VickiB in CA

Wow! Fil-tec really impressed me. I called yesterday to order a sample pack of their Ultra Core wicks and they justed arrived at my shop today! It was $20 for the samples but they overnighted them to me! I'm not sure this is their usual way of shipping but I'm so glad they did that for me. Now I can begin testing. I also ordered the Wick It Performa Series. Not sure when it will get here. Will post the results of double wicking the Ultra Cores in a 16 oz apothecary jar in the Calsoy CB3 (natural soy/veg blend). Thanks for the suggestions! VickiB in CA

Can I ask how much EO per lb of soy wax are you using? I do have those EOs in my shop and have added them to enhance an FO but never alone. Also, I had heard that orange EO dissipates over time and doesn't hold in wax. Is this true? I would love to start working with some pure EO blends. One more thing - are you using a pure soy or a soy blend? Thanks! VickiB in CA

FYI - Fil-tec charges $20 for their Ultra Core wicks samples. Wick-It will send them to you for free. I like that! I ordered both as both seem to be what I'm looking for. Will post my reviews in the Soy/Veg blend when they arrive and I get around to testing them. Wish I had got the idea to start switching to a soy blend a lot earlier in the year! It's too late now with Christmas season beginning. Maybe I can offer a few as I get them done?? VickiB in CA

I've testing once so far with the CB3 maxed out with a 10% Cinnamon Bun FO and it filled 2 rooms, so I'm excited to move forward and see what happens. To have a good strong throw and be able to claim that you're using a 100% soy/veg wax would be great. I just don't want to disappoint any of the current customers I have with the J223 blend I'm using now. But I notice there is a whole market that I'm missing - all those that turn up their nose when they see the wax is parrafin - not to mention all the soot I'm taking another sample home to try tonight - will post response. Thanks! VickiB in CA

I've had a customer or 2 ask if I could add virgin olive oil to my wax to scent a candle. Some like the old fashioned smell of it. I hadn't thought of it before but just may try it if nobody sees a reason not to. It's basically a type of vegetable oil isn't it? Or, like my jar supplier warned me this morning - You're going to blow your store up!! Any responses will be helpful - VickiB in CA

the Calwax CB3 (soy/veg blend). Thanks to the posters on my last thread, I have ordered rigid wicks to begin testing soy/veg blend wax but before I decide completely, I'd like to rule out the 100% soy wax. I haven't tried it before but have read positive reviews on the Ecosoya. Would anyone know the pros and cons of using the 100% soy compared to the Calwax soy/veg or perhaps another 100% soy/veg blend? Thanks! VickiB in CA

I've got a place to start now. VickiB in CA

It was suggested that I try the RRD wicks in my soy veg wax blend, which I plan to do, but can you tell me if these are rigid like the zinc wicks I use in my J223? I love the way you only have to straighten them by hand in the hot wax to get them to stand up straight and not have to use wick holders. Are the RRDs or any of the other wicks suitable for a soy/veg wax like this? Thanks for any help - VickiB in CA

What size do you think I should begin testing with? Like I said, I double wick a 16 oz apothecary jar - the typical 4 inch wide one - and will be using the same jars now and also double wicking them. Can you tell me, are they rigid when you pour the wax so that you only have to straighten them by hand or do you have to clip them to get them to stand up in the hot wax? I currently use the Wicks Unlimited zincs and absolutely love them because they are so rigid. I hate working with "floppy" or "boingy" wicks Thanks again - VickiB in CA

I'm switching from J223 to a Soy/Veg blend. The one I'm trying right now and love is the Calsoy CB3. I tried it with Cinnamon Bun and it filled 2 rooms and no soot. I'm testing with the wicks I used before but larger. I double wick a 16 oz apothecary jar, using the 44z in the J223. I tried double 51z wicks in the Calsoy and they seem to be just a tad cool. What wicks typically work best with the soy/veg blends? Thanks! VickiB in CA

Thanks for the help:cheesy2: I'm working on a good pina colada and need it to stay bright yellow. VickiB in CA

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They will send you free 5 lb samples. I have both their soy blend and their natural veggie blend and was hoping for a few other users to let me their experiences. Thanks! VickiB in CA

After speaking with one of the owners of Mia Bella Candles, I can see that their candles are not 100% natural biodegradable as they use synthetic fragrance oils - like most of us. And there is NO soy in their wax though it may be a natural wax blend (but who knows with them??!!). I haven't been able to track the woman down yet, but will definitely use the advice I have received via the board and also emails I've recieved. Thanks! VickiB in CA

Haven't found that out yet. Sun up tomorrow I'm going to track her down and ask her what's up. I'm also calling our attorney. I just want to have as much info as I can to give him. If Mia Bella promotes this type of slander to sell their product, then they will be in trouble right along with their distributor. It's just frustrating because the Christmas season is nearly here, I'm re-opening my shop this weekend, and I hear these rumors going around about my candles (through my largest fundraising acct, or former fundraising acct). People will believe whatever you tell them, unfortunately. And what took months of relationship building and hard work was torn down by one woman's mouth. VickiB in CA

I have a few suppliers that I only order 1 FO from because it's so good, you can't get anything like it from anyone else. The Candlemakers Store is one of those for me. I get his apple pie and it's absolutely mouth wateringly scrumptious. Nothing else like it VickiB in CA

Hi - I just joined the messageboard. I was referred here by another candlemaker on another board. I was told there is someone here with info about Mia Bella Candles (International Candle Company). There is a local distributor here and she's spreading it around that my candles are toxic and stealing accounts from me. She supposedly tested one of my candles and discovered it is toxic (I use J223, a paraffin blend) and fragrance oils. It seems by their website that they do mention that their candles are "toxic-free", which means other candles are?? Any help would be appreciated. VickiB in CA