Chunk Pillars

I was asked questions recently about chunk pillars and thought...Hmmmm it's been a long time since I did those! I thought more about it and it really had been years. I love the look of chunks, especially bigger chunks like these in various colors! This project is actually fairly easy even for someone newer to candle making.

Here is a list of supplies that are needed to make these great chunk candles!

IGI 4625 Pillar Blend
Candle Dye
Fragrance (This one is made using BNL Cookie Jar)
2/0 Square Braid (or if using a Wick Pin WSB8)
3" Diameter Aluminum Mold, Wick Pins Optional
Mold Sealer Putty and Mold Plugs


First melt your wax and add the Vybar. Per lb of wax, use 1/2 to 1 tsp Vybar 103. The first thing to do for this candle is to make the chunks. For three candles two 3" x 4.5" and one 3" x 6.5" I made three batches of chunks each 1/2 lb.

To make the chunks, you can pour into various plastic containers. I used a Velveeta Cheese keeper top. (Kitchens can have some great candle and soap stuff hiding! LOL)




Next cut the chunks into the warm but pliable and still semi solid wax. Use a sharp knife. Put this in the freezer for a few minutes after this step to allow them to become fully solid and come out of the mold. 





From this point you will have chunks to fill your molds that look similar to this. You can make the chunks as big or small as you want. The size of the chunks will make differences in how they look in the finished candle. Experiment to find what suits you best!






Next fill the molds with the chunks. Be sure to pack them in there good. When the hot wax is poured over them some will melt a bit.








And the final step is to fill the mold with the plain ivory or clear wax to make the final candle. I chilled my chunks in the fridge before pouring my over pour. This prevents the chunks from melting. Some melting can look cool. Again, experiment! Pour the wax into the molds at 175*. A repour may or may not be needed after the candle begins to cool. Mine did need a slight top off in the very end. Enjoy making these fun candles!





Happy Candlemaking!
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Beachin'!

It's getting oh so close to the time of year we can all hit the beach! I personally love the glow of the sun but I am a bit afraid of the damage the sun will do to my skin. The solution? Bronzing lotions! You can make this by using all Bitter Creek Products! This is a very fast, very simple product that will allow for a great return on your product dollar! These can easily market for $6-10 for a 4 oz bottle!

For this project you will need:

Lotion Base (available at both the North and South)
Bottles (available at both the North and South)
Caps (available at both the North and South)
Coconut Scent (available at both North and South)
Bronze Mica (available only at the North location)





Because our lotion base is so thick, I have to gently warm it in the microwave or heat the gallon by placing in a sink of very hot tap water to be able to pour it into my bottles using a funnel. You can also use a cake decorator squeeze funnel, or a zip-lock bag with a corner cut off if pouring cold. If making full gallon batches, our gallon pumps are the easiest way to fill bottles. Do not heat the lotion base over 100* F. Add 1 oz of fragrance per gallon of lotion base or follow the chart located on this page for smaller amounts: http://www.candlesupply.com/BBfochart.html

To make the bronzer effect, you will want to use about 3/4 tsp per 4 oz of the base. Mix this in then pour into your bottles. This is an awesome summer product that will set you apart from the rest! It will leave a very light sheen with a hint of color on your skin! Perfect for a night on the town after a day at the beach!




You can also "customize" your base by adding 1/2 oz per gallon of any fixed oil! Soybean oil works great!

Happy Lotion Making!
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