FireStarter

Was my question intrusive? If so I apologize.. I just thought it would be neat to learn how some of you started out and what drew you into the craft.

Hi everyone! Happy 2009 I thought it would be fun to hear your stories on how you all got started. I am new to candlemaking, and also would like to eventually make B&B products.. and someday I want to sell products like most of the rest of you...... so I am curious.. if you dont mind my asking.. 1. What made you want to start making candles/soaps/etc in the first place? What birthed your love for this craft? 2. For those who sell your items, how long did you spend perfecting/testing/making them before you started selling them? 3. Once you began selling, where did you start? Craft shows? Ebay? Etsy stores? Did you go straight to building your own website? Wholesale? Selling to local stores? I started making candles in November. I have always loved wax, since I was a kid. One day back in August while looking at candles online, I found a site describing the basics of candlemaking, and that's when it hit me.. "I can do this!" Since I was young I had always wanted to know how to make them, so I started reading as much as I could about making candles, the different types of wax, wicks, etc, and the different methods of making them. Then one late evening in November I ordered my first shipment of supplies. A love (and addiction) was born that weekend when my supplies arrived! So what about the rest of you?

I have only used the GW444 - I actually like it.. use it for 16 oz colonials so far, but I have some tins I'd like to pour into.. Directions from Peak say heat to 180 to 190 degrees, add color and fragrance, pour between 130 and 140 degrees. MP is 120 to 125. I have pretty smooth tops on my containers with some minor seepage of oil (I think it's oil lol) using 8% FL. It says it can hold in excess of 10%. I have had great success with ST both hot and cold. Wicks.. Im still in testing phase.. have tried the RRD 47s (double wicked - way too hot) and 50s, (single wicked - too much hangup). Next step is double wicking with RRD 40 and a single wick with an RRD 55. If those don't satisfy I am going to try the LX series next. HTH

Hi HurleyGirl and welcome to the board! General Wax and Candle Co has an "Ultimate Kit" in which you can experiment with a few different types of candlemaking, including pillars, containers, and votives. Its a little more expensive than most kits, but they have the cheapest price for this kit.. I have seen it priced at over $200 at other suppliers, and they are asking $140. Here's the link. Happy candlemaking!! :) http://www.generalwax.com/misc--candle-making/candle-making-kits/cate_51/p___P0615276.html If the link doesn't work just google general wax, their kits are under miscellaneous candle making at the bottom of their list on the left side of their page.

Is this regular pricing from them or just a sale? They had a nice sale on their dyes recently, and I got a bunch of them and have been pleased so far.. but that's a steal on the FOs!!! Do they always have the $5.00 / lb specials on select FOs?? And if so, do they rotate them? Please tell me they do!! I have to go out of town today, unfortunately because my grandfather passed away, so I can't order anything until after the first of the year..

Ohhhh let's hope no one blinks!! Everyone get toothpicks to put in your eyes!!! Here here!! I second this!!

DONT give up. Whatever you do.... if this is what you want to do.. stick with it.. something will give eventually. I don't have answers because I am only starting out, and to be quite honest, all of the business aspect of candlemaking is rather overwhelming, especially when it comes to starting a website, having it hosted, getting it published.. let alone having the business insured and registered and all that jazz, but I learn more every day, and this is something I want. I enjoy it, and while I don't have all the time in the world to do it at the moment, I will continue to try to make time for it. My hubby works out of state (may as well be military) so it is just me and our two kiddos, and lemme tell ya.. I could pull my hair out some days and often wonder if this is even worth the effort. But if you enjoy it, and want to make it work, it will work.. somehow, someway... :undecided

They said you have to have been in business AND insured for three years? How are you supposed to be insured for three years before they will insure you, if no one will insure you if you haven't been insured for three years? (Did that make sense?) I'm sorry sweetie. Good luck..

I think it's beautiful and unique. Sets you apart from the rest of the products, something that stands out, not so uniform you know? Very attractive label. Soft, alluring. Congratulations!

Chris, is this true for all FOs with soy, or just a few? I am using 444 and what I did was add my color around 185 degrees, and then cool to about 140, then add my FO. I then poured around 135. I have had an astonishing HT and CT with both FOs i used (Home for the Holidays and Hot Cocoa - both from Peak). I ask because i've read directions stating to add the FO just before you pour. I didn't realize the FO had to bind with the wax.. I figured the hotter the wax when you add the FO, the more of the FO would burn off, but I have only been making candles for the past month.. hah! Any experienced knowledge is appreciated! TIA

Following the link to the Entrepreneur article, I noticed the attack on "vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the oil palm tree"... I wonder just how long it's going to take before Palm candles are scrutinized as well.. I understand the desire to go more natural, but seriously, when it boils down to it, everything originated from the earth in some form or fashion.. granted they have been chemically altered by mankind, but where did those chemicals come from?? Sorry I know it's a little off topic, but all this hype about "naturalism" is really starting to get on my nerves! There is a huge difference between environmentalism and fanatacism (sp?) and lying to the public at large to market your products. Paraffin still comes from petroleum, which still comes from the ground. Anyone who uses gasoline, or drives any vehicle for that matter, with the exception of the electric vehicles, has no right to ridicule anyone for using paraffin in their candles. They all really need to get off their high horses and eat a little crow! ETA: And as quoted above - he stated that "he hasn't had bronchitis in over 10 years".. you know what?? how do we know he isn't a smoker? Did your doctor state that burning paraffin candles is what caused your bronchitis?? Maybe you were sick from all that over-marketing you were doing with your other business before you started making candles. Maybe you were working too much and not resting enough, causing your immune system to suffer. Maybe its all those lies he told to the public just to make a profit.. anyone ever hear of Karma? Three-fold buddy. Sorry. Done ranting now.

Hi Megan! I'm new here too! Look forward to learning and sharing with you! Happy candle making!! PJ

LOL Caramel that is too true! I have been researching candlemaking for a few months, and now that I am indulging in the actual making of candles, it is soooo hard to know the difference between what I actually need and what I "want" lol.. I just want to try everything!! :rolleyes2 But I do have a question since this thread pertains to the 464... i use the 444. What made you all choose the 464 over the 444? I actually haven't had any frosting at all with it so far, and the HT and CT are phenomenol with 1 oz FO and less. Wonder if climate makes a difference?? TIA.

Hi there. What is the diameter of your jars? I have 4" 16 oz Apoth jars, and am also experimenting. I am using GW444. So far I have only used the RRDs. My first tester was an RRD-50. MP wasn't big enough, leaving about an inch of hangup all the way around the jar, and the wicks mushroomed like crazy. I have since remelted and re-wicked using two RRD-47s. NOW! My MP is full, but too quickly, and just over an inch deep!!! I got a full MP in less than 30 minutes.. and my jar is definitely too hot to handle! Lol.. Not to mention i still have the mushrooming. (I think it's just the wick). My next test with the RRD will be to go one size up from the original (to an RRD-55), but I have a shipment of samples of LXs, CCs, and HTPs coming, hopefully by Friday, along with a ton more of the same wax so I hope to find a good one in there somewhere. I'm not too fond of these RRDs so far. I also have a few other sized jars coming in the same shipment, so I'm gonna play with those too. If those don't work out I'm going to try some CDNs as others have been using in the veggie waxes and seem to be having great success with them. They seem more appopriate for the veggie wax, and give great MPs. HTH! FireStarter

Camay, I was thinking of doing the same thing.. I noticed that some of the labels were discolored, which made me wonder if the "dye" or something in them isn't seeping out through the plastic bottles.. I may transfer them because now the entire room is starting to smell!! Lol.. Debscent, I don't know if these are from their regular line or not.. the sale said something about French dyes? All I know is that they were $4.99 for each 4 oz bottle instead of $14.99 each.. like I said, couldn't pass that up! I'm such a sale addict! Lol

Awesome! That's my main concern is whether they affect the finished product.. if not then kudos! Thanks!

Helllloooo.. I ordered a few 4 oz bottles of liquid dye from their most recent surplus sale.. note I have only used Peak's liquid dyes and dye chips so I am unfamiliar with other dyes, but I couldn't pass this sale up!! Anyway, I just got them in and opened the package.. WOW they are strong!!! Has anyone ever used these before and if so.. are they supposed to smell like that?? Will this affect the FO in the candle and the way it burns? Peaks do not smell like that.. I didn't even open the bottles, just opening the box they came in let off a strong odor and has given me quite a headache.. TIA..

Hi Meredean I have only used the RRD wicks from Peak, but they definitely mushroom in my soy, and I haven't gotten a full MP after three test burns on my candle... However, I am still very much a beginner, and the melt pool issue could be due to a number of things, such as needing to wick up, or use two smaller ones in my 4" diam jar. The scent throw is fabulous, however! I think I am going to try a pack of the Cottons from them with my next order.. I do have some HTPs here that I am going try also, but I can't stand the mushrooming I am getting from this RRD. Even after trimming, within an hour i have that unsightly fungus on my tip! Lol.. Happy Testing.... let us know if you order and test!

Alajane you just partially answered the question I was about to ask.. lol Is this primarily a zinc wick issue that happens on the blue moon or does this happen with other wicks as well? Just something that goes with the trade? Has anyone experienced a handful of bad wicks from other wick types, i.e. CD, HTP, LX, RRD... flat braided, etc...?

Well Maggie glad to help lol.. yeah check them out they have a ton of different fragrances and their sale is pretty good right now.. I think it is buy five 16 oz bottles and get one free and the total is around $75.00 for the lot.. bringing the cost down to about $0.78/oz. Not too shabby!

Oh we are in lovely Sierra Vista! I much preferred Tucson, there is absolutely NOTHING down here to do, especially for crafters! Although Tombstone is a mere 20 minutes away, but can you believe we don't even have a Michaels down here?? I think we have one hobby shop in town and it is specifically for model airplanes and cars and such. Don't get me wrong, that's a neat hobby in itself, just not my cup o' tea lol... So you travel alot huh? My DH is currently in Wyoming for work and may be going to Texas after the first of the year.. but we did get to see him for the Thanksgiving holiday, and will be going up to visit him and my MIL for Christmas! Oh I just can't wait for the climate shock!! Lol..

Thank you Tootie for your welcome!! And FoxHill for your reply! To Tootie: Truth, I have only been making candles for about 3 weeks now, in fact, I have only made 4 total!! Lol.. 2 pillars and 2 containers. But I am HOOKED. I really have just fallen head over heels with wax, have always loved wax, but now that I can "really" play with it.. wow. I am so inspired. I am so eager to try everything I can get my hands on.. but I must be patient and take one at a time, and test each one, because eventually I would like to sell them. I see you are in Lovely Arizona.. me too!! Have lived here for 13 years. FoxHill: Thanks for your reply.. I am not sure yet that I am going to buy, I am using soy wax for the containers, but don't want to get a huge order of scents I haven't tried yet, and find out I don't like them, or that they don't work well.. hence my question, but you said you had luck with them. I was also contemplating trying one of their sample packs, but I think by the time I get it (they ship from Minnesota I believe, so it would probably be over a week unless i use express shipping, defeating the purpose of a sale lol), their sale would probably be over. I think I will just stick with Peak for now.. I just love bargain shopping!! Who doesn't right? But If anyone else has had luck with NSCC's FOs let me know, please.. I may keep a watch on them and try them out just to see.

Hi All! :wave: I am new to the forum and am looking forward to meeting you all and chatting about candles! I have a question for ya.. has anyone tried NorthStar Country Candle's fragrances? If so... what are your opinions? Decent? Strong? They are having a decent sale on their 16 oz bottles, and am very tempted to buy , but I have only used Peak's FOs so far. TIA!! Happy candle making and blessed be! FireStarter

Wooowwwww... Okay I have only made 4 candles to date, but even as a consumer, I would have never bought that. Wood + Flame = MORE FLAME.. uhhh.. huh. I wonder what else they have made that is potentially dangerous... The problem is ALL along the buying/making chain as someone stated.. I believe consumers should be educated, but one has to assume the consumer knows absolutely NOTHING about the product. Just like that McDonalds lady years ago...

That has really got to be one of the coolest candles I have seen... !!! Kudos!! Great idea! :highfive: