FunFlames

I did a search but did not find the info I am looking for so my question is.... does anyone else need to wick up for this scent? It seems to need a wick 2 sizes larger than my other scents. I am using a 75s/25p blend in an 11oz metro jar. I am 1/2 way done burning the candle and still have not gotten a FMP. I have been burning on average 5.5hours at a time. I also don't feel the HT is near as good as it should be for this scent. I have a cd14 in it now, my other scents I have had to wick down to a cd12. TIA for any and all help Danielle

I too have had the same results as you.... I think I have a pretty good handle on it. From what I undersand about wicks.... sometimes a larger wick doesn't get the oxygen it needs to burn properly so it doesn't burn as hot as it should resulting in less wax consumption. Where as a smaller wick gets the oxygen it needs, burning hotter, using up more wax. So far with my testing it seems to hold true. Please, someone step in if I am totally off base. HTH Danielle

I use glass pyrex measuring cups. I have a few of the big ones which I like alot. I like that I can see through them and see that everything is mixed well. I also like that they hold heat better. I run mine under HOT water for a minute so they don't cool the wax upon filling. I do have metal pour pitchers also but don't use them at this time. HTH

I always get mine from CS!! They are great! Have fun in the tealight world!

I use the tealight cups.... my method for getting the wicks to stay is to dip the wick into the melted wax then put it in the cup... when they are done I pour the wax in. It actually goes pretty fast. It really is the same concept as the glue pot you can buy from Peak. HTH Danielle

to the Braun owners... where did you get them?? I tried searching on the Braun site but they all say available in Canada only. The stores that carry "Braun" don't carry the SB's. TIA Danielle

Thanks for all the info... I will do some research on Braun. I am not too concerned about the price... I just want one that is a good value. If it will last a long time that makes it worth it.

I am in the process of gathering all materials to start soaping. I have been reading reviews about stick blenders but most are in regards to food. What stick blenders work better for soap making? One site said the watts wasn't as important as the RPM. Sadly, most sites don't state this information. I would like one that will stand up to liquid soap making. From the research I have done so far, I am leaning towards the Kitchen Aid KHB100. TIA for any and all information and suggestions. Have a great day Danielle

No additives.... I just use the 415 and J223. I have been happy with my results so far. I do not like the mix for tealights though... I have started testing a 50/50 blend for that. I know tealights are tiny but I want a huge smell from them! LOL I hope you find the results you are looking for. Happy Testing Danielle

I can't agree with you more. I just ordered more of it!!!! :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:

I was at a small town IGA today shopping for a client. I was scanning the isle for something on the list and WALLA.... my eye stopped on the drain cleaner......I found 100% lye for 2.49 lb. I was so excited!! The brand is ROOTO, which I have not heard mentioned before, but it is 100% sodium hydroxide. I found lye as low as 1.29lb but shipping was going to be 98.00 on the minimum 100lbs. I am just too excited! I am by this store a few times a week so it will be easy to get. Just had to share Danielle

What size did you end up going down to? Isn't wicking just a JOY! LOL Danielle

I have not been making candles long enough to say for sure.... but I would guess that once you start testing you will find your wicking to be the same (assuming you colored before)... unless you use a HUGE amount of dye. It would not expect it to effect your tarts as ST is from the heating of the tart. I usually use 1 - 16 drops of dye pp of wax depending on the color I want. If it is a lighter color 1 drop maybe even less....1 drop per 2 lbs. If it is a darker color.... like my red hots I use 10red and 1 yellow pp. My heaviest color is my pumpkin I use 10 yellow, 1 blk and 5 red. Most are 1-6 drops. My dyes are pretty concentrated like your new ones. HTH Danielle

It shouldn't "mess things up", but it might make it difficult to get the color you are wanting if the green is used. It sounds like the green is much less concentrated than the new ones..... so if you need 1 drop of green and one drop of yellow for a "recipe" it probibly would not end up the color you want. I have dye from various suppliers.... I have some peaks, CS, NG and JBN. I have no problem mixing them with each other.... but if I change a color from one supplier to another I might have to refigure my "color recipe". Some dyes say an oz. will dye 40 lbs to a medium shade while others say an oz will dye 100 or more lbs to a medium shade. It is all in the concentration of them. Hope that answers your question Have a great one and enjoy all those new dyes. Danielle

You might end up going down way farther than you ever imagined. I stopped my testing when I was down at 2 cd6's in a 16oz apothecary. I was shocked also.... my thinking was bigger was hotter and better. But if it can't burn the way it is suposed to due to lack of oxygen.... I stopped testing to focus on the new jars I am using. Good Luck

Alajane.... I would go down in wick size. You might be suprised. The larger the wick the more oxygen it needs to burn properly, not enough oxygen = tiny, weak flame which results in a much cooler burn. Happy testing Danielle

Thank You Amylynn, I did check out AAA but the prices where the highest and would have the highest shipping so I scratched them off the list. I will actually end up ordering both kinds as I would love to try liquid soap also. Danielle

Thank You very much!!

Since both waxes are made by IGI, this link might help you out a bit. http://www.igiwax.com/resource/Container_Candle_Waxes HTH Danielle

I found this place called Brainerd... if you buy 50lb of lye it is only 1.29lb. That seems like a steal. They have a place in OK and NC.... so I will check on the shipping from NC. Seems like the place to buy it! The next best place I found is Camden Grey in FL. Does it matter if it is flake or beads? I have seen both. Have a great one Danielle

Thank you both for all the info, it was just what I was looking for. Now I need to check out all the things I have bookmarked and get an order placed! This is a bit exciting. Thanks again Danielle

I haven't price shopped too much yet. I was on the AAA Chemical site when I saw all the options and figured I'd get an amount first. I am near Cleveland Oh. I am not sure if there is anyplace local. I think there is a place in the Columbus area, but to start out I don't really want a road trip. Once I get my feet wet I will have a better idea how much I would use (I hope). Thank You Danielle

Hello, I am getting ready to place my first order of Lye.... my question is how much would be a good amount to start out with. I want to order both types as I would like to make liquid soap also. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated! TIA Danielle

You are welcome.... I have learned so much from the people on this board. So much from you in regards to M&P. I feel if I can give a bit back, to assist someone else, then I will. I do really like the addition of the GM. It makes a big difference in my skin. Danielle

Man did I waste the water this morning!! I kept going back and forth from one bar to the other. I still feel the hydrovance is the least bubbly, then the glycerin and the best still is the mix. They all leave my skin feeling the same. So as far as hydrating properties I feel they are equal. From what I have learned I will most likely continue to use the 2 products together. I hope my soap ramblings help someone! :laugh2: Have a great one Danielle