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samandkennasmom

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Posts posted by samandkennasmom

    Least favorite things

    in General Candle Making Discussions

    Posted

    -Getting everything all out and then neatly packed away each time (I am an organizing and clean freak).

    -Scooping and weighing out 4627.

    -Wax blend testing.

    -Math.

    Ya know, I never liked people like that..organizing & clean freaks! Cause I am a BIG TIME WANNA BE! would you come over to my house? Pretty please! LOL :yes::yes:

    I Have Lost My Passion for Making Candles

    in General Candle Making Discussions

    Posted

    I think this is the difference between loving a hobby and having the determination and passion and drive to run it as a business.

    30 years ago I loved photography. I had my first camera and I read everything I could on the subject and put all of my money into developing film and learning. I went to college and put my camera to work by photographing horse shows (where I was also a show groom) and selling my photos. It very quickly lost its appeal. I made money and that is always good in college, but I just didn't have the same passion and the time I usually spent trying out new techniques and searching for the "perfect lighting", well, I just wasn't in the mood because the "work" of photography took my passion. I learned that I loved it, but I didn't want it as a profession.P

    I am an artist with many mediums. A few years back I realized that I am a Process Artist. It's the process that I thrive in. I don't make the quilts that you sit and sew in an hour, that just doesn't appeal to me, I make quilts by hand, every single stitch from cutting the pieces by hand to hand sewing, hand assembling and then laying out, pinning and the the process of hand quilting begins. My creations are works of art, and when someone receives a quilt from me it's a sign that I really love you and gave up close to a year of my life to create that quilt. I don't mass produce them for that reason.

    My pottery is the same, I love the process from preparing the clay, to the zen, meditative quality of sitting at the wheel and creating the piece. Then trimming and decorating and glazing. The finished piece is functional and when I sit with a hot cup of tea with one of my mugs its a special feeling that the mug fits my hands, well, because it was made with these hands.

    I could go on, I knit, crochet, make rugs, embroidery. And my baking is a love that has followed me from the time I was very small. I learned to read with my mother's cookbook.

    Making candles is a new love of mine, my art is mastering the colors and creating a whole package that is beautiful and the candle works as it should. My frugal accountant's mind keeps an eye on the overall costs and keeps things real. It's a process, and that's what I thrive on. I am hoping that I can keep the momentum up, as I'm ready to sell and am moving forward on a business. It's an art and a science. The science keeps my mind active and the art pleases my creative side.

    It may be time to look deep and decide if you want a hobby that you love, or a business that you create and work for. Maybe try some of the more hands on candles like dipped tapers ( a new love!), creative pillars or even outdoor torches or sand candles. Look into your candle makers soul and pull out something new. Heck, some days I just melt down my paraffin and mess with colors to see what happens. While taking impeccable notes, of course.

    Wow, what a talented girl you are! I, too love reading your posts!:bliss:

    Wedding Favors

    in General Candle Making Discussions

    Posted

    I had a friend ask me to do make her some candles for her wedding. I've never did this before. Just wondering what kind of scents you all use for these? All she said mentioned is she might like something with a little flowery scent. Her wedding is in May. TIA!

    NEW! Ball Heritage Collection vintage blue pint masons

    in General Candle Making Discussions

    Posted

    Maybe there's a cure for your wet spots. What kind of wax do you use? Do you heat your jars? What pouring temp? How do you cool them? What's the temp in your candle room?

    If that doesn't work, check post #61 by debratant. She posted a cool pic and directions for how to turn one of these pretty blue jars into a hand pump jar for lotion or liquid soap, so you can make your own scented soap or lotion. Or you can fill it with white scented crumbles for your melter and tie a wooden scoop around the neck.

    You might be able to find those solar mason jar lids and make them into pretty lamps, or find your own little LED light to glue into the bottom of an old fashioned lid: http://www.masonjarsolarlidlights.com/home/

    They're kind of expensive, so maybe you can Google: wholesale solar mason lid.

    Here's a tutorial for making your own solar lid, and there are more tutorials if you don't like this one: http://www.familyhomeandlife.com/2012/03/mason-jar-solar-light.html

    Here's an easier tutorial for making your own solar lid: http://theprojecttable.blogspot.com/2011/12/mason-jar-solar-lights.html

    Oh, cool! This shows how to do it to a glass apothecary jar: http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/mason-jar-solar-light-instructions#axzz2PfogGWZ9

    Or if you're really ambitious, you can make chandeliers out of them! http://www.etsy.com/listing/122796971/vintage-aqua-mason-jar-solar-chandelier?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=weddings_mid&gclid=CLSazv3WtbYCFQTznAodP0AAUw

    I use soy wax, I do heat my jars, I pour @ 110 degrees, I've tried cooling them under a cooler and without. My temp in my candle room is about 68 degrees. I love all your ideas..hhmmmm wonder if I'm that ambitious! I like the crumble idea but I've never made them before! I may have to go the classies route!:sad2: thank you so much Horsescents for all your help and ideas! You the bomb Baby!

    NEW! Ball Heritage Collection vintage blue pint masons

    in General Candle Making Discussions

    Posted · Edited by samandkennasmom

    I ordered 60 jars from our local Ace and she called me today that they were here. I get there and she said..oh are you the one who ordered 60 cases of jars? Wow what are you going to with so many jars? I bought fell over! Just wondering if anyone has already made candles with them and if they were selling good for you. Does anyone know how long they will be available? TIA

    They ARE really nice! I love them!

    Peak FO's

    in Fragrance Discussion

    Posted

    I'm so excited too! Ordered 3 sample packs. I've never tried them before but always wanted to! I went over everyone's favorites and that's what I got! I can't wait! Thank you all for sharing your fav's! I appreciate all the help and willingness you all give:yay::thumbsup::rockon:*super banana*:wave::yay: I just love all these little dancing guys:grin2:

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