Dana Mae

Oh these are beautiful.....love the container too! I've been wanting to try this wax!!! Gorgeous! dana

I just got some of those cute, cheap square Libbey containers from Dollar Tree. I believe they are the 12 oz size. I've never used a square container and understand they can be difficult, especially since I've only been working with 8oz jj so far :rolleyes2. That said, I wanted to give it a whirl. My questions are, if I need to double wick... How does one go about choosing a starting size to double wick? How do you know how far apart to set the wicks? I know these are vague, general questions which might only be learned by testing. I just wondered if there were any general guidelines I can consider in finding a starting point. I've tried searching but haven't found what I needed so far. Thank you in advance for any insight/assistance! Dana

Yes, Vio......that is the scale I have!!! Thanks for the tip! How did you figure that one out! dana

Ah, awesome about the weight of water being different than the wax. Where did I get the idea of putting water in it? All makes sense to me, I'm not sure were I got the idea to do it that way! THANKS ALL~ dana

um yes....I measure by WEIGHT GO VIO!!!!!!

Thanks......at least the math was right! I did tare......but good idea on checking the batteries. I'll give it another go tomorrow! Thanks so much for your input! dana

After a few months hiatus, I tried to start making a few candles again (rank beginner here). When I got ready to pour, I was *way* short on wax. Where did I make my mistake? My notes aren't helping! I can't see it. I'm sure it will be obvious to someone (putting on dunce hat and heading to corner). 12 oz container. weights are in oz. Empty container weight: 15.45 Weight filled with water: 26.05 Amount total needed (wax +fo): 10.6 Using fo of 6%: wax: 9.95 fo: .65 equals 10.6 (numbers are rounded oz) so, I wanted to pour 2 candles. Multiplied by 2 to get oz of wax to melt and fo to add. Rounded wax up to 20 to make life easier, and my fo ended up 1.4. When I went to pour, I had enough for 1 full candle and about 1/3 of another candle Now I know my numbers aren't precise, exact, but why did I not have enough scented wax to fill both? SO CONFUSED, Dana:embarasse

Ice cream scooper......good idea! All I have is a large stainless spoon and it bends too easily! Thanks for the suggestion! Anyone else? Thanks all! Dana

Hi Everyone For those of you who use 4627, have you mastered a way to work with it (cut, spoon, etc?) I knew it would be messy from researching the boards first, but I wondered if anyone has any methods they might share that make it easier get out of the box. (I am new, still testing, working with very small batches at a time). Didn't quite find what I was looking for when I searched, so if anyone has any tips to share, I'm all ears Thanks, Dana

Adams products smell good, true enough, the pet grooming places are full of "doggie perfumes" you can buy, if that's what you're after. As long as it's safe and that's what you're after, why not. Good Luck! Dana

As a Veterinary Nurse and Technician, I must tell you that usually there is a medical reason that an otherwise "clean" dog will have a doggy odor that owners find offensive. I'd be very cautious of adding any sort of odor masking substance/powder to the haircoat. FWIW, Dana

I've got new wicks to try and will also try some of the other suggestions... thanks for your help :Ddana

Thanks for the tips everyone~ Stella, I'm not sure what my problem is... I am so new at this...and I am not getting consistent results yet, good or bad. As far as wicks I started with ECO as that is what CS recommended. Of course, they don't stock the size they suggest in a 6" length (I still don't see the reasoning in that!) So I used ECO6 first, too big, then ECO4 still too big. I ordered some ECO2 from another company. I'm getting good melt pool and flame, but I get soot and smoke. Sometimes from the beginning, sometimes not until the 3rd or 4th burn. Sometimes not at all.! Usually on one side of the jar only. I thought that the soot on the jar (or if I get uneven melt) it would be because my wick was not quite centered. ECO is a self trimming wick, and due to my inexperience I didn't even think about the curl of the wick being a contributing factor! I have also used HTP wicks but IMO they have not done as well for me. I also have LX, RRD and Premier700 wicks to try. Someone else suggested CD wicks also, but I figured I'd try what I have before I order another wick sampler pack......I have wicks out the wazoo now! Hope this info clarifies, I appreciate everyone's input. Thanks Dana

Oh, and I forgot to add that the wick centering tool sounds awesome to place the wick.....just need to find a way to keep them centered at the top of the jar..... edited: went to BCN, those centering tools (top and bottom!) look perfect thanks again!!!! dana

Well what I've noticed so far, Vio, is if my wick is a bit too far to one side it soots that side of the jar. I'm using 8oz JJ so the diameter is fairly narrow at 2.5-2.75" and seems like a margin for error doesn't really exist... Aside from this issue they are burning beautifully, I'm thrilled! (and a huge thanks to everyone here it's because of your help!) Dana

GOOD IDEA for the template on the bottom Vio! My biggest problem is getting it more centered at the top, and holding it in place (I can hold it but not center it well) so that it is centered throughout the candle... Thanks Dana

Thanks for the reply, I've done all these things (looked). There are many different things especially for the top of the container. I was more curious into what worked better for people who use them....if that makes sense? dana

I tried to do a search but it seems to be on the fritz.... I "eyeball" my wicks but my eyes aren't doing a very good job. I know there are various tools not only for centering and setting, but for keeping them centered and held at the top of the container. Could you give me some of ideas of what works well and what doesn't in your containers? It dawned on me this am that some of the sooting on the side of the jar I'm having probs with is maybe that my wick is too far to that side... Looking forward to your input, and thanks in advance Dana

I can't see the pics How did you like working with it? I was going to try some glass glow when I ordered from CS again! I'm sure they are pretty dana

Thanks Stella for the input It seems to be a problem from the get-go. I figured I would need more wicks to try even though I've tried the 3 most recommended for my wax. I just wasn't sure if it was the wax, container, wick, FO or a combination of all. I hate the 8oz JJ anyhow but they were recommended for me as a beginner. I would have no problem switching containers once I used all these! Thanks for the suggestions, I have searched also and can't seem to find an obvious solution to my problem. Dana

Good thoughts, and yes, I've checked for drafts, moved the candles around, etc. Still, I have soot/smoke Thanks, Dana

YES, and doing test burns just as recommended. Thanks, Dana

Like I posted, wax is 4627 ECO6, 4, and 2. ECO2 has had the best flame/mp so far HTP 52, and I don't have my paperwork for the zinc...it was whatever CS recommended. FO was always 6%. and I used several different types, and have burned several candles of each with different wicks to compare. I'm still very much a beginner and learning as I go All candles smoked/sooted from the get go. Some worse than others, but I didn't know what I could try to keep testing to make it less, or even eliminate it completely. Again, I know I haven't tested a zillion wicks yet I tested what was recommended, and the ECO 2 I am happy with except the smoke/soot is still there. Some are a bit better/worse which I am wondering might just be the FO. So I thought I might ask those with more experience where I should go from here. Thanks for the reply Dana

How did you like the finished product? Do you recall? Thanks Dana

What can I do with it? Can it be re-melted or rebatched or something? I have 3 small (1#) batches that flubbed, hate to throw them away... Can anyone help me? Thanks Dana