Whats happening candleguy?

We thought he would post more often. What happened? This guy amazes me sometimes.  He waits until the last minute to do some more burn tests.  "I just need to know this is the right wic/wax combination.  I have ordered some different sized wicks; they will be here any day now."  Does this sound like a sane person? Yes, he is committed to giving the customer only the best  He is insane about giving the customers a candle they can give as a gift to be remembered by.  What is he doing? "Just a few more days" he told me, during the interim check out the current inventory while we wait.  He has managed to bring the number of products to 22.  He has also brought back some familiar favorites like Celtic Moonspice.  Votive sized candles are available for any of his products, just send him a message and he will make them special just for you. Votive sized candles are priced at $ 1.00 each. I have added some photo's to remind you of how nice they were. The photo's I have selected will show multiple views of Donald's votive products; these are priced $ 1.00 per votive sized candle

Is This The Ultimate Vanilla Scented Palm Wax Pillar candle?

I have been making palm wax pillar candles for 9 years, and from the very beginning of my career as a chandler I have searched for the ultimate Vanilla candle fragrance oil.  Becoming frustrated with each candidate I took to mixing my own from two Vanilla fragrance oils.  Now all my Vanilla scented handmade palm wax pillar candles smelled great, but not one of them would I consider giving the title of Ultimate Vanilla scented handmade palm wax pillar candle.  The newest Vanilla scented pillar candle just recently added to my store Candles by Donald may possibly get to hold that title.  My olfactory senses tell me this is the best.  I do not take this award lightly; the candle must earn the right to the Ultimate title from the jurors, my customers.  So for now the title rests until the jury consisting of my customers hands it out to my latest Vanilla scented handmade natural palm wax pillar candle.

Tahitian Orchid A New Fragrance at Candles by Donald

   That candleguy has been busy this past week.  Evaluating a new fragrance and preparing to announce a new product, a product many of his customers will be happy to see.  This post is about the new scent, I am not about to spoil the surprise.  Why did Donald get this fragrance? Here is how it went for me; a package arrived at the door step, oh Candlewic.  He must have ordered some supplies, another fragrance appears before my eyes, previously hidden by packing material.  Why? Why? Why did he buy this fragrance, unscrewing the cap to sneak a sniff of the new oil. Oh my God! unbelievable smell, absolutely wonderful; now I know why he bought it, but how did he know.  Here, this is from the listing.
     The beautiful pink, one pound natural palm wax pillar candle is scented Tahitian Orchid. Tahitian Orchid fragrance is best described as a blend of White Orchid blossom and Tropical fruit accords. The surface of this natural palm wax pillar candle is covered with beautiful unique crystal patterns. Never are there any two candles the same. Natural palm wax is an excellent material to make pillar candles with; it is possibly the best. These handmade natural palm wax pillar candles do not smoke nor give off any soot while burned. The finished pillar candle is shrink wrapped in order to lock in the wonderful bouquet. A custom designed label with the fragrance name, description and the Candles by Donald logo is affixed to the outside of the shrink wrap. Every order is accompanied with a safety and burning guidelines sheet to provide the customer with the knowledge to insure the best possible performance from these palm wax pillar candles. All candle orders are ship using the USPS priority mail 2-3 day system. The candles are individually wrapped and carefully packed in a shipping carton. The Policy section available from my store front will explain shipping as well as customer satisfaction policies. These palm wax pillar candles make excellent gifts; they are unique and very well fragranced.

The Collie, "Lady"

A story about a collie in need of some TLC,

and her getting it from an unexpected source.

By Donald T. MacKinnon

   It was Sunday and the Animal Hospital was quiet, no Doctors just Donald and the receptionist, Tuck.  A couple dropped off their collie for a 1 week stay in the boarding section of the hospital while they went on a cruise to the Caribbean. Tuck buzzed the kennel, a signal that meant; come up and get a dog.  Don may have been young, but had already started to learn how to read people just from their mannerisms.  Tuck for some reason was steaming mad, but could not loose her composure in front of the customers.  Don would find out exactly what the problem was soon enough, real soon.

     He greeted the people and the collie while exchanging leashes.  The collie was sad looking with its head hanging down, and as Donald ran his hand over the dog’s fur coat he noticed numerous clumps of matted hair, the problem apparent.  The dog’s owners seemed nice enough.  Don was surprised at how the collie was treated.  He walked the dog down the corridor and down another hall to the boarding cages.  This was a beautiful Lady that had lost her self esteem due to lack of care by her owners.  She was so sad it had started to affect her health.  Dogs can not groom themselves, a dog like this collie can look, and feel better if the owner will spend 10 minutes a day grooming and combing the animal’s beautiful coat.  For some reason Donald decided to take matters into his own hands and clean this beautiful collie up, all of this matted fur must have hurt.  He had a week of lunches that he would spend combing, brushing, and removing clumps of matted fur from the dog’s coat.  He felt that with a little TLC this collie would once again hold her head up high as a beautiful well groomed dog.

     Donald began to work on Lady as soon as he finished his sandwich.  The first part of the dogs grooming would be to remove the clumps of matted fur.  The biggest ones would be first along with the ones that seemed like they hurt her.  This had to be done slowly with thinning scissors and a grooming comb.  Donald sat down on a stool after opening Lady’s cage door.  Patting lady and explaining what he had to do in order to make her beautiful once again.  Did she understand, it seemed like she did and it made her relax working with him to get the job done.  The doctors often said that Donald could talk to the animals.  Everyday he visited Lady during his lunch and everyday clump of matted fur after clump of matted fur fell victim to his thinning scissors and grooming comb.  Finally the last mat of fur fell to the floor of the kennel.  Now came the part that Lady seemed to like the most, a good brushing and a warm bath.  Donald had talked to the groomer about what shampoo and conditioner to use so that Lady would look her best.  It was the day before the owners would pick her up and despite all the mats he removed her fur was still very full.  Lady was behaving very well working with Donald as he bathed her while all the time gently brushing her fur.  In no time the entire job was done.  Her white fur was so clean it seemed to shine and it was not fully dry.  Don gave her a double gage and hung the dryer at one end.  The dog stayed at the dryer end of the cage turning in circles so that soon all her fur would be dry.  The dog was incredibly smart; it was as if she wanted to remind her owners of how beautiful she was.

     It was the last day of Lady’s stay at the boarding kennel.  She was ready to go home to her own bed and comfortable surroundings.  More than that, she seemed to want the chance to show her owners how much she needed a little TLC.  Tuck was working the desk unaware of the extra care Donald had given Lady.  She buzzed the kennel as her voice came over the intercom asking that Lady be brought to the front desk.  Don opened Lady’s cage door while telling her that it was time to go home.  He gave her a quick brushing in order that she looked her best.  What a change from the first day she arrived.  This was a beautiful collie with a fantastic personality.  Anxious to strut her stuff as Donald brushed her fur once more.  Instead of a sad and very uncomfortable collie, here was a gorgeous looking Lady with her head held high.  Truth be told, as Donald entered the lobby Tuck thought he brought up the wrong dog.  All eyes were on Lady as she walked down the hallway head held high and happy to see her owners.  There was not a dry eye, as the owners realized their mistake.  All was forgiven as Lady jumped up to give her owners kisses.  Hardly believing the transformation that had occurred, the dog’s owners realized Lady was becoming ill due to their lack of care.  Donald told Tuck there were no charges for the grooming; he did all the work on his lunch hours, and quickly left the lobby.  She stood there just as surprised as the owners; later she would ask him why he gave up his lunches to give this dog the TLC she desperately needed.  Tuck explained to Lady’s owners that there was no charge, and hoped they were not upset with the grooming the kennel boy had done to their dog.  Both owners replied that the fault was theirs for not taking better care of Lady.  They left with a promise to always find a few minutes in every day to keep their dog’s spirits up.  Tuck suggested they brush the dogs fur daily for just five minutes so that Lady’s coat would not become matted again.

     No sooner than after the door closed with Lady and her owners leaving the hospital.  Tuck, stood up and made her way back to the kennel area.  Donald had not been working at the hospital for very long, and she wanted to talk to him.  Entering the kennel area and seeing Donald she asked “why did you do all that work to the collie, Lady”?  He first apologized for not letting her know about the extra care Lady received.  Tuck responded saying she was very happy even moved by the work he had done, but still wanted an answer to her question.  “Tuck, I like dogs that’s why I work here, Lady was becoming so depressed it was making her ill.  Not to mention the discomfort she must have been in due to the matted hair.  I could not stand to see her suffer, so we, that is Lady and I agreed to help each other help her.”  This was not the answer Tuck expected from this tall skinny young man, but an answer that became the beginning of a friendship.  Donald worked at the hospital up until he went into the U. S. Army, and this scenario would be repeated several times when a dog needed extra care.

Comment? Even if only to say hello.

  I write on many subjects,  and try to do a good job writing.  I am not good at writing but just love to tell stories ( all true ) relating to my experiences over the better part of 65 years.  Sometimes I show off my latest candles, why not, I do have an on-line business.  Other times I might tell of a particular experience I had during one of many adventures.  Please say hello, are you interested?  Please be nice, there is enough nasty stuff in my life, I do not need anymore.  So many stories, Scuba Diving, Vietnam, Gus's Lodge, Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department, Computer Aided Design for Digital Equipment Corporation, Domino's Italian American restaurant as cook or dishwasher, and Kennel helper and Needham Animal Hospital.
Are you able to make comments? Do I have the settings correct? Let me know.

Donald

A Moment

Spring has Sprung at Candles by Donald

I am feeling better as each day passes.  Candles have started to find their way from my studio to my On-Line store Candles by Donald.  This fragrance is new to Candles by Donald and offers a most wonderful Bouquet.  A Gardenia scented handmade natural palm wax pillar candle is the newbie.  We have a Gardenia bush my mother gave us years ago, and the scent from this candle mimics the fragrance from our bush down to the blossom.

Lilac scented natural palm wax filled sand pot candle

This sand pot candle is a beauty, but I say that about all the sand pot candles I make. Why? because it is true. This one scented with Lilac candle fragrance oil is the real deal, at least it smells that way. The fragrance is true Lilac.

A beautiful Lilac scented natural palm wax filled sand pot candle. This is another of the improved sand pot candles. The sand pot is made from a casting of 350 degree (F) highly refined paraffin wax and fine sand. The hot wax is poured into a mold made in moist fine sand. The wax is allowed to seep into the walls of the mold. After a few minutes but before the wax completely cools it is removed. The casting when completely cooled is removed and carved to a finished pot shape. The sand pot is then filled with scented natural palm wax making a scented sand pot candle. Each candle is individually handmade and one of a kind. This one is filled with natural palm wax scented with Lilac premium candle fragrance oil. Lilac scent is best described as a sweet smelling floral. The very aromatic Sand Pot Candle smells just like the beautiful flower laden bushes that seem to signal spring is here. Sweet smelling and full of fragrance aptly describes the bouquet that leaves a desire to smell this natural palm wax filled sand pot candle repeatedly. The warm, spring scent will greet your guests as they enter your home. Another one of my favorites, I love to pour this fragrance Lilac candle. 
The sand pot candle is 3 7/8 inches tall, 5 inches diameter, and has a 3 3/8 inches diameter wax pool. The sidewall is 1/2 inch minimum thickness at the top of the candle becoming thicker inside the candle. The bottom of the candle is at least 1 1/8 inches thick making the candle bottom heavy. The finished sand pot candle has a weight of 3 pounds 3.2 ounces and contains approximately 13.2 ounces of scented palm wax. The new wick size makes it easier to maintain a thin wall of wax around the inside of the candle while burning, and less chance of overheating. Caution should be used when near the bottom of the scented wax. I recommend 1 hour burn times to avoid damage to the container. Typically, there will be only 2-3 hours of burn time left in the candle at this stage, and like most of us you want to get every last bit of the wonderful Lilac bouquet. I recommend burn times of 2 1/2 hours maximum. Once the candle has cooled it may be relit and enjoyed again. The container is made from wax and sand. Although the sand helps to insulate the candle pot from melting, it is possible for the candle to overheat when burned for too long an interval. There is the urge to touch the Sand Pot Candle, after a normal or during the latter half of a normal burn time; the side walls can become soft in all cases Do Not Touch a Sand Pot Candle while burning. Like all candles, this sand pot candle should be burned on a candle dish for safety. Sand Pot Candles are so beautiful to look at and burn as a piece of functional art.

Opps

Life is just filled with surprises.  Sometimes I think that just maybe there are more than my share of surprises coming my way.  Just when the weather started to warm, things did not feel right when I sat down for supper.  Yes, it was time for one of those surprises, "Sue I do not feel very good I am going to lay down".  I lay down and then "Sue, please call 911".  Once again I get rolled into the ER at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, and after a few hours of tests.  I was given a room on the second floor.  You know you have been hospitalized too much when all the nurses know you.  The Candleguy is home and doing better.  Yes, I will start to pour candles tomorrow. What fragrance, a beautiful smelling white natural palm wax pillar scented Gardenia. Look for it in my store along with a Sand Pot Candle filled with natural palm wax and scented with a very aromatic Lilac.

Donald, where are you? Whats happening with your store?

Donald, what is happening?

Donald has had a holiday season that will not end. Donald is making candles as fast as he can. Customers are using the message system, and emailing him directly with special orders. Donald, will accommodate customers any time they knock on the door. The store will eventually be stocked, and new candles will appear. Right now, the orders for candles are taking replacement candles as fast as he can make them. Its okay, if you need a specific candle just contact him. He will be there, making candles. Donald is very happy with the support customers have given him. He wishes everyone a good year ahead, and a Thank You to all his customers.

Just a Little Too Cold For The Candleguy821

     After more than a few is way to many cold nights and cool days.  Donald was able to pour some natural palm wax pillar candles.  Today the temperature nudged its way just past the 70 mark to 73.  The forecast for Tuesday is partly cloudy with the temperature going to an absolutely balmy level of 75 - 76 degrees F.  Why the concern over a few degrees?  The rate that the melted palm wax cools plays a key role in how much crystallization takes place within the surface area of a nice Candles by Donald pillar.  Donald takes steps to get unique surface patterns during the Winter months in his outdoor studio.    
For example:
 1.) pouring at the high end of the recommended pour range.
 2.) preheat the mold just prior to filling the mold.

 3.) set the candle mold on a wooden block with 
       a circular hole slightly smaller than the 
      candle diameter cut in the block.

 4.) set a clear or translucent hood over the 
       candles once the top of the candles have    

      cooled.  Don't forget the small pouring pot 
      with the remainder of the hot wax in 

      it.  Every little bit helps to slow the cooling 
      down.

Okay, what did Donald pour today?  Southern Magnolia, color - pink

Just A Few Warm Days

Here in central Florida, we had a few warm days.  Yes, Donald was able to pour some candles.   You are probably thinking, when? and how many.  Candle purchases continue with tremendous support for Donald's work.  Customer demand for his beautiful candles has made him very happy.  During the few days warm enough to pour, Donald made a few Lavender, Cinnamon Bread Pudding and Butter-cream Crunch.

Lavender 

Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Donald will be taking photos of Butter-Cream Crunch after this next batch of pillar candles.  Sales have been brisk for this natural palm wax pillar candle, and customer orders always come first.  Photos of this beautiful candle will probably be shot on Wednesday 1/11/2012.

Too Cold To Pour

For the last two days the outside temperature has been below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  In order to cause the palm wax to crystallize while cooling in the pillar mold.  The outside temp needs to be high enough to slow the cooling of the wax while in the mold.  I have found that pouring when the temperature is bellow 70 is a waste of time.  Both the chandler and the the palm wax react more positively when the out side temperature is above 70.  I hope to start pouring again the next 2 days.  This is the time to make sand pots.  If the sand is not moist enough, use hot water to moisten and bring the sand temperature up a little.  The warm sand will allow the 350 degree paraffin wax to seep through the sand creating a wall before it cools.  Too understand the sand pot process see the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1G2qlfcK0M

Reflecting on Christmas at Candles by Donald

For a Chandler the Christmas season is the busiest time of year.  This was the case for Donald, chandler at Candles by Donald.  His company is small with only one employee, but that does not minimize the joy he feels while reading the happy e-mails from customers.  Donald wishes to extend a hearty thank you to all customers who have enjoyed his beautiful candles.  He will continue as long as his health allows to bring a high quality product at a reasonable price.  A candle that you will not hesitate to give as a gift to friends and family members.  Donald has a long list of fragrance options for customers to choose from.  This will continue with a few new scents added to the list each year.  Vanilla Extract is a new scent soon to appear on the shelves at Candles by Donald.  For those of you who have enjoyed Cinnamon Bread Pudding scented candles, the fragrance is back.  Just a couple photos to tease you, with a link to the store and a detailed description along with more photos.

Amish Harvest fragrance oil is back in stock along with Dragon's Blood and Celtic Moonspice.  Donald wishes to remind his customers that Alchemist's Blend has been restocked, to help fend off the "stuffies" and Eucalyptus candles will be brought up to normal inventory levels for those customers wishing to use these candles as aromatherapy aides.  From all of me at Candles by Donald THANK YOU and have a safe, happy new year.

Okay I missed a few days, new Southern Magnolia

I have been very busy making candles and taking photos.  Did I mention locating and purchasing new awesome fragrance oils.  The latest just arrived today, Friday, and it is called Southern Magnolia.  I will pour these tomorrow Saturday, and take photos as soon as they cool.  The scent, so clean, refreshing, and so Magnolia, WOW!! I love my job.  This is the real thing, just like the big flowers in the trees so common here in the South.
  The candles cooled, and look so beautiful.  You be the judge, here are a couple photos.  I will provide links to my site and more photos, along with a detailed description.

What is Donald pouring today Dec 5th Monday

This is it!!!! WOW, if this isn't the best bakery scent I have poured, believe me this one, beats them all. The approximately one pound natural palm wax pillar candle is colored a vibrant yellow. The fragrance Christmas Cinnamon Bread Pudding is best described as a creamy vanilla blended with, nutty walnut, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey to create this spectacular scent. Pouring these awesome fragrances is by far the best part of making pillar candles. I get so hungry sometimes, when there is nothing to eat that compares to the scent I am pouring "oh, the humanity," just joking around. This is a great scent for the holidays, and actually any time of year this one is fantastic.

What did Donald pour today Friday December 2nd

Thursday the warm up did not come, the temperature was just too cold to pour.  Friday things were different,  I started in as soon as I came back from seeing my heart Doctor.  Yes, I am sick complements of the agent orange that was sprayed everywhere is Vietnam.  Its okay, What I did made a difference, saving many American lives.  My curiosity bested my plan, and I decided to pour Alchemists Blend, the new synergy blend in town.

As you can see the candles came out beautiful. This is a synergy blend of essential oil.  The oils from fir, eucalyptus, and pine oils were blended together in just the right proportions.  The blend is fantastic for relieving stuffed noses and congestion.  

What is Donald Pouring Today?

     I have decided to provide customers with the name of the scented candle that I am pouring on a given day along with a description of that fragrance.
Sunday 11/27/2011 - Frankincense and Myrrh
     I will be pouring the star-burst blend of palm wax (Bittercreek candle supply, Inc. my supplier calls this a feather blend) no matter what you call it the surface crystal patterns are beautiful.
     Frankincense and Myrrh is best described as an enchanting aromatic blend of frankincense and myrrh with hints of balsam, spice, patchouli and sandalwood. This candle fragrance is infused with essential oils.

 The pour on Monday went very well as you can see by the photos.  Tuesday I was unable to walk, even assisted by my walker.  I had so much fluid on my knee causing movement to be quit painful.  The best cure was rest with my knee raised higher than my heart and heat on the knee.  Wednesday, I was better, but the knee was still a problem.  So I  listed the Frankincense and Myrrh pillar.  Wednesday a cold front moved into our area making palm wax candle making impossible.  I feel better my knee feels much better.  A new fragrance arrived on Tuesday, and I am anxious to pour it.  So Apple Barrel will get moved to Friday and today I will pour the newbie.                

A Look At What That Candle guy Is Doing For Christmas

Ho, Ho, Ho, Yes the holiday season is upon us at Candles by Donald.  Already on the shelves and selling are Amish Harvest, Amish Spice Loaf, Frankincense and Myrrh, Clove, Creamy Cinnamon Vanilla, and Blue Spruce.  I will be adding one more, Cinnamon Bread Pudding.  Well, there you have it, my Christmas lineup.  Please stop by Candles by Donald; my door is always open.  Check out the photographs of the most beautiful natural palm wax pillar candles.  Lets not forget votives,  I know there are only four listed.  Okay here's the deal, if I carry the scent I will make you some votives.  How much will it cost, you say.  A special pricing for the holidays TWO 2 ounce scented votives for $1.50.  Also, I will put extra samples for you to try in every order, Merry Christmas!


Amish Harvest - a warm spicy scent with cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and more. Warm smelling and strong, this aroma leaves a desire to smell this natural palm wax pillar candle repeatedly.


Amish Spice Loaf - an aroma like an Amish style spiced sour-dough/sweet bread with notes of milky butter cream, pastry, caramelized sugar, raisins, spicy cinnamon & clove, hints of black currant, and vanilla beans.

Frankincense and Myrrh - an enchanting aromatic blend of frankincense and myrrh with hints of balsam, spice, patchouli and sandalwood.


Clove - A handmade scented natural palm wax pillar candle is fragranced with Clove Bud essential oil (1/3) and clove premium candle fragrance oil (2/3). Clove essential oil is said to have some wonderful properties such as stimulating the mind, lifting depression, respiratory problems, and in keeping moths at bay.

Creamy Cinnamon Vanilla -  This cinnamon fragrance is the strongest I have ever poured. There is a hint of sweet creamy vanilla and it in no way impacts the strong fragrance.  Cinnamon can be sharp around the edges of the scent, and the sweet creamy vanilla softens or smooth's out the cinnamon aroma.


Blue Spruce -  The candle fragrance oil Blue Spruce captures the spirit of the holidays with its strong, true, and enchanting bouquet. Reminiscent of the one time I walked through the snow and cut down my own tree at the local "cut your own" tree farm. Punching its way to my nose in the calm morning air was that magical fragrance that reminded me of the days when I was young; that clean, awakening Christmas tree aroma.


Cinnamon Bread Pudding - a blending of aromas from creamy vanilla, nutty walnut, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey to create a delectable strong candle fragrance. Imagine the aroma of nutmeg, and cinnamon, followed by a nutty walnut all wrapped in creamy vanilla and honey. If the smell from this candle does not make you hungry nothing will.


Candles by Donald
Donald

A New Look For Donald's Natural Palm Wax Pillar Candles

by Donald T. MacKinnon

     I had to change wax suppliers and the new natural palm wax has a new look for Candles by Donald palm wax pillar candles.  The wax supplier I have used for the last few years has made a business decision to not carry palm wax any more.  I thought I would be forced to raise my prices in order to obtain a replacement wax equal in quality.  Now it was time for me to make a business decision.  Rather than raise my prices I decided to use the only wax priced relatively the same as the previous suppliers wax (wax price plus shipping).  One thing for sure, the new wax would have to be equal or better quality.  The new wax is of equal quality, but a radically different appearance.  I  describe this wax surface appearance much like a pane glass window after "Jack Frost' has paid a visit.  The new supplier is Bitter Creek North Candle Supply Inc. from Ashland Wisconsin.  I have used 110 pounds of this wax to date and have experienced no problems making the same high quality natural palm wax pillar candles, but now with a very different look.  I am very thankful I do not have to raise my prices.  I will show off the new Celtic Moonspice and let you be the judge.

 

What's New At Candles by Donald

Hello pillar candle lovers, there has been a busy chandler at Candles by Donald, me.  We have some new fragrances, Blueberry Muffin, Creamy Cinnamon Vanilla, English Garden, Jasmine, and Magnolia.  We also have a new category of pillars, 4 inch diameter.  This translates into a much larger candle than the 3 inch diameter.  The candle has a larger wax pool, and the candle has much more surface area.  The increase in size for the wax pool will allow that much more fragrance to be dispersed into the air as the pillar candle burns.  This will give the candle greater hot throw.  The increase in size for the candle will expose more candle surface area to the air.  This will give the candle an increase in cold throw, since more candle area is exposed.  Last but not least Candles by Donald now carries a selection of votives in stock.  I also encourage you the customer to ask for any color and/or fragrance, and I will make some votives just the way you want.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3350828

Keeps Bugs Away replaces the Great Outdoors Candle

by Donald T. MacKinnon

Some people may be asking, "What happened to the Great Outdoors Candle?"  I decided to change the formulae slightly.  The change makes the candle a little easier to manufacture and improves the mosquito repelling properties.  I have increased the size of the candlewick and the diameter of the candle as well.  The candle is still 4 1/2 inches tall, but now the diameter has increased a full inch to 4 inches.  The name of the candle also changed, the new name is Keeps Bugs Away.  The increase in wick size will disperse more of that bug-repelling aroma and the contributing wax pool size will increase.  I like the way the new candle burns, and feel comfortable that the customer will as well.  Yes, the price increased, the increase in wax and essential oils forced me to raise the price.  I still use the same high quality ingredients, just more of them. Here is how the actual listing reads:

For sale is a bug repelling all natural candle, scented with the essential oils, Lemongrass, Cedarwood, and Eucalyptus.  The handmade natural palm wax pillar candle is called Keeps Bugs Away.  This is a bigger than usual pillar for Candles by Donald measuring 4 inches in diameter and 4 1/2 inches tall.  The 1 pound 10 ounce bright orange candle is fragranced to the maximum of 6 % by weight as recommended by the palm wax distributer.  The wick is the correct size for this candle and performs perfectly by gradually increasing the wax pool diameter each time you burn the candle.  The candle will tunnel for a while which will create a lantern effect as the candle burns down.  At around the halfway point, the top of the tunnel wall will begin to erode becoming consumed by the candle.  This candle will burn longer each time you light it than the 3 inch diameter pillar candle.  My recommendation is the check the candle at 2 1/2 hours, and then you decide how much longer for this lighting.  One important thing to remember, do not allow the wax pool to break through the sidewall of the pillar.  Keep the wick centered and place the candle in an area absent of drafts.  Accidents happen so be sure to use a proper pillar plate or saucer when burning this candle.  Does the candle work?  Yes, the candle works well providing the area is not too big, and there is little or no wind.  Using two or more candles will give you better results when the area is larger.  The scent though unpleasant for the insects is light, fresh, lemony, and clean smelling to candle lovers.  All candles are shipped using the Priority Mail System 2 to 3 Day offered by the USPS.  I will return all postage overcharges as soon as possible.  I will calculate the postage for your zip code and set up a special listing for you at NO extra charge.  Just contact me first, before you buy.

First Gunship, First Lefty

First Gunship, First Lefty

The story has to do with my first action packed day as a gunship crew chief in the 170th Buccaneers.    http://www.squidoo.com/the-crew-chief-chronicles-vietnam-october-1966-october-1967

Magnolia scented handmade natural palm wax votive size candles

by Donald T. MacKinnon

For sale is a Magnolia scented handmade natural palm wax 15-hour votive. This premium scented votive has a fresh fragrance packed with the smell of Magnolia buds opening madly. With a powerful throw the fragrance fills the air with the aroma of Magnolia blossoms. The very aromatic votive candle has good scent throw when burned, adding a wonderful bouquet to the room. The peach color adds to the beautiful feather pattern exhibited by this natural palm wax. This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils creating a strong pleasant scent. These standard size votives weigh 2 ounces and burn for at least 15 hours. The votive is wrapped in shrink-wrap to preserve the wonderful scent. A label with the scent name on it has been affixed to the outside of the wrapping. At present, the votives are individually sold, but order as many as you like. I will put together gift packs for you, just ask, there is no extra charge. The votive will ship using the USPS Priority Mail System 2-3 Days. Special quantity pricing is available; please contact me. 
This listing is for a single candle. Some photos may show multiple candles for effect; they also give the customer multiple views of the candle within one photo. Shipping is an estimate, when buying more than one votive contact me with you zip code only, and I will set up a special listing for you with the correct shipping charges. If there is and over charge for shipping I will return the extra as soon as possible.  Here are some guidelines for burning palm wax votives.
1.Carefully remove shrink wrapping from the candle before burning. Insure that the wick is cut to approximately 3/16 to 1/4 inches before lighting candle.
2.Always use heavy duty(just a little thicker glass)votive candleholder when burning a votive candle. Palm wax burns slightly hotter than paraffin wax.
3.Keep the wick centered allowing the candle to burn even.
4.Burn candle in an area absent of drafts. Drafts cause the candle to burn wildly and out of control. Fans, open windows, air conditioning or heating vents, can cause drafts.
5.Keep the wax pool area absent of debris. This debris will choke and clog the wick causing it to burn in an irregular manner.
6.Prior to lighting the candle trim the wick if needed; a wick that is to long will cause the candle to smoke. All the things I have mentioned shorten the burn times and make a mess.
In closing the most important safety suggestion is NEVER LEAVE A BURNING CANDLE UNATTENDED

A Salute to My Crew, Memorial Day Remembered

The Votives are Here, at Candles by Donald

By Donald T. MacKinnon

    The votives arrived at Candles by Donald very quietly.  With a spending freeze here at Donald's place, we were unable to hire a band and serve refreshments.  Just the same, they are here, four new products that look, and smell fantastic.  Did someone say "roll call", here it is Neroli, Dragon's Blood, Lavender, and Bird of Paradise.  In detail follows:

Neroli - A scented handmade natural palm wax 15-hour votive. This premium fragrance oil has a bouquet like a Mediterranean Orange Blossom, with a powerful throw. The fragrance fills the air with the aroma of fresh orange blossoms. The very aromatic candle has good scent throw when burned, adding a wonderful bouquet to the room. The lime color adds to the beautiful feather pattern exhibited by this natural palm wax. This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils creating a strong pleasant scent. These standard size votives weigh 2 ounces and burn for at least 15 hours.  Please send me a note if you have burn times greater than 15 hours.  I will not say what burn times I had on some of my test candles until I hear from some of the customers at Candles by Donald.

Dragon's Blood - A scented handmade natural palm wax 15-hour votive. This fantastic fragrance you may have smelled this fragrance while shopping at a new age store or herb shop. Dragons Blood candle fragrance oil has an aroma like an oriental blend of orange, rose, and carnation nestled on a warm dry down of patchouli. The very aromatic candle has good scent throw when burned, adding an exotic mystical presence to the room. The dark ruby red color adds to the beautiful feather pattern exhibited by this natural palm wax. This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils creating a strong pleasant scent. These standard size votives weigh approximately 2 ounces and burn for at least 15 hours.

Lavender - A scented handmade natural palm wax 15-hour votive. This fantastic fragrance is like standing in a field of French lavender in bloom. This Lavender fragrance is mostly blossom with a hint of green. The very aromatic candle has good scent throw when burned, adding a wonderful bouquet to the room. The purple color adds to the beautiful feather pattern exhibited by this natural palm wax. This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils creating a strong pleasant scent. These standard size votives weigh approximately 2 ounces and burn for at least 15 hours.

Bird of Paradise - A scented natural palm wax 15-hour votive. This fantastic fragrance by FES called Bird of Paradise smells like fresh strawberries, grated coconut, and vanilla. The fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils creating a strong pleasant scent. The standard sized votive weighs two ounces and will burn for at least 15 hours. 

The Votives are Almost Here, I Hope

I am almost ready to list the Bird of Paradise votives.  There are always the little things that turn out to be much more work than expected.  The holdup turned out to be a small warning label, and shrink wrapping.  Both of these items are on there way and should arrive on Thursday or Friday.  I will take more photos to complete the listing tomorrow.  The first 9 votives are done and they smell great.  I am burning a Bird of Paradise scented votive and it smells fantastic.  All of the candles in this batch (10 votives) wiegh greater than 2 ounces (2.1-2.15 ounces).  Burn times exceed 15 hours and the candle burns clean.