elfcat

I trim my wicks to just above a 1/4 inch and tell people to make sure they trim them before burning. As far as the "triple scented" thing, I can't help but feel that it's just a gimmick. 1 oz per lb has always been more than enough for me. I have tried more but it just didn't make that much of a difference to waste more. (Unless it was perhaps a really cheap FO!) Let's face it, FO and wax are expensive enough.

I use the Naturewax C3 and the scent throw is fantastic! I add coconut oil to harden it a little bit and improve the scent throw. It took a little time and practice to use C3 and not get wet spots and to avoid sink holes. (frosting was never an issue for me with this wax) Everyone is different, we all have a wax that works best for us. I suggest you get small sample sizes of each and and find out which one works best for you. This is not a cheap hobby!

Of the four, I have used the cb135 and the advanced. Between those two, I think the cba is easier to use. It is very easy to get great looking candles. (at least it was for me.) The scent throw is another story. I simply like candles that throw really well. However, I didn't use any additives either so that might make a difference.

LMAO!!!! I'm glad I'm not the only one these kind of things happen too! I have not had any issues with the heat gun yet, knock on wood. But you should have seen me trying to rebatch soap yesterday. It was everywhere!

I agree with stella, I used the C3 with eco wicks and it sounds like you need to wick down.

If you're not hung up on the "organic" or "all-natural" thing then you have a whole lot of room for experimentation! I've never tried putting herbs in my candles but I did a Google search on EO's and herbs in candles and got back a lot of companies who do use them in theirs. I like my candles to be really strong so I don't think the dried herbs would be enough. (Of course it would be pretty:-) I would probably experiment with both the dried herbs and the EO's. I wish I could be more help but perhaps someone on this forum has more hands on experience they can add.

IMHO, Unfortunately there is not a lot of regulation to help determine what is 100% and what is not. Basically they can say 100% natural but you can never really know. Companies are not required to tell you what the "other" oils are that they use. I'm sure as you have read there is some very hot debate on whether or not organic is really organic. I think the closest we have on that debate is that our government does "certify" some products that meet certain standards as "organic". It is the best we have, and for me, it is enough if it is certified as organic. Obviously, others would disagree. I think you have hit upon a really great idea and if you can do the research and put in the work it would require. Starting with the "organic" waxes would be a great start. (There is also palm, coconut etc) At least then you know there is some regulation on it. A lot of people use EO in their candles with great success so I wouldn't give up on that idea. It might just be about finding which EO's can be used at higher heats. Obviously, you would have to be the final judge of what is enough and if the parents would accept it. Good Luck! :smiley2:

What diameter are your jars? I use 8oz jars that are 3 inches in diameter with Eco 8's and the C3. I get great scent throw and good MP's. (1 oz of FO pp) Unfortunately there are just too many variables. Are you achieving full melt pools and how long in to your burn tests? How hot do your jars get? It might also be your FO. Sorry, wish I could be better help but without all of the info it is hard to advise.

I've made some really nice candles using tin and glassware found at flea markets and antique stores. You can find a lot of old Tin "shakers" (for sugar and salt) at those kind of places.

I would just go with it. If the HT is good and the jar doesn't get too hot, I'm assuming you haven't had a problem with soot then if it were me, I'd go with it. Out of curiousity, have you tried just single wicking it with a larger wick?

Don't forget to check your spam file! It happens to me all the time and I usually find my emails from companies in there.

Test, test, test and just when you think you got it, test some more. It's an addiction really. Start selling stuff you don't need anymore to pay for your candle and soap supplies. (I said it was an addiction, didn't I? )

I don't know about the double burner but I use a jelly and candy making thermometer for my candles. You can get them at most grocery stores or even walmart. They are large, easy to read and durable. They also clip onto the side of your pot with an adjustable clip for different size pots.

LOL. Thanks for the generosity! I will give that method a try. I've tried OO to harden my soaps and it does seem to help. Someone also mentioned Castor oil. I'm such a nervous nelly when it comes to experimenting with recipes. I need to get over it and just let myself go crazy. I'm afraid I might like it and never be able to go back! How will that affect the kids if there mommy lets loose and goes wild with soap! Oh the horrors on the innocent family. I can see the news stories now. *super banana* Breaking news: "Woman goes wild and family watches in shame!"

If you watch the news everyday eventually you realize that nothing is safe. There seems to be a study that changes week to week. No one seems to be able to say 100% about anything. This may cause cancer or that may cause cancer, possible carcinogen here. After awhile you start to think the whole world is coming to an end. Even our own homes may cause cancer due to high rates of exposure to radon. (which is natural and comes from the earth) Also if you look at most of these "tests" they use on animals they expose them to outrageous amounts of these products until they get a reaction and call that science. In reality we are not exposed to those chemicals in nearly the amounts the test subjects are. Does that mean we should not be concerned? Of course not, but until I see some better evidence I will take it with a grain of salt. IMHO.:undecided Sorry for the novel, I get carried away sometimes.

According to my notes when I used it, I always poured the CBA at around 165 (heated to 175) for 8 oz jars and it always came out very smooth and creamy looking. I always added the FO right before pouring. It was always great looking but the HT was not as strong as I wanted.

I never thought of using baby oatmeal! In fact I just got rid of two boxes of it because my baby is not such a little baby anymore. Dang!!!

If it's possible to suspend ingredients in a non-suspension base I would love to know that! Other ingredients to harden or increase lather and at what ration would also be great! I am always looking for new recipes to use for great M&P soap.

There is Lonestar candles and supplies in Keller Texas. I have no idea how far away it is but they carry a huge variety of supplies. I also have great luck with their FO's. www.lonestarcandlesupply.com Good Luck in Texas!

Thanks for the link!

OK, what are Dan's bands? And where do you get them?

Trying my first parasoy blend for containers. I'm so excited I think I've giggled a couple of times. I love trying new things. I think I'm going to use Apples and Maple Bourbon from CS. Mmmmm!

I get my incense sticks from either Natures Garden or Moonglow. I burn lots of incense and have never had any problems using their sticks as long as I properly mix the FO/EO to the right ratio with the mixing oil. Very little smoking, great scent hold and long burns. I don't use dyes with mine either, just leave them brown. I have never noticed a significant difference between the "expensive" ones and the "cheap" ones.

That's why I have started testing parasoys. I just got my first slab today and I am really excited to try it out.

You're right. After some contemplation I decided to give a preblended mix a try first. I bought a 10 lb slab from candlescience (IGI-6036) to try. If I like it I might try mixing my own but for now I figured it couldn't hurt. If I like it perhaps I will put the time in to testing my own mix, but what a headache. How on earth did I get myself so addicted to this time and money hungry hobby?????? :rolleyes2 I think I may be neglecting my kids!