speciallymadeby Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 I own an online craft consignment shop that I recently started. I decided to start making candles to sell. I am new at this and am using Paraffin wax. My candles smell okay but nothing to brag about. I have another crafter that does Soy and her candles are AMAZING!!! They smell SO good! I get all my items from Cierra Candles. I use 1lb CW129 wax, 1 oz. scent, and 1 tsp. vybar. I don't want my fo to separate from the wax so I don't want to use too much. I make votives, tarts, and containers. Can anyone give me suggestions?LisaI updated this post with all the details. Anyone?? :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jessi_n_Jeri Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 Hi Lisa, and Welcome to the wonderful addiction of Candle Making!I have a few questions for you: What type of wax, specifically, are you using? Is it a hard wax? Does it already contain an additive? Is your Fragrance from a Supplier or a craft store?Depending on the type of wax, you may be able to add up to 1 1/2 ounces of fragrance per pound of wax. If the wax you are using is a "pre-blend" wax it may already have the additives you need. If that's the case, your vybar may be binding the fragrance into the wax, preventing the fragrance from actually throwing. Also, where your fragrance come from is very important. Most craft store fragrances are not as strong as fragrances you will find at a Candle Making Supplier. For a list of suppliers, check out the links page here:http://www.candletech.com/links/Candle_Making_Supplies/How soon after making your candle did you burn it? If you made it yesterday and burned it last night, it may be possible that you have candle nose. (Your nose is still aclimated to the smell and not as sensitive to it.)I hope that helps some. Welcome to Candletech, you'll love it here!Happy Candle Making!Jessi & JeriAAA Candle Supply, Inc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candle Man Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 If you are using straight paraffin wax without any additives try only 1/2 teaspoon of vibar (103 for votive/pillar & 206 for container) per LB of wax. To much vibar will Lock the scent into the wax. Also like stated up your scent to 1 1/2 oz's per LB of wax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speciallymadeby Posted September 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 Thanks for your quick replies.I use a blended wax that called for 1/2 tsp of vybar but it said it holds up to 9% fo with additional vybar. Maybe it meant it would hold upto 9% if I add the 1/2 tsp versus not adding any???? I don't know what you mean by hard wax, it's hard and comes in a large slab.I get my fo from Cierra Candles on the net. Does anyone know if that site is good?I wait the 24 hours before burning. I have a few I've made a month or so ago, not burned and you have to shove it up your nose to smell it a TINY bit.ARGH!! :-)Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terrie Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 I started out using supplies from Cierra, and yes, they are a reputable supplier, albeit pricey. Which wax did you get? They have several different waxes. The one I started with I believe was CW129, and it had awesome throw, but was extremely sooty. If you give us some more specifics, we should be able to help some more!! Welcome to the board, btw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speciallymadeby Posted September 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 CW129 is what I use. See, you say they had a great through and mine are far from that. :-) What suppliers are cheap and reputable. You guys are awesome!!Thanks SO much!!Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terrie Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 It is best to find a reputable supplier that is closest to you in order to save on shipping. Where are you located? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawaiiansun Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 You don't say what kind of candles you're making... Pillar, votive or container? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speciallymadeby Posted September 6, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 I am in Wisconsin and with the wax I told you I make votives, tarts, and containers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Breanna Posted September 6, 2005 Report Share Posted September 6, 2005 www.bittercreek.com is located in Wisconsin and thier FO's and wax are Great to,,,I have no local suppliers so I buy from Bittercreek and www.peakcandle.com ,,,both are great,,Just a thought:undecided Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speciallymadeby Posted September 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 Do you guys just think I need to reduce my vybar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted September 7, 2005 Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 That wax you use is also known as IGI 4616 and I personally LOVE it for my votives/tarts/tealights. However, didn't love it in a container.The instructions say to add 1/2tsp vybar to be able to use 9%, yet if you are only using 6% (about 1oz) FO you don't need the vybar.You can definitely find a cheaper wax, with less shipping from a supplier closer to you. Like Terrie said, Cierra is expensive and that wax is especially pricey.What type/size of wick are you using in what type/size container? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speciallymadeby Posted September 7, 2005 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 I am using 51-32-18 prewaxed and tabbed zinc wicks in pint size wide mouth canning jars and the same in 9 oz. hex jars.I am not sure about the zinc wicks, they are just SO easy!!!How am I doing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SatinDucky Posted September 7, 2005 Report Share Posted September 7, 2005 I applaud that you want to make a nice candle.However, being that you're just starting, it would probably be easier if you concentrate on one type first, ie container, tarts or votives. Start with just a couple scents and get them wicked correctly and good safe burn, then add more. Once you get the hang of one type, then add another. It is really easy to try too many things to begin with and get overwhelmed because you're moving back and forth. Testing takes a lot of time, money, patience and determination.Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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