bells4shells

Congrats on your first powerhouse tart!

I feel you on a lot of what you said. When I found this forum, I was researching as much as I could. I'm typically this way as a person... I don't just jump into something without knowing the ins and outs. But even so, there are times when you just have to take the plunge and see how things work for yourself. Not everyone has the same outcome with the same elements (wax, FO, wicks, jars, etc). And even getting pre-made kits will not always yield you the best product possible. But, you're in this thing for your own reasons. Whether it's improving on what's already there or satisfying your own needs or ??.

It warms my heart to read/hear your excitement. What a feeling huh? I do find myself getting tired of testing sometimes. But I find my excitement renews just by reading other people's opinions, thoughts and experiences through this forum. Just the little push of encouragement or advice offerings help so much. Sometimes I get ideas for cute packaging or a theme or find a fragrance that ignites other possibilities. In the end, for me, one can never stop improving. I really love that most of us feel that way and continue to share our experiences here.

Again, so happy to hear about your success. Here's to many more!!

Sorry, I'm probably being confusing as I've made mention with wicks to different types of wax and blends. I have already done tests on EL and an EL/4627 blend without finding a good wick for this size of jar. I'm currently testing the 4627 by itself.

I normally wait 24-28 hours before I test. For the 4627 batch I waited 24 hours before testing. The 73 and 83 were both okay through the third 3-4 hour burn. However, at the end of the fourth burn, I'm not so sure. I may have to go down a size in the HTP. And what seemed too big in the ECO's in the 4627 (2,4,6), looked a lot better in this fourth burn when I didn't trim the wicks. This was totally by accident as I always trim, but forgot this round. So that is a factor I will have to look more into with the ECO's. The HTP seems to be consuming the wax at a faster rate as well. I'm still going to try the 93 with the EL as well as LX and CDN.

Thanks for the rec on waiting longer for the 4627. I will try that in my next batch.

Do you mean the label is too long for the jar you want to put it on? Or as JAJC spoke about, you're looking to fill up the empty space you didn't know you'd have?

If you're talking about it being too long for the jar, I have designed labels this way so they overlap and in turn stay on the container better. I've found this necessary especially with onlinelabels polyester material for my lip balms. I do it for my roll on perfumes too. If this is what you mean, you'll have to do a little math with the length to get it to line up right when you figure in the overlap length and then the copy orientation on each side.

Otherwise I'm in complete agreement with JAJC that less is more in most cases.

It may be a long shot, but I'd contact C & S. If they don't plan to carry the smaller size again, ask if they would let you know their supplier so you can get something custom made. If not that, I found this metal manufacturer that may be able to help:

http://www.cameometal.com/main.htm

I just did a search for 'metal lid manufacturer candle'. HTH

So is she acting as a sales rep for you? Or is she trying to build her own clientele? It sounds like you have bits of both in this equation.

My tip is do what is most comfortable for you. And even if it feels weird to have her sign something in writing on how everything will work out, ignore that feeling. Just do it. It has nothing to do with trust and everything to do with making sure everyone involved understands the terms completely.

OMG! Cypress & Berries oob is awesome! Harvest Berry nice also.

Your reaction made me go and get that last night along with some others I haven't tried yet. Already notice of shipment early this morning. Su-weet!

Pet hair ?? Oooo that reminds me of a thread about animals in the work area.

I kinda upset a few with my thoughts on that one LOL

Wonder which way it was... I absolutely love my furballs, but they are not allowed anywhere near my 'studio'. Strictly pet free zone.

Well, an update again. I get wafts of the FO I put in a couple of days ago strong in some areas even though I can't smell it strongly when I stand really close to it. We have loft style ceilings that may be messing with my ability to accurately measure throw though too. I'm wondering if a fresh 'wick' would be okay with straight FO since I do smell it stronger in some areas throughout my home. I would still like to try the FO with something to see if I can get even better throw without putting the plug-in on its highest setting.

@HS: Normally I'd agree with you on HTP flame size. Today they were on the bigger side and similar to the ECO flame. I didn't trim the ECO this time before lighting and it was curling as well (nice flame size too). Normally it's pretty straight for me if I trim before lighting. I'm almost finished burning the 4627 in this jar. The smallest I've used is the 73 and that almost seems too big now that it's getting to the bottom. However, I'm going to try the 93 for EL and my blend still.

@MrsPac: Thanks for the suggestions I have the CDN 16 on hand and will try that for EL. I've never tried Candle Cocoon. I'll have to look into them!

@Holly: I understand what you mean re: embracing some application results. It IS interesting how critical we are of our own. I remember burning candles for pure scent before I ever thought to make my own and do not recall ever being so critical of the ones I was burning at the time. Guess it's a matter of directional awareness.

I haven't used anything other than straight sided jars. I think I'll stick with them for now. lol It's strange that I get great HT from both EL and 4627 on their own but together they aren't as good. My decision to blend was purely out of my desire to improve the appearance of EL. I was hoping for a pour and forget it type of deal, but not so. I will continue to update my results for sure.

I also had pet hair & dirt in my stuff.

Eww. Nothing a good cleaning couldn't take care of, but still.

Although, I do remember reading that zinc's burn cooler but not sure if I am remembering right.

You're not mistaken. I've seen that zinc burns cooler on a wick supplier's handout, but from what people say about how much of an MP it gives compared to others, I'm surprised. I've never used them personally. Hesitant to even try them even though lead content is very miniscule.

I love the HT and flame size of the HTP. I don't like the flat mushrooms it gets now and then and sometimes it has a bit of an afterglow (< not a deal breaker). I love how the ECO's burn (wick doesn't curl much if at all and no mushrooming), but I don't have much luck getting HT from it. Have just recently been trying cd's in another size container and am happy with them so far for that application.

A little off topic, but it's strange... I am getting more CT/HT from my straight millennium vs. 50/50 of 4627 & mil using the cd's. It's strange considering the throw from 4627 on its own. This is based on first burn after 24 hours. I'm waiting a couple of days before trying the 2nd burn. It doesn't help we have loft style ceilings. I've had to resort to putting them in our master bath which happens to have an open ceiling into our bedroom. So it's more of a large sized room. Guess I'll know which ones are super throwers...

Thank you for the suggestions on LX wick sizing. Out of curiosity, do they have the thin paper filament in them that's similar to htps?

you've been very helpful - thank you! I am adding lx wicks to my next order.

btw, I was adding 4627 to the soy in hopes of boosting throw. Still undecided if it helps or not. Lol

Thanks Holly. I'm certainly not opposed to trying the LX wick. I've been reading people having success with cotton cores in soy. May give those a whirl too. Hearing you talk about the small flame height is really appealing to me. How does the HT in the LX compare to the HTP for you?

I had the same thought process as you, HS. I haven't messed with the 8oz'er yet. Have used up to the 1212 HTP in my soy test and while it cleaned the sides, it did get on hotter side and the flame height was crazy high. Decent results for the 104 and 105 as well as far as cleaning sides but still wasn't happy with flame size. 93 is one I haven't tried but will soon.

Holly, I totally get what you mean by feast or famine re: flame size. Don't have my notes by me but do recall experiencing that as well.

thought I'd also mention I've only been working with one fo in these so far. Trying to keep my hair.

Are you letting it burn all the way down to the bottom before deciding whether a particular wick made a good enough FMP?

Yes ma'am. Though I'm not all the way through the full 4627 yet. The straight millennium and blended both were burned to the end and have not found good wicks yet. I just ordered some 93's. I'll give those a whirl. Thanks!

How much do you need? I live 45 min from KC. I'm testing with this wax right now and not sure yet if I'm going to keep working with it otherwise I would certainly split a 50 lb'er with ya! I'm frustrated with wicking a certain jar right now, so I'm sure I'll be more level headed about this wax in the morning.

got them from peaks. A little under 2.5" diameter and 2" high.

I didn't really find anything via search and thought to throw this out there for suggestions.

i'm having a heck of a time wicking this jar. When I get a wick that creates a full MP, the flame is huge. When I try smaller sizes, it never gets enough wax consumed. This jar is too small to double wick though I've been tempted.

I've only used eco, htp and cd wicks so far. I've tried to wick these jars using 4627 and el millennium and even a mix between the two. So far I love the way the eco's burn (especially in 4627), but prefer the HT produced by the htp's and cd's. Any rec's for different wicks or other suggestions are appreciated.

Oh, I usually test burn 24-48 hrs after initially made, trim before each burn and burn between 3-4 hours at a time. No color and 7% fo load.

Just an update that full FO works, but is not nearly as strong as what you buy in the stores. However, I'll admit, I actually like the subtlety. I'll eventually buy new 'wicks' and try variations of FO and additive.

I appreciate hearing both sides regarding suppliers. I feel I have enough to base my purchasing decision on this particular supplier. I've always felt okay giving money to those I personally felt make products on the side, but something about this one rubs me the wrong way.

Well, I put straight FO in my glade plug in and don't notice any smell. I could when I got up really close to it. Mine came with a dial to control the strength, so I put at its highest (previously was at the middle strength). I'll check again later.

I appreciate your concern talltayl. I'm experimenting strictly out of my own curiosity.

You know, I've heard stories of certain carriers that will purposefully throw boxes around if they see 'fragile'. I can imagine this is only certain workers (disgruntled I'm sure). I'd be purely speculating if I tried to answer your question.

I haven't noticed any breakage to the states you've noted, but I'm sure there are different factors since mine originate from another state. You don't mention what packing materials you use, but since breakage is concentrated in certain areas, I'm not sure what to say other than to try a different packing method when you know you're shipping to those states. BOL!

I was wondering the same thing! I thought I saw a DIY project that showed what to do. When I looked online again, all I can find is ones saying to use scented oil from Walmart - no thanks.

I don't know if you can put straight FO in or if you need DPG or something similar (?). I may give it a whirl and see.

Sweet, me too!

So far, I like this wax. I wasn't so sure while I was mixing and waiting for it to harden up -it smelled funky to me. But, it went away after the 24 hours. Still testing what wicks I like best, but agree with Horsescents that the HTP throws really well.

You're right, the thick bag for 4627 might come from the factory, unless the supplier is the one that cuts the 4627 into 25 lb blocks and then bags it up.

If my memory serves, the 50 lb bag of 4627 contains 2-25# blocks. I have just started testing this wax and mine came in a thick bag. I only ordered the 25# this time around.