Fathers Day, Wick Your Wax and Tea Lights!

Wick Your Wax scents are on sale this month at Bitter Creek. I know many of our customers have never tried them and if you haven’t this is the PERFECT opportunity for you to give them a whirl! Wick Your Wax Spring Sale! All Wick Your Wax fragrances on sale this month for $2.00 off per pound or $1.00 off an 8 oz bottle!

What makes the Wick Your Wax fragrances different? They are concentrates. The regular line is double strength, meaning if you normally use 1 weight ounce per pound of wax, with these you will use ½ ounce per pound. The Top Shelf Wick Your Wax scents are even stronger!!! When using the Top Shelf, I recommend starting at 1/3 ounce per pound of wax! When comparing the cost, in most cases, using the more expensive WYW scents actually saves you money!

So many men are not huge fans of candles, and soaps or anything they deem “Fru-Fru” but I find men like things that indeed are manly and smell nice both! Three of my top selling “man scents” are Tuxedo from the WYW Top Shelf & Sage & Citrus from the regular Wick Your Wax line have been a hit with my personal male clientele for a decade!  Try these scents Soap, Man Candles, Lotions and Body and Room Spray! Perfect Storm has been a consistent seller for me in Candles, Room Sprays and Incense! I have chosen to use this scent this month for a tutorial on how to make Tea Light Candles.

Supplies List:
Wick Your Wax Perfect Storm
Blue Liquid Candle Dye
IGI 2281 Straight Paraffin with 1/2 tsp per lb of wax Vybar 260 OR IGI 4794 Votive Blend. Both work excellent! I used the IGI 2281 and Vybar for this.

S-330 Pre Tabbed Tealight Wicks
Clear Tea Light Cups

Directions:

Weigh out the amount of wax you need on a digital scale. For 1 dozen candles, you will need to melt 6.5 weight ounces of wax. You can do this in a double boiler, a Presto Kitchen Kettle or a commercial wax melter. Heat the wax to 180*

While your wax is melting, place your Tea Light cups together and straighten and set your wicks near them.

  

Weigh out your fragrance oil and add your dye. For this I used one drop of Blue. The more you add the darker it will be. I used .2 weight oz of WYW Perfect Storm and 6.5 weight oz of wax. I do this directly in to my pouring pot.

Once your wax is up to temperature (check with a thermometer), remove it from the heat and place in a pouring pot if it isn’t already. 

If you used your pour pot to melt the wax, set it on a digital scale and use the tare feature to zero out the weight and weigh in the fragrance and add the dye as done in the previous step. Stir well.

You are now ready to pour the candles. Pour each candle about 3/4 full and insert your wick.

Allow the candles to cool until they are solid but pliable and adjust the wick. Be careful not to pull too hard or you can pull the wick out of the tab. Let the candle continue to cool until you are ready to do a final pour

Re-heat your wax using a double boiler. Be sure to re-position the wicks so they are centered. Heat to 185* and re-pour the tea light until it is just full.

Allow the candles to fully cool and package.

We sell a variety of great packaging for tea lights. Clear and Frosted boxes and Clear Tubes! 

Here is an example of our Clear Tea Light Box filled! These are a great seller!
 

Wicks. Wicks. Wicks.

With wicks on sale this month I started thinking about how many questions I get every week with regards to wicks, wick size, testing wicks etc.. This month I decided to change my blog a bit to explain and also show you what a candle that burns correctly should look like and act like both.

How do I know what kind of wick to use in my candle? Wicking is tricky. In fact probably the most difficult part of making any candle. My rule of thumb is to wick first according to manufacturers recommendations but then also based on my own physical testing. I have tested at some point every wax we sell and every type of wick, although not all of them together.

In my experience candles that are made from a base of paraffin wax; Straight Paraffin, Blended Paraffin and Single/Reduced Pour Paraffin waxes tend to do the best in "most" cases with zinc core wicks. What does that mean? Well, for Pillar or Taper style candles, made from paraffin, a zinc wick isn't my first wick choice. I find Flat Braid Cotton or Square Braid Cotton wicks tend to work better for those types of candles. For a Tea Light candle, my preference is also for a cotton wick. In this case, a coreless braid but one already tabbed. For most paraffin containers, I prefer zinc core wicks. I find that they burn slower and because paraffin wax burns out, then down...this works best. On that note, many people don't like zinc core wicks personally (and that is OK! This is what trial and error testing is all about folks!) and use LX, HTP, CD etc. in their containers or votive candles. As long as it burns correctly and safely it's the right wick for you!

Soy Candles are a completely different animal versus those made from traditional Paraffin. Wicking a Pure Soy Wax, a Blended All-Vegetable Soy Base Wax or a Paraffin & Soy Blend, you will need to wick according to the soy in the wax. Soy is a lot more viscous and creates a more difficult burn situation than say a straight paraffin wax. Soy instead of burning out then down like paraffin also burns down before spreading out. If your wicks are not hot enough, the wick can not handle the down before out. For any wax with soy, zinc wicks are not recommended. Zinc can tend to fizzle out and stop burning out of nowhere, even if they had previously worked in the same combination for years. For any container (or tea light and or votive) candle with soy, my first choice is the CD series followed by the following in no particular order: HTP, ECO, LX, RRD, Performa, Paper Core.Wicking Pillar Soy is a bit tricky but I have found the Square and Flat Braid Cotton work well for me!

With ANY candle and ANY wick and ANY wax (yes, I meant business there!) you have to keep your wicks trimmed, burn for the proper amount of time for your container and be sure to TEST, TEST & TEST! The ideal burn for any jar candle is after 4 hours your melt should be between 1/4" and 1/2" deep against the glass (this may take a few burn cycles to get to, but as long as you see it by the third burn and the first two are VERY close, you should be good). If you are following this guideline and trimming your wicks before each burn (1/8" for soy and 1/4" for paraffin) you should also have very minimal soot and smoke, even near the end of the burn! Remember it IS all about the wicks. Wicks make the candle burn either correctly or incorrectly. The wicks create the melt pool which is where scent comes from. The wicks are what will either make a safe or unsafe candle while burning.

Bitter Creek Candle Supply offers one of the largest selections of wicks in the industry! Have a question about a wick? Can't decide which wick will be best for you? Need help selecting a wick? We offer FREE Technical Support to all our customers! Online help is available 9am to 5pm Central Time Monday through Friday. Click here for information on how to contact Tech Support by phone, e-mail or through our Live Online Chat Application! Real candlemaking advice from a working chandler with over a decade of experience in the business!

*We can only offer recommendations as to wick sizes and applications, but we cannot guarantee any certain wick to work in a certain application because of too many variables involved. The only way to determine the appropriate wick selection is by experimentation. Test burning will be necessary to determine the best wick for your candles! For testing, we offer for purchase, sample packs that contain 5 of each size wick within a series.


The candle in the photo above was made by me, Flicker. It is made from IGI 6006 which is a Paraffin & Soy Blend. It is poured in our 8 oz. Jelly Jar, colored with liquid candle dye and wicked with a CD series wick. That is taken after the candle has burned 4 full hours. This is what an ideal burn looks like.

Falling forward to Fall shows!

I tend to think a few months ahead in the game of making and selling candles and body care. I am a wholesaler for the most part. My shops are buying ahead sometimes 4-5 months! I am already putting the finishing touches on my Christmas line. This year I've decided to add Pinecone Fire starters! They are SO pretty and smell SOOO good!

Simple directions for this quick and profitable item!

You will need Wax (I used the IGI 4625 but any hard paraffin wax will work!)
Dye (I used Burgundy Liquid Dyes)
Fragrance (I used Mulled Cider, mmmmm! Such a yummy scent!)
and Wicks or String! (I used zinc core wicking)


Melt your wax. While the wax is melting wrap wick pieces around the cones to use as holders while dipping. They will also be the way the cones are lit later on!










Take your pinecones and dip them into the wax to form a base. I did this before adding the color and scent but that really doesn't matter. Just be sure the wax is hot 175-185* so that it will penetrate the cone to leave a nice solid base for the latter layers to adhere to.

Set aside the cones on wax paper to cool.

Now with scented and colored wax if you did not in the last step, allow the wax to slighly cool so it will build up vs. melt off the pinecone...dip, allow to drip off and set on the wax paper to cool.

Repeat the process until you have achieved your desired look.







These are pretty and sell easily at fall and winter shows! Average prices are $9-15 for a bag of 9. Use different colors with different scents. Also a great way to use up extra wax!!!! The better the packaging the more they will sell for! Include instructions and have some out for people to sniff!!!

Wonderful Water Crystals!

Who doesn't love a small area room freshener? Water Crystals work great to make "Smelly Jellies"!

These amazing little beads absorb up to 400 times their weight in water! Match your color to any decor simply by blending a water based dye (Our FD&C Liquid Bath and Body Dyes!) and scent according to your preference! Smelly Jellies are great in small spaces. The Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen. Try one in the Camper or RV for a little freshen up! Use one in your office for a "pick me up"! Put them in a sunny window for an even stronger fragrance release!




You Will Need















Water Crystals
Fragrance Oil
Liquid Bath & Body Dye
Glass Jar with Daisy Cut Out Lid
Distilled Water
Measuring Cups and Spoons

Directions for Water Crystals

• Fill a measuring cup with 6 oz. of distilled water. (Warmer water works faster)
• Add a few drops of liquid Bath & Body dye for desired color.
• Stir in 1 - 2 teaspoons fragrance oil.
• Add 1 teaspoon of Water Crystals.

• Mix all ingredients and allow to sit for approx. an hour or so. The crystals will soak up the water and expand into little gel-like pieces.

• Makes enough to fill an 8 oz. Jelly Jar.

Ideas

• Jelly Jars look cute with net, lace, or thin material in the lids (using only the rim and leaving out the middle piece)! This helps keep dust off your smelly jellies.

• Pick a material that goes with your product theme, such as country. Or you could pick a material to match the scents, like fruits, flowers, etc!

• You can also use smelly jellies in potpourri warmers for an even stronger scent! (They can tend to "spit" as the water evaporates. Be sure to keep them well hydrated! Keeping a lace of net covering over the jar also helps prevent this

• Smelly Jellies make great Baby Shower Favors.

• Sell Lavender, Lavender Vanilla or Rosemary Mint scented Smelly Jellies as inhalation for Stress relief!

• Use all natural essential oils to make Aromatherapy Jellies!

Tip

Fill a Jar or Bowl with unscented Water Crystals as a Centerpiece for a Party or Wedding. Use with a floating candle or Tea light!

(If you are going to use with a flame, do not scent the Water Crystals to prevent fire!)

Remember, any air freshener that is not heated or circulated will not "throw" like a candle or a tart!
Heat and circulation are what make the scent throw into the air, and without any heat source nothing is going to throw like a candle
or room spray. Room temp air freshener items can only do so much.

Cautions

•Keep out of the reach of children and pets!
The fragrance will last for several months, depending on the fragrance, use, and exposure. Refresh as the water evaporates using Distilled Water!

Rainbow in a Jar

Rainbows are happy! You can make a rainbow in a jar using our Aroma Beads! These amazing clear plastic beads that absorb up to 30% fragrance oil can be dyed to match any décor or color! Aroma Beads work great as Air Fresheners in Cars, RV’s, Closets and in small Office Spaces. Aroma Beads also work well in sachet bags in drawers, luggage and linen closets. Place a tablespoon of beads on the floor and suck up into the vacuum cleaner for a scent that emits as you clean! Set Aroma Beads out in a bowl as dry potpourri. You can add glitter or mica to the dry beads, they can be colored or clear. You can add dried floral pieces, shells etc. to add interest as well. Make single colors, or get creative and do layers or do as we have and make a Rainbow mix! Great for holiday theme color combos! Put them in a sunny window for an even stronger fragrance release!


You Will Need














Aroma Beads
Fragrance Oil
Liquid Candle Dye
5 Glass Jars with Lids (for mixing the beads)
Glass Jar with Daisy Cut Out Lid

Directions for Aroma Bead Jars

For this particular jar, I used five colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green & Blue.

•For each jar I weighed .2 weight oz of fragrance with 1-2 drops of liquid candle dye into my jar.















•Once the dye and scent are in my jars, I added .7 weight oz of beads for each color.















•Put your lid tight and shake your jar until all the beads are saturated. It can take anywhere from 1 day to over a week for the beads to completely absorb all of the oil, it will vary with different fragrances. Keep shaking the jar every few hours! At first it will seem soupy and look as if it will not soak up the oil... but be patient! The oil will eventually soak in!










•Once the oil is absorbed, you are done! Pour the beads into your jar in a rainbow layer! You can also add a bit of our White Mica Powder to the clear beads too for a shimmering, pearl effect!

Directions for Aroma Ornies
















•First make your scented & colored Aroma Beads as directed above.
•Choose metal cookie cutters in the shapes & sizes you want for your ornaments.
•Lay them on a metal non-stick cookie sheet. Fill each shape with the beads, completely covering the bottom with a layer about 1/4" deep.















•Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for about 5 - 10 minutes or until you can see that the beads have melted together. Baking times will vary with different ovens.















•Watch them carefully!
*Note: They will not be smooth like glass, they will be bumpy.
*If you want a hole in the top for hanging, stand a flat head nail on it's head where you want the hole to be.

Remove from oven with pot holders, and set on stove top to cool. A small amount of smoking is normal when they first come out. Allow tray to cool completely before touching! Next, carefully remove the cookie cutters.
*I prefer to cool mine in the freezer for a few minutes, which helps them release from the cookie cutters easier.

Once you remove the cutters, your ornament will be stuck to the pan, but it will peel off the non-stick metal fairly easily. Don't be alarmed if it feels stuck. They may feel like they won't budge at first, but once you start to pull it up it will peel off.
Peel the shapes off the sheet, and they are done! You can use a sharp tipped object like a nail to make a small hole near the top, and string some thin cord through to hang it with. Or try using a paper hole punch for thicker ribbon!

Tips

•Aroma Beads make great Wedding Favors. An ounce of beads in a Sachet Bag with a cute label is perfect!
•Try some fun color combos: Green & Red for Christmas, Black & Orange for Halloween, Pastels for Easter and baby showers! Or match your local school colors, or your favorite sports team colors! Or the colors of a wedding for favors! A mix or layers of bright rainbow colors would look great, or try a mix of fall colors like rust, gold, burgundy and brown! The possibilities are endless
•Package your Aroma Beads in our Jelly Jars, or any clear jar!
•Try this! Fill the lids of your apothecary jars with Aroma Beads in the scent to match the candle!
•Use Aroma Beads as a scented stuffing for Aroma Bears!
•Sell Eucalyptus & Peppermint scented Aroma Beads in a small jar as inhalation beads for sinus relief!
•Use all natural essential oils to make Aromatherapy Beads! People can carry a small sachet or bag in their purse or briefcase and whiff throughout the day for stress relief or rejuvenation!

Scent Throw

Remember, any air freshener that is not heated or circulated will not "throw" like a candle or a tart! Heat and circulation are what make the scent throw into the air, and without any heat source nothing is going to throw like a candle or room spray. Room temp air freshener items can only do so much. Aroma Beads need to be placed in an open dish where air will circulate to allow the fragrance to flow. The beads also need to be shaken around every now & then to "refresh" them and release the scent. Setting a sachet in front of an air vent in your house or car will help circulate the fragrance.

Cautions

•Do not set sachets or ornies on wood surfaces as the oils can stain the wood!
•Do not set them on painted surfaces or plastic surfaces as the oils can damage these surfaces
•Do not use in a tart warmer or potpourri burner as the beads can melt!
•Keep out of the reach of children and pets!
The fragrance will last for several months, depending on the fragrance, use, and exposure.