j Stone Creations

Helpful techniques for Crafters Wanted

2009-09-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

The first thing most crafters learn when beginning their business is how to sell at craft shows. Well, let's have a show of hands of crafters who have progressed past that stage and would love to learn how to sell to larger brick and mortar retail markets. I would love to hear and share your thoughts and helpful hints here. I have also started a Yahoo Group. Check it out. http://www.growingyourcraftbusiness@yahoogroups.com

New Store

2009-07-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

Check out my new store at Ecrater.com http://hotnwaxycandlejewelry.ecrater.com/

Handmade News

2009-05-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yea! I've been chosen to be a columnist for the Guilds and Teams Department for the Handmade News. Check it out at Handmadenews.org

Spring Candle Scents

2009-03-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

APPLE BLOSSOM FLORAL MIXTURE W/HINTS OF LAVENDER. APPLE STRUDEL JUST LIKE GRANDMAS. BANANARAMA BANANA WITH A REFRESHING SPLASH OF COCONUT. BEACHIN' SUN TAN OIL WITH A HINT OF TROPICAL FRUIT. BERRY BLAST SWEET STRAWBERRY & MIXED BERRIES. BIRDS OF PARADISE VANILLA MIX W/HINTS OF STRAWBERRY. BLISSFULLY BLACKBERRY STRAWBERRY SWEET BLACKBERRY. BLUE HAWAIIAN TROPICAL FRUIT W/HINTS OF VANILLA & BAY RUM. BLUEBERRY FIELDS STRONG & SWEET. CAROLINA JASMINE HEAVY PUNGENT FLORAL. CHARMIN' CHERRY SUPER SWEET CHERRY. CITRUS SPLASH SWEET STRAWBERRY, LEMON & ORANGE COMBINATION. CLEAN COTTON SWEET MUSK W/CITRUS & HINTS OF FLORAL. COCO LIME COCONUT W/HINTS OF NATURAL LIME OIL. COCONUT LIME COCONUT W/NATURAL LIME OIL BACKGROUND. COTTON BLOSSOM SWEET MUSK W/FLORAL PERFUME BACKGROUNDS. COUNTRY CLOTHESLINE FRESH LINEN W/HINTS OF SWEET MUSK & CITRUS. CRANBERRY BLOSSOM SOFT FLORAL W/HINTS OF CRANBERRIES. CRANBERRY DREAMS SWEET APPLE, STRAWBERRY, & BERRY MIX. CRANBERRY TANGERINE CUCUMBER MELON MORE ON THE CUCUMBER SIDE! DREAMSICLE CREAMY VANILLA W/HINTS OF ORANGE. FRESH & CLEAN FRESH RAIN & CITRUS. FRESH FRUIT SLICES FRESH PEACH BASE W/HINTS OF PEAR & CITRUS. FRESH LINEN SWEET MUSK W/FRESH BACKGROUND. OCEAN BREEZE OCEAN SCENT W/FRESH ORANGE NOTES. FRESH PEACH FRESH POMEGRANATE FRUIT SLICES FRESH PEACH W/TANGERINE CITRUS. FRUIT STAND FRESH PEACH BASE W/HINTS OF CITRUS. GARDENIA GINGER PEACH FRESH PEACH W/SWEET GINGER. GRANNY SMITH APPLES SWEET APPLE. GRAPEFRUIT JASMINE GREAT FRUIT/FLORAL COMBO. HAWAIIAN PLUMERIA SWEET FLORAL W/HINTS OF SPICE. HONEY BEE HONEY WITH HINTS OF SWEET STRAWBERRY. HONEYDEW MELON AN OLD FAVORITE! HONEYSUCKLE JASMINE JELLY BEAN JUST LIKE THE POPULAR EASTER CANDY. KEY LIME PIE KIWI KIWI MELON KUMQUAT SWEET FRUITY CITRUS. LEMON LEMONGRASS LAVENDER TART LEMON W/NATURAL LAVENDER. LILAC LINEN FRESH LAUNDRY. MAGNOLIA ORANGE BREEZE ORANGE WITH FRESH OCEAN SCENT. ORANGE GINGER FRUIT & SPICE COMBINATION. ORANGE VANILLA MINT ORANGE, VANILLA & PEPPERMINT. PAPAYA MANGO SWEET FRUITY COMBINATION. PARADISE FRUITY TROPICAL BLEND. PEACH MAGNOLIA RASPBERRY HEAVY PEACH W/HINTS OF MAGNOLIA AND A TOUCH OF RASPBERRY. PEAR BERRY FRUITY BERRY WITH PEAR. PEAR GLACE PEAR BASE W/HINTS OF VANILLA. PINK GRAPEFRUIT SWEET GRAPEFRUIT. POMEGRANATE (RIPE) POMEGRANATE ORCHARD FRESH POMEGRANATE W/SWEET STRAWBERRY. RAINFOREST CLEAN PINE. RAINY DAZE STOUT RAIN FRESH BLEND. RASPBERRY LEMONADE FRESH SQUEEZED LEMONADE W/HINTS OF RASPBERRY. ROSES, ROSES,ROSES Strong Rose scent. ROSE PETALS SWEET, TART ROSY BLEND. ROSE-JASMINE NICE, STRONG FLORAL BLEND. SANDALWOOD ROSE SWEET SANDALWOOD W/HINTS OF FRESH ROSE PETALS. SEA MIST LIGHT FLORAL BLEND. SPRING FLOWERS STRONG FLORAL COMBINATION. SPRING LILAC LILAC W/HINTS OF FIR NEEDLE. SPRING RAIN ROSY BASE W/HINTS OF SWEET RAIN. SUN RIPENED RASPBERRY RASPBERRY W/NATURAL ORANGE. SUNFLOWER SUPER GREEN APPLE CRISP GREEN APPLE. SWEET PEA SWEET PEA W/FRUITY UNDERTONES. TEXAS HONEYSUCKLE SWEET STRONG FLOWER. TULIP A DUTCH FAVORITE!! VANILLA SANDALWOOD SOFT POWDERY BLEND. VICTORIAN ROSE FRESH ROSY BLEND

Spring Candle Scents

2009-03-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

Yea! It's time to bring out the Spring Candle Scents. I love Spring.

I've been nominated for the Lemonade Award

2009-02-26T04:22:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited. Jewerly by Desiree has nominated me for the Lemonade Award. What an honor. Thank you so much. Check her shop out. It's wonderful. www.jewelrybydesiree.artfire.com

Roses for your Sweetie?

2009-02-03T04:28:00.000-08:00

Your Sweetie would love a Rose for Valentines. Check this out. http://artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=80266

Winter Economy Blues

2009-01-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

Do you have the Winter Economy Blues? Are you going stir crazy trying to figure out how to make more sales? Have you Twittered, Artfired, Blogged, Chatted, Facebooked, opened up new shops, etc. until you're exhausted without any results? What's a seller to do?

Well, all I know to do is to hitch up your thermal underwear and do it all over again. And again. Add new products. Get your products out there to be seen. One day soon, before you know it, Springtime will be here with new beginnings and fresh growth.

Not that all Blues are bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love Rachael Ray

2009-01-15T08:21:00.000-08:00

Swap your stuff! Throw an accessories exchange party:http://p.p0.com/YesConnect/HtmlMessagePreview?a=wCPIVesjaxqzAF5tqmk9ZA9M

Check out these wonderful Artfire handcrafted artists

2009-01-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

All Things Jewelry and Then... Art Fired Up -- an Art Fire... Auntie Di's De-Lites CT Jewelry Design Jewelry by Desiree Mulberry and Main The Spotted Sparrow timothy adam designs Wire Works Beading by Marla

Artfire Chandler Members.

2009-01-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

I have set up this yahoo group for the Hot -n- Wicked Artfire Chandlers Guild members only. If you haven't already, please join. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hotnwickedartfirechandlersguild

Twitter

2008-12-31T13:09:00.000-08:00

You can now follow me on Twitter. Feel free to post. http://twitter.com/jstonecreations

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T06:20:00.000-08:00

A lot of new and great things are already happening to begin 2009 off with a bang. I've added a couple of new jewelry items to my ARTFIRE Studio. http://www.jstonecreations.artfire.com/ I'm also excited about the new Artfire Guilds that will be up and running in 2009. I am the GuildMaster for the Hot -n- Wicked Artfire Chandlers Guild. Check it out on Artfire. Have a safe, prosperous and Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone. Have a wonderful Holiday.

A Swell Christmas Sale

2008-12-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Up to 15% Markdown on Jewelry until Christmas with Free Shipping at

jstonecreations.artfire.com

The Meaning of Gems

2008-12-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

Agate-The agate is one of the oldest healing gemstones recorded in history. Ancient Babylonians used Agate to ward off storms. Agates with banded colors were placed on the head of a sleeping person in order to give them rich and colorful dreams. As healing gemstones today, Agates are used to help with an upset stomach. It is also said to give perspective and to help a person accept his or her emotions. Amethyst- dates back to early Greek Mythology. The god Dionysus was greatly angered by a mortal that refused to acknowledge him. He decided to take out his wrath on all people who refused his gifts of wine and drunkenness. He soon spotted a young virgin named Amethyst who was unfamiliar with wine and detained her. He then summoned two tigers to devour her and sat back with his wine to watch. The youth cried out to the goddess Diana and she had pity on her, turning her into a pure white stone in order to save her. Dionysus then saw the evil in what he was about to do and started to weep. The tears dripped into his wine goblet and then spilled out into the quartz. The stone absorbed the color from the wine and was turned purple, creating the stone known as Amethyst. Due to this myth, Amethyst has traditionally been worn to ward of drunkenness. It is also used today as a dream stone to treat insomnia. Carnelian-Most of the myths surrounding the healing gemstone Carnelian come from Egyptian and Hebrew cultures. The Egyptian goddess Isis was said to protect the dead with a Carnelian amulet named Thet. In Hebrew culture, the Bible describes the Breastplate of Aaron as being set with a Carnelian stone. Today, some believe that Carnelian gives energy, guards against poverty and calms the temper. Citrine - From the earliest of times, citrine was called the "sun stone" and the gemstone was thought capable of holding sunlight and useful in the protection from snakebite. Its color was associated with gold and it became known as the merchant’s stone. It was thought to improve communication and to attract wealth. To the Romans, it was the stone of Mercury, the messenger god, and it was used for carving intaglios. The color of the solar plexus chakra is yellow, so citrine is associated with this chakra. It is thought to have a positive influence that can relieve backache, and combat depression and problems with the liver, spleen, digestive system and the bladder. Some believe that the gemstone can help promote prosperity. Emerald - The vibrant green stone is a sage stone. Emerald revitalizes us and restores balance. It heals old wounds. When we're confused or troubled, it helps us cut through to the truth. Don't wait until you're completely frazzled by life. Do the wise thing- wear emeralds today, tomorrow and always. Garnet-The pomegranate is used in much of Greek Mythology and many believe that it is used in association with the garnet. In ancient cultures, garnet was associated with fire and illumination. It was said to contain enough energy to light the night sky. Garnet is believed to have been hung to light the path inside of Noah’s Ark. Eastern Indians used to rub garnet on themselves to obtain a “glowing quality” to their skin. Garnet has always been considered insurance for travelers against misfortune. Likewise, some believe that it is useful in warding off bad dreams and as protection from theft. The stone is thought to attract love and soul mates and to enhance creativity. Jade - For a sense of the spiritual value of jade, look into the face of a great carved Buddha. In that face is deep, enduring peace and strength. Green jade promotes that kind of strength. It offers physical and emotional well-being, especially during unpleasant or difficult situations, by helping us feel more grounded. Though we may not be able to change the situation, jade can help us accept and deal with it sanely. Lapis Lazuli-Ancient Egyptians used to bury a scarab made of Lapis Lazuli with their dead, believing it would offer protection in the afterlife. They also wore Lapis as a symbol of truth. Many very early cultures valued it more than gold. Some believed dreaming of Lapis meant that the person would find everlasting love and faithfulness. As a healing gem, Lapis is thought to bring clarity of mind and to open up many of the chakra centers. Malachite - Malachite probably derives its name from either Greek malhe, meaning grass for its green color or Greek malakos, meaning soft because the stone lends itself well to being carved. With its concentric, eye-like rings of green that mimic the eye of a peacock feather, this stone has captured the imagination of many cultures for ages, and has been described by poets as spring grass swaying in the wind. The first culture to use malachite for adornment was ancient Egypt around 4,000 BC. The Egyptians used malachite as an ornamental stone in jewelry and art. The stone was imported from King Solomon's infamous copper mines on the Red Sea. Archeologists have found Egyptian tomb paintings using malachite gemstones that had been ground into paint that colored the walls. It was also ground into a fine dust and mixed with galena, a thick paste used to make kohl, on slate palettes to be painted onto eyelids as a cosmetic and talisman against evil. Vivid green malachite kohl is believed to be Cleopatra's favorite cosmetic, and she was buried with a large vase of it for use in her afterlife. Malachite also played an important role in European paintings during the Renaissance period of the 15th and 16th centuries as a pigment for paints and dyes. It is believed that many of the green colors found in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel painting were painted with malachite-based oil paints. One of the most common uses of malachite from the medieval through the Victorian times was to hang small pieces of malachite dangled from baby cribs and children's beds to help keep evil at bay, and to help children have peaceful sleep. It was the Russian Romanov dynasty, however, that really made malachite synonymous with outlandish luxury. High quality malachite, discovered in 1635 in the foothills of the Urals, had become very fashionable for jewelry by 1820 and was frequently paired with gold and diamonds. In 1835, a malachite boulder of the highest quality was discovered that would take 21 years to unearth and bring to the surface. Slabs from this 260-ton gem were used to adorn the interior of two Russian palaces; creating malachite pillars, columns and encased walls. This same boulder also supplied enough malachite to encase eight of the ten huge Corinthian columns that support a two-hundred foot tall gilded altar in St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia. Malachite is the essence of joy and is known as the "stone of transformation" because it helps reveal and heal emotional pain by absorbing the pain into itself. It is especially helpful in bringing ease during times of change and gives the insight needed for personal growth. Malachite has been traditionally used to ward off danger and fight illness. It has been said to protect against falling and has been wrapped over bruises and broken bones to help with tissue regeneration and healing. Malachite tends to draw negative energy and disharmony into itself. Periodically recharge your malachite's energy by placing it on a clear quartz cluster, then rinse with cool, clean water. Overall, malachite is said to bring harmony into one's life. Wearing it can assist in the manifestation of the heart's desire and strengthen intuition. Obsidian - has a long history. Stone Age people used it for weapons and implements. Native Americans formed it into arrowheads, and the Incas used it for weapons, mirrors and masks, before, finally, it was used to create beautiful jewelry. Obsidian is a powerful stone that reminds us that birth and death are simultaneously and constantly present, one within the other. It has always been associated with guardian spirits that watch over us. Earlier peoples drew on that protective power in weapons they made from obsidian. Today people who wear it often speak of a sense of protection. Mahogany obsidian, in particular, is said to increase sexuality and sensuality-- the sense of touch, especially. It's as if the memory of the volcano's eruption, connected with its birth, is at the core of this gemstone's tremendous power. Opal - The name "opal" comes from the Sanskrit word for "upala," meaning precious stone. In Indian mythology, the virgin Goddess of the Rainbow was turned into an opal by the Mother Goddess because she was being chased by suitors Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. During Roman times, the Latin word "opalus" came into use. It is said that precious opal, with its display of fire, can spark creativity, and that the "dance" of its fire can help people enjoy their lives. The light-colored stones have long been associated with helping people become less visible to others and also in improving eyesight. The gemstone has been associated with the sacral chakra, imbalances of which can cause problems with addictions. Some believe that opal can help moderate and harmonize sexual desires. Pearls - are one of the earliest gemstones found by prehistoric man, most likely along the coastline of India. They've been used for personal adornment and coveted by peoples throughout the globe for thousands of years. Ancient myths tell of pearls being formed when oysters opened their shells, rose to the water's surface and were seeded by the early morning rays of sunlight and drops of dew. Some healers use pearls to help balance body rhythms and hormone levels with lunar cycles, and to harmonize human beings with the natural world. The inner glow (orient) of pearls is thought to tap inner-wisdom and nurture love. Pearls are also believed to signify innocence and faith. Peridot - The popularity of this most beloved gemstone of the olivine group reaches back to the Middle Ages when it was brought to Europe by the crusaders. During the Italian Renaissance and the baroque period, the most creative periods in history, it appeared everywhere in jewelry and religious objects all over Europe. Peridot has been used traditionally to heal bruised egos, lessen anger, and prevent jealousy. Ruby - The queen of gems, deep red ruby is the rarest and most valuable of gemstones. Rubies have been so loved by royalty, they have always included them in their insignias and famous jewelry, but rubies actually have humble beginnings. Most deposits are still worked in the primitive way they've been worked for centuries. They are panned from rivers and picked out by hand from the other minerals around them. Sapphire - Since medieval times, sapphire has been associated with the majesty and tranquility of the heavens. It was thought to dispel evil thoughts and to bring peace and amiability to its wearer. The stone is associated with Abraham in the Judeo-Christian tradition. The name sapphire comes from the Greek (for blue), and as late as the Middle Ages, the word applied to lapis lazuli. From Antiquity, gemstones have been thought to possess mysterious powers. Sapphire is said to enhance creativity and to focus purity of thought. It is known as the stone of new love and commitment and is claimed to be useful in encouraging faithfulness and loyalty. Because of its blue color, it is associated with the throat and brow chakras - where energy imbalances are said to cause sore throats, headaches and nightmares. Topaz - Its name probably comes from an island in the Red Sea, formerly called Topazos. Blue topaz (a treated form) is tremendously popular and is a wonderful substitute for the rare and expensive aquamarine, with which it is often confused. Because topaz has always been associated with compassion and communication, it's a wonderful stone to wear when you need to "build bridges" between yourself and other people. Blue topaz, in particular, helps you have more control in touchy situations. For one thing, it develops curiosity and humor. For another, it heightens your competence without making you seem dominating. Turquoise - Turquoise, a stone ranging in color from blue to green to yellow, is filled with wonderful patterns of brown and black matrix that are composed mainly of copper deposits. Although turquoise has captivated man's imagination for centuries, no one is sure exactly when it was discovered. Prehistoric people used and prized it for its blue-green colors because carved pieces have been found in burial and archeological sites spanning the globe. The beauty and history of turquoise is hard to match! Steeped in history and intrigue, it is truly a captivating stone. It has been used in religion, art, trade, treaty negotiations and of course as treasured jewelry to many kingdoms and peoples. Whether you study ancient Egyptians, Chinese Dynasties, Aztec Mythology or Native American people, it seems clear that turquoise has always been and always will be considered a stone of life, beauty, and good fortune. No claims are made. These alleged powers are gathered from writing, books, folklore and various sources.

'tis the Season

2008-12-03T07:44:00.001-08:00

'tis the season for handcrafted gift giving. I will be adding new holiday jewelry and candles just in time for Christmas. My new Swarovski® Crystal jewelry will sparkle around your neck brighter than your Christmas tree lights. Coming soon at http://www.jstonecreations.artfire.com/

Now I know how a stuffed turkey feels.

2008-12-01T05:23:00.000-08:00

I'm so full from eating delicious food for four days. I'm stuffed. I had a great holiday. Now, I'm looking toward my Christmas sales. I'm offering free shipping on all of my jewelry through December 31st. Also, check this wonderful deal out. Turns out Artfire has a very special deal here at Artfire.com, something we like to call the Artisan Stimulus Package. With the Artisan Stimulus Package, they’re giving you the chance to upgrade to a Verified Account at a $7 monthly fee for the rest of your life (or at least as long as you’re on Artfire). Normally, Verified Artisans would pay a $20 monthly fee for their membership status, but the next 5,000 crafters to sign up or upgrade their accounts on Artfire get all the features of a Verified Account for only $7 a month. That’s all they have to pay, ever. There are no other fees, no listing fees, no final evaluation fees, and no sign up fees. Just $7 a month and you get all that Artfire has to offer. At this locked in fee, you will get full access to Artfire forums, shop statistics, studio customization, as well as the ability to earn Artifacts, be featured in the Artisan Spotlight, and upload 10 pictures per items. You will also get to participate in features that are still in making, like artisan guilds and personalized blogs. But perhaps the best part is that Verified Artisans can list unlimited items in their craft studio. That’s right, unlimited listings, for only $7/month.If you’re already a Verified Artisan, fear not, you too can take advantage of the Artisan Stimulus Package. Since you’re already signed up on our site, we’ve gone ahead and converted you to this exclusive membership level. You too, will only pay $7/month for life. And since many of our Artisans have already paid their $20 for this month, we’re giving all current Verified Artisans the next three months free. So if you signed up before this special offer, your next few months are on us. Now this deal can’t and wouldn’t last forever. Once 5,000 members have signed up, it’s over, we’re done. I can’t honestly say if we’ll have another deal like this in the future, so hurry now to take advantage of our Artisan Stimulus Package! Check out the deal and, Please refer me at http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=sevenforlife&afuid=1497

Happy Holidays

2008-11-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

Everyone, have a safe and wonderful Holiday. Happy Thanksgiving.

Quality Matters

2008-11-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

In my day job, my title is Quality Assurance Representative. My role is to assure that the products going out to our consumers are of the best quality possible. If the products coming from our suppliers and the products we send out the door is not cosmetically, functionally or safe per specification, it’s simple: they don’t go out the door. This leads to less returns and satisfied customers who will buy again…and again. I carry this role over into my jewelry and candle business. I want my products to be the best that I can make them, even if I have to make them over and over to get one good enough to send out the door. I want satisfied customers who will buy again…and again. Ask yourself what basic specifications need to be applied in your craft. In my jewelry business I have these: * All beads and findings must be of good quality and cosmetically conforming to my standards. * Jewelry pieces are to be made to exact specified lengths. * All wire wraps and loops are to be cut flush or filed for customer safety. * All clasps and findings must be secured to assure long wearing. * All jewelry must lay comfortable against your skin. * All jewelry must be pleasing to the eye. * All jewelry must be packaged well enough to assure no damage in shipping. * All jewelry must be costed at a reasonable price for consumers. I’m a self-taught crafter who is still learning new techniques, so I’m sure I will be adding more quality items to my list. What is yours? You can blog me at http://jstonecreationsjewelry.blogspot.com http://www.jstonecreations.plumdrop.com Shops: http://www.JStoneCreations.artfire.com http://www.jstonecreations.com http://www.hotnwaxycandles.com

Candlemaking 101

2008-11-24T05:08:00.000-08:00

Art Daily - View Article Candlemaking 101 [Send Article to Friend] By J Stone CreationsNine years ago my mother passed away after a lengthy illness. I knew that the only way I could cope through the mourning period was to keep myself so busy that I wouldn’t have time to think.That’s when I began my candle business. I delved into learning everything I could about the proper techniques, where to buy the best supplies and marketing my candles. I began with regional craft shows, built up to local retail stores and then invested in a quality website. I am now selling in every state in the U.S.My candle sales are seasonal--from September to April. In the slow seasons, I focus more on my jewelry business. I also work a full time job in a local manufacturing plant. My husband and I celebrated out 32nd wedding anniversary in October. WOW! We own a small cattle farm, too. I’m a country girl and love it. Materials: * Low melt point wax for containers (around 122-129)You can use a pre-blended container wax like "Container Fill" or "One Pour" (also known as Single Pour). * Candle dye/color * Fragrance oil (average use is 3%-9% or .5 to 1.5oz per pound) * Glass, Ceramic, Tin container or molds.* Pre-tabbed container wick in appropriate size (depends on diameter of container) * Pouring pot * Thermometer* Safety gear: Gloves, safety glasses, apron I use a turkey roaster to melt the wax. Use proper safety guidelines and always work in a well ventilated area. You have to test a lot before perfecting your candles. • It took me several tries before I found the perfect manufacturers for each product I use including the wax, fragrances, dyes, wicks, containers.• I made notes on the amounts of each product I used and when I added it during the candle making process.• I follow the manufacture directions on the temperature to melt the wax. Types of wax differs.• I made note of the amount of dye I used to get the coloring of the candle the way I wanted it. • Noted the fragrance of the candle during burning. Is it too light, overwhelming or is it perfect? You may find that the candles smell quite strong when you are making them, but may be much lighter smelling while burning.•I learned which wicks to use for each type of candle. Your supplier will be able to tell you which ones they recommend.• After cooled, I took note of any imperfections including cracks, air bubbles, discoloration, white lines, wells, flakes etc. and tested until I learned what to do to prevent this.• I studied my market to see which scents, colors and containers sold the best.The web is a wonderful source of information for candlemaking. Check it out and have fun, but more importantly, be safe.

Busy Season

2008-11-21T04:49:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. I may not have a chance to breath until after Christmas. Not that I'm complaining. I have several custom jewelry orders to do and candle orders have really picked up for the buyers gift giving. I want to take the time to thank all of my wonderful customers for your continuing support and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Happy Holidays.

What am I thinking about?

2008-11-19T10:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my very first blog. While I'm sitting at my computer working, I'm thinking of all the things I would love to be doing. I would love to be home: Creating jewelry masterpieces Browsing through catalogues for the perfect gems or findings Pouring Scentsational candles Writing my bestseller Watching Rachael Ray, Paula Deen or Sandra Lee or camping and relaxing with my DH. A nap would be nice, too. I'm also thinking about Thanksgiving. We're having Thanksgiving with my hubby's 81 year old mother, his sister and her husband and daughter, his aunt and her husband. I'm cooking the Turkey. My mother-in-law makes the best chicken and dressing and homemade chocolate pies. That will be 10 more pounds on my waist. But, that's okay. Me and my two sisters and brother are having Thanksgiving apart, but will get together for Christmas. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.