Starla's Candle Making Best Picks

Painting angels on a winter's day.

2012-02-08T16:07:00.000-05:00

Becky's Handpainted Ceramics

2012-01-29T15:40:00.002-05:00

Beckys Handpoured, Handpainted Ceramics Becky works out of her basement creating beautiful American made ceramics. If you want made-in-America, Becky's is the place to go. You will find angels, Native American artworks, wolves, horses, and mystical fantasy items. Also, if you are looking for find brushes, paints, or ceramic supplies try her supplies page.

How to paint folk art sheep.

2012-01-20T17:25:00.001-05:00

How to paint primitive pears.

2012-01-20T17:24:00.002-05:00

Clar the Chicken - Her story continues

2012-01-11T18:23:00.006-05:00

Starla,
I sent some pictures of Clara. She is growing feathers---and attitude. For a little chicken, she certainly makes her prescence known. The cats are terrified of her and the dogs give her a wide berth. She can't fly at all (absolutely NO balance) and she can't perch due to the lack of a toe on her left foot, but she gets around just fine nonetheless. She is still cuddly and will just about prostitute herself for grapes and yogurt. Except for a spell of going "broody" back in early December, she has not had any medical issues.

We found out that she is a particular breed of "fancy" chicken---a Frizzled Banty Cochin.

Her feathers are curly and they extend down her legs and she looks like a black puff ball when she fluffs up.

I still can't figure out how she got to the Chinarosa parking lot, but I am glad she did.

With the curly hair, large "beak" and sort of hairy legs she might have thought she belonged with someone that has curly hair, a large nose and sort of hairy legs. She probably thinks she found her kinfolk.

Snowglobes

2012-01-05T17:47:00.004-05:00

I ran across this photo on a blogspot, titled Grand Design Company. Their said the antique Mason jar snow globes were from Anthropologie, which was using them to display jewelry. However, they were not for sale. I wanted to share the beauty. I do not know who had the original idea, but I bow to their genius.

Grand Design Company created some of their own in clear mason jars. However, the clear jars don't have the same 'feel' of the antique blue mason jars. What do you think?

Mom's Too Busy to Cook

2012-01-05T17:28:00.002-05:00

The neighbor across the street backed into my parked car. Not so pleasant, but things happen. Their insurance company called and gave me a list of repair shops in my area. There I met Missy, a real nice gal with a love for recipes. Her blogspot is Mom's Too Busy to Cook. How can I pass up a chance to promote a hometown. She has an easy recipe for Homemade Macaroni and
Cheese. So if you get a chance, check it out.

Celebration

2011-12-31T16:02:00.002-05:00

Here's wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year! I have started mine by adding videos to the website.

The Ungly Duckling Transformation

2011-12-25T16:03:00.002-05:00

Christmas decorations from The Ugly Duckling Transorfmation Wordpress
Love the idea, very crafty.

Susie found a new chicken to take Buffy's place. Buffy past sometime ago.

2011-11-14T20:29:00.007-05:00

Late in the summer, Dave and I went to Bowling Green to pick up a sewing machine from an antique store. Maggie had found it for us the week before and sent us a picture of it and two of the cutest little chickens that live in the shop. Apparently I am not the only one with a house hen.

We picked up the machine and played with the little bantams (small game hens) and I started to think that, just maybe, I would want to have a hen in the house again. We had discussed it at length and I was sure of one thing. Not ONE of those sociopathic harlots from the back yard was coming in the house. I will feed them and shelter them while they live out their lives, but that is it. They didn’t want Buffy in their coop, so they can’t come into hers.

I got some information from Denise (the proprietor) about her hens and took the name of the breeder, loaded up the machine and headed to the Chinese restaurant for supper.

The prospect of picking out a healthy chicken from an actual breeder was a new concept for me. I have never really picked out a pet- - - they just happen to me. We were discussing this as we pulled up to the Chinarosa (it used to be a Ponderosa Steak House). The minute I got out of the truck I heard “Braawk”. I stopped cold in my tracks.

“I heard a chicken” said I.
“I heard one, too” said Maggie.
“Good God! The General Tsao chicken really IS fresh here.” said Dave.

The clucking continued, coming from a long, low yew bush at the corner of the building. I looked down over the top of the bush and couldn’t see anything, wondering the whole time what a chicken was doing in the middle of town, on a busy street, in the parking lot of a Chinese restaurant. When I ruffled the top of the bush, about five sparrows flew out and there, at the base of the yew was this really strange looking bird looking up at me. I reached down to get her and she skittered sideways to the back of the bush. It took me getting on my belly on the ground to get her out and the only way I could remove her was to grab her feet in one hand and lay her body on my other hand.

Once I cleared the bush I got a good look at her and she was a mess. She was completely bald over 2/3 of her body, she had sores on her wings and thighs, she was panting and her eyes were glazed. The temperature was 101 that day and the parking lot was hotter than Billie Damn. I needed to cool her off in a hurry (her skin was just scorched on her tummy), so Maggie and I took her to Maggie’s apartment while Dave got our order to go.

At Maggie’s we found a box and put it on the bathroom floor so she could cool gradually and quietly. I didn’t want to touch her too much because her skin was so thin that I was afraid that I would bruise her. She showed definite signs of dehydration and needed water, but I didn’t want to force her to drink for fear that she would aspirate. She was leaning on her side and my heart just sank when I saw her try to stand. It reminded me of Buffy when the paralysis set in. We took some cool wash rags and wadded them under her and around her to prop her up and bleed off some of the heat and put a cup of water in front of her beak. She settled down some and her breathing started to ease until she was able to close her beak. We backed out of her sight and left her to her own devises for a few minutes while we tried to figure out just exactly what she was.

She sure didn’t look like a chicken, but she sounded like one. She looked like what we thought a baby buzzard would look like but, never having seen a baby buzzard, we weren’t sure about that, either. She was about the size of a six-week-old chick, but the fledging was all wrong and her toe nails were too thick. Her comb was either underdeveloped or had been mostly pecked away, so that wasn’t much of an indicator of age. By the time Dave got to Maggie’s with the food, we weren’t any closer to solving that mystery than we were to figuring out how she came to be living on the parking lot of a Chinese restaurant.

After we got done with supper, I peeked back in on her, half expecting to find her failing fast. She was sipping water and looking around the box. She hadn’t moved off of the wash rags, but she was pecking at the terry cloth loops. She was hungry.

Maggie went down to the antique store to borrow a cup of chick feed while I took the bedding out to see if she was sufficiently revived to stand on her own. While she couldn’t stand all the way up on her legs, she could get her chest off of the box without falling over on her side. By the time Maggie got back from Denise’s, she was craning her neck and looking for food. We put her back (after taking some pictures) and she ate everything that was in her line of sight. As long as we put a little pile of food directly in front of her, she was willing to eat it.

We put a small box, the feed, the bedding and the hen in the front seat of the truck and headed for home. It wasn’t long before we found out that she HATED the box. She squawked every time we turned a corner because her lack of balance made her fall over. I was afraid that I would hurt her if I held her but, her flailing around the box wasn’t doing her any good either, so I wrapped her up in a hand towel, cupped my hand over her head so she wouldn’t get car sick and we both settled in for the trip home. She nestled her diminished comb into the palm of my hand, dug her toes into the towel until she found my fingers of my other hand, wrapped her talons around my finger and started to “purr”.

She had found a home and we had found a hen. Somewhere Buffy was smiling. Maybe someday I will chose a pet, but for now, I am happy with being “chosen’. She still has a long way to go but, at least she is eating, and that is half the battle. I will post more pictures and information as it happens.

Susie

Manufacture your own candle scents.

2011-07-06T08:51:00.004-04:00

Would you like to manufacture your own candle scent? Start your own company? http://bedoukian.com/products/prodlist_flavor.asp?searchtype=5 sells raw ingredients. A little knowledge of chemistry would be an added help. You can search "candle" on their site http://bedoukian.com/products/product.asp?id=515 comes up with a selection that says "Especially useful in candle fragrances."

For those of you who have ask to make their own fragrances, here is a place to start.

Sharing

2011-06-05T08:37:00.003-04:00

My friend, Missy, painted this weekend. Isn't she...well you wouldn't say she isn't.

Candle Deviations and Other Creations

2011-06-05T08:13:00.009-04:00

This weekend, I took a little side trip from making candles to making jean purses. I'd seen them various places on the internet and wanted one for myself. I made a couple extra, because I knew my girls would want one too! I love the end product, although I think I could use a little more color around the belt area and plan to fashion a belt to match the lining. Maybe, I could add a scarf, belt, beads, or jewerly. Excuse my typing rambles, my creative juices are still working on how I want the purses to look fully finished. Right now, they are finished, as far as the sewing goes, but just aren't detailed enough for me.

Showing here are the three purses I made this weekend and a cigar box purse I made several months ago.

Pudding River Primitives

2011-05-25T09:16:00.004-04:00

Baa, baa, baa. Isn't she clever, beeswax sheep. Simply love them. Again, Pudding River Primitives has used wax as a creative medium and the finished product is adorable.

Baa baa black sheep, you've never been so sweet.

Pudding River Primitives

2011-05-25T08:53:00.002-04:00

Country gingerbreads and hearts create a sweet look! She used a simple brown paper bag with turned down sides. You can visit her store by clicking on the picture.

A simple brown paper grocery bag makes a perfect tote for giving homemade cookies too! My favorite way to take cookies to the office is to take a grocery bag, turn down the edges, cut a piece of cardboard to fit the bottom, line with towels, add cookies, cover with a towel, and tie two strips of homespun material round the hole bag. Easy to create and carry to work, as the strips of homespun act as handles.

1. My brown bag came from Kroger's
2. Cardboard came from cutting a box lid from a post office mailing box.
3. Cookies straight from my oven.
4. Red checked hand towels came from dollar store.
5. Arrange towels in the paper bag, so they sort of hang over the sides and cover the bottom of the bag with the cardboard on the bottom.
6. Arrange cookies in bag.
7. Fold/cover cookies with towel.
8. Tear two strips of homespun material and wrap one under and around the whole bag one way and use the other strip to tie around the other side of the bag.
9. Tie together at top in bow - use as a handle to carry.
10. Carry to your event, untie or cut homespun strip, uncover top of cookies, and serve.

Make an excellent presentation.

Christmas Candy in Candle Baskets

2010-11-11T13:16:00.004-05:00

Yes, this blog is about candle making, but from time to time there are other pieces of information that I think is good stuff. For instance, if you are making candle based baskets with other homemade crafts, you might want to add a little tummy appeal as well. With that in mind, from time to time I add information I've found helpful for myself. This is one of those times.

Informational note: I found a bulk sale candy company Metro Candy & Nut, 285 Robbins Lane, Syosset, New York, phone number 866-457-8668. Sometimes I find my customers want ot create candle/craft baskets to sell. Adding candy can be a great way to add color and appeal to baskets. After all, we are a nation of consumers.

The key to sales is creating a "must have" item for the purchaser. First, know your customer, who buys your crafts, what are they looking for, are they female, how old, do they rent, own their own home, etc. I know, we don't have the money for detailed research, like Walmart or Sears, but we do have common sense and good eyes. Good old fashion common sense. If nothing else, go to the store, where you feel your customers would go to, look at their displays, their packaging, get a feel for it.

Once you have decided what your target customer is looking for, try to create this appeal in your package. Create their must have package. There are several ways of doing this, one is with the packages overall appeal. You need to appeal to different levels of the consumer's "wants" or "desires". So let your package have multilevel appeals - emotions, what emotion does your package invoke? Some products we want because the item will empress other, some packages create a warm feelings, some packages say country, others modern. BUT don't stop there, try for multiple levels of appeal. It is a fact; women will spend money on gifts for someone else, before they will spend on themselves. So if you package is a gift, make it appeal to the eye, the stomach, and the psychic. Candy had a good shelf life, is ready made, has nice color, textures and everyone likes it.

The problem most of us have is where to buy something in bulk cheap enough to add to a package. I like Christmas candy from Metrocandy.com and thought you might like to check them out. At the very least, candy is a good cash register item. We all know items near the cash register are impulse purchases. Great places to take in a little extra. http://www.metrocandy.com/

Candle Rug Mats

2010-10-03T20:20:00.004-04:00

Fall Pumpkins Primitive Candle Mat ~ Penny Rug Handmade
Made by sunshine_sunset on eBay. Really nice idea. She sells these for around 22.00 and she sells lots of these.

Trying to find a new dog.

2010-07-23T15:41:00.002-04:00

A couple months ago, my best dog friend, Cleo passed away. I got him from the London, Ohio shelter back in Dec. of 2000. As I began the search to find a new dog friend, I found the rescues in my 100 mile driving area are just about insane.

They look at you with suspicion if you want a particular type of dog and then charge you a fortune for the privilege of having someone tell you that you just MIGHT be good enough to adopt a dog, if you provide them with last year's tax records,
your veterinary history, a home visit, and a note from your preacher.

They will tell you that these pets are expensive to keep in the shelter, but they can't be adopted out to just anyone. The funny thing is, most of the people that work at some of these shelters and rescue organizations couldn't pass the application for adoption.

No, I don't have a fenced yard and no, I don't have 200 to 500 dollars for a rescue dog. They say that is to protect from unscrupulous criminal elements in the dog fighting business. Funny thing is, those people have money too. Actually more money to spend on a dog than most because it is their business to make money from the dog. Where as I just want a pet.

Also, I don't understand mutts being called a "designer breed". A golden doodle, a peekapoo, a what ever is a mutt, because it is not a pure breed. It isn't a 50/50 mix, for the love of heaven, doesn't anyone in high school teach genetics any longer?

And PetLand, don't even get me started....1,700 for a dog! Has the entire human population gone insane? 250 for a Siamese cat. O, brother.

Enough of my ranting. I was just feed up, looking for a poodle today and had to get it out of my system. That's all folks.

2010-05-03T13:10:00.003-04:00

So many times, new businesses fail because you can find a manufacturer, a real manufacturer, not those "cheat" that say they manufacture. You want the factory that makes the product in the first place.

Below are the ones I like to use. These are my personal opinions of the companies and others may have different experiences. I am not giving a recommendation, so don't whine and say, "but you said I could purchase and bla, bla, bla". I am just letting you know what I do. K? Got that? OK.

International Flavors and Fragrances Inc.
A manufacturer of flavors and fragrances. Out of New York. I have purchased several fragrances from them and would highly recommend their fragrances. The last time I ordered, they sold in 25 pounds same scent, you needed a tax I.D. number, and wanted assurances of how much you were going to order in a year. Not the friendliest people, very business like.

Symrise, use to be Intercontinental Fragrances and they were out of Texas. Good scent, but you need to purchase in 25 pound same scents, needed a tax I.D. number, and I felt they were overly bureaucratic in the use of a credit card. Nice, helpful, but they use to sell in less than twenty five pound quantities and I miss that feature of their company. Bad part, some "best seller" scents are sold to everyone. Still, their product was good. I liked the fact that shipping was included in the price. No second guessing what was really coming out of your bank account.

Agilex Flavors and Fragrances
This was my absolute favorite place to order scent from, at one time. You use to be able to purchase less than 25 pounds of same scent, but you can no longer do this. I believe, unless it has changed, they you need to be able to purchase 3,000.00 worth of their scent per year before you can have samples. Good point: least expensive, best scent around, and they are willing to work with you to develope exactly what you are looking for. Down home friendliness and my favorite operator is a gal named, Eva.

DO NOT call and say you want a Yankee Scent, or any other trade marked, protected fragrance. Yankee Scents belong to Yankee Candles and there are laws protecting their rights. Besides, why would you want someone else's product? Think about it, you need to be developing your own signature products. Don't be a copy cat, unoriginal, or someone else. BE YOUR OWN COMPANY, NOT YANKEE. I know it is hard, but look to the future, not someone else's past. If it is a business you are trying to build, then build your own.

Darcia ran a comment below and forgot to include a link to ForEveryBody

Kimberly Gracia

2010-03-07T14:04:00.005-05:00

Kimberly Gracia created her air fresheners with her own unique Texas shape, by using a branding iron to burn the image of her logo on the blanks. Gotta love the little noose hanger.

Clever, clever lady. Making it her own!
If you would like to carry this item in your Southwest shop or retail store, please feel free to contact Kimberly. Her email is alamocandelaria@ymail.com

Lori Stoia said....................

2010-03-03T19:20:00.004-05:00

Lori Stoia said...
MMMM! Looks good enough to eat!
http://homemadebathproducts.blogspot.com

Lori was actually asking me for a link. I don't hand out links without good cause. My reason here, was the incredible bank of information a candle/soap maker will find. Included are classes and dates she teaches. To see if Lori is in your general area, check out her blog for information.

Cup Cake Soaps

2010-02-28T07:47:00.006-05:00

Havent't seen Diane's cup cake soaps? Makes a gal say OOooo! Her photo shows pink cup cakes, light pink icing, and dark pink sprinkles.

But if that isn't enough check out her duckies.

Question about acrylic pant on wax

2010-02-26T08:23:00.003-05:00

DeAnn ask, "I've mixed acrylic paint with candle medium and it works, but when you place the candles in cellaphane bags the paint comes right off...there has got to be a way to do this ...I just cant figure it out...does anyone have any ideas? thanks"

Tami responded, "Sorry I don't know the answer to that question, but was wondering if you could tell me what brand of "painting medium" you use.....I've looked and can't find it and the people at Hobby Lobby don't seem to know what I am talking about! "

starlina responded, "DecoArt Candle Painting Medium
I got mine at Jo Ann's fabric.
http://www.joann.com/joann/

Ginger - " paint beeswax ornaments so maybe my method will work for you. I use plain acrylic paints (the kind you purchase in little bottles) and cover the surface with a white or off-white paint. When dry, I paint the final design with the same acrylics then spray with a low gloss lacquer. I always wrap them in cellophane bags and have never had any paint rub off. Good luck!"

chebing, " just use the crafter paint that you can get in any craft stores
but i also use a candle glaze on all novalties at work so this seals on the paint once it is dry."

Making Candles with Coffee

2010-02-26T08:21:00.001-05:00

A customer ask, "mimi5752
Registered: 11/10/09
Posts: 1
11/10/09 at 11:12 AM Reply with quote #1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm new to candle making so can you use real coffee (not the old liquid) new coffee grounds or beans to make coffee scented candles"

My reply, "No, you can't use real coffee, liquid or grounds. Beans can be used as decorations on the bottom half of a pillar candle.

You need a molecule that will mix with wax. Coffee won't do that. You need a liquid that is formulated to mix with wax. Try searching for candle scent, candle fragrance, or fragrance oils."

Buying scent

2010-02-26T08:17:00.002-05:00

A customer ask, "I am just looking for some input from those of you who have used the FO from this particular website. http://www.wicks-wax-scents.com

I am planning on purchasing some air freshener blanks and I would like your opinions on what scents I should consider. I am definitely interested in the baking scents, fresh scents or scents that appeal to men. Any suggestions would be appreciated. If there is another website which has comparable scent quality I would like to know that also.

Thanks in advance!

Blessings,
~nita

__________________
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak
but their echoes are truly endless."
~mother teresa"

My answer, "Hi Nita, Although I own wicks-wax-scents.com, other sites I would recommend and have purchased from are http://www.candlewic.com and http://www.makesscentscandles.com/
The first one has been around for over 50 years, in my opinion they are reliable, and their products can be trusted. They have always been helpful answering questions about their products. The second place belongs to a guy I met when I first started getting into the wholesale side of candle making - we both bought from Missy's Candles (if you remember that far back). In my opinion he is trustworthy and I have purchased one pour wax there at times."

mankatt's photostream

2010-01-03T17:50:00.003-05:00

I love old vintage stuff, even have a website devoted to vintage recipes. Here is mankatt's photostream on flickr. Really pretty cool. Basically all old advertising like candy bars, beer cans, soda cans, soap wrappers, Frost King weather strip, and frosting to name a few. It is full of photos and you will never get tired of looking. Mankatt had quite a few followers and comments on his products. I think he sells some on ebay, but here vintage fun is just that - FUN!

I really like the photo stream. I'm a photo nut anyway; love the old black n white pre-70's photos the best.

Wish me luck in school this semester! Starts tomorrow, poor Cleo and my chubbie hubbie will be home all alone missing me terribly. Come to think of it; they may see my absent in a whole different light, lol.

Sara Bly's Candles

2009-10-27T11:52:00.007-04:00

Sara Bly created these pretty candles with the help of my website's instructions and her own creativity and imagination. Pretty crafty. She has her own website at www.greenergrasscrafts.flyingcart.com/ You might want to take a look-see at what she has to offer.

Jessie Showman's Homemade Cinnamon Buns

2009-10-11T23:15:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone, A couple days ago, this email arrived in my box. A lady was kind enough to let me know how much she like making the cinnamon buns with my instructions. She gave me her permission to add her photos and email.
I love when someone send me photos of their work, it lets you gals, out there, know the instructions are for beginners and you don't need to pay for expensive molds or other expensive materials. You can make cinnamon buns with my easy to use free instructions.
After all, life isn't suppose to be so hard.
Here is what she had to say and photos of her homemade cinnamon buns.

"Hello Starla,

I wanted to thank you for having the directions on how to make cinnamon buns.I had a baby in March and for my shower I wanted the theme to be "bun in the oven", wellI thought it would be cute to make some buns for the favors.. I looked everywhere for cinnamonbun molds and came across your website! Let me tell you, you save me lots of time and money!!I didn't really get the cool time right, but found that when it did mush out it sealed the roll together. I rolled about 70 buns for favors and made some bigger ones for the center pieces. Everyone just lovedthem, and I loved them too!!! I can't wait to make them again, just got to wait til the baby gives me the time to do so! Thank you for having directions for your wonderful talent!

Jessie"

16 year old makes a difference.

2009-10-02T10:22:00.008-04:00

We all say we want to help, to make a difference, to save the world. We all feel that we should. Lucas Thomas Metropulos, age sixteen, has founded a company that helps, makes a difference and saves a little piece of the world, one meal at a time.

Read what he writes on his website, a site he created, "My inspiration for initiating this program came from my yearly volunteer work on a family farm in the Bahamas. Every summer I stay and work with a family that uses natural resources to provide and make an income. We pick mangoes on a 70-acre farm for distribution and fish for food and income for the farm families. I have learned the importance of conservation and fishing responsibly to secure fish and marine life populations for the future and to benefit the environment. I also realized that in the states this high protein source is unavailable to low-income families. Consequently, the soup kitchens can rarely offer it. Fish is now a rich man’s food and needs to be shared as was intended. I can't make one fish feed the multitudes but I can do my part in making it more available to those who need it most!"

Who should get the credit? Lucas gets credit for fortitude, energy, and determination. He gets credit for his endless pleas to fishing tournaments to help support his project by turning over fresh caught trophies. He gets credit for his tireless search of contributions to keep the program running. Still, there must be a little credit left over for his mother. She is doing with Lucas, what she has done with each of her seven children when they turned sixteen, helped and encouraged each to start making a difference in the world. She deserves some credit.

Sixteen, a rite of passage, for most means little to nothing in this day and age. At one time, it meant a symbolic metamorphose was taking place, parents and society performed a profound action that created a change from child to an adult. It was, simply, a big deal. There were parties and certain rights acquired when you turn sixteen. Turning sixteen gave you the right to date, get a job, and to drive. With the driver's license came a personal freedom, that wasn't there the day before, the freedom to make your own decisions. In today's world, even before turning sixteen, the world of a teenager often includes texting, sex, drugs, parties, sneaking around and many self centered behaviors. Teenagers care only for themselves and their own worlds. Lucas's mother avoided this by encouraging her children to do what is known to produce a psychological mood boost. People who help others are known to feel in control of their lives, to have little need for approval from others and maintain a good state of mind. She saved her children by insisting they find a way to make a difference.

This is a story that should be told. A story of a mother, finding a way to make sure her children avoided the pitfalls of today's world and in her own way, helping, making a difference, saving the world.

Wonder how I found this story? I spoke to her on the phone today when she called to ask about melting beeswax. You can see his website by following the title link. I encourage you to help this teenager help others.

Foothill Primitive's blogspot and creative artwork.

2009-08-11T10:41:00.005-04:00

Love this little website, Beeswax handmade originals, flicker drip candles and feather trees. Really nice handiwork. Love the artwork, nice interpretations.

Times, they are a changing.

2009-04-17T09:59:00.002-04:00

Intercontinental Fragrance, out of Texas has decided to create real difficulties for the really small business owner. They will no longer sell quantities smaller then 25 lbs of the same scent.
Although we rarely used this company, it seems a shame that they would create such difficulty for small companies. I have a friend whose company was deeply hurt by this, they are stopping their candle making because of this.
I don't understand Intercontinental Fragrance's logic. They want to force a small mom and pop to purchase from a larger company, say www.magic-scent.com (I don't know if they even exist, I am only using them as an example.) and pay more for the scent in the process. Where Mom use to get Vanilla Hazelnut for...say...around 9.00 a pound, Mom now has to pay 18.95 per pound. The 18.95 per pound is with the bulk buy discount! Mom and Pop have to raise their candle price to stay in the black and in this economy, candle's are at the bottom of the necessity list, if listed at all.
Bottom line, Intercontinental Fragrance loose money because they forced Mom and Pop out of business. We are not going to buy from large wholesalers, we are going to stop buying at all! Candle making is a hobby at best, not a "real" income, so most of us will stop altogether, if supplies become to expensive to purchase.

My blog, my opinion.

Lost Time

2009-03-23T17:03:00.002-04:00

It seems a trifle silly that I should have so much trouble starting this note. I have dealt with death before, time passes by and you live on, as I have managed to do. Yet letting the world in on such private emotions seems difficult. It shouldn't be. We all deal with death and "getting on with it" isn't easy, it just is. O, well, this is life. With that written, I will write no more on the subject.

I have re-entered college, hopefully to finish a bachelors degree in sociology. So far, it seems to be going fine. I am comfortable in my own skin and not the least bit interested, this time, in being a part of the "in" crowd. Lucky me, as this is reflecting in my grades. All A's so far with the exception of one B-, as I did not study for the quiz in anyway what so ever. Life knowledge got me the B-, and I felt a like a little cheat for a good grade without any effort.

We shall see what life will bring.

Good evening and I will keep you posted on new things I've discovered about candle making.

Twilight - A guilty pleasure to read.

2008-11-23T08:28:00.003-05:00

Not everything is about candles. With that said, I finally finished all four novels by Stephinie Meyer. Truly if you haven't read the books you are missing one of life's little pleasures. What's not to love, teenage girl in love with the bad boy high school vampire. Buffy and Angel move over, Bella and Edward are in the house.

I can't wait till Midnight Sun is released. I hear a rough draft was posted over the internet without Ms. Meyer's permission. Myself? I am waiting for the final printing.

My gal pal and I are going to see the movie today. Will let you know how that turns out. Sometimes movies don't do the book justice. We shall see.

Well, I am off to run the dogs.

Pat Crump and her primitive paintings.

2008-11-17T20:32:00.017-05:00

Would you look at this! Primitive hand painted soaps! Don't you just love them. Held by the painted side, you rub soap from the bottom.

O, yes, I know they are not necessary, but when did that ever stop us gals from spending money.

I know my guy would never understand painted soap, would yours? The look they would have on their face as they pondered the ramifications of a simple hand washing. I can only imagine what they would say.

And, yes, I know hand painted soaps aren't practical, but.................I want them!

I want them so bad, I feel a lil devil comin on.

Every gal pal, who stopped by for coffee and a chat, would simply die of envy when holding a soap in hand.

Just think what great Christmas gifts painted soaps will make or should I keep their wherabouts a secret for my bathroom only................hummmmm.

Light bulb went off over head.

2008-08-18T17:37:00.003-04:00

Hi gals,
I just had a scathingly brilliant ideal. You know the handmade paper air fresheners we sell. Yes, you do, Susie Bell makes them. Well, she just sent me her latest addition - the snowflake.
Ok, well we usually sell these as unscented air freshener blanks for cars, but I think you could do some fantastic things with these. Actually all the blanks.
They would make great Christmas Tree Ornaments if you didn't want to scented car fresheners.

Just think of all crafting possibilities.

Glitter, acrylic paints, decoupage....................

I was thinking beautiful decoupage angels pics on the snowmen. I go to ebay, find some beautiful postcards, print them off on the printer and then decoupage away! Of course, you could easily use the beautiful papers from Hobby Lobby or any crafting store.

Anyway, that is my idea for decorating and selling the blanks that Susie makes, other then as car air fresheners.

A Soap Mold World

2008-08-06T18:50:00.003-04:00

Milky Way Molds. I stumbled upon this little site searching for link partners. What I found was a reasonably priced supplier of soap molds.

You would be surprised who buys these mold for resale. Places like Candlesandsupplies.com out of Pennsylvania and Peak's Candles from Colorado. Bet you never knew that.

Now, why did I bother telling you this? Because some stores on the internet give their customers a "link" back to their shop.

What does this mean to you? You just might find their supplier, be able to buy direct and forgo the higher price. That is if you are willing to buy in a larger quantity.

So if you have the time, check out your supplier's backlinks, you just might find their supplier.

Don't know how to do this? Go to Yahoo, and type in - link:http://www.milkywaymolds.com Of course, replace milkywaymolds with the website you are checking out, like link:http://www.peakcandle.com/ for instance.

Barrs By The Bay Soaps

2008-08-04T21:47:00.004-04:00

There are a few words I have to say about this lady's soaps...amazing, beautiful and wow!

Her Tropical Soap (to the left) is topped with artistic abstract starfish.

Simply love it.

Her Lemon Mint Bars are very upscale. You really need to look at this site. These are the soaps you want in your bath. Drift into her world of eloquence. Wait till you see her ButterMilk Baby Soap! Don't miss this site gals, or you will miss an education in presentation and a wonderful slice of life.

Mammy Melts

2008-05-13T11:27:00.009-04:00

How crafty and clever are these Mammy Melts!

Here is a website, not on Google's Main Street (top ranking results), worth a looksee. You will find Tara (the owner) full of creativity and imagination which exhibits itself in her craft artwork.

See for yourself - http://www.tarasscentgifts.com/

Betty'sOnly left a comment in the comment section below, she wants everyone to visit her blog. I say "yes", it's a go visit blog.

Up and Running?

2008-03-25T22:22:00.001-04:00

Heads up!

Lisa is back to work now, her foot surgery healed and no longer giving her trouble.

10th Annual Arizona Soap and Candle Making

2008-02-20T11:22:00.003-05:00

This is a general announcement for the soap and candle making 10 Annual Arizona Gathering.

This June, if you are near Scottsdale, Arizona, I would highly recommend you attend.

You can get more information by going to: http://www.azgathering.com

Or you can email wendy@geltyme.com or call 623-937-6404.

As usual, a fun time will be had by all!

Candle making suplies

2008-02-18T07:59:00.004-05:00

For your website, some searchers use the wrong spelling when searching. Like the words, "candle making suplies" Last month 76 people used these words when searching. My site was listed at #3 in the listings because I have that misspelled word on my site.

Note, I don't recommend you have misspelled words all over your site, but if you use http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/ to find what words were searched last month, it won't hurt to add the more popular one.

Yes, I know Google has the "did you mean ________" thingy at the number one spot. I just don't care and some people overlook it, scroll down and find me.

Tara's Scentsational Gifts

2008-02-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

Tara has a nice site.

Located in Ohio, Tara lives with two bouncing lab mixes and her adoring fiancee. She has been creating soy melts and dipping bears for over four years. Tara enjoys displaying her items at local craft shows for thankful customers. Two local craft shops offer her craft art to area visitors as well. The amount of attention and care she puts into each order only goes to show her devotion to her handicraft. She gives her customers the same amount of care and attention.

Please take the time to visit her shop.

Create Your Own Air Fresheners

2008-02-02T12:11:00.000-05:00

Welcome new crafter!

Susie Bell! I'm thrilled to say we have added a fierce new craft maker to our site.

For those of you already in the know, most of this will be old hat. For those of you new to our blog, Susie handmakes paper to create car air freshener blanks. You add your own fragrances and string/ribbons to these blanks and you have your own personalized line of car air fresheners.

This week she has added a new custom Smiley Face air freshener blank.

We grew up with this happy little guy and are please that he has come back. You can paint his eyes and mouth black or just leave him the way you see him.

Yes, we think it is a "he" because he had no hair. Just like Mr. and Ms. Pac-man, you can tell the difference.

Check out her other custom made blanks on our website.

Read PenVampyre Stories

2008-01-30T13:51:00.000-05:00

Read, "The Story of the Missing Cookie Jar" by PenVampyre. A delightful new little Christmas story with mouthwatering recipes for the most wonderful time of the year!

She is one of my favorite writers and this story is delightful.

Anothe story she has recently written for the recipe website is Santa and the Magic Key, a must read for anyone who is in the armed services and has children.

Along with the stories you will find vintage black and white photos, vintage recipes and many other stories from my childhood, my nephew's Halloween story, and Miss Vampyre.

You are welcome to use the photos or recipes providing you add a link back to my site.

Enjoy! -:)

Starla

Unique Soap or Candle Molds

2008-01-30T12:01:00.000-05:00

I am searching the web today for unusual, unique and otherwise uncommon soap or candle molds. I like different.

I like the American entrepreneur, the artist, the creator we have. Uniquely American, of which I am overwhelming proud to be today for some reason. My other half watched Yankee Doodle Dandy starring this morning and I think I caught the "spirit". Why does my brain take these crazy wonderings? I should be interested in the laundry, dishes and routine chores, but no! I am on the quest for unusual, unique and otherwise uncommon soap or candle molds made in America!

So, here we go..................

I liked these Angel Wings from GrandHorse. You can purchase these mold there and I hesitate when I say this, but I think you will be able to use these molds for candles or soaps.

Me, myself and I would try wax in the mold, even if, they only say for soaps. I have found if I keep my wax temp low, I can pour into almost anything.

She or he is located at a place called http://www.etsy.com/. A very nice assortment of handmade items. Interesting place to visit if you haven't already.

I also found:

Kiski Valley Kandles who featured this adorable bowl of cookies and cream. I loved loved loved this candle.

And Kiski, please don't sue me for using your photo to let people know how delicious your candles are.

Wausers, had to pull myself away from Etsy, to many things I love there. Antiques, vintage purses, candles. That was like going to Ebay, it's hard to come back.

Speaking of which, I just came back from an Ebay shop and found the following:

I simply love dragon flies and the pastel coloring here is simply lovely. What a fairy like look to these candle tarts or soaps.

Must go, customer calling.....................

DianesHouse.com

2008-01-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

I took the time to look over http://www.dianeshouse.com/. The site was pleasant, easy to navigate and had some wonderful frogs!

I have included one of her photos to the left. How cute is that.

I have always been a fan of frogs.

Her scent selection of the following:

Almost Heaven
Burgundy
Cabernet
Diane's Memories
Dream Angel-V Secret
Exotic Embrace-V Secret
French Vanilla
Juniper Breeze
Orchid Breeze
Plumeria
Red Hot Cinnamon
Sweet Temptation-V Secret
White Musk

are wonderful aromas. I have samples of some, not all, but some from my scent manufacturer. Nice floral fragrances.

I will give a thumbs up on her site and sugget that you visit soon.

Fom me to you..................

Custom wood signs made for all occasions

2008-01-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

Signs of Wood, Co. EastKathy Burkhardt 1808 Ave I, Fort Madison, IA 52627Voice: 319 371-5681

USPS and your business

2008-01-15T10:49:00.001-05:00

We have included flat rate shipping for many of our products. This allows us to ship some of our supplies to Alaska and Hawaii, which we would not have otherwise been able to do at a regular rate.

What we are offering are the Wax Dipped Bear Kits for 50.00 plus the 9.35 flat rate shiping.
The Cinnamon Bun Kit for 24.95, plus the 9.35 flat rate shiping. We are slowly adding others, such as some scents, so check the website for new pricing.

When it rains........................

2008-01-15T10:37:00.000-05:00

Hi, well as most of you know, Lisa broke her foot a month ago and it has been holding her back, but she is coping and filling orders with the help of her family and dear husband. She should be back up and running full time be the end of March....cross our fingers and hope to die! It has been hard without her.

I, on the other-hand, was just released from the hospital. Something wicked walked into my lungs and set up a shop of it's own. Wow! That was a blast of nasty. So I am going slow on making bears, not yet ready to breath in so much scent at once. Probably knock me off my feet again, so I am giving it till the weekend before I put myself in that situation. Should have taught my family how to make the bears...drats, hindsight!

Everything has been shipped out that I could do with help of friends and family, but I am the only one who can make and oversee the bears, so that is on hold. My perfectionist side showing, I know, but you have to resell these and I need to make sure you can.

Hold on and be patience. I will get it all done.

Later,
Starla

Candle Making on Craft Gossip

2007-05-26T07:53:00.000-04:00

If you like gossip and you love crafting, then you will love CraftGossip. Here you will find a collection of bloggers discussing everything from editable crafts to candle making, (my favorite).

The candle editor, Sandra Williams is right on the mark. A freelance writer and web savy explorer, her musings on candle making will delight one and all. Go on, nose around and see what you can find.

Let me know what you think!

Bacon and Roses

2007-05-02T11:48:00.000-04:00

Silky Tyme has a nice selection of wax novelities. From it's wax buttons to the roses, pansies and wax leaves, I give this site a 4**** rating for the variety of wax embeds.

They, also have a decent Ebay Shop with a whopping 100% Positive feedback, since 1999. Now that is worth blogging about. You don't get better then that on Ebay!

Ha! Ha! They have wax bacon! How funny. Ain't it a kick what people will come up with. I love it!

Creative Illuminations Wax Embeds

2007-05-02T08:11:00.000-04:00

This place has a ton of wax embeds, they make their own.

Wonderful little chocolate bits, pie toppers, cute little waffles toppers and teeny tiny gingerbread men, to name a few. They also carry a selection of gel candle supplies.

I would suggest giving this place the once over for every gel candlemaker.

Simply Adorable Tarts and Candle Treats

2007-04-25T17:46:00.000-04:00

Here is another one of those shops that is hidden in the back alleys and side roads of the internet. Most shoppers will never find this speciality shop full of adorable candle tarts. How clever the creator of these crafty little tarts.

If you are a candle maker and your creations don't look this good......you need to start over from the beginning!

Kisty is a real artist with wax.

Candles Guide

2007-04-25T15:43:00.000-04:00

A nice place to visit if you are looking for candle making supply companies or other craft supply places.

Need a Content Writer for Crafts?

2007-04-09T10:48:00.000-04:00

I know many of you have websites and a website requires fresh content, in order for the big G to pay attention.

You can either write the piece yourself and take up valuable time, when you could be creating a new product, waiting on a customer or even, making a candle!

One way to do this is to hire a writer. Now, I know the first word that comes to mind is "cost". It isn't as expensive as you think. There are many content writers out there, but trust is also and issue. So, I wanted to let you know I use PenVampyre@aol.com. (LOVE that name!)
She is knowledgeable about various craft, sewing, vintage and recipes. I have purchased several articles from her - payment was sent through paypal - so no fuss there and in a couple weeks, I had new content for the Google Bot to eat it's way through.

Cost - only 40.00 for large articles and 20.00 for short ones.

You can visit her at her new website - http://www.penvampyre.com/ Her friend just started building this site, so don't expect to much yet. But you can find snippets of her work there or on my website twisted-candy.com

Good luck to all my crafting website owners out there and may the Google Bot visit often.

Your inner artist.

2007-04-07T09:10:00.000-04:00

Gals, this is what I am talking about.....

Here is a craft site, whose resident artist - Josh Goehring, is making a living from his love of art. A Renaissance artist, Josh works in wood, metal, paint and any material which can be fashioned into his antiques of tomorrow.

Don't be afraid to put your art work out there for the public to see and purchase. Be creative, use water colors or oils....wood or clay....just be yourself and go for it.

Take a visit and see what Mr. Goehring has in the way of original paintings and pencil drawings. Give your inner artist a chance. Just go for it!

Brown Coffee Bags

2007-03-03T12:39:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for the little brown coffee bags with windows in them, try Nashville Wraps! Love everything they have for packaging. Where would craft makers be with out them!

Chillicothe, Ohio under the leadership ... BANGO,Jeffrey

Room Spray Scenters

2007-03-01T18:32:00.000-05:00

Recently, a request came in for information on making room sprays using candle scent. Here are a few places on the web, I would suggest seeing.

Just By Nature sells the air freshener room scented base liquid with super easy instructions. Also selling 4 ounce spray pumps. This would be my pick, if I was going into production for resale. A liquid base and just add your scent. I would want colored bottles though. I don't like the look a plain clear glass spray pumps.

Remember to package your spray pump attractively. People want to purchase something pretty. It will need a really cool label or some other attractive package. I like the brown colored bottles with the primitive looking labels.

Excellant Living Guide has room spray instructions for sprays made from water, grain alcohol and fragrance oils (fragrance oils are candle scents in most cases)

Specializing in soapmaking products Snowdrift Farms has complex instructions for using essential oils. Fantastic place if you have any skills in chemistry what so ever! I love their dried herbs and they sell in smaller quantities. Perfect for the beginner.

Comments welcome.

Soap Manufacturers

2007-02-19T13:22:00.000-05:00

Hey, Lisa.....did you see those muffins in the pic below?

Have fun in LasVegas! I am so jealous.

For those of you looking for bulk buys in the soap making sections, check out this shop. They have 25 pounds of baking soda for .85 a pound.

No, I don't know why you would need that much baking soda......unless you live in a college dorm. They carry dead sea salt, foaming bath butter and soap by the gallon.

You can tell I'm not a soap maker.

Brown Primitive Candle Muffin

2007-02-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a muffin candle, then take a look at these! The color is right, the look is right, the size is perfect! See the little blueberries on top? This is how a muffin candle should look.

See, Carnation Candles is one of those cute litte shops that no one would ever see. Hidden in http://www.countryroadcrafts.com/ .

I would have liked to see an "About Us" page, so I didn't feel like I was all alone on their site....know what I mean? I didn't get a "connection" with the crafter, but all in all, their products were perfectly country cute and what a perfect muffin. Doesn't get any better then this.

Painting Angels on a Candle

2007-02-19T08:32:00.001-05:00

If you are looking for the candle painting medium, look at this DecoArt page. It list what shops in the different states that carry their products. Nice....a company that helps you find what you are looking for without a lot of clicking from page to page.

They have a nice project library with an adorable Primitive Country Angel, that I think was submitted by Contact Kenna and Donna at Kenna & Donna Designs, P.O. Box 214, Williamsport, IN 47993-0214; (217) 269-3279; fax (765) 764-6202; dmalone@comwares.net. At least this was written at the bottom of the page and I can't think of another reason DecoArt would do this.

Cudo's to Donna's Designs if this was their creation. How country cute! Love it! Love it!

I've purchased metal molds here forever.

2007-02-09T12:42:00.001-05:00

This shop has been in the biz long before I was born.......I think! Anyway, I have found for purchasing metal molds, they are the best, in my humble opinion.

They won't let you show one of their mold on my blog....why? I don't know. Silly to stop people from telling others about their products, but then people are silly. Go figure.

Anyway, if you are looking for good, cheap metal molds or some nice cheap plastic ones, here is the place.

They have always been honest, shipped fast, and were courteous in phone conversations. AND all that was before the Internet....if anyone remembers way back when!

SORRY , THEY WENT OUT OF BUSINESS SOMETIME IN 2007. YES, I KNOW THIS POST WAS BEFORE THEN.

Cool 60's inspired candle.

2007-02-09T12:19:00.003-05:00

On my daily exploration of the internet, a colorful 60's inspired taper candle caught my eye. Located in New Zealand, shipping cost would prohibit sales here for the small retail business shop, but I thought they were worth a look-see.

Called Kotare Candles - www.kotarecandles.co.nz/dinner-candles.html

Wax Embeds

2007-02-06T15:18:00.000-05:00

Been a long time since I found a site that impressed me with their wax embeds, but here is one.....a pickle! Not only a pickle, but green beans, corn on the cob, tomato slices and a bussel basket of other veggies too! Don't forget the celery and carrots...HA!

Site is too cute for words. Go there, quick and get your veggie fix.

Something candle different!

2007-02-06T14:59:00.001-05:00

Ok, here are website that have a little something extra to add to their candles. Take the WaxWizard, nice array of candle choices, packaging looks great and I love their "real" wedding cake candles. Take a look if you are in charge of a wedding this year.

With Terri's Log Cabin Crafts, what I like most is the gingerbread man she has placed in the center of her candle pies. No crust, just a little gingerbread man. Her pages load a little slow...no doubt all the background. It doesn't help when a page is so slow to load...good thing I am patient today.

Here you go. While looking for embeds, I found Dazzel Dust made from glass, so it will go perfect with your candle. Comes in a grungy brown color and a sugar color. Now, how do I get it to stick on the outside of the candle......hum?

Impressed with the candle pie photo.

2007-02-06T14:28:00.001-05:00

I was impressed with this web site's photos of wax candles.

SITE IS GONE http://www. suppliesforcandles.com/gpage.html

The candles looked fantastic, but the website did not seem as friendly as the pie...you know what I mean?

I wanted to click on the pie photo and have it take me to the supplies and instructions for making the pie or, at the very least, take me to a page where I could purchase the pies.

Irritatingly frustrating! This makes it hard on the potential customer.

But their creations......perfect in every candlemaker's dreams.

Candle pie website get a nod.

2007-02-06T14:17:00.000-05:00

This website Art and Soul, gets a nod for being able to actually make a nice looking candle pie. And I was impressed with their Hot Apple Dumplings.

I have seen these made before and it does take some creativity. Not so much in the actual making of the apple dumpling, but being able to get the color right is the hard part.

The actual dumpling is a scoop of wax wicked and plopped onto a square cut out of wax, then folded to shape, followed by a drizzle of wax syrup.

But the color....you just have to have that special touch.

Professional Packaging

2007-02-06T13:52:00.000-05:00

I am going to have to, once again, mention Candle-Licious for the professional packaging. Look at the heart tarts on this page, nothing fancy about the tart, nor the packaging...really, but it looks "professional".

This is actually just a plain zip lock bag with a simple label on the front.

You can find just about anything you need at Nashville Wraps, I like their treatment of customer - (although I still don't have a link to my site in their link section...ahem...I'll ask again the next time I make a purchase......and the next time...and the..well, you get the drift...)

My main point is packaging, it doesn't need to cost you an arm or leg, but it does need to look professional, appealing and easy to understand. See my page Professional Candle Packaging
for more of my ramblings on the presentation of your craft.

Fantastic Primitive Molds

2007-02-03T14:48:00.000-05:00

I just purchased a primitive mold set from this lady. I love them. As soon as possible, I will be making tart/melts using these.

She sells her products on Ebay, I do not know if she has another webshop or if Ebay is the only place she offers her molds.

Yes, her molds are copyrighted, as they should be, but you can make soaps and candles with them for resell.

She answered my emails with a quickness!

Making Cinnamon Bun Candles

2007-02-03T14:29:00.000-05:00

I am looking for directions or any information on how to make a candle that looks and smells like a cinnabon. They are offered on other web-sites but are too small (4" diameter). I would like to make one (or look into purchasing one) that is atleast 6" in diameter or larger for a centerpiece. Can someone help me? Thanks.

mc
maria

Answer:
Take this recipe and do a slight variation. Pour the thickness the same, but slice wider strips. I think this will be what you are looking for.

Painting on Hurricane

2007-02-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

Great information and a great primitive look for painting on hurricane candles. If the thread stops working, let me know. There is a picture of her finished work. Awsome!

She basically says, she sprays her candle with a varnish - mat finish. Gives it two coats of the nat finish, letting it dry inbetween. Sprays a double thick gloss varnish, lets dry. Then glues rice paper on the hurricane, then paints the paper. Finishing by coating the entire candle with modge podge and sprinkles sugar glass.

She has a photo of her finished product. Really, really nice.

Painting on Candles

2007-02-01T12:08:00.000-05:00

This probably is the best set of instructions, I found anywhere for painting your pillar candles. Of course, they don't tell you how to get your candles a primitive color for painting your primitive sheep and houses on, but that is one thing you will need to experiment with on your own.

Anyway, if you were thinking of doing the painting yourself, see these instructions first.

No nasty popups or downloads.

Real Primitive Candles

2007-02-01T11:28:00.000-05:00

When I think of "primitive" candles, I think of the "1776" sort of primitive. I found a candle shop that meets my stringent rules for primitive.

They actually paint folk art sheep and other designs on their candles. Beautifully done. And the best part is they sell wholesale.

This is a heads up....if you are looking for a new candle idea or wanting to purchase wholesale, check them out.

I am sooooo jealous!

Cool Wholesale Crafts

2007-01-31T12:19:00.001-05:00

This is a really great craft and candle site that you probably won't find on the web. It isn't on the front page of google and many site like this go unnoticed.

You will want to take a look at this place.

The girls here make salt dough primitive hearts with a real flare for the primitive.

The salt dough is made with self rising dough and gives the hearts a puffy look, then, I believe she coats them with a water color paint.

After that, she write adorable slogans on the top, I am guessing ......... a glaze and there you are. .. Perfect primitives sold at wholesale prices.

Pouring Votives

2007-01-31T12:05:00.000-05:00

Here is a page devoted to pouring votives and tea light candles. Loaded with pictures and step by step instructions. It is very comprehensive.

They do try to sell you supplies along the way, but there are no irritating popups or unexpected downloads.

Flag Pie

2007-01-30T18:50:00.001-05:00

I absolutely loved this "Red, White, and Blue" Americana pie. You are going to love it too. Gotta give this lady and A+ for her creativity. You go girl!
DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS SITE www.cricketscandlecompany.com BUT THE PIE IS GONE 2008

Pie Slices

2007-01-30T18:38:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I found this. It is a page that gives detailed instructions on making a single pie slice from wax. Fantastic! I love it, full of photos and great instructions. You will want to see this place.

SAME HERE, THE CRICKET SITE IS GONE!

Grunging or Whipping

2007-01-30T18:32:00.000-05:00

Here are many photos of how to grunge or whip wax for candles.

Chocolate Pudding Candle

2007-01-30T18:27:00.000-05:00

This page has lots of pictures for making a chocolate pudding candle. A different way to whip or beat your candle wax. I am a sucker for step by step photos.

Whipping Paraffin Wax

2007-01-30T18:13:00.000-05:00

Full of pictures and instructions for whipping wax. Nice!

Melting Wax Instruction

2007-01-30T18:04:00.001-05:00

Here are my pick of instructions for melting different kinds of waxes.

Basic paraffin melting instructions. - nice basic wax melting instructions with an emphasises on safety.

Hobby Lobby Wax

2006-11-26T13:21:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I do not make the wax, my friend - Lisa - makes the wax at her warehouse. I am just the internet site, along with scented bears, candle scents, and wicks. I use to do it all, but no longer.

Lately, I have had a few people ask me about Hobby Lobby's wax. So yesterday, when I found myself out of wax, the first thing I did was panic and the second was scream. The third thing I did was call Lisa, she was in another state for the holiday and wouldn't be back till Monday. No help there......

Since those bears still have to be made and people are counting on me for some of their holiday presents, I need to find some wax then and now. So I thought, why not......

I ran to Hobby Lobby, picked up 40 pounds of wax at a great fifty percent off price and brought it home. Popped it into the roaster and melted about 20 lbs down. Added the steric and vybar. Then I started it through my spray machine. Worked great! The scent mixed perfect, the cold scent throw was great on the cooled bears.

I gotta say, as long as you add the right ingredients to the Hobby Lobby paraffin, it will work for you. So if they have a fifty percent off sale in your area, grab all the wax you can. I wish I had purchased more now. It was a steal at 50 cents a pound.

Really Great Salt Dough Hearts

2006-11-16T10:46:00.001-05:00

I loved this crafting site. They created adorable puffy salt dough hearts and I just love these.

I tried to make these the other day in my kitchen. Nope, didn't work for me, but then I don't have a working oven.

I am pretty sure, she used self rising flour, gave a coating of milk or egg to the salt dough cut outs before baking. This would account for the brown edges peaking through the red water color paint.

I am sure she used water color paint, it would give the nice "see through" window to the crusty brown color underneath.

Her products are soooo cuty perfect.

Take a look and give me your opinion.

Nice Selection of Candle Sites

2006-09-10T07:26:00.000-04:00

Here is a list of a nice selection of candle sites. Sites ran by small mom and pop shops.
There is a very nice selection of places to shop for homemade candles.

Angelina's Cosmetics and Scented Bears

2006-09-07T13:05:00.000-04:00

We love the Scruffie Bears to place in all the rooms in our home and in our business....French Vanilla and Sugar Cookie scents especially. Everyone who enters tells us "Wow" It smells great in here. For the bathrooms it keeps them smelling fresh and sweet.

We like to use an electric coffee mug warmer on them from time to time to warm them up and freshen the smell...of course, remember to keep them on a saucer or the wax will melt onto the warmer. Just a few minutes does the trick! We've found that the above scents have not bothered our clients with allergies.

Our website carries the bears and also wonderful botanical face and body products. For keeping your skin pure, clean and flawless, try what we've found to be one of the best kept secrets ... www.angelinascosmetics.com made in the USA. Hypoallergenic also. Great for people with allergies.

Our Acne Masque clears acne OVERNIGHT... It has been unbelievable.

The superhydrating moisturizer which is oil free brought back raves from chemo patients as it kept their skin moist and their face looking young. My sister in law in Florida has had other patients asking what she is doing to keep her face so young.

This all was started because my husband was diagnosed at a young age with severe dementia/possibly Alzheimer's disease and I needed to find a way to bring in extra income while caring for him. After receiving Esthetician training and becoming licensed I investigated many products and was amazed at this line.

The microdermabrasion exfoliating products actually lifted off sun spots from my skin, and softened and moistened it. And, the toners moisturized and cleaned with no Alcohol or Witch Hazel in them.

Check out our website to see if any of our products can do for you what it's done for us.

Here's a photo of what a young woman's skin who uses our products can look like.

If I didn't craft, what could I do?

2006-08-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

I am a crafter and a candle maker, not one of the great thinkers of our times. There is no Einstein here, I am not looking to discover perpetual motion, cure cancer, nor solve the worlds problems and here is why.......

Today, nine o'clock in the morning, I put my dog out on his leash, while he is using the bathroom, I decide to do the same. Five minutes later, I went back outside. He was gone..................
Gasp!
Stunned!
So I started the frantic search, the walking, the driving, passing out papers with his name, description and phone number to every hiker, runner, dog walker or kid I see.

For five hours, I did this. I called the police, the dog pound, the close veterinarians, and put the lost ad in the newspaper.

Now it is 2 p.m. and I am worn completely out. I love my dog, but I can't go on. I know he isn't a stupid dog, just hunting and if he can make it home, he will. But when you are a dog lover, the "if" can be so scary.

Well, time to break the news to everyone else. The whole family worships this dog. First, I'll call my dad, as he was expecting me to bring the dog to the farm, today, for a good run.

The phone rings, "Dad, I can't find Cleo. He's gone, I've looked everywhere."
"Gone!", my dad said, "Gone where, I'm standing right here looking at him."

Apparently, while I was taking my little bathroom break, my dad drove by, scooped the dog, blew the horn once and because, I didn't run out the door, he just left. Now, my dad is 90 years old, so there was nothing, I mean, nothing I could say except - thank you.

Ok, so that one wasn't my fault, but the next one is.

Old age has cause my eyes to betray me. I simple hate having to chase down my reading glasses every time I need to read something. Much of the time, I do "guess" reading. That's where you just "guess" you're doing it right.

And for weeks now, I've been mixing and spraying weeds around the driveways, sidewalks, fence lines, and around the houses. My house, my dad's, and my son's. And for weeks now, nothing has died. Not one blade of grass, not one dandelion. I have been so frustrated.

Today, I found out why. I discovered the packages I had been opening and spraying were spider/bug spray.
I guarantee my weeds to be bug free.

Long live the weeds.

A nice soap crafter's place

2006-08-15T14:20:00.000-04:00

It won't be long now.

Are you ready with your candles and crafts for this years holiday's festivities?
You will need to plan for craft fairs, indoor flea markets, and every shop you offer your candles and craft, starting today!

Along the way take a look at some of the pretty nice crafts I have found while surfing the web. I like to kick it off the main roads, so I look for little known craft shops.

This one I loved - Rooster Hill Farm Soaps. Check out this page- (watch where you step). You will need to go past the sheep, past the goats, and past all the farm animals to see their handmade soaps. Not a place you are likely to stumble across during regular surfings.

I'll bet you could talk them into selling you a few bars for Christmas presents.

Here is a photo of her soap. How great is this!

A Collection of Recipes from the Past

2006-08-01T21:37:00.000-04:00

We have started a new site and wanted to let you know.

I, as well as my friends, are collectors. We have found, that we each, have a passion for recipes. Mine, in particular, is a passion for vintage recipes. Recipes gathered from those little tin boxes that use to sit atop our mother's and grandmother's stoves, refrigerators, or kitchen counters.

In my youth, I never considered those colorful tin boxes worth my time or effort. I took such things for granted, as if life would always be the same, never changing.

Now that I am older, hopefully wiser and time has drifted by, I find my own mother's recipe box of great sentimental value and importance.

I started to find recipe boxes here and there. Then it came to my attention, these recipe boxes being sold on Ebay, at estate sales, yard sales, auction houses, and flea markets. This saddened me to see how little theses tiny treasures meant to some. They held the memories of family, happy gatherings, home and someone's life. To toss these forgotten memories aside seem to be a sin, somehow. Our lives and foods are forever intertwined.

So I began, some years ago, to collect these tiny treasures. I have so many now, I thought I would start a vintage recipe collection web site.

A need to do a couple things to get it started. One is to let Google know it is there. So I need to place a couple links on my blog, like spider bait, to attract the Google spider bot. I have done just that here in this blog.

And I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to enjoy this free recipe site and let me know what you think. You may also wish to visit my recipe blog.

The Right Wick Makes the Difference

2006-07-31T09:53:00.000-04:00

Have you ever wondered how wicks work? Read this short couple of paragraphs about wicks on How Wicks Work. It explains in simple English how wicks work in candles.

This will give you a better understanding of wicks in general.

Why do different company's scents smell different?

2006-07-27T12:58:00.000-04:00

From time to time, I get this questions. Why do different company's scents smell different? Why can't I get Yankee's scent? Why don't your apple smell like Missy's?

The answer is simply complicated.

For instance, Yankee's scents are trademarked. You are not going to get their scent - ever. You may get one similar, a Yankee Type, but you will never get the real deal.

Now, take a scent like Vanilla. There are over 50 samples of plain old Vanilla that I have had personally. Yes, just asking for a plain Vanilla will get you at least 50 different Vanilla's. I was told there are over 500 plain Vanilla's by a sale rep.

So you can imagine how difficult it would be to get, say, your competition's scent. You would have to get 500 samples! Now complicate that with the different manufactures of scents. Each company uses it's own chemist, with their own ingredients and ways of making fragrances.

For most manufactures, candle scents are a side line, not their bread and butter, sorta speak. The real manufactures are making scents for Proctor and Gamble, the food industries, and other large commercial ventures. Not for us small time at home candle makers. Unless you are ordering scents by the train car load, they aren't going to give us our competitor's fragrances.

And why would you want an exact copy of someone else's scents. Isn't the nature of a business to be different?

Comments are always welcome.

Unscented Car Air Fresheners

2006-07-12T12:13:00.000-04:00

Finally, a way to make your own car air fresheners, using the candle scents from your personal supply. You have the opportunity to create your own unique packaging too.

We are offering unscented, primitive and country shapes for making your own air fresheners. The paper is handmade here in America, not to far down the road from us.

The shapes are bears, butterflies, ovals, primitive hearts, gingerbread men, and regular hearts. O, don't forget the doves.

All the colors of the rainbow, including a brown for the gingerbread men and bears.
Just take a regular craft paint brush and a little dab of scent and smear it on the paper. Front and back. Now lay it on a bakery cooling rack and let it dry. Hint: We use the expensive craft paint brushes, the cheaper ones tend to fall apart. Rinse in rubbing alcohol, yep, the kind you have in the bathroom cabinet.

Have fun!

Stuff I do Every Day

2006-05-15T13:41:00.000-04:00

Every day, I look for other web sites to give our site a link back on their links page. You have to do this in order to stay up in the google listings. People use google more then any other search engine to find a site, so it is important to a business to have their site on the first page of google. That is why I look for links every day.
Today I found Candles i Everything Candles, from 50 Candles to Yankee Candles.
A very easy place to put your link.

Finding a place to put your link is not always easy. Even if you do find one, you have to make sure they are not link cheating.

Have a nice day.
Starla

Lisa's Overstock Sale

2006-05-13T12:41:00.000-04:00

Lisa if offering a great sale on our used mini log molds, pouring pitchers, and overstock scents. The molds are 7.00 each including shipping, the pouring pitchers are 9.99 each and that includes shiping.

I can't say enough about the way this new scent smells. I am in love with the shortbread cookie. It smells like real baking in the kitchen, sort of cookie.

If you want a few bears dipped in the new scents, you will just have to let me know.
I think I will add these new scents to the bear page, today. Yes, this new Vanilla Hazelnut smells different then what I currently have.

For instance, there are over 400 vanilla's that I know of. Every vanilla smells different, then I know of 50 different Vanilla Hazelnuts. THere just isn't only one vanilla out there, there are many. It is the same with all scents.

Oldest Candle Company in the World

2006-04-24T19:33:00.001-04:00

Did you know the oldest candle company in the world is in Ireland. Rathbornes' started making candles in 1488 and have never stopped.

I thought it was fascinating that there was a company making candles, actually any company, that had lasted that long. I wonder if they have an old attic I can nose around in.

They make mainly church candles. That makes sense, since they started making candles when there were still knights and kings.

Their candles are made with beeswax and paraffin.

Fire Starters made with left over wax.

2006-04-17T20:11:00.000-04:00

I was ask today about fire starters. They are mentioned several times on the website as a way to use left over or second hand wax. I did not realize that many people didn't know how fire starters are made.

One of the most common types of fire starters are pine cones dipped in wax.

Not only pretty in a wooden bowl, but add a few green pine sprigs and you have a winter centerpiece. Toss a couple under logs in a fireplace and your flames will grow quicker.

Pinecones can be dipped in scented wax and covered with glitter for decorative purposes. Nothing says Christmas like pinecones.

Mix wax and sawdust in a paper cup for a more traditional fire starter. You will need to add a large wick, like wicks used for dynamite will get the starter burning bright.

If you want more ideas on fire starters using your left over wax, visit this site
for Outdoor Ideas There you will find a list of homemade fire starter ideas.

Have fun and keep on crafting.

Waxed Dipped Bread

2006-04-11T18:05:00.000-04:00

We, the kids and I, used cookie cutters to make cut our shapes from day old bread. Then some pieces of bread we smashed out for a more different look, others we just let dry as they were.

After all the pieces were dry the next day. We poked hole in the tops with a pencil and ran homespun ribbons through to be used as hangers and dippers. Next we dipped the breads into our melted wax. We did not use scented wax, we used unscented brown wax.

Very cool.

The kids were excited and wanted to dip other things, so we got some pine cones from the tree outside and dipped them too. We did scent the wax for the pine cones.

That was our Saturday afternoon project.

Just an idea, I thought I would share.

Salt Dough Project

2006-04-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

A great way to incorporate something new for your upcoming holiday season, yes, I said holiday season, is to add salt dough crafts to your baskets, candles, and other fixins.

It is never to early to start thinking about next season's line of products.

Salt Dough projects are easy and very affordable. Ok, let me say what I really mean, simple and cheap.

When you are looking for that next great craft, you have to keep in mind the wholesale price, retail price, and your cost.

This old craft has been around for a long time, you can still get the recipe from Morton Salt. I still love mail order, but you can download their book too.
Put your own spin on it and you will have a very inexpensive craft item, that looks very expensive.

Ok, to the Salt Dough Project

You are going to need 1 cup flour, 1 cup salt, faucet water, a pie tin, some cooking spray, your own potpourri, and an old butter knife from the kitchen drawer. Cheap enough for you?

Now mix your flour and salt together in a bowl, stir in some water - just enough to make the dough easy to work, but not sticky.

Then use the cooking spray to spray the pie tin.

Have your preheated oven set to 250 degrees.

Now, roll your dough out to a large circle. Like a normal pie, about 1/4 inches thick or there abouts. Like a regular pie shell, put it in the pie tin and work it to look good. Do this for all your pie tins.

Take your remaining dough, wrap it up with wax paper, and save it for later.

Pie crust cook for 30 minutes at 250 degrees. Cool.

Now that the crust is cool, add your potpourri.

With the remaining dough, roll a large circle, and cut strips for a lattice crust top.
At this point I am going to assume you know how to make a lattice crust, or have at least seen one and can figure this out.

If you dampen the dough with water, it will glue down to the cooked pie crust.
The top of the crust will need to dry for a couple days. More if you are having rainy weather.

Be cook with the packaging and decorating the top of the crust, like homespun fabric bows, dried apples, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, dried bananas, you get the idea.

I have added some real cinnamon to the bottom of my roll out area, so the top of the pie crust will look "baked".

Salt Dough project can really be cool. You can add some candle scent to the salt dough mixture.
Salt Dough is great for making magnets, Keepsakes, cookie cutter decorations, or adding as a garnish to your baskets. Food coloring, Cool-Aide, real spices......
About a billion ways to use Salt Dough.

Good luck!

Mixing Candle Scents

2006-04-09T14:10:00.000-04:00

Many people have ask me over the years if they could mix scents to make new candle scents.

The answer is yes.

Small time candle makers wanting new scents using existing scents on hand, instead of new purchases can create new scents by mixing.

This works small time, but there are some draw backs. One, you can't get a consistent mixing formula, unless you write down - to the gram - each ingredient's measurements .

There are many great places on the net for you to find scent mixing recipes to do just this, so I don't feel the need, at this time, to add a scent mixing section on my site.

The Candle Cauldron has been around for eons. It has been eons since they have added new scent mixing formulas too.

You can find a few more at Nature's Gardens. They haven't updated their page in a few years either, but for a beginner, the formulas are a beginning.

CandleTech has a nice list and they add new mixtures occasionally. They ask for your recipes, so they can add it to their list. (This way, your secret best scent is in internet space for anyone to use.) Silly customers, tricks are for.....

For beginners wanting new scents from their existing products, these would be the best places to start. If you looking for consistence fragrances formulas, don't forget to write down the measurements.

2006-03-31T14:49:00.000-05:00

New crafts have been making their way into the world of candle making. Chunk candles, many color candles, and sand candles to mention a few.

When making candles to sell, you will find that people will want a new scent or a new kind of candle. You need to keep yourself educated to new crafts. A good way to do this is to surf eBay. There are many crafters on eBay with some fantastic ideas. Watch, learn, and do a remake, with a twist of your own.

Remember packaging is o so important when selling an item. People love pretty little packages, sometimes more then what is in the package!

2006-02-22T15:36:00.003-05:00

Ever wanted to start a candle making business, or a wax dipped bear business, but don't want to pay retail? Ever wondered where all the other candle making companies buy their supplies from?

Start you own home based business today.

We offer all of the companies that we purchase our supplies from for only 199.99.
These are the same companies that we use, that other online companies use.

These are the real manufactures, not other retail companies like Bittercreek, Peak Candles, and other on line retailers.