Candles at Hospitality Lane

I'm Thinking Spring....and Mother's Day!

2012-01-31T05:05:00.000-08:00

Oh I used to grumble

about the retailers who were always

working to the next holiday.

But now that I am in the business

of preparing for holiday sales

I have to think ahead.

So...While others are wishing

for Spring flowers I am

smelling them daily in my candle

kitchen....daffodil and peony

are the latest delights.

Visit either my Etsy or Artfire shops

to see the latest developments.

I'll be delighted to see you.

At Artfire you will have the option

of using a coupon to get a

free four ounce candle of my

choosing with every

$30 (before shipping)

that you spend.

If you see something you want at

Etsy that is not yet available at Artfire

just ask....I am in the process of

filling my Artfire Shop.

I'll get it listed there for you if I can.

Fun in a Mug!

2012-01-26T04:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I just make things to see if I can.

These are so much fun!

This is my signature Hot Chocolate

with a twist.

Available in my Etsy shop.

I have a total of three available.

Two as a set
$30

and one on its own

which is not listed.

Just ask if you want

the single one.
$15

Fine Tuning....

2012-01-18T03:55:00.000-08:00

Just when I think I have finished a new

candle product I test it and find ways

to make it even better.

This is the case with these adorable

tiny tea cups that I found this week.

I love the look of just one wick

centered in the candle....

and it would be acceptable that way.

However,

in order to get the best burn

and fragrance throw

I am going to redo these

and add a second

and maybe third

wick.

Call me picky

or crazy if you like

but I want my candles to

be the best performing

candles anyone has ever

used.

And so.....

I go against my usual

impatient tendencies

to get them

just right.

Are You Kidding Me?

2012-01-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

How does time go by so quickly?

I can't believe I last posted on

January 2nd.

Well, I have been a bit busy

and that is a very good thing.

I have to show you

my newest baby shower favor....

Just tooo cute!

I'm also busily filling orders for Etsy customers.

I've expanded my space at Cape Cod Crafters

at Rockvale Square

and

now have candles at a local salon.

I've put together the

Flyer for the Spring Fundraiser and have

now included greeting cards featuring my

photography.

We'll see how that goes.

I'm seeking a soapmaker to make soaps

in my candle fragrances...

and I might have found one.

We're meeting this week.

Those will then be a part of the

fundraiser offerings, as well.

So much for slowing down after the first

of the year....

this busy just looks different.

I'm so thankful.

I hope you are having a wonderful day.

I'm very thankful that you stopped by!

I've been thinking about These....

2012-01-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

I'm experimenting with different

colors and fragrances

in these glass hearts.

Nantucket Briar Rose with

Rose and White Hearts.

Nantucket Briar Rose with

all white hearts.

I think I'll do dark chocolate

with pink hearts...

dark chocolate with

burgundy hearts.

How about white cinnamon

with red hearts?

Yep!

Lots of playing to do.

I'll be listing them on Artfire, eBay,

Etsy and placing them in

Cape Cod Crafters at

Rockvale Square Outlets.

Fun stuff!!

Sometimes one just gets Thirsty....

2011-12-29T13:06:00.000-08:00

Just so happens I don't like to drink

the real thing....so I made it into a

candle to enjoy while I drink ice water!

This fun Cola Candle is available

for sale by contacting me

directly or by

visiting my Etsy Shop.

Custom Order Completed

2011-12-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

Last evening a friend contacted

me on behalf of someone else.

Could I possibly make a

special candle for her friend's mother?

For Christmas?

And could it be something different

from a jar candle?

Made in Lavender and creamy in color?

Well,

she was so talking my language!

A non jar candle.

Check.

A fragrance and color combo

that no one else would have thought of?

Check.

Need it fast?

Check.

Yep.

I was on it like a hound on a rabbit.

This is the result.

With time to spare.....

There you have it.

One project completed today...

all the while I was cleaning and organizing

after the busiest candle season ever.

There is plenty left to clean and organize but

I don't want to overwhelm my

family with too much cleanliness

all at once.

That could cause them to go into

shock....lol.

Merry Christmas!

50% OFF My Stockpile.....

2011-12-20T05:15:00.000-08:00

I want it gone....

So you are invited to a clearance

sale......

50% off any of my remaining fundraiser

stockpile candles.

Price is based on Fundraiser Pricing

so...

12 ounce was $13....now $6.50

9 ounce Hexagon was $10....now $5.00

8 ounce Jelly Jar was $9.00.....now $4.50

Available Fragrances are:
Cinnamon Buns
French Vanilla
Potpourri Spice
Hot Chocolate (in jars only)
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Blueberry Muffins
Balsam
Spiced Cranberry
Apple Cinnamon

Not all fragrances in all sizes .....

I may add others if these get scarce...

we'll see.

Stay in touch.

Contact me for list of available candles.

You'll pay actual shipping which will

be quoted to you before you commit.

Thanks!

I'm Late to the Party

2011-12-13T04:45:00.000-08:00

It didn't take long after I opened

my Etsy shop for people to begin

asking for tarts/melters.

I've not been a user of

these things so making them seemed

a bit risky.

How much oil to put in?

What size should they be??

The first person to ask got a surprise

when I asked her if she would be an

official tester.

I would send her a couple to try

and give feedback.

Thankfully she was agreeable because

there were adjustments to be made.

Her tart melter was the kind that

plugs in like a night light

and so it required a smaller

amount of wax.

Turned out that full sized tarts were just

too messy to cut but I had a mold that

made them smaller.

I sent some to her.

She approved.

She had also recommended a

bit more fragrance oil.

My pleasure.

The result

was great, she reported.

So...since that day I have sold a whole bunch

of melters....and have gotten great feedback.

I'm very thankful for this new friend

who helped to refine a product that I was

not familiar with.

Last week I was in Goodwill and saw this

melter that works with the heat of a tea light.

I snatched it up.

It is my new fun toy.

I am using potpourri spice in it and love it

very, very much.

I have officially joined the

tart party.

You guys were right!

What a pleasant way to get your

home sweetly fragranced.

I now offer two sizes of

tarts. One for mini melters

and full size

for melters like mine.

Companion Gifts

2011-11-15T21:01:00.000-08:00

I just love the idea of coordinating

gifts for friends.

To me it says that I thought more

than just picking something up and

calling it done.

So, today I was cruising my new

favorite virtual mall.....

Etsy.

I noticed a few things that would

be great to go along with my candles.

Shall I show you?

Of course I shall.

Let's just say

for example that you wanted to

kill two birds with one stone.

You wanted to give money to a

worthy cause while getting that

perfect gift for a friend with a bent

for generosity.

Fighting Crohns Disease with the sales of

Lavender Candles....50% for the Purple Dress Project

This candle....$12.00

Paired with these.....
lovely sachets....in lavender, of course!

Just look at that gorgeous tatting!

Available in Sue Runyon Designs Etsy Shop

$17 for the pair.

You could get my smaller Lavender candles

at just $4 each to

make it affordable and
then you'll have gifts for two!

What about that friend who

can't get enough coffee?

Maybe they love cappuccino.

A 15 ounce three wick tin will keep them

in chocolate coffee goodness for a long time.

Pair this one with a custom coffee sleeve

made by my friends Angel and Michelle and

you have a fun and current gift.

Now, speaking of coffee.
One of my new friends is having a
giveaway that includes a Starbucks Gift Card
and a Coffee Cozy.
She makes them too.
See?
Your choices are nearly endless.
Check out
Julie's Blog post
to learn
more.

It has been so much fun

to make these matches.

How about one more?

For the baker in your life.

I have the perfect candle

and Faith makes

really fun and affordable aprons.

So, now you can have a new hobby.

Matching gifts from different shops

for those friends and family that

matter most to you.

I happen to like all of the things I

have shared here....

ahem family ....are you looking?!?

LOL

Why Buy Soy Candles?

2011-11-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

In the more than six years that I have been making

soy candles there has been a collective

"lightbulb moment"

in candle buyers of America.

When my friend Beverly and I first began

making and selling candles

ladies would look at us as if we

had two heads when we said the candles

were made from soy.

"What was the difference"

they wanted

to know.

Today, when I go out to shows with the

candles I find a large majority are

looking for soy candles.

This is a very good thing.

For those who are still trying to figure

it out, let me break it down for you.

Soy wax is made from the oil found in

soybeans. That means that it is natural

and it is produced by our American farmers.

For that reason alone I am thrilled to support it,

however, it would not be enough to make me work

with it or sell it to others.

Soy wax is also very clean burning.

It will not leave the sooty residue you'll

find in petroleum based waxes.

Now, in the interest of full disclosure,

most of the candles I make have

petroleum product added to them

in the form of color and fragrance.

At your request I would gladly leave both out

and make you a 100% natural candle.

What I do, however, is keep the amount

of color to a minimum and you'll find

that most of my candles are fairly pastel

in nature. The white soy wax is largely

responsible as well as my intentional minimal

usage of the coloring.

I also choose to use natural wicking in

all of my jar candles.

Hemp wick contains no metal.

It is a bit more likely to mushroom

but regular wick trimming easily takes

care of that.

(You should be trimming

the wick of any candle you burn.)

It is well worth it for the knowledge that

your candle is as healthy as it can be.

Soy wax burns much longer than

traditional paraffin candles.

So, while my current pricing of

approximately $1 per ounce is higher

than the dollar type stores

$1 per candle you are

getting something that is in

a completely different league.

No.comparison.

A customer once brought me a candle

to refill that she purchased at

one of "those stores".

She couldn't understand why it

had quit burning so soon.

I found out....

Just below the waxy surface about a

quarter of the way down

was a packed white powdery

filler.

I couldn't believe it!

What looked to be a nice sized candle

ended up being about the amount of

a votive.

What a sham.

If they cut corners here

what else might they have skimped on?

You can't believe some of the things

I have seen or have been told about.

Bottom line?

Buy candles from someone you trust.

Get them fresh.

There is nothing like a candle that has

been poured in the days, weeks or months

before you light it.

Yes, candles can actually get stale.

Buy candles from someone who

knows how to add enough fragrance

to last the lifetime of the candle but not

so much as to drown the wick.

There is a fine line.

Most skimp...

some inexperienced candlemakers

go overboard and cause other issues.

Another thing to watch out for...

"soy candles" that are only a small

percentage soy and mostly paraffin.

Natural soy wax has a very, very
short shelf life

before the appearance begins to change.

This makes retail sales of 100% soy wax

very challenging, therefore many producers

of "soy candles" add paraffin to "improve" the

appearance. Buy them if you don't mind

the same issues already pointed out with

paraffin, but don't buy them for the benefits

of soy. You aren't getting them.

Finally, one of my very favorite things about

soy wax.

It cleans up with hot soapy water!!

So much nicer than having to freeze and chip away

at the end of a waxy candle.

As a candle maker I cannot even begin

to imagine working with that other stuff

every day.

But that is a whole other post.

What matters to you is that when your

candle has reached its end you can remove

the wick while the wax is still liquid,

pour any remaining wax into your trash

can and wash your container

with dish soap and hot water.

Now, you can enjoy that container

all over again.

That is why I love to place candles into

beautiful containers.

Its a gift that keeps on giving.

First the candle...

then the container.

I hope this information is

helpful to someone.

Soy candles are NOT all created

equal...so educate yourself and then

choose wisely.

Candy Cane Lane Candles....

2011-11-02T04:21:00.000-07:00

You see, within Hospitality Lane resides

a pathway. This pathway is called

Candy Cane Lane....

Ach, I am so full of it!

LOL

But,

I did pick up these sweet containers.

The first one is filled with candy cane.

Isn't it precious??

All of these containers will

be holiday themed fragrances

in white.

So, I am calling them the

Candy Cane Lane line.

It simply makes me

happy to give

them their own

identity.

You'll find them for sale

over the coming days in

my Etsy shop.

Or, if you prefer,

just email me.

It's that easy!

Let Me Tell You about Heartsy

2011-10-29T03:53:00.000-07:00

O.k. so here is the deal.

Many have asked,

"What is Heartsy?".

Heartsy is a promotion for Etsy

that works a lot like Groupon.

Actually, the seller gets a better deal

than Groupon companies do though.

The seller applies to be accepted to

offer a Heartsy deal.

The Heartsy members vote on

whether they would be interested in making

purchases from your shop.

If enough say they would then

the Heartsy folks check out your shop and

decide if they want to work with you.

Once it has been decided that your shop

is a good fit they suggest a good

voucher deal.

Now, this is where it got tricky for me.

They asked me to run a $9/$21 deal.

That sounded ok.

They would charge $10 and the "average"

Heartsy buyer

would come and choose $21 worth of

merchandise from my Etsy shop.

Heartsy would keep $1 from each

transaction netting me $9.

I was ok with this.

I mean,

if you think about it

the number of people that would become

acquainted with my shop and the candles

I make were potentially staggering.

They went on to ask me to offer an additional

$10 in free merchandise to their VIP customers.

VIP customers pay an additional $10 per month

to receive an extra $10 off each Heartsy deal.

They suggested that just a few of my buyers

would be VIP's.

Well, in reality, most of my 84 buyers were

VIP's. So...if I crack the initial numbers down

I have lost a significant amount on this

deal....BUT....hold on .

Already one of my Heartsy buyers has

come back for more.

Many of them did not spend their entire

amounts available and so I am fairly

certain they will be back.

Quite a few spent $3-$5 more

than their Heartsy vouchers.

So....the verdict is still out.

I will not pass judgement until

another month or so has passed and

I see if there is an uptick in sales generated

from this.

I think there will be.....

At this point I am still glad I did it.

I just wish I had realized how many of the

Voucher buyers would be

VIP's.

I may have adjusted what

was in my shop.

However, I am very glad for the opportunity

to meet new friends and make

sales and get positive feedback.

It all helps the Etsy store grow.

Thank you, Heartsy.

Whirlwind, or should I say Whirling Dervish.....

2011-10-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

I can't decide if it is everything around

me that is whirling or if it is just me in

the candle kitchen but it is crazy around

here right now.

With more than 60 online orders in just

two days....Thanks Heartsy!.....and multiple

fundraiser kickoffs over the next week I nearly

caught myself coming or going yesterday!

Yep! I'm moving so quickly that often

I find myself jumping from one aspect of

the business to another within mere seconds

and then returning back to the point that I've

been wondering how I've done it.

But, this is the stuff my dreams are made of.

This is what will get me my cute little candle

shop where people can come, hang out and

we can chat while I work. The experiment

the other day with my friend Mindy went

pretty well. We chatted while I worked and

I greatly enjoyed having her here.

She did have to scoot to the side every time

I needed more wax, though. So a larger area

would be very beneficial to this kind of a plan.

LOL

I met with the CHALC group last evening and

cannot begin to express how gracious

they were.

This is our third year to work together and

it was so rewarding to hear those parents

who have participated in prior fundraisers

say how they can't wait to get candles again

and that they are glad we are doing this

fund raiser. Can you imagine???

Glad.

Joy!!

They snatched up all of the

hot chocolate candles

that I had taken.

They do make great demos!

I'm thinking 400 might not be enough

for this selling season .....with so many groups

selling....I'm going to see if I can get more of those

mugs today.

I'm also looking forward to a home show

in early November,

with my new friend, Angel.

She lives in Chambersburg and has invited

me to come to her house for a show.

She and her friend, Michelle,

make custom scrapbooks

and lots of sewn items for children.

I love their chalkboard mats

So creative and practical.

We've had some bags shipped in from another

Etsy seller, Kelly.

She does such amazing work with her

ruffle bags.

So, anyway, I am having fun these days

even if I do run into myself sometimes

and feel like a whirling dervish at others.

It is such a blessing that I actually

pray prayers of Thanksgiving

at very regular intervals!!

It's Here!

2011-10-18T04:45:00.000-07:00

Candle season is here!

I am now in the thick of it.

Whether it is the sales coming from Etsy

or the prep for the fund raisers kicking off

this week, I am buried in candles.

Fragrance Samples:

This is my new melter!

I love it so much.

Maybe I'll make a decorative cover for

it though....not exactly complimentary

to the kitchen. LOL

But! It does cut down my prep time and

doesn't interrupt the process nearly as often

as microwave melting did.

These are the jars waiting to be wicked and

filled this morning.

I'll do this while chatting

with a friend who is going to visit today.

This may seem rude but it is actually an experiment.

In my new retail/work space I am considering having

an open candle production area so that customers and

friends could pop in and stay to visit if they like.

I want to know if I can be productive and visit at

the same time. Perhaps it will not be possible

but if it can work I think that would be soooo cool!!

Candles fill all flat spaces in our living room, dining room

and kitchen.

I need the stock on hand because I'll be doing

a home show in Chambersburg in a couple of weeks.

If you are within driving distance to Chambersburg and would

like to come, please contact me. We'd love to have you!!

I'll be listing these in the Etsy shop today.

I'll be back soon!

Hope your day is fun and productive.

Confusing Custom Order

2011-10-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

What could be different about these?

Other than mug design they look pretty

identical, right?

Well, looks can be very deceiving!

Two are actually

Fresh Baked Apple Pie

Scented

and the other two are

Pumpkin Pie Spice.

It really plays with your mind.

I kept praying that my nose wouldn't fail

me and cause me to pour a layer of

the wrong fragrance in the wrong

mug....

And then there is the fact that they

both look like they should smell like

chocolate.

What a fun Mind bender.

Yep!

Its what the customer ordered.

Hope she loves it!!

Purple Dress Project is In Process

2011-10-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

After months of searching for the perfect candle

jars for this fund raiser to help in the fight against

Crohn's Disease and Colitis I was thrilled

to find these.

The two jar sizes compliment each other and allow

for multiple levels of involvement in this event.

That was the good news.

The bad news is

I bought all of the jars our

local Christmas Tree Shops had.

That wasn't that many.

I had hoped that they would restock

and I would get more....

but that is not going to happen.

That was it!

To get more I would have to

go to another state.

So....

It happens that I have friends in other

states who might be willing to check out

availability in their local stores.

Therefore I am posting these photos

of an unfinished project so that they can

see what the jars look like.

If you happen to see some and want

to let me know I'd appreciate it.

I am about three quarters done with the

labels and thank you card that will go with each

candle. The information that is on this card

will probably be more spread out and included

on a card with an envelope.

I so love the job my friend Elisabeth Walsh did

with the artwork of the girl in the purple dress.

She volunteered her talents toward this project.

You can find more of her work at her Etsy Shop,

AronaDesigns.

When we are ready to totally launch the

project I will write again explaining the concept

and the special lady behind this project.

It is very worthwhile!

Perhaps one day we will be able

to say "good-bye" to colitis and crohn's

once and for all.

Until then

50% of the sale of these candles will go

to fight, fight, fight these

awful diseases.

Stay tuned!!

Vickie Likes Them...And Should be My Photographer!

2011-09-29T18:41:00.000-07:00

Check out the pretty photos Vickie
took of her candle order.....

Win Two of My 9 Ounce Candles

2011-09-26T02:49:00.000-07:00

Angie, at The Country Chic Cottage,

has written a feature

about Good Neighbors Candle Co.

and we are giving away

two nine ounce candles

in the fragrance of your choice.

She has offered many ways to enter

so I do hope you'll pop by and see

what happens!

This is the fragrance list the

winner will choose their

two candles from....

Amazingly Grace (Type)

Apple Cinnamon
Autumn Magic
Black Cherry Jellybean
Blackberry Jam
Butter Pecan Pie

Balsam
Bayberry
Blueberry Muffin
Birds of Paradise
Caramel Apple
Coconut
Cappuccino
Country Bumpkin
Country Apple
Cranberry Balsam

Cucumber Cantaloupe
Cucumber Mint
Clean Breeze (Type)
Cinnamon Buns
Candy Cane
Citrus Infusion
Cinnamon Stick
Chocolate Milk
Chocolate Raspberry Drizzle
Eucalyptus
Fresh Linen

French Vanilla
French Lavender
Grandma's Kitchen
Home for the Holidays
Honeysuckle
Hot Buttered Rum
Hydrangea Heaven
Hot Baked Apple Pie
Lilac
Mulberry Spice
Nantucket Briar (Type)
Orange Clove
Oceans

Orange Blossoms
Pearberry
Potpourri Spice
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Rose Hip and Tea
Strawberry Kiwi
Spiced Cranberry
Spearmint
Tranquil Sleep
Tangerine
Victorian Rose

Wildflowers
Wisteria

What Have I Been Up To?

2011-09-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been up to

A LOT!!

It has been so much fun.

I've been making all kinds of

candles, both to fulfill orders and to

entice you...yes you...to buy

candles.

Nothing like honesty, right?

Well, I've been making many tea lights,

jar candles and what I am calling

Mind Bender candles.

It looks like Campbell's Tomato Soup

but it smells like Apple Cinnamon!

I love the soup bowls but really

wouldn't care for a tomato candle...

even though my friend, Melissa,

told me she bought one once.

Then there are the Ginger Lime Candles.

A customer asked me to match a

hand cream she adores.

I think this is close.....

In any case it is a bright, fresh scented candle.

Did I mention tea lights?

Lots and lots of tea lights?

Between baby shower favors

which are so much fun to make

and fragrance samplers that brought this

feedback from SherryK:

"I brought some of the tea lights I ordered from you over to my mother’s house, and after trying them out, she absolutely loves them! She gave me a list to order for her, and wanted me to tell you that your candles smell so good, and she loves the Autumn Magic and Cinnamon Stick. We both love the quality of your candles too. (Much better than the large chain candle companies) :o)
Just wanted to let you know."

I've been making a lot of tea lights.

So many that I have ordered more tea light cups

and wicks. I had so many that I thought running out

would take years...not weeks.

God has been so good to me!!!

Another new thing here at Hospitality Lane is

a huge wax melter. Love it!

I used it once this week but am excited to put

it to real work when I make hundreds of candles

for the upcoming fund raisers.

It is going to streamline that process so much...

while saving us a bunch of money on electric.

J-O-Y!!

So....it is a good thing that my Chelsea

has gotten a job and will be busy because

she no longer needs to be my day planner.

I've got plenty on my plate....

You can find it out faster
at my Good Neighbors Candles
Facebook page

I would be delighted if you would

"Like" it!!!

A very cute little tart project is on there now.

My wish for you, my friend,

is that you would have a wonderful day.

Hope you are feeling so rewarded

and fulfilled in whatever you are up to.

New Projects Are So Much Fun!

2011-09-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

So, here's the scoop!

I played almost all day Today.

Played and made money at the same time.

Monday night I got a request from a

customer asking if I would be able to

whip up some candles for a baby shower

by Friday at Noon.

What? Of course I could and would.

So, this is what I did today....

They are baby powder scented.

These look a bit unfinished.... because they are.

My friend,

(all customers become friends sooner or later)

is going to make her own tags

for them. She had some ideas in her head but

felt it would be easier to play with them

herself and then put them on

rather than have to come to

a conclusion and communicate it to me

on such short notice.

I was fine with that.

Here they are...
all boxed and ready to go.

I also took photos of some fun

candles that I made late last night.

When I saw these pie slice containers it took

me about 20 seconds to pick them up.

They are so cute!!

And the logical fragrance was

Fresh Baked Apple Pie.

So...that's what is in there.

It is a very nice soft

fragrance.

I have two sets of three pie slice candles

made up and listed on Etsy.

If you are interested in them

you can see the listing here.

My Scary Time of the Year

2011-09-04T04:06:00.000-07:00

Every year about this time I am spending money like crazy.

I buy jars and jars and more jars.

I buy fragrance oils by the pound.

Then there are the wicks, coloring and warning labels,

tissue paper and gift bags.

I purchase 50 pound boxes of soy wax.

This year Warren helped me to choose a new

melter. One that will melt three gallons of soy

at a time. Right now I use a two quart batter bowl

and fill it over and over and over.

Very time consuming!

The reason I spend so much money at this

time of the year is so that I can prepare for the

fund raisers that will happen in September,

October, November and December.

The scary part?

What if I didn't get enough and can't get more?

Or, what if I don't sell half of what I purchased

and come up short on income to cover the

expenses?

These are the things that wake me up

early in the mornings.

Worry.

That's what they call it.

But, I have to say that God has truly

blessed this little candle business of mine

and thus far has allowed the preparations

and the sales to work out just right.

Of course, last year I, and others, did search

a tri-county area to find mugs for the hot

chocolates!

This year?

400 adorable tin mugs.

If I sell more than that I will count

my blessings and go look for more.

I covet your prayers as I enter

another busy time.

This is the epicenter of

Good Neighbors Candle Co.

This is it.

The time of the year that makes or

breaks a candle business.

Pray that I would have a clear mind.

That I would always treat my customers

with the respect they deserve.

That I might have wisdom in what

projects to take on and which to

pass over. I want to do it all.....

This should not surprise you.

My family needs your prayers too

as they deal with the garage that

turns into a warehouse and a

house taken over with all

things candle.

Believe it or not this

can cause stress....LOL.

But Jonathan said recently that

if this allows us to do something that

he has longed for he would take back

every mean word about my making candles in

the kitchen....wouldn't that be sweet?

If one day, this little business would help

our family be more independent?

That is my prayer.

Those of you reading this are the loyal

friends and customers that have found

this tiny little blog.

I am not going to advertise this post.

If you found it you were supposed to

read it......

You are appreciated!!

The Bowl Candle - Two Gifts In One......

2011-08-31T04:36:00.000-07:00

One has to love the practicality

and the beauty

of a bowl candle.

This orange clove soy candle

is poured into a vintage glass

bowl with legs.

Burning this candle until about a half inch

remains and then removing the wicks

allows one to wash the bowl in the

dishwasher or hot soapy water

for a wonderful keepsake.

This week I was at one of our favorite

department stores when I found these

bowls on final clearance.

What were originally $9.99

each were just $1.99 each.

I knew this was an unusual opportunity

because normally a beautiful container

like this is just too costly to

then add soy and pass on the

total cost....

but at $1.99 I could just charge

for the candle.

The bowl is free to you!

Love it....

Autumn Magic

Autumn Magic is a very unusual fragrance.

It is, however, one that I love.

It reminds me of a delightful idea for a man's cologne.

Spicy and fresh.

Bllueberry Muffin

I know those are not blueberries on the

side of this bowl but this was a great

excuse to use such a fun and popular fragrance!

Orange Clove

Perfect for Fall.

The orange scent is more prominent when the candle

is cool, while the clove is

more prominent when it

is lit.

Country Bumpkin

A light fragrance that makes me feel as if I have

just walked into a quaint country store.

Apples and spice with a hint of potpourri.

If you haven't tried a bowl candle yet...

there is still time.

So much beauty.

And it lasts.

All of these candles are now available

in my Etsy Shop.

Orange Clove in a Vintage Glass Footed Bowl

2011-08-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

So perfect for Fall!

Now available in my Etsy Shop.

Introducing a Country Bumpkin!

2011-08-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

A month or two ago I ordered some new fragrance oils.

One of these just wasn't all that impressive in the bottle

so I wasn't in a hurry to make it up.

However, I may coin a new phrase

about not judging an oil by its......not sure what would

go here...perhaps first impression?

Anyway, when I added this oil to the warm soy wax

it released the full intensity and sweetness of its fragrance.

They call it Country Bumpkin but I think it could

just as easily be called The Country Store.

You smell apples, nutmeg, sweet potatoes, cinnamon

and more....as if you were standing in an old

fashioned country store with button bins,

apples, jars and bolts of fabric all around.

It is yummy, I tell you.

I took four tea lights to my friend,
Mrs. Rabe.

She is my "nose" on all things spicy.

She adored them!!

I love it when my friends are so

supportive of my creative side.

Thanks, Mrs. Rabe.

She even put a link to my Etsy shop

on her sidebar this week.

This is what she had to say about
the Country Bumpkin scent:

"Okay people! These are the best smelling candles!

You know that great smell in country stores?

This is it! I'm hoarding mine for now!"

I'll make you this offer....

the first five Blogs to agree to

putting my Etsy Link on their sidebar

will receive

a nine ounce Country Bumpkin candle

of their own!
Sorry to limit it but blogs must be
in the United States......
I don't ship internationally yet.

Also....please stop by and "like"
the Good Neighbors Candle Co.
Facebook Page, won't you?

Have a wonderful Day!!

Soy Tarts....Yep! We Got 'Em!

2011-08-19T04:38:00.000-07:00

Just barely.

Over the years I have toyed with making

tarts but haven't wanted to stock something that

I didn't have a way to market.

They are loaded with fragrance oil and therefore need

to be put to good use in a decent amount

of time.

I also hadn't really thought much about packaging

or anything like that.

Until one of my friends on the Etsy Team asked

if I made them.

I told her that I was interested in it and if she would be

willing to be my tester I would send her some

"on the house".

Well, she tried them...

gave me feedback.

I have made improvements and we are on to

step two. This could involve you.

I have listed them in small amounts

as inexpensively as I can for those

small amounts for you to try.

If you are local you can save on

shipping by contacting me...

If you are not local you can save on

shipping by purchasing any other item from

my shop. There is then free shipping on the

tarts.......good deal?

I would then love feedback from you

on these....to me personally if you have an

issue....we will work to get it right!

On the Shop Feedback if they are

already perfect in your eyes.

Wouldn't You Love to Win These??????

2011-08-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Retail $18.00

You can!!

Visit Christie Cottage and enter to win!

I am so excited to team up with Jacki

on this special (custom) giveaway.

This set is a one of a kind!

They are filled with Apple Cinnamon Soy Wax

and as always I use hemp wicks.

You can save 20% on your order this week

when you use the coupon code:

CHRISTIE20

at checkout.

Thanks for stopping by....

hope YOU win!

A Blog Feature...About My Little Shop!!

2011-08-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Jackie at the Christie Cottage Shop has done a feature on Good Neighbors Candles.
She chose to feature the Amazingly Grace Bowl Candle....one of my fav's....
and the Japanese Teacup with Tea Lights of your choosing.

I am ever so grateful for this feature and that if you return tomorrow to Christie Cottage
you'll be able to enter to win this set of Apple Cinnamon Juice glasses.

A Gorgeous Wreath Came to My Door....

2011-08-09T19:45:00.000-07:00

I heard the sound of a car's engine and a door slam.

It occurred to me that the mail lady had come

and gone very quickly from our driveway.

She only does this when she has a package that won't

fit in our rather sizable mailbox.

I was curious....and hopeful.

I knew I had won a wreath from Judy's

AngelsNEverlastings Shop on Etsy.

Sure enough.

The large box had her return address

on it. I rushed inside with the package

to open it and check.it.out!

Ooooh.

It was love at first sight!

The first thing I did was grab the camera.

I took pictures right there on the blue chair

in the living room.

Then I had to see how it would look on the door.

The nail was already in place

but the door was naked.

Poor thing.

Well, it is dressed up now!

The wreath looks great there!!

I love the whimsy of the seashells

mixed with the dried flowers

and eucalyptus

that smell totally amazing.

What a wonderful welcome

for our guests.

Thank you, Judy!

I know your customers must

be so happy to open their purchases from you!

I am about to begin the process of making

candles to fill fundraiser orders with...

however, before I do that I have a few

special fall candles to make that will be exclusive

to my Etsy Shop.

I hope you'll love them.

Keep your eye on the new listings....

coming very, very soon!

I've Been Featured......Woo-hoo!!

2011-08-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

The CAST team on Etsy has more than 2000 members.
There is a CAST team blog too!
Today's post is a feature of myself and Angel, a darling
young lady from Chambersburg who makes all kinds of
adorable things for young ones and scrapbook items.

Hope you'll pop by and see the photo of the two of
us at Sight and Sound. We had such a fun evening with
our husbands. Then feel free to peruse our shops and
think of your Christmas list. What would you like from there
or who do you shop for who would enjoy something we've made.

Have a very blessed day!!!

Fall Fragrances...It's Not Too Soon

2011-08-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

Mmmm....this fragrance combines the yum of berries

with the zip of spice.

I love it!

It is just like a pumpkin pie....really!

It is a gentle fragrance that will compliment your

home...not overtake it this Fall.

Who doesn't love warm, gooey cinnamon buns

on a crisp Fall morning?

You can smell the butter in these....

blended with cinnamon and sugar!

It smells just like you would imagine.

Slightly orange and mostly clove.

The orange takes the edginess off the clove.

Feel free to check out these candles and more

at my Etsy Shop.

Thanks for stopping by.....

Making New Friends At Work

2011-08-03T04:28:00.000-07:00

My work these days is largely

online...

this will change in about a month

as I begin to make candles for the fund raisers

but for now I am busily getting the name

Good Neighbors Candles all over

the Etsy site.

One of the huge blessings of Etsy is a forum

for Christians. Over 2,000 shops are registered

to this team. It is great to be in fellowship with

other believers who are also attempting to

bring in an income without leaving their

home and children.

Many are young mothers,

there are retirees

and

Moms, like me,

who are about to experience an

empty nest and are seeking

something to do while being available

to their teens.

Opinion here:

Teens need us every bit as much

as our toddlers did.

Every time I think of getting a job

outside of our home I am reminded

how much time I would lose with my

still impressionable young adults.

This is not the time we want to hand over

primary influence to friends who are just as

young and impressionable.

So, Etsy, in theory allows for a business

to grow and for money to be made
while working from home.

I say, in theory, because a lot of

people have shops on Etsy and have

barely made a dime.

This is because to make money here

takes time and work.

Imagine that!

Just like the real world....

However, it has been very enjoyable

to meet a host of wonderful ladies

on our forum thread.

One of these ladies is a young mother.

We like to call her Bammy

because her shop,

shared with another talented Mommy,

is called Bam Crafty Mommas.

On Saturday,

Angel(Bammy) and her husband Sean

came over and met Warren and I

at Sight and Sound

to see my favorite show, Joseph.

It was so much fun to meet both of them.

We enjoyed the show

and then went to

Outback Steak House for a

late dinner.

We laughed so hard and it got

late...

Sean and Angel had a two hour drive

to get home, not to mention

Sean had to be at church by 7am

the next morning to prepare to play

with his worship team.

So, dear friends, accept my

apology for keeping you so long.

Hope you've caught up on some sleep.

Here are some of the items

Angel and her partner, Michelle,

make for their shop.

Premade Scrapbook...You just add the photos!

Cute fabric for these bibs!

I love these burp cloths......

This photo and the next are of fabric chalkboard mats.


A very cool idea for kids on the go...at church, a restaurant, even at home....

A chipboard mini album filled with scripture and embellished with scrapbook paper.

These are just a few of the nearly 150 items in Bam Crafty Mommas Shop.

I also recommend Angel if you would like to preserve special

memories in a scrapbook but don't want to take the time to

do it yourself. Angel loves to create special pages

and will happily and cheerfully work with you to custom

make a precious keepsake.

I recently recommended this to a friend who was wondering

what to do with cards received after her father's passing.

My Mom, who is also a "scrapper" made a very wonderful

book doing this very thing and it is a "keeper".

Finding new friends has been a pleasant surprise

but one for which I am thankful.

They have given feedback that is helping my business

grow....they have prayed with us as we suffered the

loss of a dear family friend and were in deep shock,

they have rejoiced with me over sales.

God has blessed me with the CAST Team.

I have not forgotten my beloved Blog

Community. I am so thankful for you too!

One dear friend is hosting a giveaway

of a hot chocolate

mug.....

Crystal, sister of Melissa, has educated herself

about the benefits of soy candles.

She has shared on her health blog about

why you would want to burn soy over paraffin.

I hope you'll stop by and leave a comment for

this lovely lady who just happens to be the new

momma of a precious baby girl.

Enter to win this candle

which retails for $10.

A Business Motto....

2011-07-27T03:03:00.000-07:00

We have all heard it before.
But it is a good one to remember
and apply...


I said goodbye to these this week.

"Do unto others as you

would have them

do unto you."

Short and sweet but

packed with meaning.

No shortcuts.

Quality work.

Fair Pricing.

Be generous in giving.

When applied to our businesses I

believe we will see them grow.

Caring as much about our

customers as we care about

the bottom line.

The word gets around.

Either way....

What are people saying

about your business?

New Header Points to Theme.....

2011-07-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Could it be that the flavors of the

Season impact my choices in Candle Fragrance?

What I know for sure is that getting original photos

for the labels is a lot easier this time of the year.

It is my intention over then next year to have

every label contain only my original content.

Eliminating any use of "canned" images.

I'm nearly there.

And it feels so good!

Then there are the

Fresh Baked Apple Pie

Candles....

I'm definitely seeing a theme here.

Next projects may involve

unusual but fun fragrances such as

buttered popcorn and bacon.

These are by request.

We'll see how they turn out.

Does this mean I get to make

bacon and popcorn for props?

You Bet It Does!!

Food Flavors are becoming

my favorites!

Why Should You Care Who Makes The Candles You Burn?

2011-07-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

Before I began making candles I took them for

granted. An occasional candle would be lit here

and there but I was by no means an avid candle person.

I fell into that role when my neighbor and I

began making candles to give her something to do

in her retirement.

That was in 2005.

Beverly loved candles and had burned

them nearly all of the time.

She loved to take ends of paraffin candles and

melt them, wick them and make her own candles.

However, when we decided to make a

business of making candles we began studying.

We found out all of the benefits of soy wax.

We also loved the look of gel tea cups.

So we learned about gel too.

Unfortunately this was right after a major

recall because a

bunch of gel candles had caught on fire

or blown up so there was a lot of fear

associated with the gel.

Lazy candlemakers had not taken the time

to learn what could or could not be done safely.

The good thing about this was that there was

a lot of information available which taught us what

was safe and not safe to use.

It was very specific.

Companies had begun testing their products

for gel compatibility.

Each oil has a different flash point.

It is very important to know what they are!!

We took all of this very seriously.

After all, neither of us wanted to be

responsible for a fire or explosion.

Over the next year or two we learned much

about working with both gel and soy.

How much fragrance oil could we put in

both of these and get the desired result?

What was the optimal temperature to pour

these candles?

What size of wick did each candle require?

There are so many details that go into the making

of a great candle.

We didn't get it completely right in the beginning.

Sadly some of our first customers undoubtedly

wondered about the candles they purchased.

Never a safety issue, of that I am sure...

but many were definitely underwicked.

However, after years of working with wax

and wicks I have found the combination that

works. I know how much fragrance oil to use,

how large of a wick...or how many wicks.

I get the temperature right when melting the wax.

I've learned not to add the fragrance oil while the wax is

too hot or I lose the fragrance to evaporation.

So many details......

I have found suppliers who deliver quality

products each and every time.

Believe me, they are not all

so ethical or dependable.

So, again I ask...

why should you care who makes your candle?

Safety first.

Quality of ingredients used.

Performance of the burn.

It all matters.

Trust me.

Am I perfect?

Nope!

Sometimes I get a dud wick,

or in the situation of a decor candle,

as opposed to a jar candle,

I underestimate the wicking needs.

Sizes and shapes definitely make that

a bit more of a guessing game.

If you are ever disappointed with a candle

that I have made I want to hear from you.

I will do everything within my power

to make it right.

NOTE: If you have had your eye on a
one of a kind but haven't decided for sure
this might be the time make up your mind.
I'm taking everything to a show on Monday
night and giving them 25% off the retail price.
To be fair I am offering you the same deal
between now and when I put my shop on
a mini vacation while I am gone.
Use coupon code OOAK25 at the check out.
You may use this code for any candle or combination
of candles in my shop beginning now and running
until late Monday afternoon.

EDITED TO ADD:

I just found these adorable candles on
EtsyLush. You would never want to burn
them but the profits go to the Red Cross
Relief Fund in Japan.
Are these not CUTE??????

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70146631/japan-aid-100-percent-profits-to-red

So cute!
I had to show you!

Hot Chocolate Mugs 2011

2011-07-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

If you only knew the stress I put on myself

each year to come up with the perfect hot chocolate

mug. You would consider me crazy.

It's true...you have no idea.

So, this year I thought I would just

put myself out of that misery and not offer

hot chocolate mugs to my fundraisers.

I would simply make up odds and ends mugs

I have from prior years and offer them at the

occasional craft show.

That was a relief...

until I spoke with the representative of

one of my largest fundraisers.

This will be our third year.

I told her of my decision and asked if she

thought anyone would mind.

It got quiet on the other end of the phone

for a second....

then she told me that this was one of the

products mentioned specifically as a favorite.

O.k. then.

This meant the hunt was back on.

Now you have to understand that last year I

had no local breakages but it seemed that

one out of two times I shipped them

at least one would be broken on arrival.

So....no ceramic mugs this year.

They had to be metal or glass.

I searched the internet.

I walked the stores.

I came close to committing a couple of times

and then just decided to wait ...in case....

Well, it happened.

One of my favorite wholesale suppliers just happened

to have these lovely green tin mugs.

They are a very nice thickness and color.

I asked and they had my requested

200 in stock.

More, if I end up needing them.

I am so pleased.

These will ship very nicely and

are adorable all made up.

Do you like them?

More than Jar Candles....

2011-07-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

If you've been around here long you

know that just about nothing is spared

from being turned into a candle around here.

However, it was just yesterday when I was

posting a new listing at my Etsy shop that

I was able to put into words

why this is true.

This is what I said in my newest listings:

"It is my goal to make candle art.

Jar candles are great.

I make those too....

but there are places in our homes

where we want it to be just a bit more dressed up.

This gives you the option of a warm glow within a beautiful piece."

I found these two bowls on deep discount at

Kohl's and simply fell in love with them.

They are $10 each

before shipping.

Shipping adds $5.

Each one holds between 8 and 9 ounces of soy wax.

As always the wicks are hemp.

No metal to burn!

Once burned down this bowl

will clean up beautifully with

hot soapy water

leaving you with a sweet bowl.

The purple one is actually a deeper purple

than it seems from the picture.

It is French Lavender.

The yellow one is Amazingly Grace (Type)

Fragrance. A very, very soft scent of roses and musk.

Contact me if you are local and want one

of these bowls.

You don't have to deal with the

postage on Etsy.

Help Me Make a Decision????

2011-07-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

You might remember a very excited post about winning

an original oil painting by Carole Stone?

Well, I have yet to give it a permanent home on any of

the dining room walls.

This is because I feel it needs a friend.

It is too small to anchor the big wall where I would

like to put it. So it is leaning against the wall

on the piano. Pretty but not a permanent solution.

Well, this morning I needed to take a photo of

a mulberry spice candle. This painting caught my

eye as the PERFECT backdrop for the candle.

See?

This is what the entire painting looks like.

Beautiful, isn't it?

Well, here is the dilemma and where I need your help.

I am going to choose another painting from Carole.

I will purchase it at some point down the road.....

Which one of these do you think best

compliments my current painting?

Hydrangeas

Tiny Tulips

Flowers from a Farmer's Market

Or perhaps I should ask her to do a custom

piece for me?

It is fun to think about.

What do you think?

All I know for sure is that I really enjoy

Carole's work!

This post is a part of the ETSY CAST TEAM's
Blog Blitz!
To see more fun posts you can visit
the link....HERE.

Rejoicing!

2011-07-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I got a call

from a public school choir director.

She wanted to line up a Fund Raiser for this

Christmas Season.

That was excellent news to me!

Today I received an email that

told me that the county wide homeschool

organization wants to use my candles for

their fundraiser for the third year in a row!

What a blessing.

I would have understood if they wanted to

move on to another product or company after

two years of the same.....

but they were very kind and are so

supportive of my efforts.

I'm waiting to hear from a couple of other

organizations and am willing to talk to

anyone out there who may read this and

be interested in earning 50% of the retail price for

your not-for-profit organization.

It is fun.

It is easy.

No minimum to sell.

I provide the sales materials.

I provide one incentive.

You provide one incentive.

Sell for one week, two weeks or

a month....

whatever works for your group.

If local I bag each order for delivery

and you have the fun of delivering them

to happy customers.

Packages That Come in The Mail...and a DISCOUNT CODE

2011-07-06T04:26:00.000-07:00

Lately our mail has not been the usual

fare of bills and advertisements.

Well, they have been there too, but,

We have also been receiving little packages.

Fun stuff.

I am going to show you what was in one

of the packages.

But first.....

Some in my "real life"

(You know, as opposed to virtual life)

have asked what in the

world is Etsy.

Etsy is an online location that hosts (for a fee)

artists and vintage sellers individual shops.

The good and the bad is that everyone has

a uniform look and rules.

Being creative as we are I am sure this

stifles all of us a bit sometimes but for

the most part I am thrilled to use this site.

Not having to start from scratch on a website

is wonderful.

Been there. Done that.

Within Etsy you can join Teams.

I have joined a couple.

The most active has more that 2000

members and is the

Cristian Artists Street Team. (CAST)

I'll often pop onto a conversational thread at

some point throughout the day and chat with

other Etsy sellers who are working away.

CAST also has a Team Blog.

There a different seller is featured at least

weekly. I happened to win a beautiful

jewelry set by Tricia.

CreationsbyTricia is her shop name.

I love this necklace.

It is so me.

There is a weight to it that

pleases me.

I tend to "fiddle" with my jewelry

and this feels sturdy enough to survive

the abuse.

It is very well made.

Isn't it pretty?

I am pleased with the response to my

Etsy Candle Shop, so far.

Traditionally I close up the

whole candle shebang over the Summer

so to have it up and running with sales

makes me a happy camper.

Making new friends

in this venue has been fun too.

For the rest of this week you are

invited to take 25% off your

total order from my shop.

Just use Code

CAST25

at checkout.

Hospitality Lane Friends At Etsy

2011-06-08T04:18:00.000-07:00

It occurs to me that I know several other

Etsy sellers through my blog, Hospitality Lane.

I am going to feature the ones I know of here...

and you can let me know if you have a shop,

I'd love to feature you, as well.

When I first began blogging one of the

first people to welcome me

was Terri at Lakewood Manor.

She has been a consistent friend for

years now.

Terri's daughter, Ashley makes bath cocktails.

They are very creative and I intend to get some

for myself one of these days.

Her ETSY store is here.
UPDATE: Terri has taken over the
Bath Cocktail Business. I thought I remembered
reading that somewhere but couldn't remember for sure.
Go Terri! I wish you the best!!

Freda Marie and her daughters have a wonderful

Etsy store making and selling aprons.

this is one of my current favorites....

I bought an apron for Chelsea a

while ago. It is wonderful.

Great quality and sturdy material.

Their shop is called Creative Chics!

Cass, at That Old House, has a very talented

daughter named Ann.

Ann is an artist and does this kind of work

at Hale Street Studio.

Isn't that exquisite?

Tracy, at Pink Purl, is another long time Blogger Friend.

She has made her home in Norway

with her husband and near his family but

originally grew up just down the road from

me in the same county that Warren grew up in.

That was the connection that forged our

friendship.

Tracy offers beautiful jewelry and banners.

She does beautiful sewing and knitting

projects as well.

You can contact her to find out more about

those things.....

I have run out of time for this morning's listings.

Please contact me if you would like me to feature

your shop here.

I want to make this a regular feature

on Candles at Hospitality Lane.

Blackberry Shake Candle

2011-06-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

It is that time of the year.

Little signs go up in the ice cream

shops around here stating that Black Raspberry

Soft Serve is now being served.

It means two wonderful things.

First, Summer is here

and secondly

I can get that sweet, refreshing goodness!

That soft serve ice cream is the inspiration for

this candle.

It is perfect to light on a rainy summer day

or during a chilly evening.

So fresh and fruity.

You'll enjoy it... lit or not.

The glass container can be cleaned

to be like new when the candle has burned.

No waste!

Now listed in my Etsy shop....

Happy Customers Make My Day!!

2011-05-31T05:32:00.000-07:00

Last week I shipped the butterfly mosaic candle you

see here.

It was hot outside and I was very

concerned about how it would survive shipping.

It would be no problem unless some postal worker

left it in a hot vehicle for more than an hour or so.

This morning the customer called to say it arrived

in perfect condition and she loves, loves, loves it!!

In fact she wants another one.

Oh dear.

That was a one of a kind.

So I promised to go look for a similar

mosaic container for her.

The upside is she loves that it can be refilled

when this one is completely burned down.

I love it too.

So many containers are worthy of

refilling and not tossing.

Have any hanging around that you just

couldn't throw away?

Let me fill them for you....

Just contact me for pricing.

Price per ounce goes down as the

number of ounces

goes up.

You Could Win a $25 Gift Card To My Etsy Shop!!

2011-05-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

My cousin, PJ, is celebrating her 50th follower.

Now last time I looked she was up to 59 but who

is counting....

PJ, of course.

Anyway, to celebrate

we are offering a $25 gift card

to Good Neighbors Candle Co. at Etsy.

If you would like to be entered just visit

PJ's blog, My Life: Planned in Pencil

and leave a comment

stating which of the candles you

would want if you could

have it.

Another Wedding Candle....

2011-05-18T06:34:00.000-07:00

I took this photo to show the size

difference between these options.

The yellow one is called Two Hearts....

A modern twist with the tradition of

lace and hearts.

I made up one as a sample but am willing

to customize the set of four that are

available.

Any colors or design.

A New Candle Line is On the Way

2011-05-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

The other day

I shamelessly proposed to an unsuspecting

fellow blogger that she might want to check

out my candles when she innocently mentioned

the need for some for her daughter's wedding.

Poor dear!

Now she was on the spot.

So, being the sweet, kind woman I have always

thought she would be she wrote a nice long

email in return explaining what they are looking

for and what I should come up with in order to

compete for her business.

Creativity....don't fail me now!

So....today Michael accidentally broke nearly

an entire box of glassware in the garage.

Amazingly I took it in stride and went out to

clean it all up. In the process I came across a

box of frosted bulb jars I had forgotten about.

Ooooh...I could play with these.

Now, these are smaller than I think my

potential customer is looking for but we

shall see. I'll show her this along with other

options yet to be put together.

Even if she and her daughter don't choose

to order from me I am thrilled to have been

put to the challenge and to come up with

another "line" of candle choices.

Inspiration.

That's what you are!!

The Result....

2011-05-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

I love how these turned out......

Decisions, Decisions.....

2011-05-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

Found this weekend.

Oh, what to do with them.

Ideas are swirling

but none are winning.

They would be amazing with peach

soy wax or a soft pink, yellow or blue.

I'll make them up when I figure

out what I want to put in them...

in the meantime......there are more

decisions to be made.

This pineapple said it had to come

home to be made into something

very special.

I just love, love, love those little

feet......don't you?

No decision to be made here.

I have more pearberry fragrance oil on

order. This popular fragrance is perfect for

the canister with a fitted lid.

Presentation Matters!

2011-05-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

Over the years I have used several different

bags for delivery of fundraiser orders.

Most often I use a white gift bag with handles.

Tissue paper wraps each candle with care and

peeks out over the top of the bag to

pretty it up.

This will not likely change for those orders that

involve more than one candle.

However,

the smaller orders have been a challenge

for me. You see, just because a gift bag is

smaller does not make that much less expensive.

Trying to keep my costs down in a world

where everything is going up

and thus keep my prices down

so my customers keep coming back

matters to me.

The least expensive bags I have ever

found were about ten cents each....

however, most of the time

I spent about 25 cents each.

Then you add the tissue paper

and it is about 30 cents per package.

That may not seem like much,

but if you figure I have been

giving 50% to my fundraising groups

and the smallest candle is $4

by the time I give them their half,

pay for the jar, lid, soy, wick, fragrance oil, color, bag and paper

I might have made a quarter on each of those small candles.

Not exactly profitable when you factor in my time.

So.....I've been playing with ideas to reduce costs

AND come up with something I am not

ashamed of.

I'm on the right track.

I can get 40 brown paper bags for

one dollar.

That is just about 3 cents each.

Then for another few cents I can

print my own design on the bag.

Yipee!!

I am thrilled.

Now, to nail down the exact design

I want on the bag.

This is the one I am playing with right

now....some customers will receive these

this week.

I'll try to get some feedback.

But, I am so excited about the possibilities!

I do not want to sacrifice

the quality

of the presentation.

Presentation really does matter!!

"They didn't Make me Wheeze"

2011-04-29T16:35:00.000-07:00

Now this is the feedback I love to receive.

A customer who had tried my candles for the first time

this past Autumn contacted me to say :

"I need to restock my candle supply. :)

I'd purchased some from the

CHALC fundraiser and was relieved

to discover that it didn't make me wheeze,

so I'm ready to give some more scents a try."

Not only is this woman going to get some

candles for herself but her son began selling

candles today for a fundraiser so he can

do mission work this Summer.

I love my job!!!

We are in the final days of the giveaway
and 20% off at my Etsy store.
To get the code for the discount and to
enter the giveaway for a $25 gift certificate
please visit Melissa at The Missionary Mama.
This link will take you to the giveaway post.

A winner will be drawn on Monday!

I Heart a Good Wedding.....

2011-04-29T04:54:00.000-07:00

Today's wedding of Prince William and Catherine...

now Duke and Dutchess,

was very sweet.

This candle with beautiful hearts is

now for sale at my

Etsy Shop!

If Someone Gave You $25 to Spend....

2011-04-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

At my Etsy shop

do you think you could spend it?

48 ounce awesome candle....I love this one!!

If so, please stop by

Melissa's The Missionary Mama

Blog and enter for a chance at

a $25 gift certificate to my Etsy store.

Really.

You should.

I know some of you are tempted......

Why haven't you done it yet?

This is for customers,

friends,

strangers,

blog readers,

blog writers,

and you

if you are reading this!!

Now is the time.....

Go.

Click.

Melissa will choose a winner on

Monday, May 2nd.

YOU Could be a WINNER!!

2011-04-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

My friend, Melissa, at The Missionary Mama,

is hosting a giveaway .....to my Etsy shop!!

You should run to her blog right now to enter

to win a $25 gift certificate to my Etsy shop!

Thanks Melissa!

You are too sweet!

Oh, by the way....everyone can be a winner

because there is a code there to give you

20% off any purchase from my shop.

I'll be listing new items each day to keep it

interesting......so come back often.

Hugs,

Perfect For Spring and Mother's Day

2011-04-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

Sweet Victorian Rose and Hydrangea Heaven

Candles have just been listed on Etsy!

SOLD - New One of a Kinds in the works!!

These containers caught my eye right away

and I knew I just had to

make candles in them.

I only have these two so

when they are gone

that is it....

Sorry, I wouldn't know where to find more.

Thanks for stopping by today....

Have a most excellent weekend!

My Candles have Shown Up in Treasuries...

2011-04-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

Talk about making my day!

Sweet shop owners on Etsy have

paid me a high compliment by choosing

Good Neighbors Candles to fit into

their Treasuries.....

This one features my purple

"sunburst" jar.....Ruzu is the Curator of this one.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dabe27849428eef613c320f/purple-inspiration

The other featured a three wick tin with pearberry soy wax.

This was the photo dannimacstudios used....

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4daa49386aee6d9143a2cf6a/let-there-be-light

Thanks so much!!

Taking Photos for Etsy....

2011-04-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

This is a big and sometimes fun challenge for me.

I like photography. It is something I never thought much

about until I began blogging and then it became clear to

me that it is an art form all its own. Love it!

Anyway, when it comes to taking photos for my

Etsy shop I flip flop back and forth between shooting

a photo for the beauty of it or for the functionality of

allowing potential customers to see every tiny detail

of the items I am posting for sale.

I think that eventually I will get to the point where I

have the photos both ways. One in a decorative pose

and one very functional. At this point it is all I can do

just to get the photos taken and items listed.

Learning as I go....

Update on Candle in a Tin

2011-04-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

As you may have read

in a former post,

the first attempt at wicking the

16 ounce tin fell short.

Two wicks were not enough to

create the nice, clean, complete

burn I was looking for.

It ended up looking like this.

Not acceptable.

Nor was the 6 ounce candle.

I am still working on that one.

However, as I suspected,

the addition on just one more

wick was perfect

for the big tin.

After 15 to 20 hours of accumulated burn

time....much better.

I love it!

I have now listed the first one

at Etsy.

It says French Vanilla but

really it can be any fragrance that

I have since it will be made up fresh

for the one who purchases it.

What Are You Baking?

2011-04-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

That was the question one friend

asked another as she entered her home.

There was shock as the realization struck
that there was nothing in the oven...
but rather a Good Neighbors Hot Chocolate Candle
was sending out the fragrance of yummy goodness.

This was reported to me as my friend

ordered a hot chocolate candle of her own.

Guilt free chocolate, that's what it is....

And now available on Etsy...

in a grouping.

Or if you just want to try just one

ask me and I will post a listing

for you.

Thanks for the Etsy Love!

2011-04-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

Two dear blog readers have so sweetly

placed Etsy orders.....Thank You!

A third person, whom I don't know

has also placed an order.

How fun to be here,
taking a few days away
in Rehoboth,

open the laptop and find orders!

So...this one has shipped already and is

on its way to a dear blog friend.

The additional orders will ship early next week.
AND...this clears the way for more creativity.
So exciting!!
Can't wait to bring out a new design...
or three!

I am so blessed!
You are soooo kind!

Hugs,
Becky K.

My Candles in A Mary Kay Gift Basket....

2011-03-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

How Fun!

My friend and customer, Sue,

is a new Mary Kay Consultant.

Remember the custom order with those

most adorable little gel candles in colored

cubes?

She is putting them in gift baskets for

Mother's Day!

The baskets are sweet

and include the Mary Kay Satin Hands

and Satin Lips sets.

The basket itself is lined

and reusable.

A very nice package for $55.

Feel free to email me at beckykcandles@gmail.com

for Sue's contact information.

A Colorful Custom Order

2011-03-28T03:16:00.000-07:00

A Blue Monday Post

with Sally at the Smiling Sally Blog.

This was a fun little order

for a customer who loves

the gel candles.

It was her daughter who had the most

adorable blue punch cups as her wedding favors.

I loved seeing the combination of glass

and color....

including the blue.

I'll deliver these today.

Here's hoping the customer loves them too.

If You Think Wick Tests Aren't Important....

2011-03-24T04:45:00.000-07:00

Think Again!

This post is going to show you why.

I am in the process of testing wicks in two new designs.

They are both tins.

One is LARGE.

One is small.

I lit them with much excitement to see how they

would do. Well, the reviews are mixed.

I am quite satisfied with the first one...although

I am contemplating going up just one wick size.

We'll see how the end result turns out.

The tricky part is getting enough flame to get

a complete burn without having a hazardously

large flame that would put homes at risk.

Especially with tins because initially it is exposed

not inside a container as with a jar candle.

As you can see the larger tin needs just one

more wick.

I'll probably lose patience with

waiting for it to burn all the way down because

soy burns for~ev~er!!!

I can imagine myself popping

it into an oven set on warm/200 degrees and reusing

this wax.

Waste not, want not!

I will then set three wicks evenly in the

tin and test again.

It is a process....but it is well worth it!

Welcome to Good Neighbors Candle Co.

2011-03-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Now for sale at Etsy!

Three 4 -5 ounce votive candles with Oceans Fresh scent.

I took photos as I made them...

sharing the process with you.

Liquid soy wax. The wick must be held straight or it will lean.

The color can be a bit of a guessing game.

The natural white color of the soy

greatly impacts the final color of the product.

After so many years of working with the

soy I am pretty good at getting the desired

shade the first time.

That was not the case

when I first began making candles!

It took three pours to get the tops of the

votives completely smooth.

Silly candles.

Finished product......Enjoy!

Welcome to Good Neighbors Candle Co.

2011-03-21T06:16:00.000-07:00

French Lavender....a customer favorite!

A blog about the making, marketing and maintenance of

Soy and Gel Candles.

This is the first in a new series of posts about the process

and new products I am making.

I will show you a custom order in

progress

and

my new 6 and 16 oz tins.

The tins have cutest little feet

to allow them to sit up just enough

off the surface.

That sold me.

Love them!

But a new design means

a lot of work.

New labels.

New wick requirements.

Testing.

It is worth it...

and you can come along for the ride.

We'll have fun!

Changes are in the Air.....

2011-03-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

As of Monday, March 21st this blog will no longer be a place

to come to buy. It will be changed over to a blog about candle making.

I have greatly enjoyed my blog page on this site and am in the

process of moving all of my candle items for sale to Etsy.

So...this will be the place to come to see what I am experimenting

with, creating and to read about how it is going.

Please visit my store at Etsy to peruse items for sale.

Thanks!!

Candles at Hospitality Lane...

2011-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Candles at Hospitality Lane!

Good Neighbors Candle Co.

Soy candles are Hand-poured

~ by me~

...just for you!

Making quality Soy Candles

since Spring 2005.

I'd love to have you become

a FOLLOWER!

Design in Process!

**********

Many thanks to the blog readers and

friends who have been so encouraging in

placing orders and giving me such

positive feedback.

You keep me going!!!!

It is time to schedule your Fundraiser for Spring

or to get on the Christmas Schedule For 2011.

If you are interested send me an email at

beckykcandles@gmail.com.

I look forward to working with you!

Thanks for visiting Candles at Hospitality Lane!