gmp Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 I thought this would be fun and us beginners could learn a lot! What have you learned the hard way?For me, I have learned that a cheap scale is better than no scale, but a cheap scale (And I mean $5 cheap) is a PITA to work with! I'm now scouting out digital scales...I'd love to hear from the rest of you on what you learned about candlemaking "the hard way"!Hope you all are enjoying some beautiful fall weather today. It is absolutely pouring here in VA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everito Bandito Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 If I ever lay two different wicks down side by side and walk away for a minute or two and then come back..........maybe it's an over 40 thing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 It pays to be organized! I can't tell you how much $$ I wasted in the beginning buying things I already had but didn't know it because my supplies were not organized! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quietgirl2004 Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 After draining the wax from Presto pot, remember to shut the valve off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candlebuddy Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Take notes ... write things down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celicagtca Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 After being in the business 7 years...never give out to many "Freebies"! Everybody will expect a deal every time they purchase. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prcandles Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 keep your molds clean and they will be ready when you are.:rolleyes2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmp Posted November 16, 2006 Author Share Posted November 16, 2006 These are GREAT!! Keep 'em coming... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 If I ever lay two different wicks down side by side and walk away for a minute or two and then come back..........maybe it's an over 40 thing...OMG ROFLMAO!! It starts at 39 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 I've learned that liquid dyes link to spread the rainbow of color and not be contained solely to a bottle.I've learned that when you can't figure out what color a dye chip is, scratch it on something white (like a wall, like a child would do for artistic expression ) and you'll find out what the color is.I've learned that experimenting isn't necessarily being Monty Feldman in a lab where things bubble over, but is a necessity to be a little different than your competition.I've learned to give thanks to those who have graciously shared their knowledge.Notes are great ... till you lose them.There are fabulous FOs out there and it is the suppliers who turn us into HOs ... J/K! I've learned (OK learning) that I don't need every fragrance out there ... And I've learned it's a waste of my $ to get 1 oz, 2 oz or 4 oz samples, because inevitably I use it in the wrong application or I generally wish I had more and sometimes I am just tired of giving away the green Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trish Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Always, always, always put the lid back on your liquid dye even if you think you might need another drop in a second... Ask me how I know? :rolleyes2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brat Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Don't forget to seal the bottom of a mold with mold sealer or something... it's not pretty when that hole is wide open! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
country creek Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 I have learned to always put my color blocks back in the bags they came in b/c if I want red or what I think is red and I grab that block and my apple candles come out brown there really is no way to correct that kind of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crying Moon Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 If your liquid dye is plugged up at the top, don't sqeeze it too hard or you'll have a whole bottle of orange in your wax.Also get your FO ready to go in your setup, or you may end up with unscented candles or soap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillary Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 I keep a couple paper cups ready when I pour. I always manage to calculate the wax+FO+color incorrectly and make a few ounces too much. I pour the excess in the paper cups to save for the next time I pour that scent, so I can just add it to the batch. Use a sharpie to lable the cup. I hate to waste the FO.And as mentioned~never leave wicks out unmarked! Still can't seem to get that one down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malystxy Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 He He, set your mold on a stable platform, it it falls when it is cooling, ouch. Wax is hard to remove from carpet, be careful in both testing locationa and wax making location. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Everito Bandito Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 If your liquid dye is plugged up at the top, don't sqeeze it too hard or you'll have a whole bottle of orange in your wax.Also get your FO ready to go in your setup, or you may end up with unscented candles or soap.LMAO - that works with blue as well.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverm00n Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Good thread!Don't leave your just poured dark colored candle next to your glass of pepsi... almost drank my wax!Wear protective eye gear, got wax in my eye once...ya it was not fun!More often than not, it is candle noseEdited to add: don't mistake your liquid dye for 1oz. samples of FO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindym Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Don't drop a chunck of wax in your presto pot when there is already hot wax in there, the five splatter burns I have on my hand right now are deep. Duh, another words, saving one second isn't worth it.Besides that, everything else. LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShelleyBean Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 What a great thread!!In the short time I have been doing this, I have learned...I dont need every container made (although playing is fun)As someone mentioned, I dont need every scent made (is that an addiction of it's own? )Still learning a lot as I go, but again, great thread :highfive: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scented Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 Oh yeah, don't set the pour pot next to the sink and then give it a friendly nudge with your elbow (and if you do that, plug that drain quickly!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILVCANDLES Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 In work area lay aluminum foil down before you make candles or soap. Saves a lot of time when cleaning up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpy Girl Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 When soaping, put your FO into the oil before you add the lye. This way you won't do the most awesome kick ass swirl you've ever done in your life only to find out when you turn around that the FO is still sitting on the scale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tamsoycandles Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 If I ever lay two different wicks down side by side and walk away for a minute or two and then come back..........maybe it's an over 40 thing...I've considered color coding wicks as soon as I get them. Just slide a marker across a bunch of them and throw back in your storage. I've not yet tried this, but I've screwed up enough to really think about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tamsoycandles Posted November 16, 2006 Share Posted November 16, 2006 What a great thread!!In the short time I have been doing this, I have learned...I dont need every container made (although playing is fun)As someone mentioned, I dont need every scent made (is that an addiction of it's own? )Still learning a lot as I go, but again, great thread :highfive:Hmmm.. Thought I'd've figured that out by now too.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.