CandleStudio Gatlinburg

I haven't been blogging for awhile

2009-08-23T16:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging for awhile. Our candle business has changed drastically since spring. I'll fill you in on details later, but we've done lots of work with palm wax and wholesale accounts. Hopefully I'll get a chance to post pics and more details soon.

It is now time to gear up for the busy fall and winter season, by far the busiest time of year in the candlemaking business. It won't be long now before the temperature cools and the leaves change. Can't wait!

Book Review: The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton

2009-03-26T10:15:00.000-07:00


Buy		Read

I read the book The Great Eight by Scott Hamilton. It was a rather short, simple read, but it was packed with inspiration and advice about finding happiness. Actually it was not about finding happiness so much as it was about choosing happiness in our lives. Scott Hamilton clearly believes that happiness is a choice and a goal to be achieved rather than something that happens to us beyond our control. Clearly he is a goal-oriented person, and he broke the concept of choosing happiness into eight simple steps. If those steps are diligently practiced, much like his years of practicing to make the perfect figure eight on the ice (not to mention all the other figure-skating skills he certainly mastered), happiness will be a habit in our lives.

Life will be full of trials, and Mr. Hamilton certainly has had his share. He was adopted, and some people use this issue alone as a hindrance to finding happiness in their lives, never mind the other huge obstacles he would later face. His health was poor as a child, and he had difficulty being accepted by other kids because he was different. In adulthood he has had two separate battles with cancer. If anyone would have an excuse to wallow in self-pity, he would. However, he has chosen happiness and applied these eight principles to his own life.

This is a very inspirational read, and I think this book is timely given the difficult times we face today. It has helped and encouraged me personally in several facets of my life.

Candle Maker

2009-03-13T12:21:00.001-07:00

Candle Maker, originally uploaded by Marvin (PA).

I have been in the candle business since 2004, and I am constantly reminded that I have so much more to learn. This is a process I have never seen before. He is pouring ladles of hot wax over a taper candle to build up the layers. I have seen them made by dipping them in hot wax, but never this method. Clearly he has done this many times before. Learned something new!

Think Spring!

2009-02-16T11:16:00.001-08:00

My feet have been cold since October, and I am beginning to experience spring fever. The fact that I have been burning spring and summer scented candles may not help, although I have found them to be mood boosters! These in the photo (Pomegranate, Cucumber & Cantaloupe, and Juicy Watermelon) will be available in our store soon, as well as several others not pictured (Coconut Lime Verbena, Island Orchard, Coconut Breeze and Strawberries & Cream). I would like to hear from you. What spring & summer scents are your favorites?

We are on Flickr

2009-02-11T06:31:00.000-08:00

Our Flickr photostream can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetcakescandles/. We are constantly adding new photos of our works in progress. Some are available now, others will be in the future.

Find Me on Facebook

2009-02-09T16:28:00.000-08:00

I hope you'll check out my Facebook page at Facebook me! You can also search Facebook for Sweet Cakes Candles. Hope to see you there!

Celebrate Winter

2009-02-09T07:13:00.001-08:00

2009-01-29T11:40:00.000-08:00

I made my first "loaf soap" yesterday. Not terrible for a first attempt, but they still need a little work. I scented them with Cappuccino fragrance oil. Yum!

Book Review: The Unseen by TL Hines

2009-01-21T16:36:00.000-08:00

This is a book review of the novel The Unseen by T.L. Hines. The back flap of the book uses the descriptive term “Noir Bizarre”, and that is a fitting description. While I usually enjoy a suspense or mystery novel, this one had a little bit of a creepy factor to it.

As the story unfolds you learn about Lucas, a loner with an unusual hobby, or maybe I should say an obsession. He hides himself in tight spaces and observes individuals without their knowledge. He makes up imaginary “stories” about the lives of these individuals. While that is a creepy hobby, he never did anything dangerous or interfered in their lives in any other way.

Then the story takes a turn. Lucas meets some unsavory characters, and he begins to wonder if he is being watched. Or worse, is his life in jeopardy?

I must admit that this is not the type of book I normally read, but that is precisely why I finished it. In an attempt to broaden my horizons I am looking for different paths than my normal. It took me until chapter 13 or 14 to become very interested in the story line. At that point it seems the pace really picked up, and I had a harder time putting the book down. The action kept coming and really didn’t slow down for the rest of the story.

I was still left with a few questions after completing the book. Some of Lucas’ story is still a little unclear to me. I would have liked to have seen the author flesh this out a little more. All in all, an interesting, “Noir Bizarre” read.

Snow & More Snow

2009-01-20T15:49:00.000-08:00

Our local weatherman forecast the possibility of one inch of snow. We got 4 1/2 inches! Good thing we have plenty of groceries because we can't get up or down our driveway. It is nice to be snowed in at least once a winter, and we've thoroughly enjoyed it!

Chilly but creative

2009-01-13T16:34:00.001-08:00

Fall and Christmas are by far the busiest time of year for me, and now that January is in full swing I have had an opportunity to catch my breath. This is also the time of year that I do most of my creative experimenting with new products and formulations. After all, who wants to be outside in the rain/sleet/snow for very long? I am not tempted by cold weather at all, except for the first "real snow" each year. Still waiting for it, but in the meantime I've been in my workshop trying some new things, and I'm excited to share some of the "keepers" with you.

So many people have raved about our Pomegranate scent, but it never worked well in our soy wax. Now I think we have a winner in soap. It looks and smells amazing. I am pleased with it and have added it to the store. Hope you'll take a look.

I will tell you about more of my "experiments" soon. Got some ideas. Better go get started on them!

Pink Heart Sparkle Soaps

2009-01-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Pink Heart Sparkle Soaps were added to our store today. They are scented with Buttercream, which does smell good enough to eat (but please don't)!

Sweet Soaps for Your Sweet!

2009-01-09T15:43:00.001-08:00

When I found this soap mold I had to make these. I hope you like them as much as I do! They come in a set of five soaps as shown. Each soap is 2 oz. This year give something unique, not the last minute run-of-the-mill chocolates/flowers/card. Too predictable. They'll never expect these.

Fresh Brewed Coffee scent

2009-01-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I forgot to tell you...our bundt cake candles are now available in Fresh Brewed Coffee scent. This is a slightly sweet coffee fragrance with a mild hint of chocolate. Hope you like it.

New Additions to our Store

2009-01-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

I added some creative soaps to the web store tonight. Check them out at http://www.sweetcakescandles.com/. This is my beverage of choice, sweet tea. Yes, I'm a southern gal.

2009

2009-01-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

My sincere wish is that you have a happy, healthy and productive 2009. Happy New Year!

And the winner is...

2008-12-29T07:31:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to chellewade of Indiana. You won the Creme Brulee Bundt Cake Candle in our Wounded Warrior Project Sweepstakes. It will ship today!

The Reason

2008-12-21T09:33:00.002-08:00

We all are very busy this time of year, but I'd like to encourage you to take the time to enjoy the simple things & the quiet moments (if there are any) this week. Don't let Christmas pass by without remembering the real reason for the season, Jesus' birth.

Since I don't have a photo of Jesus to post (ha) I thought I'd post a picture of a gift He gives us. I took this picture from my house last week.

Merry Christmas & may God bless you tremendously in 2009.

The Walter Reed Christmas Card Controversy

2008-12-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

I mailed my Christmas cards to recovering soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center a few weeks ago. I got all of them back in today's mail. Assuming I had made a mistake in the address, I looked online for a correct address. I was stunned to learn that ALL Christmas cards delivered to troops at Walter Reed are returned. The explanation I read was at http://thisvetslife.com/?p=187. I, like so many others, am terribly disappointed that Walter Reed can't get it together to truly honor the troops. Troops work in the mail room bundling and returning the very cards sent to honor and thank them. Thank you to all who posted on the blog, and the drawing for the bundt cake candle will still take place after 12/25/08.

Merry Christmas to All

2008-12-20T08:31:00.001-08:00

May you eat all the Christmas treats you want and not gain an ounce.

Merry Christmas!

No words necessary

2008-12-18T10:41:00.001-08:00

Bundt Cake Candle Sweepstakes

2008-12-16T15:31:00.000-08:00

And here's a picture of the prize for our sweepstakes. The smell is AMAZING~a rich buttery, vanilla scent. You can smell it before you even open the box!

So enter TODAY! Post comments no later than 12/25/08!

Free Bundt Cake Candle Sweepstakes

2008-12-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

Have you entered our sweepstakes for the chance to win a FREE Creme Brulee Bundt Cake Candle? Here's how. Mail a Christmas card to:

A Recovering American Soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20307-5001

Once you have mailed a card, or several (hint, hint) post a comment here on our blog or on our Facebook page (search for Sweet Cakes Candles). You will be entered to win. We haven't had many comments yet so your odds of winning are quite good! Can't wait to hear from you! P.S. Deadline for posting comments is 12/25/08.

Stocking Stuffers

2008-12-16T15:15:00.000-08:00

We have lots of items in our web store http://www.sweetcakescandles.com/ that are reduced to $2 each. These make great stocking stuffers. All orders placed by noon will ship the same day so there's still time!

End of Year Clearance!

2008-12-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

We are making room for next year's products and have reduced 26 items in our store by 60%. These are all limited quantities so check it out today to stock up on your favorites! http://www.sweetcakescandles.com/

Boys & Bathtime

2008-12-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

My 10 year old nephew spent a few days with us over the summer. We had a fun time while he was here, but I was most amazed about bath time. We made him (yes, made him) get showers, but he wasn't in the bathroom even 5 minutes each time. I know he did not scrub behind the ears. So I began to think what might make bathtime more fun. This soap is what I made for him. Hopefully the "bug guts green" color & the embedded lizards & frogs will motivate him to actually use the soap regularly. Hopefully.

Support the Wounded Warrior Project

2008-11-22T11:55:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of our soldiers who serve both here and abroad to protect and defend our land and the cause of freedom around the world. There is a very easy way we can show our support. I am asking everyone to mail a Christmas card to a wounded soldier who is recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The address is:

A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20307-5001

Once you have mailed a card (or several--even better) post a comment here on our blog or on our Facebook page, which is Sweet Cakes Candles. Everyone who posts a comment between now and 12/25/08 will be entered into a drawing for a free Creme Brulee Bundt Cake Candle! We are excited to hear from you!

Book Review

2008-11-22T11:08:00.000-08:00


Buy		Read

Thomas Nelson Publishers gives away free books in exchange for agreeing to write a book review and post it on your blog. My first review follows:

I read the book Through the Storm by Lynne Spears and Lorilee Craker, in one sitting. I expected it to be an easy read and it did not disappoint.

I did not expect Ms. Spears to spill any deep family secrets, and she didn’t. I was struck, however, by how naïve she must be. Her initial expression of discomfort with her daughter’s career was concerning the Rolling Stone magazine cover showing her underage daughter in underclothes. I am stunned that she and her husband would allow the photographer to be alone in the bedroom with their underage daughter in the first place. Have you ever heard the expression that someone “just fell off the turnip truck”?

If I am mistaken and these parents are not that naïve, then I can draw only one other conclusion. The money was good and they were willing to look the other way. After reading Ms. Spears’ version of events, I am more conflicted about the family’s story than ever. Lynne Spears claims to be a woman of faith, and she recounts how her family was deeply involved in the local church and in a Christian school. I hope her faith is what she claims, but I cannot seem to justify that with the path they allowed their daughter to follow. Yes, their daughter is now an adult and has every right to make her own decisions, but the first few years of her career were when she was underage. Where were these parents at that time when they should have been screaming “NO” at the top of their lungs? I don’t say that just in hindsight, knowing now where Britney’s career path would take her. I say that from a perspective of a Christian woman. At each and every step early on, where were these parents???

I draw the conclusion that they sold out for wealth and fame. While Lynne Spears wanted to tell the story from her perspective, I received the story as a whitewash of reality. I do not doubt her sincerity, but I do think they compromised important principles, one step at a time, for the sake of wealth and fame.

Elvis & Me

2008-11-18T12:41:00.000-08:00

Everyone needs a break from time to time. I am no exception. My Dad invited me to take a trip with him to visit some relatives in Las Vegas. While I know how busy things are for this business at this time of year, I couldn't resist. Dad & I have become regular traveling companions as Mom's health prevents her from traveling as much as she'd like.

So Dad & I spent last week in Las Vegas, my first trip there. We had a wonderful time. Dad & my aunt made me laugh so much my face hurt for two days!

And another thing...Elvis. No visit would be complete without meeting "the king".

Now that I am back home there are orders to fill & calls to make & miles to go before I sleep. And although it was great fun, I'm so happy to be back in my "real life". Goodbye, Elvis.

Is Creme Brulee fragrance for you?

2008-11-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

It is always rewarding to hear feedback from our customers. We gladly welcome both constructive criticism and kudos for a job well done.

A kind customer today raved about the Creme Brulee bundt cake candle she just received in the mail. She said that even the unopened box smelled amazing, the same thing our postmaster said when we shipped the package earlier this week.

We have learned that people have many differing opinions and preferences where scent is concerned, but so far everyone who has smelled the Creme Brulee scent has raved about it. While we can't please all the people all the time, maybe this one comes close.

Mandles

2008-11-02T18:20:00.001-08:00

Halloween in Gatlinburg, TN

2008-11-01T20:14:00.001-07:00

Ok, I just had to share this adorable photo. This was the cutest trick-or-treater I saw yesterday. Notice the rubber gloves for feet.

Taking time to smell the roses

2008-11-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

I really needed a day off. Because I own my own business most people assume I can take a day off whenever I please. Yes, I do have flexibility that many people do not. However, small business owners don't leave work for the day at 4:30 or 5:00. We often are still working at 11:00 p.m. and on weekends as well.

So, I needed a break. I spent yesterday with family in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For me to say I took time to smell the roses is actually not accurate (our air quality is the worst of all the national parks in the US), but I did thoroughly enjoy the day. We went to Clingman's Dome, the 3rd highest point east of MS River. North Carolina has us beaten by 2.

As we entered the park we raved about the gorgeous leaves, but as we climbed we suddenly realized the trees were completely bare. Then we began to see the snow. What a treat in October! Yes, we had to throw a few snowballs.

It had been so long since my last visit to Clingman's Dome that I should be ashamed since we live here in the Smokies. I am making a late-in-the-year resolution to take more time to smell the.... Oh well. You get the idea.

Fall at Long Last!

2008-10-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

There is just something about fall that puts me in a better mood. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but it does. Maybe it is due in part to the temperature change. I no longer walk outside & feel like I've stepped into a sauna. Maybe it is due to the changing of the leaves. Here in the Great Smoky Mountains the colors are just barely beginning to turn. I always anticipate those few days in late October (or sometimes the first week in November) when the leaves are at their brightest & best. Is anything more gorgeous?

Maybe it is due in part to the fact that we will soon build a crackling fire in our fireplace, or maybe sit around our outdoor fireplace snuggled under warm blankets & visit with friends while we enjoy hot chocolate or spiced cider.

Maybe it is just the thought of burning my Pumpkin Pie Spice candle, one of my all-time favorites.

Maybe the good mood is in part due to knowing that all-too-soon the holiday craziness begins, but for now I can just enjoy the season with all its amazing sights & smells!

Mmmm!

www.sweetcakescandles.com

Better Safe Than Sorry

2008-09-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Most candle consumers do not pay attention to the warning label every candle should have, but by ignoring the warnings they take unnecessary risks. I always hate to hear of people losing all their possessions in a house fire, and sometimes they also lose loved ones. What is more heartbreaking?

So many fires are started by not following simple candle burning guidelines. The most important rule is to never leave a burning candle unattended. Even if you'll be out of sight for 5 minutes, blow it out. Use extreme caution if you have small children or pets. Do not burn candles in a drafty area. If under a ceiling fan, turn the fan off first.

Always trim your candle wicks. Some candles burn best if the wick is 1/8" long, and others burn best if 1/4" long. Read candle labels or check with the manufacturer for what is advised. Candle flames should never look like the one in the photo. It is much too tall. If the flames are tall or smoke, blow out the candle, trim the wick and re-light it. If the wick "mushrooms", trim it. (If that doesn't stop the mushrooming, the manufacturer did not test the candle thoroughly enough.)

Glass containers can shatter if they get too hot so stop burning the candle when 1/2" of wax remains. It is important that you do not place container candles directly on furniture.

Not only are these safety issues, but they also prolong the life of your candle, and who doesn't want the most for their money these days? Trimming wicks causes your candle to burn more slowly and last longer. Also, burn candles for only 3 or 4 hours at a time. This will make them last longer as well.

For your family's safety (as well as getting the most for your buck) follow the directions. Your family is too precious to do any less.

www.sweetcakescandles.com

Who can resist bundt cake?

2008-09-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more welcoming than the smell of cake baking. It reminds me of my childhood and my mother, who is a wonderful cook.

We have taken cake to a whole new level, and the best news is that it isn't fattening!!! We have premiered a bundt cake candle, poured in a full-size bundt cake pan. It has 4 wicks to ensure an even burn, but our buttery Creme Brulee fragrance is strong enough that you don't have to burn it to enjoy the scent.

My favorite way to display this 5 lb. candle is to put it on a pedestal cake stand on my kitchen counter. You'd be surprised how many people look twice because they think it is real.

We hope to debut several more yummy cake scents soon. I can smell them now. Gotta go. I think I need a glass of milk.

Our first blog ever!

2008-09-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

Are we the last company on the planet to have our own blog? It sure seems that way. We are very excited to start this new chapter and share it with you.

For those of you who have just discovered our company, let me fill you in. We are located in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee. This surely must be God's country, and we feel blessed to live and work here.

Our candle company began in 2004, and we haven't looked back. It has been an exciting and rewarding journey and we look forward to see all the great things ahead. We hand pour all our candles to exacting standards, and all our candles are from soy wax and vegetable wax, both renewable resources.

Visit our web store to see more of our products. We are making lots of changes and hope you'll check them out.

Sweet Cakes Candles