bells4shells

Hobby Lobby tends to have them on sale for $9.99 often. Otherwise, get the 40% off coupon every other week like someone else mentioned.

Donita-- Gorgeous candles! Your expertise shows! Your 'sexy' candles are just too cute! Sorry, had to say something.

oooh! forgot to tell you another thing-- don't be afraid to try products from different companies as well. While your startup funding may not be huge (btw, you've got more than I had to start with, so I don't see there should be any problems). I used Cierra Candles to get my first shipment. I stuck with their wax and decided to get a different blend. Google is your best friend. haha I did a LOT of price shopping. I have so many links right now in my bookmarks, I had to sift through the other day to get rid of it all so I didn't feel so overwhelmed. If it helps, break it up by day.. focus on one thing maybe even for a few hour increments in case you tend to do horribly with multi-tasking as I tend to do sometimes. d'oh! Keep asking the questions! Even though I'm a newb myself, two heads are better than one. Or a forum full of heads are better than one. haha

I can say I'm right there with you in being a newbie. Sorry to hear of your job loss, but excited to hear I've got a new buddy who's on the same level. haha In any case, I've just gotten my second shipment of wax, oils and packaging. I'm quite a fan of the packaging part, but of course I love making the darn things as well. I've started with votives. Whatever doesn't fit into my 1 lb pours, I make into wax melts. I'm eventually going to use them as samples for people to smell. Figured the 'waste' would go to a good cause somehow and I can recycle in a way. While reading, I just hope you don't get disheartened by hearing people say how hard it is to start in this biz. As with any business, there are going to be obstacles, but it seems you've got a lot of faith as well as a tough work ethic that may just bring you further faster. Continue to stay positive!!!

less stearic increases mottle? I've found if I add more stearic that I get more mottle. It also helps to pour at a hotter temperature. I've had my candles sweat from different fragrance oils even if I measure them out the same they don't always hold with this wax. It's kind of frustrating trying to get consistency. I did happen to find out this info on igi's 1274 • Working/pouring temperatures should be in the range of 180-195°F (82-91°C) • Use fragrances specifically designed for candles. Fragrance level 3-5 % is recommended, above 6% by weight may result in surface oil • Avoid contact with other waxes, additives, ect, as they may contaminate the mottling effect. • Mottling can be improved by cooling the candles as slowly as possible