I make pillar candles, and you have to use a thicker wick for pillar candles. You should keep the wick trimmed short while burning, and if there is any black smoke then trim it shorter. That way the flame will stay in control too, so you won't have to worry so much about fires. Any candle can easily start a fire, so obviously should never ever be left unattended. Also, when you're talking about pillar molds, the bottom is the top right? Just want to make sure we're talking about the same end. It worked out easier for me when I used to not know better and thought the top was the top, because the bottom was always level! Anyway, try nail clippers to trim the wick at the bottom, digging a little below the surface. Good way to save money and recycle wax. I buy plan wax though so I can add my own scents and other additives a lot though. I find the scents are most expensive. Too bad this forum seems so inactive, we have recently moved into a much bigger house and soon plan to set up a candle making space in the basement so I won't have to do it in the kitchen any more. I have taken long periods of time away from candlemaking simply because of the mess it makes in my kitchen! They're fantastic for Christmas and other gifts though, and I use them all over the house to decorate. There are some good sites online, including the one below, which has a chatroom that seems active enough in the evenings with die hard candle makers that are more than willing to answer any questions you have. I go there often when I have problems or just want new ideas. good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: great candle site with chatroom

I've been making candles for the past 25 years and the one thing that I can tell you that you will hear again and again is TEST TEST TEST.. and it's truly the best advice to give.. Bitter Creek Candle Supply (http://www.candlesupply.com/) offers good things for newbies.. they sell sample packs of wicks, and wax in 10-11 lb slabs, and their shipping is pretty good.. and the prices are reasonable I've tried some of their fragrance oils and they are pretty good, if you like B&B Work type fragrances then it's TonyÂs Fragrance Oils hands down, they are a little higher on some things but they ship their oils in Boston Rounds not plastic! And you can use the empty bottles for mixing your own blends I also use them for room sprays http://www.tonysfragranceoils.com/ Hope this helps, tori~

Hi all. I've been searching and searching for a FO company that sells the scent "Candle Shop" for use in soy candles. Can anyone help me out?

Hello! So I am trying to make candles for sale and am having issues with how they turn out. I am using paraffin wax that has a melting point of 126. I usually get it heated to around 130-150. At that point I put in the color blocks and mix and then take off the heat and mix in the fragrance oil. In addition to this, I heat the mason jars in the oven to prevent air bubbles and/or sinking in the middle of the candle. However, once the candles have cooled off for over 24 hours, there is discoloration and hundreds of bubbles throughout the candle. I will attach a photo to help illustrate this issue. Any advice on what could be causing this? I have made 6+ candles and having the same issue.