elfcat

I voted natural because I DO read ingredients when buying B&B products. But I only started doing that when I started making them. I think the best thing would be to make the best product one can that is safe. It does not have to be all-natual to be safe or beneficial.

I use cocoa powder and get many different shades of brown. I've never had any problems with spoiling or anything of that sort. I've used cappacino mica also but it takes a lot to get the opaque base really brown.

I know how it feels! My wax was discontinued just as the holiday season was starting! It sucks. I have to start testing again with new blends, what a PITA! I'm almost afraid to start because I'm pretty sure as soon as I find something remotely workable, it will also be discontinued!

I couldn't live without my presto. The spigot makes things much easier for us clumsy folk! Mine came with spigot attached. My DH bought it for me so I have no idea who he bought it from on Ebay.

Most of the herbs I use eventually "bleed" a little a turn brown in the soap. It doesn't look bad. I like it.

I just recently decided not to accept money orders anymore. They are a PITA. Not to mention the scams. There are way too many ways of paying safely online now a days. You might want to look into those. It would certainly help you. You could order almost anywhere and your orders would get to you much faster.

Congrats! I love your soaps! Gorgeous.

Those are cool! I've never tried marbled tarts.

I did mine in ivory with a drop of brown. I think it looks perfect.

I filed a claim once with UPS for an insured package and they not only refunded me the money for shipping but the packaging also. It took about 2 weeks to get a check but I was happy with the experience myself. I'm pretty patient. I forgot to mention they also gave them the full amount of insurance. Unlike USPS that has an SDR value which only gives you a percentage of the insurance purchased, What a rip off.

I get mine through the Ohio arts and crafts guild, as chrisinpa mentioned. Very affordable and easy to get.

CS is my favorite. I just tested their new scents and can't get enough of the cedarwood vanilla in my 50/50. One 6 oz tin filled my house, it was awesome. Hansel and Gretels house is a hit with my customers this year.

Loaf pans, muffin pans, quaker oats container cut in half and lined, cookie sheet with wax or freezer paper to make "scrolls", solo cups, PVC pipe. Sorry, I've been bored!

Cinnamon and Balsam, Home for the Holidays, Maple and Brown sugar and Amish Harvest from Peaks. Hansel and Gretel's house, Cranberry Marmalade and mistletoe form CS. Those are definitely my favs so far.

I hate double wicking. I've never been able to get it right! I have single wicked a 4" apothecary with C3 and coconut oil. I used a CDN 22. It did leave a film on some scents and there were a couple of scents that had a tiny bit of hang up. With my 50/50 I use a CDN 20 or 18 depending on the fragrance, no hang up and no film. With double wicking I always had issues with soot or the jar becoming too hot. PITA!

I always have issues with "smelling" something that is not colored the way I picture in my mind. Does that make any sense? Maybe it's just me, I love color.

I've always been fond of green tea and lemongrass.

More pour pots and a large turkey fryer or kettle, no problem!

Where, outside of my insurance company, can I apply to get a reasonable crafter insurance that won't put me in the red? Can you think of a good one? What do other soap makers do who want to sell their stuff in these finicky New Age stores that want everything "natural", wholesome, organic and whatnot? /quote] For both my candles and soap I have insurance through Benchmark. They're pretty reasonable. I did get quotes from my homeowners and other companies and their quotes were outrageous! I wouldn't think of selling without insurance. Just the peace of mind if nothing else. As far as the "finicky New Age stores" who want wholesome and natural, I just make them wholesome and natural. Of course I'm one of those "New Age" people myself. So far, no problems.

I've just been sending them USPS priority and so far I have had no problems. Even on the weekends.

I think people may get confused with the pumpkin souffle that CS sells and that is not all that sweet. Of course, I have no other ideas.

I use powdered cloves and crushed herbs a lot. I love herbal blends a lot. Holiday teas also work really well. I've used dried orange peel in a layered soap with clear glycerin. I've also seen a soap that had wild rice suspended in it. It looked cool but I have no idea what happened when it was used.

Excellent! It's good to see another one coming back instead of another one closing. There is hope!

That's what I figured. I guess if someone is going to sign up for something like that they would probably use paypal. It's accepted in far more places these days.

I just signed up for an account while in the etsy east team forum. I did a search here and came up with one thread regarding RME and people signing up. Before I attach my bank account I just wanted to know what users think of it and if it is worth the trouble. Is anyone actually using it for purchases on etsy?