SnowCow

If you heat your molds, it will also help create a smooth finish. It doesn't need to be real hot, just not cool. I use a blowdryer.

do you heat the molds? once i started doing that, my pits went away (unless my mold is really dirty....that's anothter issue). different fo's will mottle a little differently. i've not used that wax, so can't be of too much help there.

in texas you have to charge tax on shipping too. i don't often ship stuff through UPS or FedEx, so i don't remember if you have to pay tax when going through a shipping company too. if not, maybe we have to collect tax b/c it's more of a shipping AND handling charge (the service of us shipping and packaging). dunno...

my dh hates peaks hot chocolate b/c it lingers so long. he also hates when i pour sugar cookie or cinnamon buns b/c he actually gets this idea in his head that i am cooking. why, i'm not sure. i hate to pour roasted chestnuts...makes me gag. i also hate rose. it's always given me a headache in any form.

i usually don't trim when i do a power burn. i just light it up and let it go! I only trim if the melt pool is getting really big and/or it is about to burn a hole in the side/overflow. i don't think i have ever done this on a first burn. i do it to see if, worst case someone left it burning for way too long, what it would do. some have overflowed, but many don't.

VERY pretty! I have yet to pour my sample, but i need to get on it!

that does seem a bit of a hazard. i guess as long as the nuts were kept well below the flame it should be ok.

maybe the wick isn't burning hot enough? not too sure if everything else is the same. is it a new batch/box of wax? i've had inconsistent boxes, but luckily the throw has been the same.

i don't have problems with the finished look when pouring at angles even with splashes up the side - they always seem to melt once i pour and *poof* gone. you could try heating the mold with heat gun or hairdryer before pouring next layer so any splashes melt down to the next layer. or.....are you talking about drips outside the mold? don't know what to tell you there, but maybe pour faster? i get drips down my pot, but not usually my mold. i;m sure i'm no help!

ya'll are way too funny! i don't wash my pots. after i pour, i put them back in the double boiler to melt the wax (the little left usually sets before i get it back to the pot) then wipe with a towel. I used to like it REALLY clean and would wipe every last little bit possible, but that stopped when i realized it didn't matter that much. i buy the papertowels at Sam's and have no clue what brand, but i do like the Viva too.

I have electric stove and still use a separate burner. I would hate to get my regular stove all dirty and have to clean it up all the time. I'm good at spilling dye and all kinds of other stuff. anyways.....the little $5 burners from wal-mart work great and have lasted much longer than my $25 one from the hardware store. go figure!

i haven't tried the new wax, but last time i ordered 1343 from peaks it came in a 1343 box, but it was more like 4625. it was very creamy looking and made the most beautiful solid colored candles you could imagine. then i ordered 1343a from lonestar and it looks like it should, but mottling is all off. mottles less with stearic and more with vybar. that is some srewed up wax. hope you can figure it out. maybe try changing the pouring temp. you just never know what will help.

it seems i poke them about the same time katinka does. the top should be fairly firm. after you poke and the wax cools more, you should see some of the wax below the holes. if you don't, poke again. i usually end up poking two times. just depends on how impatient i am feeling that day.

i sell 3x4 like crazy! some are probably close to 3x3.5 too. i only charge 6.5 and they are the most popular.

i use vicks, eucalyptus and peppermint. have a friend and just loves them. actually, this reminded me that i need to make about 5 for her. i just put them in the larger baby food jars.

they do like nice! great job!

wholesale.....the business actually buys the candles from you and sets their own price for them. consignment.....the business doesn't actually buy. you put them in the shop and usually pay a rental fee for space and/or a percentage of the sale to the shop. you get no $$ until your stuff sells. depending on the arrangement with the store, you may get a check once a month or quarter. can't help you with the contract part, but im sure someone can! that's awesome that you have interest in your candles!

hello and welcome! i know what wick you are talking about. in fact, i think i even still have some laying around somewhere. Parrafin candles tend to "bow" when they get too hot and the wax walls get weak. it could be the wick is too big for your candle. it's hard to say b/c most wicks are more specific in size and those from crafty candle are not, although i'm pretty sure it's a square braid. what is the diameter of the candle? that determines the proper wick size. again, HL and Michaels don't carry wicks with specific sizing (like #2 square or 24 ply flat. ). i buy my wicks (now) from the web. for 3 in diameter, i use a 24 flat ply and it's actually pretty cheap on line. there are other types you can use, although i don't which. i found what i like and i;m sticking to it! good luck and have lots of fun!

that is awesome! congrats! what a jumpstart on the holiday selling season!

there is a bash board. i've only been to it once and it was a waste of time, IMO and i don't remember the link. This board has a link for Supplier Announcements and it might be under there. Suppliers can post their own specials each week.

it looks fabulous! i love that font! very nice!

does it need weight (ounces) too? i remember that thread a while ago about needing the weight on candles. not too sure about BB. it's a nice label! i like that font.

me too! Dh wants me to start making them (he's hunting at this moment) and I just can't imagine putting a hunter with a candle in the woods, especially since it is so dry down here most of the time! good to hear someone does make them, tho! i just couldn't imagine the stink! i told him i would not make them in the house...definitely in the garage!

i just got this sample too and can't wait to get it into wax! it's so yummy!

for mottling, you need a parrafin wax. some like IGI's 1343, 1274 or Mot38 (not sure who makes it). IGI 4625 is popular for getting smooth and creamy colors. Containters....there's a lot to chose from! J223, J50 are pretty popular. Soy wax is popular too, although more pricey and a little more difficult to figure out. Palm waxes are pretty cool! haven't had the chance to buy some, but need to one of these days. check the gallery for pics. You will probably want to get a slab of the different types until you find one you like. to find local supplies, you can do a search of the wax (easiest for me), like IGI 1343 and your state. Seems to work well for me, although no one is ever close enough to me to save shipping! oh, and welcome to the board!