Spring Cleaning/Candle Storage

 

‘Tis the season for spring cleaning! A popular trend across the nation symbolizing a fresh start; it’s the perfect time to open some windows, let the fresh air in, and de-clutter! Spring cleaning in the Midwest also means that yard sales are well on their way and a common occurrence at most of the sales I attend, is old, battered, and dusty candles. I get it, sometimes we really like a scent in the store among the rest of them but when we get home and light it, it’s just not what you were expecting and into the back of the linen closet it goes. So how do you keep your candles from wilting away? And what’s the best way to clean a dusty candle to make it sale ready? Let’s go over some tips and tricks to keep your candles as fresh as can be!

First off, it is highly recommended to keep your candles in a cool, dry area both while storing them and while using them. This allows for your wax to hold and the fragrances to stay strong. If you leave your candles in the sunlight, it will cause them to melt, limiting their fragrance lifetime! This goes for your waxes, as well!

Secondly, and probably the most obvious, do not store your candles somewhere where a flame could be ignited easily. Out of reach of children and pets and away from flammable objects goes along with this one. It’s that simple!

Now to clean that dusty wax off a forgotten about favorite, grab a pair of old pantyhose and roll your candle around in them or wipe gently to remove any dust or debris. It’s an easy and cost effective trick to bring life back to your oldies! Whatever you do, avoid the rubbing alcohol and cotton ball technique as alcohol is highly flammable and if not carefully done and watched over, could send your candle into a burst of quick flames.

If you’re feeling creative and hate looking at messes in the closet, grab some small storage containers, print some fancy labels, and store your candles neatly within and up out of sight.

Do you have tips and tricks of your own? Be sure to comment and share your thoughts with the rest of us at Bitter Creek! 

 

-Brittany 

Top 10 Spring Fragrances for 2021

 

Spring. A time of awakening, renewal, and regrowth! The ground becomes wet, the air smells crisp and clean, flowers and trees are beginning to bloom, and critters are coming out to explore again. For most of us in Wisconsin, spring is a reminder that we have survived, yet, another winter of frigid temperatures, endless snowfalls, and gloomy, dark days. With over 500 fragrances at Bitter Creek we are sure to have your favorite spring scents that will allow you to feel refreshed and renewed! We’ve put together a list of our very own favorite springtime fragrances for you to enjoy! Be sure to keep an eye out on our website newsletter and Facebook for all the newest specials.

Bitter Creek’s Top 10 Spring Time Fragrances

 

  1  Botanical Rain (Tide Febreeze Type) – The smell of freshly laundered clothing hanging on the clothesline in the light spring breeze is exactly where this fragrance will take you! Fresh, botanical garden scent, the perfect spring collaboration! New at Bitter Creek, you won’t want to miss out on this fragrance. 

 

 e   Cedar & Saffron - This unique aroma will take your mind on a trip to exotic places! The warm, spicy fragrance of Kashmiri saffron, from India, masterfully blended with earthy woods. White cedar, Indian sandalwood, and patchouli are softened by mid notes of vanilla. A calming scent good for any space in your home. 

 

3.     Daffodil Fields - A lush field of daffodil flowers blooming in the bright, spring sunshine! With traces of hyacinth and jasmine, you’ll feel like you’re standing amongst a field of daffodils. One of the first sure signs of spring here in northern Wisconsin, it’s soft, cool spring-like smell will be just enough to make you want them year-round. 

 

4.      Fresh Cut Grass - You'll swear hubby just mowed the lawn when you smell this one! Couldn't be truer to its name. A good scent for the guys, or also a great mixer with florals to give them a little greenery. This fragrance is a strong reminder that spring is here. 

 

5.      Grapefruit Kiss - Tart Grapefruit with the perfect amount of sweetness. A wonderful addition to any spring fragrance line! Smells very similar to Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser! A scent that will remind you of the sweet awakening of spring. 

 

6.      Lavendar & Cedarwood (BBW Type) – Rich cedar woodsy smell combined with the soft smell of lavender, the perfect calming blend to help you relax while you enjoy the soft scents of blooming lavender, crisp air, and musky Cedarwood.

 

7.      Lilac  - The sweet smell of lilac bushes blooming in the spring breeze is a simple reminder that another winter has come and gone. While lilac bushes don’t last long in Wisconsin, it’s a fragrance well used in our households. 

 

8.       Oak Moss – Oakmoss is a deep, earthy, woodsy essence with floral undertones and hints of the wet earth. Wonderful on its own or in blends. A little oakmoss will put the magic of the forest in anything!

 

9.      River Birch – An invigorating eucalyptus and river birch bark resting on a base of woodland violet and white cedar. With hints of bergamot, eucalyptus , violet, birch, Cedarwood, and musk, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying the freshness of the river, right in your home! 

 

Spring Rain - A fresh, light rain scent with a floral undertone. Similar to the Botanical Rain, this scent feels like standing in the first rain of spring. A refreshing scent for so many, it’s a simple breath of fresh air.

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Summer Time Luminaries!

~Summer Time Luminaries~

Who doesn't like to play with water balloons on hot summer days?

Learn how to make beautiful luminaries with just wax and, you guessed it.. Water Balloons!

Materials needed:

- IGI 1260 Paraffin Wax

- Water Balloons

- Cookie Sheet

- Candle Dye (Optional if you'd like them colored)

Fill a water balloon with water (room temp or cool water is okay)

Melt wax to 170°-180°

Slowly dip the water-filled balloon into the melted wax, just below (roughly 1/2") the water level within the balloon. 

*Note: Do NOT dip the balloon into the wax above the water level that is within the balloon. The hot temperature of the wax will likely cause the balloon to break.

Dip the balloon every few seconds, allowing the wax-covered balloon to cool a bit between each dip. 

While the wax covered balloon is still warm, set the balloon down on a cookie sheet or heat-resistant surface, while holding the end of the balloon, making sure that the balloon is level, as this will create a flat bottom for the luminary. 

Continue to dip the balloon a few more times until the wax has reached the desired thickness. A thickness of right around 1/4" is ideal.

Set the balloon on a heat-resistant surface once again and allow to fully cool.

 

Once completely cooled, hold the balloon over a sink of bucket and carefully pop the balloon to allow the water to drain. 

*Tip: I popped the balloon at the very end by where I was holding it, so I could hold it away from me and allow it to slowly drain without bursting everywhere. :)

Dispose of any left over broken balloon pieces.

To achieve a smooth and level surface on the luminary, heat a cookie sheet on the stove (or like I did, use a heat gun to heat a metal candle plate) and place the luminary top-down onto the hot surface to carefully melt the edges evenly across.

Place a tea light or battery-operated candle within the luminary for a beautiful glow in a dark area. 

*Note: For colored luminaries, add a bit of candle dye to the wax before dipping the balloon.

 
*Note: To add natural pieces to your luminary such as pine needles or dried flowers, apply the dried pieces to the sides of the luminary in between dips while the wax is still hot. The pieces will stick to the wax before it dries. Be sure to dip the following layer of wax rather quickly to prevent the natural pieces from sliding off into your melted wax!

If there is a fun Candle or Bath & Body project that you would like to learn about, we would LOVE to hear from you! Please send all requests to info@candlesupply.com. Thank you!

Happy Candle & Soap Making!

-Elya 

DIY Coconut Oil Salt Scrub!

~DIY Coconut Oil Salt Scrub~

Battling dry skin no longer has to be a daily task. 

This Do-It-Youself Coconut Oil based Salt Scrub recipe is simple and effective, while leaving your skin feeling silky and moisturized for days!

Materials needed:

2c. Coconut Oil 

1c. Epsom Salts

1/4oz Skin safe Fragrance Oil

Cosmetic Bath & Body Colorant (optional)

In a medium bowl, combine Epsom Salt, Fragrance Oil & a few drops of your favorite Bath & Body Colorant to your preference. (For this, I used both Orange and Blue Colorants). 

Add Coconut Oil to Salt mixture. *Mix thoroughly with a spoon, for about 3 minutes*

*Quick Tip - To add even more exfoliating properties to your Salt Scrub, try adding a few dried Lavender or Rose Buds.  Shop Lavender & Rose Buds here

Store Salt Scrub in a Glass container with an air-tight lid. 

Shop Containers & Lids here

*Note - The Coconut Oil in this recipe may leave a slippery film on the bottom of your shower/tub. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the shower/tub with hot water once you are done to prevent slipping.

*Quick Tip - Sensitive skin? No problem! Replace the Fragrance Oil in this recipe with 20-25 drops of your favorite skin-safe Essential Oil for all natural nurturing properties!

If there is a fun Candle or Bath & Body project that you would like to learn about, we would LOVE to hear from you! Please send all requests to info@candlesupply.com. Thank you!

Happy Candle & Soap Making!

-Elya

Air Freshener Blank Iron-On Transfers!

~Air Freshener Blank Iron-On Transfers~

 

Our popular Air Freshener Blanks are extremely popular year-round. 

These blanks are able to be scented in any fragrance you desire, while sporting your company's logo or a catchy phrase while hanging in your vehicle, home or office!

Materials needed:

-Iron-On T-shirt transfer paper (such as AVERY Ink Jet T-shirt Transfers)

-Air Freshener Blanks

-Clothing Iron

 -Elastic Cord

Step 1: Using the Word document program, create your text, photo, or graphic transfer design that you wish to use on your Air Freshener Blanks. 

*IMPORTANT! When you're happy with your transfer design, flip the image, using your software program or your printer. If you do not flip the image, the text will appear backwards when you iron the image on the Air Freshener Blank. If you need an image flipped, you can flip the image for free at www.flipapicture.com within seconds. 

               

                          ^BEFORE^  (incorrect)                           ^AFTER^ (correct)

               

Step 2: Make sure you print a test page on regular printer paper before printing onto the transfer paper. Printing a test page will allow you to judge whether your transfer design is the right size for the Air Freshener Blank that you plan to apply the transfer to, as well as to make sure that the image is correctly flipped so all text is correct. Holding the Air Freshener Blank over the transfer design, or holding up both the transfer design and the blank to a light or window will also work well.

*NOTE - The brighter the picture, the more clear the picture will transfer. Darker colors such as brown and blacks will tend to blend together rather than stand out.



Step 3: While working on a hard smooth surface that can withstand high heat, place a sheet of thin material, such as a pillow case between the hard surface and the Air Freshener Blank that you will be using with the transfer design.



Step 4: The Air Freshener Blanks are made from an absorbent compressed paper material. The ink that is applied to the transfer paper from your printer, will essentially be melted by the heat of the iron, into the surface material of the Air Freshener Blank.

Primitive Star Blank

Step 5: Using an Air Freshener Blank that has been scented and allowed to COMPLETELY dry for a few days, place the transfer design ink-side down, onto the Air Freshener Blank evenly along all edges. Using the iron, firmly press down onto the transfer and Air Freshener Blank for 2-3 seconds. Actually saying "One Mississippi, Two Mississippi, Three Mississippi" is the appropriate time frame at which the iron should be directly pressed onto the transfer without releasing. Holding the iron onto the Transfer and Air Freshener Blank longer than this should not be necessary.

*NOTE: Applying fragrance oil to an Air Freshener Blank that has already had a transfer applied to it, may cause the ink of the transferred image to smear, run or quickly fade.

Step 6: Once you have applied the Transfer to the Air Freshener Blank, allow the Transfer and Blank to completely cool to room temperature before you attempt to remove the transfer paper film that covers the transfer design. Once cooled, carefully start peeling the paper film back at one of the corners. The film will sometimes come off with a bit of pressure, rather than quickly releasing from the design. CAREFULLY pull the transfer paper film back from the design.

Step 7: Poke a hole and attach an elastic cord for hanging, and you're all done. These package nicely in Resealable Cello Bags with a cute sticker for resale!

If there is ever a fun Candle or Bath & Body product that you would like seen made, we would love to hear from you! Please send your requests to info@candlesupply.com.

Happy Candle & Soap Making!

-Elya