm that it's identical. I usually don't post a FO unless I'm positive that it smells exactly the same. PM'ing you.

Sorry to hear that they were new but still didn't make a clean cut. Hope the next pair works better!

A new set of clippers used only to trim the wicks is the best ... sometimes used ones have nicks that don't fully cut through.

REPORTS - PICTURES. I'd love to know what I missed!

DITTO! Inexpensive enough to just buy a new one when the old one gets dull. Best price I've found are the ones that have the store brand engraved (Walgreens, CVS.) Best is Toenail but Fingernail also works just a little smaller and a little more cumbersome the lower the wick is in a jar.

I would be prepared with a tiered pricing scale. In my experience, chains expect a "per unit" price reduction based on order volume. (Ex: 1,000 units @ $2, 2,000 units @ $1.75, 4,000 units @ $1.25) Their margin will vary. They may order 1,000 units to start (their cost $2) and price them @ $5. If sales are strong and they reorder they may go up to 4,000 units and their cost goes down to $1.25 so their profit margin will be much larger. Vicky is correct. Please look at your bottom line and I hope you've considered including some factors. If they want a high volume and short (as in quick) delivery date do you have the capacity to do it? If you would need to hire help making the quantity they want your wholesale price may have to go up to cover increased labor. Or you may need to include a short term rental on a larger pouring facility. Make sure they give you a deposit and ensure that amount of money cover the cost of materials. And most importantly (I've found) include the cost of your own lawyer to review the contract before you sign it. So I'd recommend that you develope a wholesale price list that you would be comfortable with. And take your time when negotiations start ... don't be pressured into setting a price until you know exactly what size order they are willing to commit to. Remember they are looking to make the largest profit they can for the least amount they can pay you. HTH

Just as an added note - Cierra's is CoolWater(Mens) and runs $23.95 a pound. Bert's was a true bargain in comparison. But the demand is there for that version and my increased sales more than cover the cost.

Any update on the numbers? Can't believe it's just around the corner ...

I got mine from Cierra. Exact dup IMO. HTH

Dave ~ I have some CSN-7's in a 6 inch length. PM me you address if you'd like to try that size. If you have to go to a different series I'd recommend the CDN's. I know the above post compares the CD and HTP but have no idea how either would compare to the CSN.

I use 4786 for my paraffin candles. It's a 2-pour wax and I have to reserve some wax after the initial pour to do the top-off. Yep - I keep a pot on hand for each fragrance. Sometimes I have a good deal remaining after the second pour and would rather keep it for the next batch. As far as paper towels I've tried several. The absolute best ones for me are VIVA select-a-size. They absorb so well and I can decide if I need just 1 for a small clean up or 3 (equals 1 1/2 regular sheet) for larger jobs. Yes, they are a little more expensive - but I use less of them and it takes less time to do a job. HTH

Is JustRightCandleCo . com available? Just thinking that may be another alternative ...

Looks like it might be a residential or over-size charge that wasn't calculated in the original order. http://www.woodlandmarketing.com/shipping.html I hate when the cart won't calculate it in real time.

The key to burning Slatkin (I bought some at BBW) is to NOT trim the wicks ... either at the start or any time during burning.

Personally, that "ding" every few seconds would get on my nerves!