Guest guest Posted November 14, 2001 Report Share Posted November 14, 2001 My goddaughter will be coming over to make candles with Auntie Sinead, oh goodie I have not done this in 30+ years. Then we did dip candles, like the pilgrims. *Ha! So I have questions: Is it better to do straight beeswax or a beeswax paraffin mix ? Will I have problems scenting with EO's rather than FO's? Any votive molds I should avoid? Suggestions on best coloring agents. I do have some milk carton containers for tear away molds. Please I need a crash course in what to avoid. Pitfalls, etc. OK I admit it I have been spoiled when a friends candle shop closed I bought out a lot of inventory and that is just now thinning out. Oh well, at least she doesn't want to color my hair purple. Thanking you in advance, Janet ---------- " May those that love us love us. And those that do not love us, May the good Lord turn their hearts. And if He cannot turn their hearts, May He turn their ankles, So that we may know them by their limping. " ---------- Janet Keene Golden M.H., L.M.T., H.At. 2024 Kendall Avenue Suite 4 Madison, Wisconsin 53705 608.238.9442 voice 305.847.8331 fax AIM: LovingSense --------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2001 Report Share Posted November 14, 2001 Hi there, I'll try to answer some of your questions. I have used both straight paraffin and straight beeswax, never the mix. I think the mix is just for a little better texture on the wax, but don't quote me. As for scenting with FO's and EO's I have done both with no problems. Make sure you add them just before you make your candles after all the wax is well melted. Otherwise, you will evaporate the oils and have to use more to get a good scent. A good rule of thumb for FO's is 1/2 oz to 1.5 lbs of wax A good way to melt your wax is to use an electric deep fat fryer. I get mine at thrift stores and use it just for wax. Be careful and watch it because if you leave it too long, the wax will smoke and burn. Otherwise use the tried and true method of a jar in a pan of water on the stove. As for molds, I use metal molds and spray the inside with silicone spray (any hardware store has this) You don't need to do this if you use paraffin, but with beeswax it's a must since the wax is much more sticky. I find that I even have to put the molded candles in the freezer for 10 min to unmold them. Avoid plastic molds if possible, if your wax is too hot, they melt, also they are hard to unmold the candle. The wax tearaway is a nice way to make candles, but again, make sure your wax is not too hot or you'll melt that too. Colorants are a little more difficult. Don't use crayolas to color your wax, this doesn't work too well. If you have a craft store around, you can get candle dye. It comes in solid chunks and you scrape some off and add to the melted wax to get whatever color depth you want. Make sure you use a large enough wick for your candle size, that too is important. Too small, and the candle will sputter and die out, too large and it will smoke. There are two good internet reference/stores that may also help. http://www.pourette.com http://www.about.com (search for candles, there is a candle making channel on this site, pretty good, has basic starting info) I hope I didn't overwhelm you with info, feel free to ask any questions and I'll answer them to the best of my ability. Truth be told, I'm on my way to the workshop to make more beeswax votives. I have one week until the craft fair and I am SO behind. Good Luck! Michele -- Janet Golden <janetkgolden Wed, 14 Nov 2001 15:57:25 -0600 Candle questions My goddaughter will be coming over to make candles with Auntie Sinead, oh goodie I have not done this in 30+ years. Then we did dip candles, like the pilgrims. *Ha! So I have questions: Is it better to do straight beeswax or a beeswax paraffin mix ? Will I have problems scenting with EO's rather than FO's? Any votive molds I should avoid? Suggestions on best coloring agents. I do have some milk carton containers for tear away molds. Please I need a crash course in what to avoid. Pitfalls, etc. OK I admit it I have been spoiled when a friends candle shop closed I bought out a lot of inventory and that is just now thinning out. Oh well, at least she doesn't want to color my hair purple. Thanking you in advance, Janet ---------- " May those that love us love us. And those that do not love us, May the good Lord turn their hearts. And if He cannot turn their hearts, May He turn their ankles, So that we may know them by their limping. " ---------- Janet Keene Golden M.H., L.M.T., H.At. 2024 Kendall Avenue Suite 4 Madison, Wisconsin 53705 608.238.9442 voice 305.847.8331 fax AIM: LovingSense --------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2001 Report Share Posted November 14, 2001 In a message dated 11/14/2001 5:35:04 PM Central Standard Time, Ann writes: Has anyone ever tried fragrancing candles by putting the EO or FO on the wick rather than in the wax? I have , but you have to let the scented wick dry thoroughly before you prime it. Works pretty good. Deonia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2001 Report Share Posted November 14, 2001 Has anyone ever tried fragrancing candles by putting the EO or FO on the wick rather than in the wax? Shame to colour pure beeswax candles really Regards Ann - Scotland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2001 Report Share Posted November 15, 2001 I've never tried it. Most of my wicks are dipped in the wax before I make candles. I don't regularly even scent, much less color beeswax candles because I love the honey scent. But a clear oil, like peppermint, etc wouldn't add any color to the beeswax candle. I do color and scent plain paraffin candles though -- " Ann " <Ann Wed, 14 Nov 2001 23:35:05 -0000 Re: Candle questions Has anyone ever tried fragrancing candles by putting the EO or FO on the wick rather than in the wax? Shame to colour pure beeswax candles really Regards Ann - Scotland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2001 Report Share Posted November 15, 2001 i've mixed wax's and it does give beeswax a better texture to work woth but also it will pit like parrifin. Also make sure you leave some of your wax to fill pits and top off the wax does change as cooled. Beeswax will shrink in away from the sides and parrifin will form pit in the middle. I agree if ya use beeswax to get the best use out of use pure and uncolored it just makes a great natural looking candle. I do my fun with parrifin color fo's expirimenting. Also if ya wanna make a parrifin with less pit you can take a small flat tupperware or cookie sheet (the kind like 1 inch deep) mix a color (don't scent) and pour on the bottom. Its a good idea to like it with foil so you tupperware does not get waxy. then cool it tip it over to get it out and break into small chunks. Then take some melted wax (whites fun for chunking) pour in the mold about half and put chunks in use a skewer to stick em in there so you can move them around and fit lots in you'll have hardly any pitsd and its a cute candle. Make sure the wax is not to hot when you add chunks or they will melt (which looks cool to IMO) LOL k hope i didn't confuse you its a fun starter candle. hugs Sarah >Michele at Home <mbrantner > > >Re: Candle questions >Wed, 14 Nov 2001 14:31:41 -0800 > >Hi there, > I'll try to answer some of your questions. I have used both straight >paraffin and straight beeswax, never the mix. I think the mix is just for >a >little better texture on the wax, but don't quote me. > >As for scenting with FO's and EO's I have done both with no problems. Make >sure you add them just before you make your candles after all the wax is >well melted. Otherwise, you will evaporate the oils and have to use more >to >get a good scent. A good rule of thumb for FO's is 1/2 oz to 1.5 lbs of >wax > >A good way to melt your wax is to use an electric deep fat fryer. I get >mine at thrift stores and use it just for wax. Be careful and watch it >because if you leave it too long, the wax will smoke and burn. Otherwise >use the tried and true method of a jar in a pan of water on the stove. > >As for molds, I use metal molds and spray the inside with silicone spray >(any hardware store has this) You don't need to do this if you use >paraffin, but with beeswax it's a must since the wax is much more sticky. I >find that I even have to put the molded candles in the freezer for 10 min >to >unmold them. Avoid plastic molds if possible, if your wax is too hot, they >melt, also they are hard to unmold the candle. The wax tearaway is a nice >way to make candles, but again, make sure your wax is not too hot or you'll >melt that too. > >Colorants are a little more difficult. Don't use crayolas to color your >wax, this doesn't work too well. If you have a craft store around, you can >get candle dye. It comes in solid chunks and you scrape some off and add >to >the melted wax to get whatever color depth you want. > >Make sure you use a large enough wick for your candle size, that too is >important. Too small, and the candle will sputter and die out, too large >and >it will smoke. > >There are two good internet reference/stores that may also help. > >http://www.pourette.com >http://www.about.com (search for candles, there is a candle making >channel >on this site, pretty good, has basic starting info) > >I hope I didn't overwhelm you with info, feel free to ask any questions and >I'll answer them to the best of my ability. Truth be told, I'm on my way >to >the workshop to make more beeswax votives. I have one week until the craft >fair and I am SO behind. > >Good Luck! >Michele >-- > > >Janet Golden <janetkgolden > >Wed, 14 Nov 2001 15:57:25 -0600 > > Candle questions > > >My goddaughter will be coming over to make candles with Auntie Sinead, >oh goodie I have not done this in 30+ years. Then we did dip candles, >like the pilgrims. *Ha! > >So I have questions: > >Is it better to do straight beeswax or a beeswax paraffin mix ? >Will I have problems scenting with EO's rather than FO's? >Any votive molds I should avoid? >Suggestions on best coloring agents. >I do have some milk carton containers for tear away molds. >Please I need a crash course in what to avoid. Pitfalls, etc. > >OK I admit it I have been spoiled when a friends candle shop >closed I bought out a lot of inventory and that is just now >thinning out. > >Oh well, at least she doesn't want to color my hair purple. > >Thanking you in advance, >Janet > > > > >---------- > " May those that love us love us. >And those that do not love us, >May the good Lord turn their hearts. >And if He cannot turn their hearts, >May He turn their ankles, >So that we may know them by their limping. " >---------- >Janet Keene Golden M.H., L.M.T., H.At. >2024 Kendall Avenue >Suite 4 >Madison, Wisconsin 53705 > >608.238.9442 voice >305.847.8331 fax >AIM: LovingSense >--------- > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2001 Report Share Posted November 15, 2001 Also get a good candle thermometer that has the diff temps to ehat your wax to it has chunk, dipping ect so you don;t have to guess..it makes it lots easier. And i prefer metal molds easy to clean , they don;t melt on ya ect. And beeswax is sooo sticky so whatever you use to stir ect its gonna be a pain to get it off least for me lol.. Hugs Sarah >Janet Golden <janetkgolden > > > Candle questions >Wed, 14 Nov 2001 15:57:25 -0600 > >My goddaughter will be coming over to make candles with Auntie Sinead, >oh goodie I have not done this in 30+ years. Then we did dip candles, >like the pilgrims. *Ha! > >So I have questions: > >Is it better to do straight beeswax or a beeswax paraffin mix ? >Will I have problems scenting with EO's rather than FO's? >Any votive molds I should avoid? >Suggestions on best coloring agents. >I do have some milk carton containers for tear away molds. >Please I need a crash course in what to avoid. Pitfalls, etc. > >OK I admit it I have been spoiled when a friends candle shop >closed I bought out a lot of inventory and that is just now >thinning out. > >Oh well, at least she doesn't want to color my hair purple. > >Thanking you in advance, >Janet > > > > >---------- > " May those that love us love us. >And those that do not love us, >May the good Lord turn their hearts. >And if He cannot turn their hearts, >May He turn their ankles, >So that we may know them by their limping. " >---------- >Janet Keene Golden M.H., L.M.T., H.At. >2024 Kendall Avenue >Suite 4 >Madison, Wisconsin 53705 > >608.238.9442 voice >305.847.8331 fax >AIM: LovingSense >--------- > > > >My Pictures of Aromatic Plants and Exotic Places In Turkey >http://members.home.net/chrisziggy1/triptoturkey.html > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2001 Report Share Posted November 15, 2001 > And beeswax is sooo sticky so whatever you use to stir ect > its gonna be a > pain to get it off least for me lol.. > > Hugs > Sarah I use bamboo/wooden skewers for stirring all my potions. They are super cheap (like $0.59 for 100), and if they don't clean, it is no big deal to toss them in the compost pile. The ends can also be color coded with a marker real quick so it can be reused (I have one stirrer for each anointing oil I make, and I just pull out the right one to stir the particular potion). I just get them at the grocery store near the bar b que stuff:) Blessings, Soseneda Quidquid Latine dictum sit, altum videtur. ICQ# 47264444 AIM: SosenedaA : Soseneda_Arianrhod Looking for herbs and other witchy supplies? Many wonderful handmade items from Twining Vines available at The Town Market TheTownMarket Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2001 Report Share Posted November 15, 2001 Auntie Sinead(I thought you were janet?!?) Hey I love hand dipping tapers!! The votive molds(metal) Ive used work well- but you need a lot to move along quickly- thats why I like hand dipping- youre busy all the time..(obviously I just make candles for fun.) I am a purist so I recommend pure beeswax- they last longer and smell yummy. I also prefer EOs to FOs Also I recommend the all cotton or hemp wicks- they work just fine and theres no metal dust to worry about(even zinc and tin are questionable) Have fun.... Michelle - Janet Golden <janetkgolden Wednesday, November 14, 2001 4:57 PM Candle questions > My goddaughter will be coming over to make candles with Auntie Sinead, > oh goodie I have not done this in 30+ years. Then we did dip candles, > like the pilgrims. *Ha! > > So I have questions: > > Is it better to do straight beeswax or a beeswax paraffin mix ? > Will I have problems scenting with EO's rather than FO's? > Any votive molds I should avoid? > Suggestions on best coloring agents. > I do have some milk carton containers for tear away molds. > Please I need a crash course in what to avoid. Pitfalls, etc. > > OK I admit it I have been spoiled when a friends candle shop > closed I bought out a lot of inventory and that is just now > thinning out. > > Oh well, at least she doesn't want to color my hair purple. > > Thanking you in advance, > Janet > > > > > ---------- > " May those that love us love us. > And those that do not love us, > May the good Lord turn their hearts. > And if He cannot turn their hearts, > May He turn their ankles, > So that we may know them by their limping. " > ---------- > Janet Keene Golden M.H., L.M.T., H.At. > 2024 Kendall Avenue > Suite 4 > Madison, Wisconsin 53705 > > 608.238.9442 voice > 305.847.8331 fax > AIM: LovingSense > --------- > > > > My Pictures of Aromatic Plants and Exotic Places In Turkey > http://members.home.net/chrisziggy1/triptoturkey.html > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2001 Report Share Posted November 15, 2001 Shame to colour pure beeswax candles really Regards Ann - Scotland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2001 Report Share Posted November 15, 2001 First thanks to everyone for their thoughts. I did find a new shop just blocks from where I live who has recently started selling candle making supplies. >Hey I love hand dipping tapers!! >The votive molds(metal) Ive used work well- but you need a lot to move along >quickly- thats why I like hand dipping- youre busy all the time..(obviously >I just make candles for fun.) I decided to start with the votives with soy wax it will give me a chance to do small batches & play with scents. >I am a purist so I recommend pure beeswax- they last longer and smell yummy. I need to reorder more beeswax. But beeswax is next. Altho' I will never pay 9.00 a pound retail for beeswax, she is having a sale on soy wax .80 a lb. And since she is close I will do that. I think I saw .53 a lb wholesale so where on the net put with shipping it was a wash. >I also prefer EOs to FOs It was interesting having this young woman explain to me why EO's never work in candles as well as FO's and how US law says only 1% of a product has to have natural scent to be labeled Aromatherapy, and how the Olfactory system of the body reacted equally to the chemical composition of FO verses EO. Mostly I just let her pitch her position. >Also I recommend the all cotton or hemp wicks- they work just fine and >theres no metal dust to worry about(even zinc and tin are questionable). I plan to start with cotton, altho, being an old hippie, I am sure I will use hemp later. I love hemp clothing and the idea of helping to create a market for hemp products. >Auntie Sinead(I thought you were janet?!?) Oh, well I have many nicknames. Auntie Sinead is the one all the kids in my environment 3-80 years old use when they want to play. My grandmother at 80 wanted to go for a ride on the back of a motorcycle. Auntie Sinead arranged it. Hannah wants to make candle so Auntie Sinead will make candles. Auntie Sinead will not bungie jump for anyone. Sister Agnes is the counselor who listens to the professors and grad students at the university vent, altho I refer to them as " gradual students, the poor little deers " , as they have the look of a deer caught in the headlights usually until they become employed, make tenure or whatever. Lil (Live in Lady) is the " lady of the house " who makes domestic management decisions. Golden Eagle is my Indian name. Grits (Girl raised in the south). There are others. It is an easy way around here to know what " hat " I am wearing at the moment, and started so long ago I forgot others don't know it. More information than you wanted to know. Hmm perhaps a clinical psychologist would read way too much into the nickname game. Off to the supply store. Janet >- >Janet Golden <janetkgolden > >Wednesday, November 14, 2001 4:57 PM > Candle questions > > > > My goddaughter will be coming over to make candles with Auntie Sinead, > > oh goodie I have not done this in 30+ years. Then we did dip candles, > > like the pilgrims. *Ha! > > > > So I have questions: > > > > Is it better to do straight beeswax or a beeswax paraffin mix ? > > Will I have problems scenting with EO's rather than FO's? > > Any votive molds I should avoid? > > Suggestions on best coloring agents. > > I do have some milk carton containers for tear away molds. > > Please I need a crash course in what to avoid. Pitfalls, etc. > > > > OK I admit it I have been spoiled when a friends candle shop > > closed I bought out a lot of inventory and that is just now > > thinning out. > > > > Oh well, at least she doesn't want to color my hair purple. > > > > Thanking you in advance, > > Janet > > > > > > > > > > ---------- > > " May those that love us love us. > > And those that do not love us, > > May the good Lord turn their hearts. > > And if He cannot turn their hearts, > > May He turn their ankles, > > So that we may know them by their limping. " > > ---------- > > Janet Keene Golden M.H., L.M.T., H.At. > > 2024 Kendall Avenue > > Suite 4 > > Madison, Wisconsin 53705 > > > > 608.238.9442 voice > > 305.847.8331 fax > > AIM: LovingSense > > --------- > > > > > > > > My Pictures of Aromatic Plants and Exotic Places In Turkey > > http://members.home.net/chrisziggy1/triptoturkey.html > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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