Starr

I've used old M&P before and not had it get lumpy on me like that. Was it cool in your home while you were working and that might've been cooling your M&P faster then usual? Also, have you checked your microwave with something else to see if maybe the microwave is dying on you?

Is the wick just snuffing itself out?

Will the wick not light at all?

What type of wax are you using?

Did you use any additives?

If so, which ones and how much per pound of wax?

What FO (or FO's) are you using?

How much FO per pound?

What type of wick are you using?

and lastly...

What type of candle are you testing?

Votive? Pillar? container? How big around is it?

I've never used ICS's Cactus and Sea Salt but had a sample of it from an ebay sale (maybe it was ICS and it was just repackaged) when I first started making candles with little kits and such, it really is a nice, upscale kinda scent. It reminded me of a spa or something in that ballpark.

I've been using PVC as I already had it on hand but am looking at getting a wooden log mold. I agree that it really depends on what you want and what you're comfortable with.

I've taken to bath bombs really quickly but had virtually zero luck with those 2 piece round ball molds. I use a muffin pan and cupcake wrappers, they're absolutely adorable and SUPER easy.

I think they're kinda cute, definitely a little sophisticated looking but by the same token, I see the vibe aspect too. I used to have a little manicure kit (clippers, file, cuticle scissors, etc...) that looked kind of like that, I bought it at the drugstore as I go completely nutso if I break a nail and don't have a file nearby. Anyway... I think it's all a personal preference, I appreciate the uniqueness of it. You don't see many perfume bottles that look like that.

I mix after trace.

I used to do black M&P all the time. I use black liquid dye from Therapy Garden. I tried Iron Oxide and it was a mess, never tried mica but the liquid dye never discolored anything unless I used too much but I've found that to be true with any liquid dye.

I use C&S Production Single Pour Blend regularly. They make both a votive and a container blend. I ADORE the votive blend but absolutely DESPISE the container blend. Both burn well enough but the container blend just doesn't make for a pretty candle. The votive blend is easy to work with, isn't overly temperature specific and the granules are sooooo much easier to weigh then trying to cut a slab. Also, I've never had to let my candles cure. Not sure if it's been reformulated since kimmeroo used it or what but I've tried a variety of FO's from different suppliers and haven't had a problem.

I make round pieces of soap then cut it with a small paring knife.

I can't wait to cut it... that is providing I can get it out of the mold.

I know, it really shouldn't have stayed that huge but I can't edit it again.

Figures. I go through all the trouble to fiddle with it and no one else sees it.

Oh well.

I swear, I tried to resize it.

I'm crossing my fingers this turns out okay

OMG! I love that. I did my bedroom in Reds and Golds and Something like that would be just STUNNING above the bed. Have you considered selling them?

Also, for the record, I did start using Candlechem for my dyes and they had as many if not more colors to choose from. They were a little bit more expensive IIRC but it was a very small price to pay for actually getting my supplies in a timely fashion without threats and nonsense.

I had a similar problem with them just about a year ago. I posted about it here: http://www.craftserver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81076

I made one wickless jar for myself. I was trying to use up the last of a batch of wax I bought. I messed up and bought the wrong wax and was stuck with 10lbs of it (lucky for me I bought small). So I made some gifties for family and friends (I had already tested this wax when I thought it was going to be my new wax of choice and got good burning results, it just wasn't the prettiest candle I'd ever poured) and still had about 1.5lbs left over that I didn't want to worry about storing for the whenever I might get to it and do something.

Anyway... I've got a HUGE apoth-style jar that I keep in the bedroom and I have to say... it just falls flat for me. The scent is great, the color is great, but if I'm making/buying a container, I want a wick. I want to see it flicker and such. I decided after that I wouldn't try to sell them.

There might be a market for them though. I would imagine that people with kids and pets might find the appeal in still having a jar but not having a flame.

Some good ideas about strainers and coffee filters. In the end, I think I'd just be TOO paranoid to use it.

I make black candles all the time. Black leather scented candles have been fairly successful for me. I use black dye chips from Candlechem and straight paraffin wax (no soy blends, no matter how much dye I've used, I cannot turn soy black). You'll need at least 3 chips per pound depending on what type of wax you use and I would suggest lots of little test pours on wax or parchment paper before you pour your pillars.

Good Luck

I've found some very nice ones at Dollar General and especially Dollar Tree.

You can try searching for Candy/Chocolate molds but I don't think you'll find anything that's all that much different in size or price unless you switch to a different type of mold (silicone for example).

Good luck with your soaps though, I hope you post a picture when they're done.

How about making something in a scent he likes? Put it by the sink (removing any store bought soaps) and let him try it on just his hands?

Or, instead of making something special. Have a water conservation party (i.e. joint shower) and ask him to wash your back, insist that he uses YOUR soap. That might jump start him to use it.

Looks good to me too!

Orange and Lavender EO's are one of my FAVORITE blends to use in stuff. Another that I've found I like a whole lot is Orange and Basil.