AttachedTofive

Okay, so how much bw do I add to 1lb of soy wax?

When I started making candles in 2001, I did it to make homemade Christmas gifts for friends and family that year. Little did I know that after that initial starter kit, I would be spending hundreds of dollars over the next few years! It's a wonderful yet expensive hobby! I started with jar candles and I've found I like doing them best! Have fun!!

Oh man....just stop! You are soooo making me want to try. I actually even have a basic soap kit sitting in my candle storage room right now. It has a wooden mold and a few oils and butters. I have tons of EO's and FO's too. I've been buying my homemade soap from a fantastic soapmaker in OH for about 4 or 5 years now and I guess because she's so good that I could never even come close to what she makes. I appreciate you offering to help me out. I may just have to take you up on that offer. Don't be surprised if you get a PM from me before Christmas!!

LOL! I bet I'm in a smaller hick town than you even! I have to go to "the big city" to get to the Wal-Mart! Our town has a tiny little grocery, 2 gas stations, 3 bars, 3 hair shops and 5 churches. DINKY! I live in the middle of a bunch of soy and corn fields ... I suppose our Wal-Mart is out of canning jars for the same reason as yours ... the farmers and gardeners are canning their food. BUMMER for us.

Thanks Laura I actually used to buy them from the dollar stores and our local grocery but I found Wal-Mart has them priced so much cheaper (I buy several cases at a time) that I hate to spend more than I need to. BUT, in this case, I just may have to go out and get one case of the mason jars at the local grocery to get my candle fix until Wal-Mart is restocked

BTW, I got my stuff today and my scents all smell wonderful. I think I did good. I hope they smell as good in the wax! Now I can't find any canning jars. I went to Wal-Mart tonight and they were all sold out! Ugh! I was really hoping to try and make a batch tonight. Guess I'll have to wait.

LOL, Jenn, I have wanted to get into soap for about 5 years but I've been too scared. I know for a fact that my bank account couldn't handle a soap and candle addiction. I keep getting closer and closer to it though. I think the only thing holding me back at this point is the fear of the chemicals:undecided

Thank you for the links but I'm actually looking for the "rust" lids and not the "rustic" lids. I believe there is a difference by looking at the pictures. "Rustic" looks more like a faded lid and "rust" looks like... well, like a rusty lid

LOL! I can't wait to get my order! I wish it would come *today* It is nice to know there are at least 3 or 4 of us in the "MillCreek Gang" so we can ask eachother questions, etc!

How did I miss those? I could only find the rust or zinc lids for $10.80 per dozen at BitterCreek. I did see a "rustic" (not rust) smelly jelly lid for $3.60 a dozen ... was considering even trying that - how weird would that be to use a smelly jellylid on a regular jar candle? Anyway, could you please send me a link? Thanks!

You're right! Fillmore had them for 60 cents each - way less than anywhere else I could find! They have great prices on everything! Thanks for the link

I've been making candles for four years now and it's a great hobby. I basically make enough $$ to buy more candle stuff to feed my addiction. I love atwixend.com, they have fabulous customer service. They also have great starter kits with thorough instructions (and video) http://www.atwixend.com/category.php?starterkits I primarily make container candles but I enjoy doing votives periodically as well. Have fun!

Thanks Maryann I placed my order with them last night (got the beeswax to add to their soy also) - HOPING I picked some good FO's. I picked different from what I usually get ... I am a bakery scent girl myself but I have to remember that not everyone is. I met a lot of non-bakery scent lovers at my show on Sun! Here's what I got in their sampler: Magenta Nectar Balsam & Spice Groovy Patchouli Coconut Lime Verbena Hillbilly Homebrew Litsea and Basil Harvest Spice Night Blooming Jasmine Nishiki Grapefruit High Cotton and then I got Coconut Grove since it was on sale this month. Please tell me I did good

Thanks for the links Sherri, I'll go check them out now

I'm looking for a good source for these lids - I use 8 oz and 16 oz canning jars. Thanks!

I think I really have to get some BW with my order and try this! I do 8-10 lbs at a time (2 lb batches) and it would help to speed things up if I didn't have to wait for 90 minutes after mixing to pour! I just love this place...I've been pouring my own candles for four years now and I can't believe I *just* discovered these boards! What great tips I've learned

After seeing this post, I decided to raise my prices before my first home show yesterday. No one there knew my prices anyway so I was safe to do it when I did. I ended up making $200 and I was pleased with that since it was my first one and only 9 people showed (2 didn't buy). Anyway, here's my revised price list: 8oz JJ (was $4) now $5 (Chunk $6) 16 oz Mason (was $8) now $8.50 (Chunk $9.50)

Maryann, I'd love to see your MC FO list! AWE does the same thing with their FO's and it's nice to read on their scent list which scent goes better in what.

Thanks Geekrunner - so you don't wait until the soy gets "slushy" before you pour? Or does it get slushy at 120? The wax I usually use gets slushy about 90 minutes after mixing - it's fairly cool but I'm not sure what the temp is, perhaps around 90 degrees or so. If I wait until it gets slushy, I do a fast whisk to mix it all up and then I pour and as it cools it always gets a nice smooth top. I notice if I pour it before then that it will get a flaky top. I've been getting my wax, wick and FO's from Atwixend which is in Dayton, OH (I think) and I'm near Fort Wayne, IN so I'm thinking that MillCreek may be closer ... I'm not sure. I'm hoping it saves a little in shipping - my last order from AWE was about 60 lbs and shipping was $30. They have great service - it's nice that if I place my order by noon that it always arrives the next day via UPS. BIG bonus

Thanks for the tip Maryann on the BW - it sounds like a great idea! I appreciate all the help you've given me! Many Blessings, Jen

Maryann, Can you tell me what the bees wax does when added to the soy? I've never done that. Thanks for letting me know about the MillCreek soy, I'm happy to see it is consistant, I think I will give it a whirl Jen

Now I *know* I need to raise my prices. I charge $4.00 for 8oz and $8.00 for 16oz. This price includes my "chunk" jar candles!

Here's some info I ran across a few years ago: http://www.candlecauldron.com/selling.html With that in mind, I charge WAY less than I should for my candles. [sigh] Jennifer

I'd say 1 1/2 - 2 hours for the whole thing, including socializing and snacking while placing orders. As for when to serve refreshments, I suggest right after your presentation ... when they begin placing orders. HTH!

Thanks! DId you mean "Mathews Wire"? If so, I just found them on Ebay and you're right - great prices AND he's in IN like me I appreciate your help! Jen