mary0050

Hey girl! This is the first time I've been on the site in a long time. I just answered your email and wanted to let you know in case you don't get it. You know how my emails are, they end up somewhere in cyberspace! Just wanted to say hi to you and everyone. Thanks, Mary

I do both as well. I use the beads for the ornies and sell a ton of smelly jellies via a fundraising group. I actually just get my crystals locally at Home Depot. They are with the miracle grow and called soil moist. The crystals are a bit bigger and seem to throw scent a little better than the ones I have gotten from suppliers IMO.

:cheesy2:Thank you so much for that information about buying them at Home Depot. I'm glad the larger ones throw sent a little better because I also tried making the smelly jellies and could not smell them unless you are right on top of them! I use the recipe on Natures Garden website and it's the same as a supplier I sometimes use that is only 15 min. from my house. I can buy the jars there with the daisy lids and that sure helps with shipping. I'm going to try making them again with the crystals from Home Depot. That's why I love this website, we can all share so much great information! Have a Blessed Day!!

You guys are hysterical!! Ya'll crack me up. We are all such addicts we need to start a therapy group:laugh2:The only thing is we have no one to head it up. We're all in the same shape!!

nmhoneybear, how did your testing with the 4794/415 combo turn out? I have been using a very similar blend (about 52/48% blend) and so far I am very happy with the cold throw, hot throw and the release of the tarts from the molds. I like this combo better than the 4794/4630 blend.

Mary, did you try the one of these two or a similar blend as well? How did it turn out for you?

Thanks,

Dessa

Dessa, I tried the 4630 and 415 for my containers and they worked pretty good. I really did not notice any difference in the ht with the 415. But it did adhear to the glass better. I think they need to cure longer. I have noticed the longer the cure time the better the throw. I also tried adding the 415 to my 4794 and did not notice an increase in the ht on that one either. I added more 415 this time (50/50) and waiting for them to cure. Will let you know the results. I also increased my temp to 185.

I was considering placing an order from Candle Warmers but was waiting until I could see one in person. This weekend while vising my mother out of town she showed me one her neighbor bought her as a gift. It was beautiful! To me they are as good as what I have seen from Scentsy. Both my sister-in-law have warmers from Scentsy and I was hoping to find someone who sold warmers similar to theirs and I think Candle Warmers come very close. My mothers is one of the New ones they feature and it's the creme color. I think you'll be happy with their product. Hope that helps.

That's so funny. When I posted that I was ordering the TCS wax, I wondered how you would feel. I would have had the same feelings. We always want others to love something the way we do. :smiley2: Sorry to make you nervous, but I have a good feeling about it. I ordered the Container blend-slab. I think that is the kind you mentioned in other posts. I also order IGI 4794 and 415 from Peak. Hoping one of them will work. I'm still excited. And I would love to get a few samples of your tarts. That is so sweet of you!!!!

:cheesy2:I'm experimenting with 4794 and 415 also. I'll keep you posted on how they work. I'm mixing 75% 4794 and 25% 415. 4794 has a great HT and CT but mine will only last for a couple of hours. Also, you will LOVE Ravens tarts! They are off the chart! I have one of her's that lasted 3 days!! And that was burning at least 9-10 hours per day! She's also a GREAT friend and will is very gracious in helping new candle makers. I'll let you know how my tarts come out. They're still curing and should be able to burn them tomorrow.

The Candle Source wax for me. Experimenting now with a paraffin/soy blend of my own because I'm afraid one day TCS wax may vanish, lol

:yay:Hey girl, I just sent you a PM, have been out of pocket due to some family issues. Hope everyone's doing great. Some friends were over this weekend and LOVED your Cucumber Melon tarts. Since I was unable to do the Valentine craft show because I was sick I'm keeping them for myself. They're AWESOME! If they decide to order some I'll let you know.

Ky Candle Supply has a wax especially for tarts. It comes in flake form, too. I use it and love it. It has a great hot throw. I sell loads of tarts.

:confused:Hi Josie, I have been using KY wax for my tarts and cannot get the throw to last more than a couple of hours! The site said to heat to 165, which I did the first time, and someone on the site said to heat up to 175 because she had the same problems that I'm having and now it works. But I heated to 175 and it's STILL only lasting for a couple of hours. Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated. I have 10lbs I don't want to waste. I even tried mixing 415 with it but didn't help. Thanks for any ideas you can give me!

Oh, and Mary, let me tell you. One of my candles turned out beautifully. So I tried the same "recipe" but used a different FO.... could pull all my hair out:angry2: It does not throw at all like the first one! Like Stella (I think) says, each candle is a system; well, my system broke just because I used a different oil. and double

What scent did you use the second time? I have found that scents like Creme Brulee, Bird of Paradise, (the most popular in this area) works great with the 51w wick. But things like Clean Cotton, and softer scents I have tried the 44W wick and waiting to see how that works after they cure. Don't give up! I'll resend the message from yesterday.

Pretty sure you'll be pleased with the 4630 and 4794 combo. :smiley2:

Megan I'm fixing to mix a batch of my container wax 4630 with the 415 also and will let you know how it goes. Good luck with yours!

Hi Ravens! Just got back from the doctor and got a SUPER shot to clear up this flu! I need to get back to my candles!! I just sent you a PM. Thanks for everything! Not only are your candles the best I have tried but your friendship is cherished. You help others never expecting anything in return. That's why God has Blessed you with a great product. We reap what we sow!

Mary, You're so very welcome!! Please keep us all posted on your results. Another fragrance that you might want to try from Kentucky Candle is Cherries and Chestnuts. That one will make you hungry! It smells so yummy - and the HT is amazing! I burned it for the first time today after curing 5 days and I love it. For that one, I used 1.20 oz per pound of Ky Parasoy. My house smells so good right now!! Good luck!

I haven't been able to pour candles since I responded to your email because I caught the flu from my grandson. We're such a loving family! I'm better and going to start back up tomorrow. Will let you know! Thanks!

Actually, the "TCS" wax Mary and I are talking about is "The Candle Source".

It is my favorite for tarts.

Mary, I'm going to send you a sample of my newest scent, which I named "Alhambra".... simply to die for! Released on Monday, tonight someone sent me a request for 4 pounds of it! Hope you'll like it :smiley2:

:yay:Can't wait! I'm loving the samples you sent and can't wait to try the new one. I'm feeling a little better today so I'm going to answer your pm later when I get back from the doctor.

Hello, Mary! :smiley2:

don't be too hard on yourself and on your tarts. The ones you sent me were made using different waxes, not just KY, and I think a big part of the problem are the FOs you used.

So I love TCS wax but as I mentioned in the past, I am experimenting with other waxes/wax combinations to find one that will give me the same good results. I am so afraid that one day Loren will quit offering that wax and I'll be left with no replacement and scrambling to find something similar to it.

Fortunately I have several waxes at my disposal; I have the 4630, 4794, 4786, 4633, KY, Miami-Erie, 415, 464, WSP SP, KY container, C-3, JW6800 and JW9900 (these last two were sold by JBN, who suddenly disappeared, and I don't know if the new owner will continue carrying them - they were very good!)

At first I thought that 4794 and 415 would make a super tart, but the combination works with many FO, not most, so back to the drawing board I go. I'll tell you, sometimes I'm tempted to have Loren's wax tested at the nearest chemical lab!:rolleyes2

It seems to me that most forum members have success with the KY for tarts, but I just can't get it to work for me; tried different temperatures, still nothing... quite frustrating. If you think KY gives you a better throw with more FOs than the TCS wax, then I'd say stick with the KY and fine-tune it.... one wax does not work for all. And thank you for the compliments :smiley2:

:cheesy2:Hi Patricia, I think you have the right idea! After talking to the owners of the Melting Pot where I buy my IG wax they had just found out their wax and scents were going up big time! They said it's because of the oil prices. So we probably would be better off finding out own blend instead of depending on one special blend. I tried the TCS wax and I'm still using it but it wasn't working. Remember not long ago there were several other people on the forum that were having problems with a batch of the wax and we all thought we got a bad batch? I think my problem has been the fo I was buying from The Melting Pot. But I use my TCS wax when I buy a scent from Peaks. Still the same! Don't know what I'm doing but it's me not the wax. Has anyone else heard anything about prices going up? Their scent went up not long ago and he said it's going up again! Just wondering if it's just them. If no one else is raising their prices then somethings up! One thing about candle makers, WE NEVER GIVE UP!! Everyone have a Blessed Day!

Mary, When I use the KY parasoy I heat it to 175 degrees then add my FO. I, too added my FO at 165 as their website says and had NO luck at all with HT. I think if you try adding it at 175, you'll have much better luck.

Also, let me add that their FO's are the BEST! I made a few test batches last week using FO's I bought from Kentucky Candle and they are SO strong and the HT is amazing. I used Sugar Corn Pudding, Vanilla Butter Fudge, Apple Clove Butter, Lemon Pound Cake and Strawberry Parfait. I used 1 oz of fragrance oil per pound of wax and every scent had amazing HT. I hope this helps!! Good Luck!

:yay:THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I had a feeling it needed to be added at a higher temp! You can't imagine how helpful you've been because like everyone else I can't afford to keep buying different waxes and have them not work! I'll try some of the scents you suggested also. A dear friend on this site, Ravens, tested some of my tarts and they were not strong and only lasted a couple of hours. I'm having problems getting my tarts to last 10-12 hours like everyone else but maybe this is the problem. Thanks again and have a great day! I'll keep you posted on the results!

First of all, I want to thank you all for your replies! Being that I am still new to this, any info I can get really helps.

Yes, I tried the FO in another wax and still nothing. As I mentioned, I was using the container wax from Candlesource for my tarts and had zero HT. So now I tried a different FO, one that is super strong in other waxes and still NO HT at all in the Candlesource wax. That FO is Amber Vanilla from Lone Star Candle Supply. I know that FO is good because when I made tarts using a 70/25 blend of 4794 and 464 they turned out great! That FO is

I do find it hard to believe that two batches of wax could be bad. But after that last two being flops, I don't think I will be ordering the Candlesource wax anymore. I have used the KY parasoy wax and love it. The only reason I'm testing my own blends, is because if I ever start selling my tarts, I worry that the KY parasoy could be discontinued. So many suppliers seem to discontinue their in house blends and leave their customers up a creek. So, my testing will continue!

Have a great day!!

:confused:If you don't mind my asking I have been trying the KY parasoy and love the way it comes in flakes. I'm having problems with my scent being strong and lasting very long. I followed the instructions on their website. Heat to 165, add fo and pour at about 160-155. Is this the temp you heat your wax to and add your fo? I really appreciate any information you could share with me. Thanks for your time!!

it totally depends on your customers and area.

I sell quite alot of tarts to scentsy customers, looking for cheaper, better tarts they can use in the warmers they already own. Scentsy is huge here, there are hundreds of consultants in my 50 mile radius. But I still clean up on tarts because people really do want handmade over mass produced.

I also live just miles from candlewarmers.com, so of course I'm fond of their warmers, since they are in alot of local stores and customers know and trust them. OBI is also popular with alot of us.

I personally use electric and tealight warmers in my house.. heck even the dollar tree has an awesome tealight warmer that works great for me. Throws like a dream!

:cheesy2:Your right, I bought a couple of the tealight warmers from the Dollar Tree also but do you have trouble with the tea light candles? I bought a bag and they are HORRIBLE! I'm not set up to make my own, do you have problems with your tea light candles getting hot enough? Thanks!

Thanks! I will look into tarts and I have come to the realization that I may not sell my candles for quite a while...if ever. I really just wanted a hobby that I could enjoy and maybe make a little money on the side with. I'd love to one day walk away from my day job and have a business that is my own....but, don't we all?! I know I came off as a little over eager, but I was just excited and anxious I guess.

:cheesy2:That's the EXACT reason I started into candlemaking! I worked in banking for years, I'm 59, and have a disability. I've had several back surgeries and had to take medical disability. But I always wanted my own business and work for myself. Your enthusiasm is contagious and reminds me why I started this. Because believe me IT'S EXPENSIVE! I read in a magazine on Work at Home Businesses that candlemaking was one of the cheapest start up businesses. WHAT A CROCK:laugh2: I have put so much money into this I could have almost bought an existing business! Anyway, don't give up and with your excitement I bet you'll have a great candle in no time! You'll get lots of support here and if I can help I will. Have a Blessed Day!!

Daisymae

I truly wish you success when you finally decide to sell your candles, but please, please test each and every candle/FO you pour. Test each new scent, new container, wick, etc. etc. etc. etc.

when did you start pouring candles? Do you keep notes? I would never sell a candle to anyone without some product liability coverage, and certainly never before a lot of testing. Let's see, how long have I been testing and still feel not even ready to sell a candle?.... Hmmm, must be close to a year now.

Unless you're extraordinarily talented or lucky, I really believe you have a lot of testing ahead of you.

How many scents do you plan on offering? Just one type of container (the tureen, which is hell to wick, btw), are you using paraffin, soy, palm, parasoy? Do you color your candles? I'm assuming you tested your candles? How did you test?

Sorry about all the questions I have, but I'd like to get a clearer picture. Good luck! :smiley2:

:cheesy2:Daisymae, listen to Ravens and all the others. They are only trying to help. I started on this forum and making candles about 4 months ago and I'm STILL testing and learning! I only give mine away to family and friends who are my "Testers" because they give you an honest opinion which is what you want before you ask someone to pay hard earned money for a product. The only thing I'm about ready to sell are my tarts. They do not require a wick so you don't have the fire issue but until I can get at least 2 days of scent out of 1 tart I'm going to keep trying. I think I'm there but waiting for review from some of my testers. I spent a fortune in the past on candles because I love them. And would get VERY irritated if I spent quite a bit on a candle and could not smell anything. So I try to keep that in mind. I may never be able to sell them unless I get that type of quality in my candle but I'd rather keep it for myself than sell a poor quality candle. Because I know how it feels. If you have a lot of trouble with the wick candles you might consider doing tarts! Those are hard too because you still have to test or you'll have a product that smells for a couple of hours and that's it! Anyway, just a few suggestions. But I can guarantee you I've made some wonderful friends on this forum and they are very busy with their own business but take the time to help us. I promise in the long run you'll be glad you took their advise. Because they only have your best interest in mind and your customers. Have a great day and welcome to a wonderful hobby!!

IWantItgreen, it's an excellent blend for most of the FOs I have. Reason I've been testing this blend (4794/415) is because frankly I'm afraid that one day Loren will decide to either close shop and he'll stop offering his "proprietary" wax, which I love. I've seen that happen a little too often, sometimes with no warning whatsoever (JBN comes to mind:rolleyes2).

When I tried the 4794 I really liked the scent throw but it would fizzle out in a matter of hours. Adding the 415 significantly increased burning time. HTH

Good thinking Ravens! Now a days we have no idea who can afford to stay open. I hope it works because the candle supplier by my home "The Melting Pot" carries 4794 which is what I started with and she also carries 6006. So I can save a little on shipping. I'm going to order 415 tomorrow so I can test it also. Will keep ya'll posted when it comes in. Girl, your always thinking ahead, that's why I love this site and IT'S AN "ACTIVE" SITE WITH WONDERFUL PEOPLE! Hope that disputes any miss information!:rolleyes2

I offer my tarts 3 different ways: in tin-tie Kraft bags (the tarts look like small muffins, 'cause I pour them in muffin pans!), in 2oz. Scent Shots, and as clamshells.

I pour wax in the clanshells them when I receive an order, I do not keep them in stock. Reason I do this (and I may be "full of it" but it's just another little hang-up of mine :rolleyes2) is because I'm afraid that if I leave the wax in the clamshells for a long time, they may end up smelling like plastic. This may not be true, but....

In the past, I also had wax brittle, but did not sell well, so I stopped making it. HTH

Thanks for the info Patricia, I did not realize there was a possibility that the clamshells could smell like wax! I have several poured and thought they would cure in the containers just like in the jars. Learn something new everyday!

Hello, Mary! :highfive:

:yay:Hi Ravens! Give me 5 min. then check your pm I need to buy some tarts!

Well, Bella Rose, if there's a more active board, please tell us. Personally, I haven't found it and frankly I don't believe you know of a "busier" one; perhaps you're just trying to be a sh-t disturber? If so, good luck!

Candybee, I think Bella Rose is just trying to get people going so this board will become more active; very commendable, Bella:p

Heavenly Scents, good luck and let us know how it goes for you; please help keep this board active!:rolleyes2

:yay:Ravens, I could not agree with you more! There's not a better board out there and if there is THEY CAN'T COMPARE to the quality of people on this board and their willingness to help beginners like myself!

I truly dont want this to sound rude, but its just wax+FO, poured in a mold... you really dont need a tutorial.

the hard part is the testing

if you search "tart wax" you'll find some great threads about which is best, so on and so forth. Alot of people use parasoy.. some paraffin.. i use ecosoya PB... you just have to test and try new things. but as far as a tutorial.. its really not that hard.

Melt wax, add frag (what % depends on your fragrance manufacturer), pour into mold, let cool, pop out, cure, and voila, tarts! Then test for throw and adjust as needed.. as many times as you need.. until you are happy!

:cheesy2:You are exactly right! The hardest part is finding the wax that works for you and test test test! Raven and Sharon have been so helpful when I first started and now after lots of trial and error my tarts are at least lasting a couple of days!:yay:Eventually I'll get mine as good as theirs but because of their help I was able to learn what to do. So just keep reading the threads here and you'll get there. I'm currently using TCS wax and KY ParaSoy Tart wax. My TCS wax is better but since so many people recommended KY wax I wanted to try it. Some on the site said they burnt theirs the next day which is what I'm doing today, but their not as good as TCS wax. Maybe they need to cure longer. Good luck and have fun! You'll also make some great friends.

Nope, Youth Pastor and my wife is the bestest stay at home mommy. But I love my God and my Guns...

Thanks to all for the advice. My wife keeps telling me to order from Peaks, CS or other online places I've found. Just want to start well and go from there.

The only local place (that I've found through a link here - I think) is a bit of a drive and I'm not sure of their selection on items. I'll have to check what's near Salt Lake City again.

thanks again

matt

Welcome Matt! Your going to LOVE this site! It's full of information and the people here are FRIENDLY and willing to help. I was about to give up until I found this site and have made good friends and learned a lot. God Bless and hope you and your wife have a great time candlemaking!! Have a Blessed New Year too!

Does anyone sell these? I think you can get them from Bitter Creek, but do they sell for you? Does the fragrance last? Can you use straight FO or should it be cut with DPG?

:cheesy2:Hey Raven! I received one with my fo order from NG. It was complimentary with my order and when I took the plastic off to smell it the petals fell apart! But the scent was awesome. It was called "Fresh Pear" and I plan on ordering the scent if I order again from them. If you have to purchase the roses from them I'd be careful since mine fell apart. The scent was not strong at all. You have to put it to your face to smell it. Just wanted you to know how mine worked in case you order their roses.