Druin

Sherl, I should have been more clear in my original post. I mean that this is a hobby only and I do not plan for this ever to be a full-time business as many of you have. In fact, much of what I make is for gifts and *if* I get into selling, it would be at our campground's "garage sale" (for lack of a better word) that is held each spring. I would rather give the stuff away simply because that's more my personality and it makes me happy to help others, but I know I need to recoup some costs somewhere. I hope that clears up any confusion!

Here's a bad cell phone pic of the hangtags We chose to go with the top one. On the back is the instructions and warning.

Thanks!! I love ladybugs My sisters and I collect ladybug stuff, so I have them everywhere! When I get home, I'll upload what we chose for the label.

My dad passed away this fall and my step-sister had a memorial/memory bear made for my mom out of one of dad's shirts. Mom now wants to make these for all of the kids and older grandkids (about 16 total) but I can't find a pattern or instructions anywhere for these. Knowing that you guys are fairly crafty, can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks so much!!

Thanks for the suggestions so far!!! I've been polling friends, family, coworkers, family's coworkers - anyone within reach What do you guys think of the name "Spots and Dots"? kind of whimsical, general enough for any expansion... Thanks in advance

Nancy, I haven't tried it yet - now that you've provided me some motivation, I'll try to get it done tonight or tomorrow night! Thanks!

Good luck!! I started on an old-time kitchen cart using some of the sterlite drawers to hold my molds, dye chips, oils (samplers), etc, with the box of wax on the the bottom shelf. Within 6 weeks, hubby was tired of not being able to use the kitchen, so he kicked me to the living room (we have a wet bar in there)! Now, keep in mind that I'm just a hobbyist, just started making tarts at the beginning of November!! Anyway, all that was to say, that I don't have much advice, but yes, this hobby does grow really fast Using the drawer sets did help a lot with keeping everything in its place though

I have been making melts/tarts for personal use and gifts for about 6-8 weeks now with great success. I quickly fell in love with this hobby! I have enjoyed reading here - I have devoured most of this forum and the archives trying to learn more. I don't plan to turn this into a business - It's a hobby to give me a creative outlet and make my home smell good My sister suggested possibly selling them at our RV park's craft fair this summer and with that idea in mind, I am thinking of possible names for packaging purposes. I would like the word "Ladybug" to be in the name (I collect ladybugs) and I only do melts/tarts, wickless, and smelly jellies. Also - in regards to insurance, how important do you think insurance is when dealing with melts/tarts and selling only occassionally? I know this question may irritate some - I've read plenty of "I'm new and ready to sell" posts! I certainly don't mean to sound that way at all. It will be several more months before I have tested and narrowed down the scents I would want to keep, but I am also an overplanner and would like to have my "ducks in a row" just in case. I really appreciate the wealth of knowledge that I have found on CT. Thanks in advance for your help!

Thanks Dolphin! I didn't know if it was due to safety reasons or cosmetic reasons - I appreciate your reply!!

Can I ask why you use a pillar wax in tins but not in jars? Aren't they both containers? Is it a difference of the mouth opening? Thanks! This question has been on my mind for a while

I did a search but did not find an answer to my question... Yesterday, we were in Target and of course every endcap is full of 50% off holiday stuff One of these had a bunch of poinsetta cardboard coasters (similar to the coasters you get at Chili's restaurants). In thickness and consistency, they remind me of the typical "tree" fresheners - do you think something like this would work as a substitute for the ones your order online? Got to love a sale - and no shipping! Thanks in advance!!!

Local animal charities, Komen Foundation, Cancer Sucks, and Y-me (now called Network of Strength)... My sister has breast cancer, my stepmom did, and my dad died this fall from bladder cancer, so that may explain the cancer charities

Thank you for asking this! I have wondered the same thing. I make tarts, but some friends/family have favorite scents, so I wondered if I could use my tart wax to make them a wickless candle (a bigger tart as it were), instead of buying a new wax type. I would still mainly make tarts, so I don't want to invest in a new wax if my current wax will work and be safe in the container.

Bert's is having a 10% off sale, so I want to try some of her oils. What are your favorites? By the way, I did do a search and I'm on page 22 of the 52 page thread, but I was looking for a more updated list... hehe! Here's what I've got so far as must-haves based on your reviews: Candy Cane Cappuccino Brulee Christmas Pear / Spiced Pear Cinnamon Nutmeg & Clove Country Berry Hotcakes Lemon Biscotti Pie Pearberry Vanilla Latte There's goes the Christmas money from my in-laws!!

Stella... May I ask for clarification on this comment? For years, I have melted candles on a plate warmer because I have a phobia of fire. (Yeah, I know - odd hobby for a fire-phobic!) Until getting into this hobby, I never knew of the differences in waxes, etc. I typically make tarts and use a soy votive wax from a local supplier. My neice has requested more of her favorite scent. While I know I could just make her a dozen tarts (and I may just do that), I was curious if I could make her a single container of wax (a 5-6 oz "tart" as it were), but before trying, I am researching whether or not this can even be done safely with the wax I currently have or whether I will need to find a container wax instead. Thank you so much for any clarification you can provide!!

I know this is an old topic, but my Target stocks the 4 packs of the 8 oz Ball Elite jars year round for $3.59. I don't know of that will help any of you or not, but I just bought some of these this past week.

I've kind of been afraid to ask this because it seems silly, but here goes... Many of you mention that you shrink wrap your tarts using a heat gun. How in the world do you do this without the heat gun warming/melting the tart? I've been trying to figure it out in my head and I just can't seem to get a handle on it, so thanks in advance for answering!

I am guessing that Bevvy is not in the US, since she mentioned grams. Since 60*C = 140*F, she is pouring at the right temp based on her supplier's information. As for the drops, maybe that's a difference due to location as well?

I certainly don't doubt that! I have been in those shoes (forum/site admin) and I totally understand why rules are in place. I'm just saying that it's sometimes its hard to find your way around a new place when the things that are in place to help new people (such as the rules and the "board usage" forum) are not accessible to the new people. It would be like driving in a foreign city but no maps are available to guide you. I hope that clears up any confusion about my post above.

In somewhat of Bev's defense, many of the areas of this forum are not accessible to new members. In fact, Sara and I have had an email discussion about this over the past week - some of the rules, the "Board Usage" forum, etc are not able to be seen by new members, so it is legit that Bev did not know about the Co-Op rules. The only reason I know about them is that when you are NOT signed in (or before you join here), you have access to read those forums (like the Classifieds). Once you are a new member and signed in, you cannot view many of these areas.

Thank you all for your suggestions! I am taking a gift basket of lots of tarts to lunch tomorrow for my coworkers to choose from. I tried making up some individual gift baskets, but right now I have 18 scents to choose from so I wanted them to have the freedom to choose their own Now just to type up a quick info sheet

I have several of the plastic molds - both the smaller soap molds and the bigger candy molds. I also like to use the shaped ice cube trays that you can get at Dollar Tree and Hobby Lobby. Hope this helps!

I am ready to start packaging tarts for Christmas gifts - do any of you have some cute packaging ideas? I am so *not* creative, so pictures would be lovely if any of you have links to photo ideas... Thanks in advance!!!

I'm not sure how to answer your question - I have no idea if it's even possible, but I'm stuck inside with 1/4 inch ice on the ground, so I have nothing better to do today I don't even know if it's possible to do this - that's why I asked. As for what I have... I use a soy votive wax (V1) for making tarts and due to dryness during the winter, I have lots of various lotions around. Any ideas would be appreciated - I guess nothing ventured, nothing gained

I hate to ask a silly question.. but we're having an "weather day", so I'm at home with nothing to do but watch tv and play in the kitchen Is there a lotion bar recipe that uses things I would already have here at the house or something from the grocery store around the corner? For purposes of just playing around on an icy day, can I "solidify" some regular lotion using soy wax? Thanks for your help and sorry for the silly question.