blwoods

Wish they were closer... their shipping absolutely KILLS me. That 49 dollar case jumps up to 79 with shipping for me

I guess I'll have to stick to my 62 dollars for now.

I am new to the boards myself... and I don't think the problem is your "success". The problem is your attitude and the fact that anytime anyone has a dissenting opinion from your own, you feel you are being "attacked".

It just gets to me that so many newer chandlers are quick to blame everyone but their own methods when things aren't going how they expect. After 4 years with the same wax, I am now experimenting with soy... but I have the sense to know that things aren't going to be the same in this wax as they are my old ones. Hence, if I have a burn issue or a scent issue, I'm going to assume the problem is me until I've got conclusive evidence otherwise. PARTICULARLY if its a burn issue. As I said before, scent issues can sometimes be blamed on the maker, but burn issues are almost ALWAYS an issue with the chandler. There are so many variables that it seems almost ridiculous to blame "wonky burning candles" on the FO!

I like the one at Peaks pretty well. JBN makes one as well, but to me its considerably weaker and has more of a general "baking in the kitchen" smell as opposed to a true Gingerbread.

If you decide to go into business, I certainly hope your customer service skills are better than your tact. Extremely tacky to come onto a board that is sponsored by a supplier and state... YOU ARE ALL LIARS, YOU DILUTE YOUR OILS.

I use 3 major suppliers and generally before I blame an FO, I check my blends... particularly if a candle is "burning all wonky". Weak throw.. yeah, that can be caused by dilution, either at the mfg. level or simply not enough in your wax. But a "wonky" burn is generally the fault of the chandler, not the oil. Only times I've ever, in 5 years, had candles burn wrong is when I either did not wick properly, or I did not mix properly, or I used too much of a "heavy" FO. Most of the companies discussed on this board over and over are tried and true for their quality and throw... and if others can get a high quality strong throw with a clean burn.......

Wow... soy really does behave so much differently from paraffin. I'm not sure how the wicking is going because they haven't cured enough yet, but man-oh-man was I spoiled by my 4630 one pour wax!!

I've done 8 testers so far... 4 scents with 2 different size wick per scent based on the jar size. Four different pour temps so far, trying to find the optimum temp to avoid all the craters (I use 444). Looks like I've got a couple six months of testing these creatures!! But.. I think it will be worth it to have a candle that "goes" with the rest of my product line. I love love love my paraffin, but when your company name translates to "natural beauty"... and all of your other products are natural... I figured I'd best at least make an attempt with the Soy

For tarts and melts, you will likely want a firmer wax. I use a votive wax with a little bit of container wax mixed in for throw. My blend is right about 65/35 (votive/container). You can use a container wax for clamshells, but its harder to get out.... not sure about tarts as I only use the clamshells for my melts. I've heard that its harder to get container wax out of molds too, but I have no practice with that personally.

Soy I can't answer as accurately, because I don't use soy for any of my wickless products. But I would assume that the same rules about the softness would apply.

I just got some GW444 and some ECO wicks earlier this afternoon (I heart JBN). Going to try my hand at them tomorrow and see how it goes!

Considering it mainly so that I have a variety of offerings. Some don't care what the candle is made of so long as it smells good... some are wanting the vegetable based waxes in their home. Its just up for testing and consideration at this point... haven't gone and tossed my paraffin! I will still be doing my wickless candles with paraffin as well as my tarts.

Oh I'm well aware of the differences in throw. My main concern is wicking, as that was the biggest struggle for me when I first started out with paraffin. Later found out that I had chose a difficult wax to wick as my first!!

I've decided to go with GW444 after reading a lot of the reviews and posts in this section... has a better FO retention and many seem to like working with it more.

Wow.. that takes me back to Middle School. My 3 fragrances of choice back then were that, Love's Baby Soft, and Jovan Musk

I'm getting quite a few of those three step cardboard risers, and covering them in the same color velvet as my tablecloths. I'm going to see just how much stuff I can fit on there once it warms up a little outside (house is just too small to set up inside.. I REALLY miss having a basement). I will post pictures and see if it looks too cluttered or not.

Thanks! I fear I may have to buy a box truck to go to shows LOL.

During all this prepping and planning for this next years craft shows... I realized that if I am going to actually start doing shows, I'm really going to have to cut back on some of my offerings. Either that, or get 3 or 4 spots in each show LOL

Here is what I currently have... all I have to do now is figure out what goes and what stays (for the shows, I will still keep making things for my fundraisers and such)

Wickless Jars:

3oz

6.5oz

8oz

Clamshells

Soy Candles:

9oz Hex

2oz Tin

4oz Tin

8oz Tin

I have 60 different scents for the candles.

Bath and Body wise I have about 8 different kinds of soap, lotion, body butter, sugar scrubs, lip balm, bath bombs, bath melts, shower gel, shower jellies, massage bars, solid perfume

I also have mineral cosmetics, but its a given that I won't bring those to craft shows... I already take them to expo's.

Ugh.. decisions decisions!!

I am considering switching from paraffin to soy for my wicked candles. Anyone with opinions of how difficult C-3 would be to wick compared to 4630?

I'm going to do it, I think. I'm not in a position where if I make nothing I will be devastated... so if nothing else, I'll get the exposure from the deal.

Thanks for the opinions, and feel free to keep em coming!

One more question...

For the craft shows that charge an extra fee for a corner booth... is it generally worth it? From a setup standpoint, I know it would be a lot easier for me, but I am equally concerned about sales.

In this area, shows range anywhere from 50 dollars for a one day show all the way up to 6000 for a week long show. Its really and truly all over the map in regards to pricing.

I'd like to try this show, but I may wait for their fall shows... the difference in price between spring and fall shows is only 10 dollars, and one of the fall shows is actually a 3 day instead of 2 day.

What would a 2 day show be worth with the following information?

1. Well Advertised. I've seen the ads on local TV and radio and print. Not sure how effective the local TV ads are now in the world of DirecTV and such.

2. Good, indoor location. This show has been at the location its at since I can remember and its a local Expo center, fairly nice.

3. Attendance info for the spring shows is around 3000 or so. Attendance for the holiday shows is anywhere from 6000-10000.

4. Electricity is available (of course)

5. Show is Juried. I do know that I have seen commercial vendors such as Mary Kay, etc. at the event... but there isn't much in the way of "Made in China" and none of the counterfeit purses, clothes, etc.

What would be a good price to pay? I've not done much in the way of shows, mainly just flea market and farmers market.. but considering my options for shows. Would $185 be out of line for the lower attended spring shows?

Actually, it's my company name. I'm going to see what I can do about the font.. but obviously the name itself can't change...

The lettering was intentional. I know it does make things a bit harder to read, but I wanted something UNIQUELY mine....

I have a small shop where the lettering is more easily read, not to mention that once my website is up.. that will help with the name recognition as well.

My main concern with the logo was that it be something unique and beautiful... this particular logo will be for my candle and melts line. Will have another new logo done for my B&B.

Thanks for all the input! I appreciate seeing it from the eyes of others!

It says Tenseinobi, which is the name of my company. The literal translation is Japanese for Natural Beauty. My main line is my B&B, I've only recently started working with wickless candles and still mastering wicking. Tenseinobi is also considered the goddess of birth and beauty.

Yeah, its a little different and does get some strange looks... but I'm going for a more upscale, spa look... so the obscure name seems to fit.

Yet another pleased customer of Studio Beck! I love my new logo!!

I know that there are other similar vendors who have done the state fair here... which is what got the wheels turning in my head.

Also... anyone here ever done one of the Sami Shows in TX? I've been to a couple as a customer, considering being a vendor at one in the future...

Has anyone here participated in State Fairs? I'm considering trying it out but the fees are high... however, the fees cover 3 weeks so Im trying to get some opinions on it.

Thanks