Sara

Yup, just keep in mind that the closest supplier isn't always the cheapest, and they might not carry all of the supplies that you want or prefer. What did you use to make your hobby candles? - Did you just go to a craft store?

I don't know if BCN still sells this, but it was fantastic. Had to use very little to get a decent result.

Interesting to read the responses... I find I like different needles, depending on the job I'm doing. Sometimes I like the click and slip of the aluminum (the yarn slides off easier, and I can knit faster), but other projects require the yarn to hold a bit better on the needles, and that's where the bamboo comes in handy. There's also the plastic ones, which are nice because they don't get hot or cold (like aluminum can be cold). Sigh. So many choices.

Can you please send me an email from the account you registered IwantITgreen with? mail@craftserver.com

Are you talking about a business name or a handle?

Spigot for me!!! I have one that doesn't have one, and I much prefer the ones with a spigot.

For hard wax I use a hammer. Since I've got the presto pots and weighed after I poured naked wax, it wasn't an issue (being close to a pound). You can do it that way -- melt and then pour into your pitcher and weigh after. Would that work for you? For the softer waxes, I heat my knife with a heat gun and cut through it like butter. Works a lot better in summer, though.

I've resorted to oodles of curling ribbons because I'm bow-impaired too.

Interesting. Thanks for the heads up on it.

I use pomace; works fabby.

Is that dipped TP? Very cute... how long do they hold their scent for?

Yes, definitely back down on this one. It will depend what kind of wax you use, but start at 3% and work your way up, or you'll be wasting your oil. Great FO.

Well, that's just me. Since they're smaller, the cool faster and burn faster (for testing). I was thinking for gift-giving, they might work better for the OP than the big jars. ETA - Nah, don't throw in the towel yet. Maybe your gift-giving will inspire you to continue. Keep us posted, and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Another, easier route is to start with votives. Because they are smaller, the testing process is less time-consuming than large jars. I know jars are popular in the stores, but they are a beast that some of the best of us just don't want to tackle, or are never quite satisfied with. Votives can scent a house beautifully and make nice gifts. Just a thought.

People make all kinds of crafts at Christmas. In fact, they sell candlemaking kits at many craft stores, so I respectfully disagree with Top's statement. I actually commend ashleylynn8888 for seeking out a candle forum, looking for advice from professionals in an attempt to make a safer, better candle for gift-giving. I was never completely happy with the burn on got on my apothecaries, so I can't give you much guidance there. You can always try the other wicks you might have, but the best bet might be to order some additional ones to try. Here's some suggestions from the Wax and Wick Suggestions in the Archives: 16 oz: J223 wax - 51zinc wick J223 wax - (two) HTP-104 wicks J223 wax - (two) HTP-83 wicks ECO 135 wax - ECO 12 wick no wax listed - (two) 51-32-18z wicks Here's another thread discussing wicking those bad boys, and you'll find some additional suggestions at the bottom of the page. Let us know how it pans out -- and welcome to CT

I agree with everyone else. If people want cheap, inferior melts, they'll shop Wal-mart.

Hmm. OK, is noted. I will PM you.

My problem has always been the temperamental, humid weather here. I didn't have the patience to stick with making these puppies. But reading this gets me inspired to try again now that it is getting cooler out.

LOL. No, I haven't. OK. I'll dust off the camera and post 'em.

AshleyR, welcome to the forum. Stella gave some good advice. If you're working with soy, the veggie wax section is the way to go. You did great with giving all the specs on what you're using. I'm going to transport this over and see if we can get you some answers.

Welcome to the forum, almaga1979. What kind of color are you using? Liquid or blocks? How much wax are you using? Depending on your FO it might color the wax a bit, so you might need to simply play with it to see where you want to be. One way to do that is to add your color, and take a bit out, pour on some wax paper to cool and keep tweaking from there. It helps to get answers to your questions if you use a descriptive title like, "Help needed coloring cinnamon bun" or "Help with sink holes." You can also search for those terms. Again, welcome to CT.

Jenny, welcome to the forum. Everyone has their own preferences to scents, waxes, suppliers, etc. - the more you read and test, the more you will know what you like. You can start out by posting what your working with (wax/fo/wicks) and what outcome you are getting, and where you want to take it.

I'm prone to those, too

Welcome to the forum. And to one wicked-sick addiction if you end up liking it. Top gave good advice. I'm a "doer" so I would say find a supplier and order a kit to your liking (pillar, container, votive). The more you read, the more you'll learn and the better your candles will be. Especially since you're looking for hobby, definitely get your hands on some wax soon!!!

I've seen those at the store... I think it was Cost Plus. Might want to check there. My advice would be, unless your client is forking over a nice, fat deposit on your testing your "eco-friendly" candles - don't do it. I mean, what kind of candles are you making right now? Is this an entirely NEW venture for you (new jars, new waxes, new scents)? Just to sell 1 person 5 good candles, you can end up spending hundreds of dollars in product testing time and supplies.