justajesuschick

I am very new so know that what I do make break every rule of what is supposed to be done because I am learning right along with you. That said, being new, I really appreciate getting answers, tips and suggestions so here goes. I bought a double boiler insert. It was to fit my brand of pans but as it turns out, it fits okay but does not fit nor seat perfectly in as I pictured. Hoping to go later today and buy a cheap saucepan just for this application. I do not want to ruin my nice cookware on wax. Also hoping to get one that the insert is a better fit. I also put in the thermometer once the wax is liquid. Once the wax reaches 175-180 (the type of wax should dictate this), I add FO. I remove the insert from the boiling water it was sitting on and sit it on another saucepan with no water and stir about 2 minutes or so and then pour once thermometer reads 150-155. I bought some silicone molds for making melts/tarts, but have found the easiest application is to pour onto a cookie sheet and once cooled, break up into "brittle" type pieces and store in a polypro cello bag. You may be making actual candles. I first tried some materials from Michael's and Hobby Lobby. The wax was just okay and the FO's were awful. Now getting good quality wax and FO's from suppliers I learned about here (I have been reading and using search here for DAYS!) I am so pleased with the outcome. Since I am not crafty at all, I have a real sense of accomplishment. Oh! I also like that I can mix and match brittle to create scents I really want rather than settling for something close or just what a company has produced as my selection. Cannot wait to hear how you do or more about what you are making!

Lone Star. Their Fruit Slices and Peaches and Cream (the only others from my order that I tried) were OUTSTANDING!

I am only making it for myself. I just made a bit with my measly little one ounce bottle of FO so it is gone. No harm in putting it away and seeing what I think later!

Will do. I should have said that it is a paraffin, IGI 4794, and I have gotten great results thus far. Thanks!

My Cotton Candy did not smell super delicious in the bottle but now while making I do not care for it at all. With the others they smelled great making and equally as good or better melting this one got worse when making. This has the plastic/fake/cheap vanilla smell. Before I toss the baby out with the bath water I thought that I should ask becasue it could perhaps not be true and you would know! Thanks!

Well, I did it. It was not as easy as I had hoped. Threw it down over and over onto my porch/sidewalk and all I got it to do was split in half. Tried a hammer on a piece of wood on the garage floor and then hubby brought me a sledge. Done but still bigger pieces than I hoped. I just melt in a double boiler on my stove in the kitchen versus Presto pots in a nice work area/barn. I have another 10 pounds coming Tuesday. Will not need it for awhile. Think that I will try scoring it before breaking up. I now need a 5 gallon bucket with lid or a Rubbermaid tub as you have suggested in which to store it. Tonight I am making Cotton Candy and also Buttercream in the hopes of mixing some of the brittle pieces to get Cotton Candy Frosting (or something close!). Thanks so much!!

They are the Wilton ones that go to 500 degrees so the oven trick should be good. I just started a couple of tarts that smell of Fruit Slices on the outside but you are right. Once melted, it is absent. Oddly enough I have Citric Acid. As a wavy haired chick, I use it diluted with water from time to time to remove gel build up on my hair. Thanks for the tips, ladies!!

Yes. Those I can tell were "good" for my use, I just was puzzled when I saw that their zip top ones were polyethylene. I will remember the "pro" part of polypropylene NOT because I am a pro but because you pros helped me out. I'm whatever you call a crazy, non-craft person who thought it would be fun to try making scent brittle. Thanks, ladies!!

I soaked them in water and dish soap after cleaning. Wondering if I need to vinegar them or something else. How do you clean your silicone molds? Thanks!

OF COURSE! How did I not think of a screwdriver/icepick? My first batch of wax was a granulated wax so it was SUPER easy but I think that I may like the slab wax better (too soon for me to know). Thanks ladies for your tips. I appreciate it!

My hubby is checking out the paraffin blocks and if I am not careful there will be some power tools involved! I have tried a Pampered Chef cutter and that worked well enough but it will not to break up all I have. Can you share any tips to help me before I injured myself, my home or before my husband show up with a chainsaw and safety glasses?? Thanks!!

Well, the flat cello bags I got are but the zip top bags are identified as polyethylene. Since I mainly make brittle and all just for myself, I got giant cello bags and put a whole pound of each scent in one bag. The ones I got are "safe". No one is my real life melts (weirdos!). A neighbor said last night that he thinks his wife buys "this stuff" (I was pouring when hubby brought him in for another reason) and I wanted some smaller bags to share with her since I will soon be drowning in brittle and while it is FAR from professional, I'd be happy to share. Wanted to be certain that I did not give her brittle in bags that would not be best. Thanks!!

Just was thinking about this and was curious what you think. Finished pouring brittle and melts tonight. Same scent, two different waxes. Both paraffin. I'll test them another day in the same warmers, similar environment. Just wondered with your experience if you feel it is both or if you have found one matters more over the other. Thanks!

Thank you! I saw that mine were just called cello. I clicked through and they are polypro! I'll go check out Paper Mart. Thanks for taking time to answer my question!

I am just using them to store my scent brittle. I thought I was to get the polypro cello (I got mine at RE/AH). I see some here talk about the zip top bags but those show as polyethylene. Reading and using search here just got me more confused. Can you set me straight? Thanks!

That is the one I am getting tomorrow. I liked that it was 24 cavity. I did fine with the mini muffin one so now I trust myself with more. Thanks!

Thanks! I got great service and have been impressed with the oils from them. Seems the first two I ordered from are not mentioned as much as others I see here. Thanks for taking time to answer.

I have ordered from Lone Star, Rustic Escentuals/Aroma Haven (and like what I have gotten form both of these places) and now today more wax and a few scents from Candle Science. Who else might you suggest I try? I just do melts and just for self/home use. Also, can you suggest a supplier (may be same as you suggest in general) who has a good Toasted Marshmallow? Thank you!!

So, I went to retailmenot.com and printed off a 50% one item coupon for Joann and snuck out of work over lunch. I went VERY safe and got the 12 mini muffin silicone pan. How can I go wrong with that simple shape? Thanks so much!

As long as you do not mind an answer from a consumer, not really a maker (I have made a couple of batches of scent brittle just for myself so that does not really count!) I'd like to chime in! I am very traditional in my preferences, too. I bought and bought and bought lots of scents (lemons, limes, zucchinis, etc.) but was never happy with scents unless they were pumpkin or apple. I learned that about myself. I do know that I like about any pumpkin or apple with vanilla. I also like cinnamon mixed with either and you might even try a creamy nutmeg or ginger scent in with either. I surprisingly liked peach pie/cobbler scents in with apple. Perhaps toasted marshmallow with the pumpkin. I have just ordered scents from 2 places so cannot really recommend specific scents from specific makers but thought I'd offer some "consumer research" for you!

I know. So far I have just made trays of brittle. I am intrigued by a cute little daisy Wilton silicone mold just to try (I think that I can see that this wax making thing is a slippery slope! haha!). I am certain most of you use professional molds or something more elaborate which I do not need. I can get some Wilton at Michael's or Hobby Lobby or through Amazon. Would you suggest something else fro me to just try? Thanks!!

I am brand new at this and also just make for myself. No one in my real life is a melter (weirdos) so I have no one with whom to share. I just LOVE the look of your apothecary jars! Right now all I am skilled enough to do is make scent brittle so big cello bags full stored in plastic in a candle cabinet in a guest room is all I have. I'd not want out on display but yours is neatly done and pretty! I'll be eager to hear suggestions you receive from others.

I decided to try out all 3 of my brittles last night. VERY nice. I did have some oil on the Birthday Cake pieces. User error using too much oil and not blending at high enough temp as you indicate. Still smelled divine and since that is what I am after I am happy! Thank you!

Thank you! I just placed an order for more wax and oils. I do like ordering from one place since I am an individual and my orders are small. Thank again!

Thank you! That is great information to have. I now have a bunch of brittle in that scent now but if I reorder I will try these tips. Since I am just using it for myself, I have a bunch of melting to do! It has an amazing smell. SUPER rich! Happy to see you a state over from me! Anyplace have better shipping rates for those of us in the middle of the country? I have a cart going at Lone Star and I was VERY impressed with AH/RE.