lorim

If you have several suppliers you'll find it more cost efficient to organize by supplier then alphabetically. Nothing is more frustrating than reordering scents from a supplier only to realize you forgot a scent. Keeping a notebook of your suppliers can come in handy. If you've read a review on a particular scent that you want to try note it under your supplier's list for the next time you need to place an order from that supplier. Also noting other supplies for example wicks, colorants etc. when they are running low. Add any supplies that might be running low and check the shopping cart you might find might find that ordering supplies a head of time doesn't increase the shipping and if it does it might only be a dollar or two. It's a good way to keep shipping costs down and we all know shipping has gone thru the roof over the last few years.

I've used wick stickums from BC for years. Tried several different suppliers, but found these to work the best for me.

Place votive cups in a large baking pan. When you're ready to repour remove cups and scrap the wax back into the pouring pot.

Before ordering online you might want to check out Walmart. Last year I bought several dozen clear votive holders for .44 a piece. I found them in the craft section.

I clean approx. 400 molds each week. The easiest method I've found over the years is to layer large baking trays with paper towels and place molds upside down. I stack the trays 5 high and place in oven at 200 degrees. I place old towels in the sink and after 20 minutes dump the molds on the towels and wipe the trays. These trays are also the same trays I use when making candles. They catch any overpours and makes handling the molds so much easier. I have a pouring pot for each scent and before cleaning I scrap any overpour back into its own pouring pot. I wouldn't recommend washing the molds.

My suggestion would be to start with your strongest straight from the bottle scents. Some scents smell weak but really come alive when added to the wax those would be the ones to avoid when making air fresheners.

I couldn't agree more that they are a PITA. A couple of advantages is that it gives customers a low cost for trying your candles. Can't tell you how many times I've heard customers say they will only buy a certain brand. I'll give them a votive to try and they've become loyal customers and will only buy my "brand" lol. Sales is also another good reason. Depending on the fo my cost is between 20 to 30 cents. I sell them for $1 each. I'm a small candlemaker and only sell retail no wholesale and last year I sold over 15,000 votives. I also sell tarts which are also a PITA. My sales volume is about the same as my votives sales. Votives and tarts makeup a large portion of my business so for me the work is worth it.

You did a great job. I found it easy to navigate which is so important for a website. Hope you get more order than you can handle!!

The main reason for the bubbles is pouring too fast. A couple of tricks you might try....I can't make candles without wooden skewers. I use them for everything from wick holders, taking the tips to push down on the wick tab to secure them. In the beginning when I found it hard to pour slowly I learned from a veteran candlemaker to take a wooden skewer place it in the jar at a slight tilt and pour down the skewer. Another trick that might sound strange but it does work is to lightly blow into the jar. I do mean lightly cuz you don't want to end up with wax on the face....don't ask lol.

Every wax will be different when it comes to layering. I use a harder wax that works great for layering. A good starting point would be to let the wax completely set up. If you find that your wax pulls away from the mold and the second layer is bleeding into the bottom layer then try pouring when the mold has cooled. If you're still having problems just keep shortening the time between layers. Don't forget to keep good records. If you're not getting a clean crisp line, a trick I've learned for the second layer is to pour a thin layer let that completely set up then finish the second layer. This works great when making red, white and blue votives.

It's been years since I made pillar chunks. Everyone is giving you good advise about really cramming those chunks into the mold. One thing you might have fun with is having the bottom of the mold as the top so the chunks really show. Just remember to keep the chunks away from the wick so that is doesn't drown.

Even with 10 years experience I'm still learning and adding new products. Ya'll are a great bunch!!!

wanted to introduce myself.....I’ve been enjoying visiting this board for some time. I’ve been making candles for over ten years and have a small candle shop. It’s a good thing I love what I do because it certainly isn’t going to make me rich!! I’m single and no spring chicken, in fact one of my favorite quotes is “Life is like a bath the longer you stay in the more wrinkled you get”. I’m really looking forward to getting to know ya’ll.