B@BlissStreet

I just have a few questions to those of you who do fundraisers.

When an organization sells candles for a fund raiser for say $15 each, and if you were splitting with them 50/50, when the fund raiser is over, say they sold 100 candles. Would I claim $1500 in gross sales? Or do I claim just the $750 on my side of the deal?

Also, what do you feel is the best way to market yourself to bring in more groups for fundraisers? I thought about putting together a few candles, and mailing them off to local churches and schools with all of my fund raiser information.

I have also attached a copy of my fund raiser brochure I put together, it's pretty tentative so it's subject to change, but I would like some feedback on it as well. Thanks so much!

I look forward to your input!

I think your brochure looks great! Nice work.

I'm definately crazy when it comes to mixing scents! Love the idea of mixing Creme Brulee with Cinnamon!

I mixed these two last week when I was playing "mad scientist." The resuslts are amazing...I think it is one of my new favorites, and is definitely on my list for Fall.

Thanks for posting all these blends, everyone!

Have you checked Southern Scentsations? They carry both items, and were inexpensive on shipping. (I'm about 3 hrs. away from them here in MI) The service was great and my order arrived the day after I placed it. HTH

My sister bakes cakes and wants to know if people sell baked goods at craft fairs. Im sorry to say I've haven't been to many craft fairs at all so I told her I'd ask you guys. I would think people would sell all kinds of foody items at farmers markets but not sure about craft fairs.

Thanks

There is an amazing Farmer's Market on Saturdays near me in season, and they have always had baked goods for sale, and now have tons of food vendors. Michigan just passed legislation on this issue, which should ideally help this "tricky" situation. I realize every area has different rules, but thought I'd share what I ran across last week...this was a hot topic with many contacts.

http://michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168--240569--,00.html

Governor Granholm Signs Bills Promoting Michigan Agriculture

Contact: Tiffany Brown 517-335-6397

July 12, 2010

Legislation encourages growth of cottage food operations

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that promotes Michigan agriculture by encouraging the production and sale of certain foods made by Michigan residents in their home kitchens.

These foods, called cottage food products, don't require temperature control for safety and include jams, jellies, granola, dried fruit and herbs, cereal, dry mixes, candy and baked goods. The production or packaging of cottage food products by someone in their home kitchen is defined by the legislation as a cottage food operation.

"This legislation promotes the production and sale of Michigan-made food products," Granholm said. "It will be a boost to small and medium-sized farms, local farmers markets and entrepreneurs throughout the state."

Regulatory barriers in the state's food production and distribution laws presently discourage many farmers from organizing cottage food operations. The legislation signed by the governor today removes these barriers by exempting cottage food operations from the licensing and inspection provisions of the Food Law of 2000 if they have annual gross sales of $15,000 or less. To ensure food safety, cottage food operations would still be subject to enforcement actions by the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Cottage food products would have to be pre-packaged and properly labeled prior to sale. Certain information is required to be on the product label, including ingredients, allergen information as required by federal law, and the name and address of the cottage food operation.

The legislation also specifies that cottage food products can be sold only directly from the cottage food operation to the consumer. Internet and mail order sales are prohibited, as are sales by consignment or at wholesale.

The bills signed by the governor today are House Bill 5837, sponsored by State Representative Pam Byrnes (D-Chelsea), and House Bill 5280, sponsored by State Representative John Proos (R-St. Joseph).

# # #

I know this doesn't directly address your question, but I will add that every craft/trade/market style event I've been to has had food items: be it baked cookies, quickbreads, candy coated almonds, apples, and corn...you name it...even chocolate fountains that customers utilized (this freaked me out...23 yrs in hospitality makes me germophobic at times...LOL.) I would check with your local government website; that is where this information came from. HTH

OK ...here is a list of the rules here in MI now:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mda/MDA-CFFAQ-MASTER_327558_7.pdf

Jennifer Cavalleri-Barrett and Oliver Barrett IV (Ali McGraw & Ryan O’Neal in Love Story)...something PREPPY; thinking Ivy-covered Harvard buildings and Ralph Lauren...

I now only use liquid dyes in my soy products. I have excellent results with the liquids. Chips and blocks were nice; but I get brighter colors with liquid.

Sometimes companies do not make sense on why they do what they do, but it is true that when people get bad service they tell 10 people (or in our case lots since this is a forum ) and only 1 person if they receive good service.

That is so true! We recently replaced our washer, dryer, and purchased a dishwasher. I did months of research before getting a stellar deal, but sadly, most of the reviews I read on products were negative. It seems often people are very willing to give an unsatisfactory review: they need to vent. Unfortunately, when customers find a great product or supplier, they just neglect the opportunity to give positive customer feedback. This forum is a treasure, because it allows everyone to "dish" on various issues. This post just reminded me to give a big "shout-out" to my "candle lady in Harbor Beach:bow:" (as the family calls her) every chance I can.

I've been wondering the same thing. Hallmark sent me an email to update my 2007 Card Shop Deluxe for the full 2010 edition for a low fee; am considering it as an option, but was wondering about Print Shop. I'm hoping to find this out while classes are in session, as we get an amazing student discount on software, and I think Print Shop is on the list. Thanks for asking, Trudi!

Actually, I bought these at WSP before the big commotion there. I only bought 50, and am knowing I will soon need more. I saw Alabaster had them super cheap this week, though. Maybe someone will do a co-op on these. I'm doing up a bunch for a friend visiting from Las Vegas, because they will travel easily.

Thanks for the info on the pricing. That was in my ballpark.

I don't usually burn votives at home, either and had to search for hours to find a votive holder! Heading to the local dollar store to pick up a couple for test burns.

Thanks, Scifi.:smiley2: I did let them cure, and had great test burn. Still searching for pricing information:confused:

:smiley2:Thank you to all you who posted this. My supplier had recommended this method, but when I read it, and when I received my first online orders, remembered it again.

Hi, Nancy. I poured these today with much success. This was my first time working with soy votive wax. I got a clean, smooth pour and am happy with the results. Will test burn tomorrow. Now the big question...what are these selling for? I've seen several demos online to make them, but haven't seen anyone selling these yet. If you have any insight, it would be soooo appreciated!

:smiley2:Your pics are great. Can I ask what you charge per bar?

Does anyone have any ideas on how to handle these? I have played a few times with weird results.

I use HTP 93 often in place of 51-32-18. It burns just slightly cooler and slower in EL Millenium Soy Container. I have success with both, but if I double wick a larger container than 8 oz, I go for double wicking with the 93. e.g. 16 oz jars. HTH:cheesy2:

I recently did a huge jar for my sis's bday: 5x5" base, 6" tall. We had to use wick stickems to get the extra height, but used four 93 wicks with great success. I would go one less, with three. I also use Enchanted Lites. If you need help, call Lorrie at J and L Creations. She is a whiz with the EL soy, as well as calculating wicks based on jar size. Good luck, and please post final pics!

That is absolutely adorable. You are very talented! I wish I had skills like that. Congrats on the new baby.

Here is a link that you may utilize:

http://www.greenlinepaper.com/green-office-certification/info_14.html

:cheesy2:Good luck! My company offers a recycling discount for returned recyclable containers...it actually works! We recently spent an entire Saturday afternoon recycling 150 containers for reuse!

Think I may have developed this "habit". Confirmed it today. I bought a giant batch of onesies back in January...and evidently "tucked away" the ones I knew I'd want to keep for me. Long story short: I'm pouring my top picks (all new surprises, as I had forgotten my onesies until y'all mentioned...ty!) and have developed a new Coffee House line for Bliss Street! It must have been a karma thing...was looking for some good coffee scents to pour for a friends bday tomorrow.

This may sound silly...but have you maybe tried using your vacuum hose attachment with the fabric or brush attachment? They should be narrow enough that the cups won't get sucked up, but the peanut pieces should come off.

Just an idea...

Good luck.

Best,

B