jeniryan

I might add... I heated to 180, added scent at 170 stirred, let cool to around 150 and THOUGHT I poured slowly.....

I've been making and testing candles for a bit now, and this is the first time I've had this happen. I'm using 8oz jj, C3, creme brulee 1oz pp, and the only new thing is, I'm testing with cdn 10. Well after they poured and started setting up, I could tell that they had air pockets. This wasn't my normal, small sink hole. So I waited a bit, poked relief holes, and did a repour. Now mind you, I can see that these filled up when I did the repour. OK, so...three days later, I light one. Within the first few minutes it started tunneling and I had a deep, small melt pool right away. From everything I've read, I did what one would normally do with this problem. I even poked at the bubbles rising from the air pocket after the second pour... Any idea what might have happened here? I'm quite certain the others I poured out of this batch will have the same issue. I had to do a repour on all. I've had the occasional sink hole, the cracks... but never these.. On a different note... I can tell I'll like the cdn's much better than the RRD's, once I get it sized right...

Thanks Stella. I was on my way out the door to head to JBN soon after I posted to purchase the beeswax I actually didn't have any on hand. I'm still testing my container candles and I honestly didn't want to purchase a pillar or votive wax just yet. That would unleash a whole new monster that I'm just not ready for ....

I tried to do a search on this, and I don't have an hour to spare to comb through all threads.. but, I am wondering if I can add beeswax to my leftover wax for tarts? Will it give them the sufficient hardness they need without it being a votive or pillar blend? Thanks!

Thank you so much! I couldn't for the life of me think of what they were called.

I hope I can describe these well enough for you all to know what I am talking about, but I am looking for those little containers I've seen people selling their tarts in? They look almost like the little black containers you would get condiments to go in. It looks as though you just pour the wax in, and lid it to sell. I hope you guys know what I am talking about. I can't find the site where I saw these at.... thanks!

No Elyse, I haven't as of yet. That is a little discouraging knowing you had that problem out of the C3, but, it also is helpful, too. I'd rather think that it is the wax than to think it's something I'M doing wrong. Like I said, I've tried so many different formulations, with and without everything, same results. That's why I thought it best to try out some different wicks now. Please let me know how you like the CSN's?! Thanks again..

Thanks for the advice guys! Think I'll go with the LX's and CDN's next. Stella, I've used the RRD's with FO, and additives, without any FO and additives, with dye, without dye.... using C3. I seem to get the same result. Like I said before, every other aspect of the burning candle is great, and I understand that mushrooms are pretty much a natural occurrence, but these are huge, ugly, over the top, mushrooms I'm talkin' about. I'll keep testing with the RRD's, but I just wanted some advice on what to try next. Thanks guys!

I've been using the RRD wicks the RRD 40, to be exact, in my 8 oz jelly jar candles. I love the hot throw, the melt pool, can't get over the ugly mushrooms that seem to appear no matter what. If it was just the initial burn, that would be one thing, but it's everytime I relight. Yes, I'm trimming my wicks. So, to be blunt, at this time right after the holidays, I do not have alot of extra cash at the moment to purchase a ton of different wicks to try out. My local suppliers are JBN and Taylored Concepts. JBN has the CDN's I see so much about on the board, TC carries LX, and HTP's which I've seen lots about them as well. If I were to purchase two out of those three to test with next, which would you suggest? I'm only making the 8 oz jellies at this time, trying to get them down before I move onto something else. I want the great hot throw, melt pool, and NO ugly mushrooms.... THAT is my goal!

Are any of you raising your prices due to the price of soy going up? I was just curious as to how much of an increase, if any, you charged? Thanks!

I would think with any business a slump right after the holidays is normal. Also too, with tax time fast approaching, businesses always seem to take a hit around that time as well. Don't give up or get down! I think that there are just cycles throughout the year that cause business to slow down. Ask other business owners in other areas of business, I'll bet they tell you the same thing!

Nanny, thanks! I think that may work, they have a template download available for the printing software that I use. Hopefully this will be what I'm looking for!

Thanks you guys. I'm looking for the 2" to place on jar lids, I'm pretty sure 2.5" would be too large. I have seen the 2" on labels by the sheet, my problem with that is, using the template, I do not quite understand how that works. I'm used to using a printing software that pretty much simplifies things for me. On my printing software, they use Avery templates. The 2" labels on label by the sheet shows I believe 4 rows, and the Avery template only prints for 3, or vice versa, I don't remember now. So if anyone knows how to use the templates on labels by the sheet, and wouldn't mind giving a quick tutorial, that would be great. Like I said before, I'm not exactly computer saavy, but I follow instruction well. Thanks again.

I'm sure the majority of you get custom labels made, but I'm not that big time just yet. I'm trying to find 2 inch in diameter round labels, and I'm having the hardest time. The printing software that I have used Avery templates, so I called Avery. Seems they have discontinued making the 2" round labels. I'm not exactly what you would call computer saavy. I've looked on labels by the sheet and see they have templates available, but I don't understand how that all works. I do not have Word, I have PDF, though. If anyone can offer any suggestions or advice, that would be great. Thanks!

Sorry you're not feeling well Vio, I can totally relate! I think the entire month of December just wore me out! I, too, have been making and testing candles and the holiday season put me on hold. I've bought some USA and haven't even tried a candle out with it yet! I think I need a month to recover from this month! Hope you get to feelin' better soon.

Stella, I'm trimming about every three hours during my testing. The first burn is not so bad, after that, almost every single time I get them, also after about a three hour burn. R.S. That's really good to know that they disipate, in my mind, I had them visualized as crumbling into the wick -- silly me! I"m anxious to try the sample now and will let you know how I like it. Thanks!

OK.... so I've been using the RRD-40 since I've started my container candles, C3, 8oz jars. I've seen many a post regarding the mushrooming so I know it's common, but man, it sure is ugly. I was given a sample of a CDN to use but haven't yet. Think I'll like those results better? With all the Christmas running around i've been doing I haven't had a chance to sample it yet. Just wanted to know what you all think? I get huge mushrooming goin' on. Like three leaf clover like. Just not attractive at all. I'm really anxious about starting trying some votives and pillars as well, but man... not looking forward to figuring out that wicking! Just wondered if anyone else has tried some other brand of wicks with the containers that they prefer? I have to say, the RRD throws amazingly, every once in awhile I seem to get a high flame, probably due to enviromental surroundings?.... I'm also interested in the eco brand wicks, BUT, do they make the wax candle look dingy after they self trim?? Thanks.... again~

I wish some of you would write a book...lol. I'm just so lost on some of these things, like, had no idea you could even do a photograph container..... Learn something new everyday!

Thanks for the offer and Grand Prairie is right up the road! So I may just have to take you up on that!

On the average, how many different scents do you all offer when selling? Do you have set scent lists, customized, add new ones often? - what?

I'd like to start experimenting with pillars and votives. My local suppliers are JBN and Taylored Concepts. When I read about the waxes, blends, etc... I get so confused. JBN is now only carrying JW 1581 for votives and pillars. Taylored concepts they carry RobNat 1230 Palm, then just taylored votive granulated and taylored pillar granulated. Does anyone have any feedback on these waxes? Any suggestions on a brand or two of wicks to test with first? Believe me, I will have many more questions to follow as I begin my pillar/votive journey. I'm amazed at the candles some of you guys produce.... if only I can do half as well...

I saw that article today and my first thought was " OH NO "....

Thanks for the tips guys! Like I said, while observing, I just noticed tiny little bubbles rising to the surface which appeared to be coming from the bottom and along side the wick. I just wasn't sure if this had anything to do with the cracked ringsI get from time to time. Guess I'll try the glue gun for now and see if I get the same results. I've only had one sticky tab come up after pouring, while wax was still slushy, and repoured into new jar. I must say, that was the best looking candle out of the bunch. Think I'll try pouring a few more slushy like that.... I know, I know, it's been recommended here plenty of times, but I've always just followed the manufacturers recommendation and poured hotter. That slushy candle had NO wet spots NO frosting, and NO cracking at the top! So...... The only thing I dread with using the glue gun is, it can't be as forgiving if I need to adjust the wick, so I've just gone with the stick'ems so far... Gonna give it a go though. Thanks guys! OH and too.. I placed the candles on a cooling rack, once again, should've taken that advice sooner, the only difference with my perfect candle and the others as far as my cooling method went, was the one with no flaws was not placed under a cardboard box...hmmm, it was almost like, the faster it was able to cool, the better??

Just gorgeous!

I have been using C3 now for a couple of months, 8 oz jelly jars, and RRD40 wicks. When I received my starter kit, I thought the sticky tabs were awesome and very convenient for a newbie like me. Well, now I'm wondering... and this may be a silly theory, but I've been wondering if the sticky tabs could have something to do with some of the physical imperfections, especially any bubbling. I am careful to adhere the tabs with much pressure, the best that I can anyway. It seems as though, soon after I pour, tiny bubbles will rise to the top right along side the wick. SO, is this just all in my mind?? LOL Do many of you use these, or prefer glue guns?