SoyKandles

Yes, I do have a tough decision!! I haven't worked full-time (actually I currently work MORE than full-time with 3 part-time jobs!!) since my first daughter was born. We still have a son at home who's a sophomore in high school. (yes, we spread our children out too far!!) I work part-time at a bank, do my husbands bookwork for his business & make candles, plus all the "mom" stuff. Yikes! Lots to think about. You guys have been great in pointing out things I need to think through. I do have a few wholesale dealers who place nice sized orders (about $1,000) and one of those has told me if I quit my candle biz that I still have to make candles for her!! I guess I could keep a few dealers, if they will work with my schedule. My decision needs to be made in about 1 week, but I wouldn't start until after the first of the year. They are kind enough to keep my candle business in mind. Keep giving me things to think about, please! I will let you guys know my end result later. Thanks!

Since my husband is self employed, we take advantage of any tax deductible items we are allowed. If I would get insurance at my work, that's a $10,000.00 a year raise right there. Maybe I'm not thinking right, but I don't think I could pass on that.

HeavenScentU -- you make this more difficult!! I'm trying to search inside and see what's the best. My husband has always been self employed, so the insurance benefits are very inviting!! I'm going back & forth right now. I suppose I should sit down and write the benefits of both sides and see where that leads.

Thanks for your input Gdawg - I was wondering if it would work just to scale down some. I will still need a creative outlet - so I can't quit cold turkey!! I didn't mention that I will be a grandma for the first time at the end of January also. I've got to save time for the grandbaby!!

My candle business is going well, but I was just offered a full-time job with benefits and I don't know if I can pass on that. I would really miss my candlemaking, but I cannot do everything!! Do most people who get out of this business sell the inventory or does anyone sell it as a business? I have a website, a store front, too many wholesale customers, etc. What should I do?? Any thoughts to help me make a decision would help! I was just at a craft show and a couple was looking at everything in my booth and when I visited with them they said they were thinking of starting a candle business. I could kick myself for not getting their name!! I just found out this morning about the full time work opportunity. (That sounds funny to me - full time work - I already work more than full time! It's just 3 part-time jobs!!) Help me!!!! Please!!!

I've gotten hexalene glycol from Oak Court Creations and lately from The Personal Formulator. The last one has a better price.

I've found that WSP's reed base diffuses too quickly. It also hase an alcohol smell to it, so that must be the reason why it doesn't last very long. I like to use hexalene glycol for my base. It's not as heavy as DPG, no alcohol, works great and lasts longer than WSP's base!

Does anyone have any Christmas Splendor twins? Someone had said Christmas Splendor and Apple Jack & Peel was the same, but the Christmas Splendor I have (Millcreek's) doesn't smell like KY's Apple Jack & Peel to me. I just poured Tennessee Candle Christmas Splendor and OOB it does smell similar to Apple Jack & Peel. Hopefully someone will have more information for me!! Thanks!

I like KY's Apple Jack & Peel - very strong!

I agree with HeavenSentU - hate the smell of frying bacon in the house!! I was glad when they came out with the pre-fried bacon!! Once I had a request for a meat-cooking smelling candle! I about gagged when this little ole lady asked me for that scent! That just isn't right to have those kinds of candle scents!! LOL!

I also pour my wax into my pouring pot, then place my pouring pot on my scale that has a thick potholder on it (this also protects my scale from wax, somewhat!). Then I just squirt my fo's into the pouring pot. The hot pot is on the scale such a short time, I don't think it will hurt the scale. I started adding the fo's this way because I felt I was wasting that last little bit of oil in my large shot glass. Also wasting lots of paper towels cleaning the shot glass out.

When I said before that I heard that she had the jars custom made, I didn't say that I also heard she went to China (I think it was China) to talk directly to the manufacturer and have it designed. I don't think I can make a trip like that!! I'm from Nebraska and went to their last event -- lots of crafts, food mixes, etc. The weekend before I went they said there was lines to check out that where you stood in line for about an hour to pay! They have check-out lines outside with 3 or 4 cash registers working at the same time. If you notice the top of the lid, there's wording around the outside edge. I think it says *Barn Candle*Barn Candle*, so if someone would try to get "Handmade" on a jar there should be a matching lid!! The matchbook idea is very clever and I wish I had thought of it too! I've only seen one other candlemaker try to copy that idea.

I heard they had these jars custom made. Notice the "barn" on the jar. Did you see the Herbal Remedies website had these candles for $10.95 and the Barn website has the same one for $16.00. What's up with this?

I also use BCN's Cinnamon Red Hot. I've also used KY's and it's similar, but like BCN's better.

NG is probably Natures Garden.

I think for the blackheads and blemishes - Castor oil works well. Someone else with more knowledge of this hopefull will chime in regarding this.

Thanks for the added information - I'll check them out. Now I'm in trouble with more FO companies to order from!!

"Berts blueberry is good " -- Sorry, but I don't know who Bert is. Please give me the web addy. Thanks!

"Soap Silly wholesalesupplies is really strong, so strong I get a headache from it each time. Excellent throw too." I'm not sure what you mean - is this wholesale supplies plus? I looked for a Soap Silly and didn't find one.

Camay - that isn't the website that I was talking about, but I'll check into their sister company - thanks! I have KY's Blueberry burst and I have heard that doesn't throw as well as this other company's blueberry - that's why I looking on. Thanks everyone - hopefully I'll find the one that blows the doors off!!

I need a strong, true smelling, knock your socks off plain Blueberry for soy. I've tried many different ones and haven't hit the right one yet. I've been told there's a soy candle company in Maine that has a wonderful Blueberry and they should know blueberries - don't they raise a lot there? I wish I could ask them where they get their blueberry FO from!! (ha!) Thanks in advance for your help!

Ask and you shall receive!! You guys were wonderful help with my question! Thanks a bunch. I'll have to give a few of these a try. I also see if you order a lot (24#'s) the fo's are only $8.00 a lb.! You can't beat that, but the 24 #'s might be a problem!! Thanks again! Susan

This doesn't look good . . . doesn't anyone use Taylored Concepts scents?

I've never tried FO's from Taylored Concepts and I would like to know how good their FO's are. Do they work well in soy? Then the next question would be - what are a few suggestions to try that are great scent throwers? Thanks!

I've been using the CPOP method and only have my oven on for 1 hour at 170 degrees. Then I turn off the oven and leave the soap in the oven until morning. In the morning I take it out and let it totally cooled off (till it's cool to the touch) and then take the soap out of the mold. Maybe you should cut back your time to 1 hour?? HTH