Crafty1_AJ Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 What's the single best piece of candlemaking advice you've ever heard? Your very best "aha!" moment or tip?Early in my candle career, I was having trouble with my candles developing craters as they cooled. A dude named Joe told me to let them cool slowly, like in an insulated box or cooler, and that totally solved my problem. The rest is history! At the time, I wanted to send this guy a thousand bucks for the tip. I thought it would be fun to learn about everyone else's greatest discovery, most useful tip, or best item of advice for chandlers! Your turn! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindym Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Get a heat gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crafty1_AJ Posted August 22, 2006 Author Share Posted August 22, 2006 Ummm, yeah, that one would rank right up there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerinarkansas Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Test, test, test. Ginger Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amyp Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 forums-read, read, read. I have learned so much from all you guys it has helped me so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nayarx8 Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 "Dont go crazy buying FO's; only buy what you need." Now, if only i had actually TAKEN that advice!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Test, Test and Test again .... by far the best advice I ever got! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 forums-read, read, read. I have learned so much from all you guys it has helped me so much.Yup, google and read all the candle forums you have time for. Read everything, then read it again. All your questions have been asked repeatedly on all the boards, you will find it if you take the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Copper Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Keep notes-that way you'll know how to recreate a great candle and not make the same mistakes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pamperme Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Buy a presto kitchen kettle to melt wax..heard it here on this board..best thing I ever did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane42 Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Start with one size for your container jar and stick with it until you get it right...then move onto the next. That way you have a sense of accomplishment. If you have too many projects going on at the same time, confusion reins.(Now, if I only used this method with my housecleaning! ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valerie6 Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Hi,Presto pot and dixie cups to measure f.o. in!!!Valerie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 ReadTestReadTest then read and test some more!Also, to make sure you presto pot spigot is turned off and to always put the lid back on liquid dyes (tight!) even if you think you're going to need another drop in a minute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vicky_CO Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Don't try to do to much at one time. Perfect one type of candle before you move on to another type of candle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sally Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Levelling bottoms the Everito Bandito way, it had bugged me for years now they're perfect every time.....Sally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
debscent Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 I have to say the heat gun was the best suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carlena Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Since i use CD Wicks - i was told to twist them. You know how they hang over to one side - this i was sooooooo thankful for to have been told this!~Carlena~~Carlena's Creations~www.carlenascreations.com **You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Since i use CD Wicks - i was told to twist them. You know how they hang over to one side - this i was sooooooo thankful for to have been told this!This may be the SECOND best piece of advice I have received! Thanks for sharing that, Carlena!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcroome2005 Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Best advice I was given was test and read and then test more. Keep notes and always measure everything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comfortscents Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 I found these great 1 1/2oz shot glasses made by libbey with little hooks on the side..I can hang them inside my pour pot and not have to sniff everything to see what glass goes with what pot..sometimes after pouring a lot of candles everything starts smelling the same..lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 There's no limit to the imagination, but make things as safe as you can since most customers are stupid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judyvega Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 There's no limit to the imagination, but make things as safe as you can since most customers are stupid.Tell us how you really feel And I thought I was the most cynical person on the board lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 I think one of the most helpful things I've heard is to switch out wicks in one tester jar, rather than making 5 jars with 5 different wicks. If one doesn't work pluck it out and put in a different type of wick, then smooth out the top with a heat gun to get a fresh start. Many thanks to the pro that posted that one~Hillary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 Taking notes and writing down new recipes. Nobody told me this I learned the hard way that I don't remember how I made something a week ago if I didn't write it down. Now I keep files on all candle recipes and a notepad and pen when I test something new.That and a heat gun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eugenia Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 I learned that scent preferences are totally geographical and that questions like "what sells for you?" are meaningless. You need to buy samples and find your own market. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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