CellarDweller

Hi there, I make a lot of votives and I use paraffin...either 1343 or 1274. Here are some good instructions http://www.candletech.com/candle-making-basics/votive-candle-instructions/ however like the previous poster, I use the wick pins too. It is so much easier! You can make a small batch and test a bunch of different wicks side by side very easily to determine which will work better for you. hth

I LOVE the purple one with the curls!! And I think the line on the other one is very cool!

Did you do the alcohol / lye method or the paste method?

WOW - that is some great looking soap! Nice job!

Never mind, I found it in the recipe section. In case anyone was wondering, she says to add 20 oz to the recipes in her book. If you have any other info you'd like to share on this method though, I'd still love to hear it.

Has anyone ever tried this? I am still messing with Catherine Failor's book. I have read and re-read this section and nowhere do I see where it tells you how much alcohol to use. Am I missing something? Thanks so much for ANY insight on this method!!

Thank you for your reply.

Thanks for the input!

Has anyone used these? Are they sturdy? Do they last a long time? They look easy to transport? Anything else you can offer on these? TIA!!

Hey all, Happy New Year! I am looking at trying a liquid shampoo recipe from CF's Making Liquid Soap book. I'm thinking about trying the Jojoba Conditioning Shampoo. The recipe is as follows... 37 oz coconut 9 oz castor 4 oz jojoba 13 oz potassium hydroxide 39 oz distilled water It also says this... To neutralize: add 4.5 oz of a 20% boric or citric acid solution or 4.5 oz of a 33% borax solution. So, here's my ? Is the water amount (39oz) the actual amount to be mixed with the pot.hyd.? and then 'cooked'? Or does some of that water need to be reserved for dillution? If extra water is used for dilution, how much do I use? Also, I have read and read the section on the neutralizing solutions and just cannot wrap my head around it all the numbers. Can someone please try and help me? TIA!!! p.s. I have made liquid soap before, but the amounts of water and borax, etc...were all spelled out.

That looks yummy!! Nice job!

I have an idea of how to stitch it, but no expert advice. I did however want to chime in on putting f/o soaked things into an eye mask. I don't know that I would do this. These are typically made using real lavender, flax and other herbs. Maybe it's just me, but I would be leary of putting synthetic fragrance anywhere near my eyes.

Very cool! I love it!!

I have not tried the cb135, but the xcel has a great throw, hot and cold! Why not pick up small amounts of each and see what you think?

Anyone know where to get rectangular plates/trays/stands for a brick pillar? I would prefer to buy wholesale, but will buy retail. Thanks for ANY insight...I have searched google for days.

Red, thank you for the advice!! What is BTMS? And at what percentage would you think to start with on these?

Hello all!! I have been using a recipe of 1/2 C white sugar to 1 oz each avocado and SAO and would like to turn this into an emulsified scrub but not too hard. Can anyone give me a starting point of percentage / ratio to add E-wax and/or stearic? I tried the recipe from Ellens Essentials which was 21% ewax & 16% stearic and found it WAY TOO waxy. Also, why do most recipes call for both ewax and stearic? Thanks for any insight!!

Thanks for the reply. I asked for the book for Mother's Day and my birthday and didn't get it. Guess it's time to buy it myself!! I'm still open to any suggestions here. p.s. I do know that it won't bubble as much, just looking for as much as it can get.

So, if this works...couldn't you leave your LS in paste form until you are ready, and then you can dilute and scent at that time? I know someone who used to freeze the paste.

I have not tried it, but just saw this a minute ago. http://www.ellensessentials.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70&products_id=249 maybe someone will know how it does...

Hi all! I have made 1 batch of liquid soap using the Sunflower and Coconut recipe from candleandsoap.about.com. It turned out ok, but was not as bubbly as I would like. I would like to try again and was wondering if there was anything I could sub for the Sunflower (since I'm currently out)? Or maybe you have a different recipe altogether to recommend? If it matters, I am hoping to use as a liquid dish soap for now but would also like to eventually use as a hand washing soap. Would these recipes differ? I feel comfortable with the process and don't really mind if it's clear or amber in color, I'm just struggling with the ingredients to use. Thanks for any help!! p.s. oils and butters I have on hand are... coconut palm rbo ako sao caster canola olive oil shea butter

How was the melt pool? Flame? Are you using 1 or 2 of the HTP wicks?

Dollar stores too!

I use just a couple drops of FD&C liquid b&b dye per 32 oz of spray. Just gave it a nice little tint and I've never had any problems with it dying clothes. I keep my lotions, sugar scrubs, body butters, etc...all dye free but thought a clear bottle of clear liquid didn't stand out very well. JMO

Looks GREAT! I'm jealous...mine looks a lot like the 'before'...lol! Nice job!