Givinging Thanks & Giving Back

In the grand scheme of things it's easy to forget how lucky we are or worse yet, that others...often people we know, neighbors, friends, relatives don't have it so great. Times are tough.

For every 1 in 6 people in the United States, hunger is a reality. It can happen in poor neighborhoods and middle class alike. Poverty and financial hardships are reality in every sector right now for people who cannot afford to make ends meet. These people are very often hard working adults, senior citizens who live on fixed income without enough means to get by and of course children. In the land of plenty, America, no one should ever be forced to go without food for several meals let alone several days but it happens!

Thanksgiving time is a good time to reflect on not the things we want but instead to be thankful for all we DO have. This year I tried thinking of all the ways to help and came up with some unique ways to incorporate this idea into my business. This project is unique in the sense that it all focuses around food and ways we can all help! Food shelves across America have an incredible need this year.  For this months project, I am focusing on hunger. Probably not the easiest thing to hear but its real and we can help and here is a unique way to make that happen!

This finished project is perfect to make and sell at Craft shows, on your website etc. with the profits going to a Food Bank or Soup Kitchen in your local area. They are made from partially recycled materials (the can) and from a food grade soy wax, Ez Soy. The impact just a few dollars can make is high. Pay it forward!

To find a food bank near you: http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.asp

What you will need:
Empty Veggie and Fruit Cans (*With the lids taken off using openers that do not leave sharp edges!)
Ez Soy Wax (On sale this month at BCS!)
Fragrance (I chose Strawberry Jam but really any fruit or food scent would work well for this)
Dye if desired (I used Red Dye #1 Color Block)
CD wicks (For a 2.5" diameter a CD 12 for a 3" a CD 18 etc. If you need help with wicking, just ask me!)Wick Stickums
Labels (I used the Kraft Brown Print your own labels from BCN!)
Warning Labels

To make your candles:
Heat EZ Soy™ to 175-180*. Add your dye and blend well, then add your fragrance and blend well. Allow the wax to cool to about 105* and start stirring. When the wax reaches a slushy stage, it looks similar to an Icee starting to warm up, pour the wax into room temperature jars. The actual pour temp of the wax is about 95* but because it is not completely fluid at this point, an internal temp is hard to achieve. Pouring hotter will result in more frosting and tops that are not completely smooth.

We recommend using chip, block, powder or flake dyes with soy waxes. Liquid dyes can cause excessive frosting due to the solvents in them. If your tops are not smooth, try pouring a touch cooler. If they are lumpy try a bit warmer. It does take some trial and error testing to determine the exact right pour temp for you.

We hope all of our customers and friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year! Just a reminder that Bitter Creek and Bitter Creek South we will be closed November 22 & 23 in observation of Thanksgiving.