sporadic

Cinnamon.

I want to start handing out my sample tarts for my friends to test in packaging but not sure what the proper size/type would be good to order from Uline for a single tart.

I think it would be from this page but not sure of the correct size:

http://www.uline.com/BL_107/2-Mil-Industrial-Poly-Bags

I wouldn't go with polyethylene. Polypropylene is better suited for compatibility with fragrance oil.

Have you tried Country Gift Shop? http://rusticescentuals.com/Country-Gift-Shop.html

100% soy can be extremely finicky with fragrance oils, so it's way easier to get a good hot throw with paraffin or parasoy.

I like using cotton wicks in the 464. They're easy to use.

Green Irish Tween from Rustic Escentuals.

Okay, looked at the two tutorials and already have questions...LOL

Here I thought, container candles would be "easier," but then I see how you wick a votive, and I'm wondering if that's really true?

I've read a lot about people complaining about "wicking" and "assumed" that you poured the wax over the wick and that it might move, etc. but in this tutorial from rustic escentuals....they put the wick in AFTER the candle is made. Is this typical?

Also, where does one buy the "presto pot?"

You can get a Presto Pot (Presto Kitchen Kettle) at your local Wal-Mart, or here is a link to one on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Presto-06006-Kitchen-multi-cooker-steamer/dp/B002JM202I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340234964&sr=8-1&keywords=presto+kitchen+kettle

Colorants - definitely use colorants made specifically for candles. Soap colorants won't work.

Wicking can be tricky. You have to take into consideration the diameter of your container, the type of wax you're using (soy, paraffin, para-soy, etc.) and additives like fragrance load, colorants, etc. Then, once you determine what might be a good wick to use, you just have to start testing to find what burns properly for your combination of variables. There isn't a perfect "formula" - you just have to begin testing.

Here are some instructions if you're using soy container wax: http://rusticescentuals.com/candle-making-directions.html

To me, votives are the easiest to make because the wicking issues aren't as difficult.

Why weren't the recipes sold to another manufacturer? I don't understand.

It sounds fishy. If she doesn't want to "share any information" then that doesn't sound like her manufacturer went out of business. I wonder if she was getting them from another supplier??

Here are some tutorials that may help:

http://library.rusticescentuals.com/category_8/Wax-Tarts.htm

http://library.rusticescentuals.com/item_21/How-to-Make-Votive-Candles.htm

I heard her supplier went belly up. No more FO's. If they went out of business, there isn't a way to get the formulations.

I love the Stephenson soaps. And yes - it's SO much clearer than any other soaps out there. I didn't think it was until I actually saw it and played with it for myself.

"Polypro" isn't bad. The word is polypropylene. It's the good plastic to use. Polyethylene is the bad plastic to use. (for your use)

Are these the ones you bought? http://rusticescentuals.com/3-x-5.5-Crystal-Clear-Flat-Poly-Cello-Bags.html

They're the good kind to use with tarts/candles. They are polypropylene.

I've never had a need to use CO. But you can use mineral oil. Sometimes a bit extra will cause beautiful mottling.

I honestly don't do much - just put the lid on securely and store in the old linen closet.

Did the box have much tape on it? I've noticed that the more tape to secure it, the less likely it is to bust open.

These are concentrated and work perfectly: http://rusticescentuals.com/Candle-Dye-Flakes/

Do you tap the mold thoroughly after pouring? This usually helps.

I use the Birthday Cake FO from AH/RE.....the SNC version, not KY. It throws like crazy!!

I use these Cotton Core wicks with soy: http://rusticescentuals.com/Candle-Wicks/

Here is a body-safe Celtic Moonspice. It's spicy & cinnamon. http://rusticescentuals.com/Celtic-MoonSpice-BODY-SAFE.html

I also like this one: http://rusticescentuals.com/Fragrant-Room-and-Body-Spray.html

I've been waiting for it to get back in stock so I called them last week. They said it would be back in stock around 5-17.

Make sure you're using a wax with a high enough melt point for tarts. Container waxes won't work - they're designed to stay in and be burned in a container.

Yes, wait at least a week for cure time - that will give you the best results. Also, I never had any luck with the Ecosoya brand (poor throw), I use Golden Brands 464 mainly. Sometimes I'll blend in a little paraffin (about 30%) to make a good parasoy candle.

You can find it here: http://rusticescentuals.com/Shea-Butter-Unrefined.html

Will these directions help: http://rusticescentuals.com/candle-making-directions.html