Misty

No, I don't move my molds after I pour. I have used wooden molds for many years now, but they didn't have silicone liners. I covered them with several layers of blanket. I figured the silicone would hold the heat, especially with the nice, tight fitting lids. So, I don't insulate with even a towel. Maybe that's the problem.

I recently purchased two small block molds from them. I don't know how to get it right with them. I get a wavy effect on the top of the block of soap. I soaped some bulgarian lavender yesterday, and when I took the lid off, the soap was wavy, and even had a cave like dip in the center.

Is this getting too hot? Too cold? In my old molds, I used a transparency sheet on top to prevent ash, but didn't think I needed it with the lid for these. Anyone use these, and have any suggestions? It would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

Well, they sent me samples, and I got the weatherproof silver, but I don't even want to try them after hearing from bugtussle. But, I also got the gold glossy, and I really like them. I ran them through an HP laser, and they turned out real nice, so I will order some. Thanks everyone!

You can get a tank from For Crafts Sake. It will slice your whole log at once. I have one, and it will slice a log into twelve one inch bars at one time.

I got my rack off of ebay. It was brand new, for $150. The trays are $10 each, from the same dealer, brand new. I got four trays to start with, but will be getting more.

Bugtussle, do you still use them, or did you stop because of the problems with them? I ordered samples, but if they are going ruin a printer, it's not worth it.

Oh! I didn't know that. I'll get some to try out then.

Thanks a lot!!

Anyone try the foil, or silver labels from them. If so, did they print well, and did you use a laser or inkjet printer.

I want to get some, but having to buy 100 sheets, just to try them is too much. I want to use the maestro designer, but would like to know how well they turn out before investing 50 bucks on the labels.

Thanks

I use a commercial bread rack that has the pans that slide in. Mine has 20 slots for pans. I love it, because it takes up a small space, and I can cure a lot of soap on it.

Yes, list ingredients in order from greatest to least portions.

I haven't found anyone less than 39 cents a copy. That includes kinkos, staples, and local printers.

I've done it, and I just used the m & p as a swirl in the cp. I poured the cp in to a slab mold, and then used the melted m & p as a swirl.

Does anyone use Candlechem fragrances in soap? They have a couple that I would like to try, but I like to coordinate my scents in candles with soap. I don't see anything on their website about soap use.

Well, maybe I'll go ahead and order a slab to test out. I use CD wicks in the PB, and they work great. I know candlewic carries this wax, and they are in PA and I'm in MD, so that would save on shipping.

Thanks for your info!

What do you like about the CBL130 in comparison to the PB. I'm down to my last two cases of PB, and will need to find a replacement soon. Just wonder what features you like about it. I may give it a try. Thanks

That sounds like what I want to so jokerjen. I envisioned maybe 9-5, with being closed on wednesday and sunday. Do you have an area for production at your store, or do you produce elsewhere?

Well, it seems to work well for some of you, even if you aren't open seven days a week. Do you feel that you have developed regular customers that have learned your hours, or is it more advertising, or that they just happened to see your place and stop in?

Wow lovelylathers, that's great. I bet you are tired. But, it sounds like you make it work. It's nice to hear that you make out alright with the just weekends, and a few evenings.

I was thinking about just trying a 10 - 5 schedule at first. I'm still considering all options. It's not like I have to. It would be something that I want to do. I just like to have a good plan before jumping into something.

Thanks for your post country bee. Just curious, what made you stop? Did you just get tired of it?

Thanks barncat, but I already have shelving, inventory and displays, what makes you think I'll lose them? I'm also aware of expenses, but that's not what I was asking.

I was more concerned with staff, as I find that complicated. Employees are sometimes more trouble then they are worth. Having dealt with them for 30 years before I retired from my other career, I know that they almost all have issues of one sort or another. I would like to keep it small enough to not have to have too much help.

Well, that sounds great that you two worked that out. That's something to consider.

Thanks!

I have the opportunity to have a store in my husbands new building that he is buying. It is a huge building, and he wants to make a section for me to sell my candles.

Do any of you have a store that you run by yourselves? Just wondering if you have someone lined up to work occasionally, if you get sick or something. What hours do stay open.

I'm considering this, the pros and cons of it are weighing on me. Just hoping for a little feedback on how others handle it.

What do you do about the sharpness of the inner edge of the can, so there isn't a danger of being cut? I love that look.

Those beautiful spring colors are giving me spring fever!

Well, I use print artist, which works great, but to have professional labels done, requires a the file to be in an adobe format. This is where I have problems trying to format them in adobe. Label companies won't use labels done in avery or print artist.

I sent labels that I attempted in adobe once, and they called and said you don't have them in a template, and you don't have bleed. They said that my label showed up huge. So, I knew then that I was adobe challenged. LOL