Oh, what's in a name?

Short answer....everything! Long answer, the reason for my extended hiatus this past week. You see, I am starting an Etsy shop and it has proven to be way more work than originally anticipated. Is it because I am a perfectionist??...me thinks so! I had hoped to launch my Etsy shop (where I will sell homemade soy candles) last weekend. I went to Michaels to buy some supplies to make labels and decorate the jars, but ended up being really unimpressed with the outcome. I was just not satisfied with the look or the name of the candle shop. I tried to make the shop name connect to this blog by calling it "Winks Wicks", but I could not say the name with a straight face, especially after my aunt said it sounded like "Winks (insert male private part name here)". No, these are not erotic candles....just family friendly soy candles. I also, was not crazy about the hand written labels. While I want them to look handmade, I also want them to look professional. It pains me to share these pictures with you of the original look because it is just so bad! But, in the name of all that is candle making problems, I present to you, my sweet non-judgmental readers, candle prototype take one.

While it could be worse, I just wasn't impressed with my work or the name so back to the drawing board I went. I ruminated on the design and the name for a couple of days until inspiration struck me while I was taking a bath. This may seem funny to some of you, but I find a lot of my best ideas come to me while I am scrub-a-dub-dubbin' in the tub. I love the little coastal town we live in. Unfortunately, our days here are numbered so what better way to always have a piece of it with me by naming my candle company after the town? I decided on the name "Montara Candle Co." and I could not be happier with the name. I just custom ordered some custom labels, which proved to be a whole other drama (just ask my wife - I think she almost killed me after the 20th photo text yesterday). Below are photos of the main contenders. 

Contender 1

Contender 2

Contender 3

Contender 4

Which one did I pick? Well, you will have to wait until the candle reveal next week :)

xx

W

Candle Making

I think it is safe to say that I am clinically obsessed with candles. I love the way they make a room feel so cozy. My favorite scents overall are jasmine or gardenia, but I also love anything beach inspired or pine/cedar/christmas time goodness. This past weekend I went to Beverly's while Brooke did the TJ shopping and came out with $40.00 worth of candle making supplies. I ended up spending more than I wanted to, so for my next batch I think I will shop around for better prices.

microwaveable soy wax, wicks, 2 Bell mason jars, 
ocean mist and dozen roses candle scents

The Process:
1. Place the soy wax in a microwaveable container and follow directions for microwave time. Hint: I needed to microwave the wax for much longer than the recommended time.
2. While the wax is microwaving cut out two 1" x 3" pieces of cardboard and poke a hole in the middle large enough for the wick to fit through.
3. Place the wick at the bottom of the jar and poke it through the cardboard. Rest the cardboard on top of the jar once the wick is centered.
4. Once the wax is melted pour as much scent as you want into the wax and stir. I accidentally dropped the ocean mist scent into the wax and ended up using WAY more then I had anticipated, but it actually smells amazing so i'm not too disappointment with how much scent I wasted on one candle.
5. Pour the wax into the jar. You might need to hold the wick while you pour it because it tends to move around. At Beverly's they sold wick stickers to help hold the wick in place, which I will use next time because the wick didn't stay centered.
6. Cut the wick so there is about 1/2 inch pocking out from the top of the candle.
7. Allow 1 - 2 hours drying time before lighting the candle or the wax will melt too fast.
8. Light and enjoy :-)

xx,
W