Let the Holiday Shopping Begin!!! :o)

It has been a busy month of poetry writing, crocheting and candle making at my house. 

I sold my first batch of candles through my enthusiastic friend in Bakersfield.  They wanted more Red Currant, Pumpkin Spice, Green Tea, and (by special request) Lavender.  I was able to squeeze in the time for four candle sessions in 5 days to send their order the following weekend.  If you are in that area and would like to see my samples, send me an email and I'll let you know where you can find them.

The other good news of the month is that one of the candle samples I sent out in October has turned into an order.  Homemade by Hoyt pillar candles are now available at the Santa Barbara Winery tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara.  I discovered about a year ago how yummy their wines are and have been dropping in for a visit every few months since then.  (I highly recommend it as a Saturday or Sunday leisure outing.)  It probably helps that I have a friend that works there, both for getting me to visit and for getting my products on the shelf.  But, you get it, right?!  I'm willing to drink as much wine as it takes to sell my candles.  Haha.

The final good news of the month is that I was contacted about being included in the holiday shopping guide for Child Style Magazine.  I'm not really sure when it is coming out or where to see it, but... they thought my Frappuccino candle was pretty nifty.  I hope they can send me some holiday customers!  My website could use the advertising help.

Winter Preparations Part 3: Samples, Etsy and Interruptions

The past few weeks have been a complete whirlwind. I only have two to three weeknights free lately which I can devote to my candle business. The stress knots in my neck and shoulders are proving to me that it's not enough time. I'm working on figuring out which regular commitment I can cut back or cut out, but for now... It is what it is.

The good news is that I'm a little more busy than expected because a few of my friends have been out there promoting my candles. Despite being delayed by an apartment covered in roof gunk (fell through the ceiling cracks during re-roofing), I managed to make enough candles to keep up with the amount I want to post online for Christmas and to hand out samples to a few local store owners who heard about my candles from friends. I got the information printed out for the store sample bags just moments before my computer was overtaken by a virus. Thankfully, none of my files were destroyed. I just had to live without a laptop for a few days.

I cheered myself up about the computer virus by saying the timing must have been good luck for wholesale candle orders. I still haven't gotten any call backs, but will try ringing them in a few days if I still haven't heard.

Winter Preparations Part 2: Introducing Crochet Mug Cozies

For the first time in forever I feel like I accomplished a heck of a lot of stuff in a week!  The most exciting part was the discovery of a crochet item I can make fairly quickly... mug cozies.  Aren't they cute?!  I feel a bit bad about copying someone else's idea, but there are patterns published all over the internet and I think there is room for me in the cozy market.

I've also made quite a few candles to add to my online inventory this week.  The rose petal candles really do smell better than a dozen roses.  I highly recommend them to any man who needs to buy a romantic present for a lady.  The green colored black tea candles also smell amazing.  If you want something clean smelling with a hint of spicy, you should give these a burn.

Happy Labor Day!  I'm off to relax, watch TV, and possibly crochet some more cozies!

         

Update on the (hopefully no longer) upcoming 1099 change.

I haven't had time to photograph or post last week's candle batches yet, due to a very busy last two weeks of summer, but did want to take 5 minutes to post a little update on the 1099 reporting change I wrote a blog post about in May. I read an excellent summary of the current status in this article today. It seems that nearly all business owners are in agreement that the increased reporting requirement places a ridiculous burden on small business owners. How do you get the tax information of businesses where your employees spend money while on the road? How do you figure out who to contact from a national chain store? How can you add the added cost of all that tax reporting time into your product without loosing all your customers? But, probably the most pertinent question is... how is the IRS going to handle the millions of additional papers they will have to process each year and make money to pay for the health care bill? Thankfully, the IRS's own National Taxpayer Advocate is in agreement with business owners' objections and included her opinion in her midyear report to Congress. Thanks to this report and the many questions and complaints received by government representatives, two amendment options are now being considered.

Option #1 (Republican): an amendment to repeal the 1099 change and eliminate it all together.

Option #2 (Democrat): this measure would scale back the upcoming changes. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees would be exempt from complying with the new requirements. Businesses with more than 25 employees would only have to send a 1099 to retailers who sell them $5,000 or more in goods (instead of $600) and they would be allowed to exclude credit card charges because the credit card companies would report the information directly.

I don't know about you, but I would be happy with either of these options. As a sole proprietor, I'd be exempt either way! The issue (as usual) is how the government will make up this lost revenue. The Democrats want to eliminate an income deduction for the five largest oil companies. To me, this sounds like a suggestion the Republicans will never accept and, furthermore, one which will directly effect the pocketbook of every American. I'd hate to see health care finally become affordable at the same time that fuel costs double. The Republican amendment claims it will be paid for with money from health care programs created by the reform law. Uhm... wait... I thought the 1099 change was supposed to pay for the health care. Now it can pay for itself? Hmmm...

The House and Senate are in recess right now, but will continue trying to tackle this issue after Labor Day. I'm glad it seems they are making progress, but hope they are able to come up with a solution that could be accepted by everyone.

Winter Preparations - Part 1

I had a little bit more time than usual to myself this weekend and told myself I would devote all that time to getting Homemade by Hoyt ready for winter.  I had plans to do a few more things than I accomplished (as usual), but managed to make enough progress to feel satisfied. 

My top priority for the weekend was to make more candles to post online.  My current online inventory is only 20 items... not exactly an enticing collection.  I was too tired to further that goal on Saturday as originally planned (on account of the fact that I picked up a catering shift to earn my "extra" income a bit quicker)... but, as I type, the final bit of wax is cooling on two sets of candles. 

Tonight I'm making batches of Tibetan Black Tea (green) and Sweet Honey Rose (mauve).  The rose recycled jar candles are pretty tea and lip gloss tins I saved from my personal collection.  The black tea jars are plain glass which I still need to choose decorations for.  The next big craft night I have available will be spent decopaging jars.  I already had four before tonight that were waiting for their finishing collage.

The other thing I "accomplished" this weekend may be nothing more than glorified procrastination... but I enjoyed it.  I have an embarrasingly large collection of yarn considering the size of my apartment.  So, I have been trying to come up with more things to crochet... small things I could make quickly and sell.  I noticed on etsy that there are multiple vendors selling "scrubbies" - crocheted cotton yarn squares to use like a wash cloth - and I decided to make one to sample.

My army colored square didn't turn out with perfect ninety degree angles, but it will be perfect for testing durability... if it sucks, I didn't waste my favorite yarn... and I practiced crocheting a uniform square with a cool pattern.  I'd say that's as close to "loose = win" as you can get.

I also looked at two other crochet products I would be interested in making: pot holders and rag rugs.  I started crocheting a pot holder sample, but haven't made it too far.  I also hunted down two old sheets which I want to use whenever I get around to trying out rag crochet.  What I really want to know is... how many of my friends and customers would be interested in buying any of the above?

The last thing on tonight's to do list is started, but probably not likely to be completed tonight.  I've chosen samples to be delivered to two locations, but still need to print price lists and informational material before I can wrap them....

Today's Forecast: Scattered Creativity

If someone had read me a forecast on how much progress I would make in June for the various "to do's" I have planned for Homemade by Hoyt... it would have predicted scattered creativity. I have made progress on a few ideas, but nothing has truly been completed. Thankfully, I did complete the candle inventory, so I was able to place it back in storage instead of having it spewn all over my only table / work surface.

The first thing I have been working on is... I plan to offer up gift sets of my products to two entities that have giveaways in my community. I'm not really sure how they choose the prizes they currently offer but think there is a good chance they would be interested in my handmade crafts... and I wouldn't mind getting my name a little exposure in front of their "customers". I know I'm being vague, but I don't want to reveal the complete details of my idea yet. However... hopefully, sometime in the near future, two lucky someones in the greater Santa Barbara area will win the two gift sets shown here. Both contain sage green colored, tibetan black tea scented candles and a bar or two of my vegan hemp soap. It definitely wouldn't be the largest prize either place has given away, but it could be one of the most unique.

Tonight I started a different project... going through all the magazines and other stuff I have stacked around the house and picking out what I want to save for collaging onto recycled jar candles. Things have definiely piled up since I last did any decopaging... and maybe I'll do more soon. I could use a bit more inventory online and my tub of jars is overflowing! If that isn't a sign, I don't know what is... of course, that won't help the July "forecast" be any more focused than June, but any progress is good, right?

New Online Pricing Structure

One thing I've learned over my years of selling candles is that if something isn't selling, you need to change something... usually the packaging or the pricing structure. After a few months pondering, I've finally taken the plunge to include shipping costs in my online pricing. All online listings have already been updated to show the new FREE SHIPPING prices. Coincidentally, the prices I have come up with are only a mere dollar or two per candle over the local retail prices at Hemp Wise and Midnight Sun. I hope you will find the new prices more attractive!

Recycled baby food jars were $3.25... now $4.75 each including shipping!

Recycled frappuccino jar candles were $6.25 a piece... now $8 each including shipping.

3" x 6" Square Pillar was $12... now $16 including shipping!!!

3" x 3 1/4" Small Cylinder was $8... now $11.25 including shipping.

"Nights" at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Tonight I was fortunate enought to venture out to an interactive art party at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. I recently became a paid subscriber to the edhat.com newsletter so that I could enter their contests for free tickets, etc. and I already won my first prize! It was two V.I.P. passes to "Nights" at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and I am feeling oh-so-lucky to have won entry to this experience!

I have been in quite a creative lull lately. I haven't made any candles or soap... nor have I done any work to promote my products. When I saw this event listed on edhat's newsletter, it immediately sparked my interest. I had hoped the interactive art would get my creative juices flowing again... and I definitely feel a bit more energized now than I have for a while.

The galleries were open from 5:30 - 7:30 PM and within them activities and music had been set up. You could listen to an excellent band while having your nails artfully decorated or as you create a piece of art. I chose the latter and was instructed to either brush water colors over my sheet to create a colored background or use nothing if I prefer plain white. Then, I took squeeze bottles of colored paint to decorate my paper as if I was making a smiley face with ketchup on top of my hamburger. To finish, I put a piece of clear plastic on top, squished my squeezed on acrylic paint and taped the edges. It was a simple way to create art which quickly brought out my childlike spirit. I will definitely do it again on my own.

Outside the patio was packed with fun: DJ Jeremy Sole kept the party lively as we spun art on what I think was a pottery wheel (with tape to hold down the paper). If ever there was an activity to inspire me to create candles with vibrant color... THIS is it. I think this activity may have had the highest participation rate because I saw a multitude of amazing color combinations. I believe many people took their paintings home like I did.

I would definitley say this is an event worth attending. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a swanky party to wear your new fur coat or an artsy get together where sandals and tie dye are the main groove... "Nights" merged those festivities into one. Furthermore, it is a reasonably priced event, all amenities considered. Tickets are $25, $35 or $50... I recommend the $50 VIP ticket. There are additional appetizers in the special people's section and the drink tickets are cheaper! (All the non V.I.P. people don't know it, but they missed out on a truly amazing dessert... berry skewers drizzled with multi colored peruvian white chocolate. YUM! We also sampled lamb skewers wrapped with spaghetti strands of cucumber and dipped in a yogurt sauce.) Though I must say... the appetizers I tasted in the art gallery also proved Chef Brenda Simon's ability to create tasty flavor combinations.

If you are reading this now and sad that you missed it... stay tuned to edhat.com or check the Santa Barbara Museum of Art's website for information on the next "Nights" in August. Perhaps I will see you there.

The Ventura Flea Market

Today I visited the Ventura Flea Market. I've been meaning to check it out for years because I heard it was huge and drew a big crowd. It's right down by the beach at the far north end of Ventura, at the County Fair Grounds and is run by the same organization that is in charge of the Rose Bowl Swap Meet. If you've ever visited that one, you are certain to be a true flea market patron. Even I was overwhelmed with the enormity of the Rose Bowl experience when I visited with a friend. And, the Ventura Flea Market was rather large... yet I'm still not sure how good of a venue it will be for my handmade items. The good news is that I didn't see any other candles being sold there. I did see a soap vendor... not sure if the items were homemade, but they were much less expensive than mine. The other good news is that the rest of the show was littered with antiques, furniture, jewelry, coins... and other interesting flea market finds that were drawing a decent crowd. It reminded me of another one of my favorite flea markets, the Melrose Trading Post. It's a great spot to visit on Sundays in L.A. I tried selling there once, but it was a nice warm sunny day... great for getting people out, but not really the type of day that makes people want to rush home and light a bunch of candles. I didn't sell much that day... and even though the spaces don't cost much... and I split it with a friend... I'm pretty sure I had a negative profit after I factored in the money I'd spent on gas to get there. I remember feeling oh so disappointed because I really wanted to sell there so I'd have an excuse to shop there more frequently!!! Anyhow, I'm hoping that if I pick a strategic date with candle purchase inducing weather, that things will work out well. Today might actually have been good since it just rained yesterday and people may have been at home wishing they had candles, but not wanting to leave the house to go buy them... today was nice, though still slightly chilly... and the rainy season isn't completely over yet. It would have been perfect. Too bad the Ventura Flea Market is not weekly -- not that I'm ready to go this weekend... I need a tent to shade the candles -- but maybe I can do it around "June Gloom" time. I love to burn candles when it's chilly and foggy out... I actually love that weather. And so it is settled. I will try selling my goods some time this year at the Ventura Flea Market. Hope to see you there!!!

I have been sick nearly all month, but I managed to track down the recipe I spoke of in my last post while recovering from bronchitis. It's a new favorite of the Hoyt family. We like to toss it with green & red leaf lettuce, artichoke hearts, asparagus, hearts of palm & feta cheese.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sun Dried Tomato Salad Dressing

· Servings: ~2 cups
· Preparation Time: 5-10 mins
· 1/2 cup Water
· 1/2 cup rice vinegar
· 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
· 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
· 2 Tbsp honey
· 2-4 cloves of garlic
· ½ tsp dried italian seasoning
· ¼ tsp dried tarragon
· ½ tsp salt
· ¼ tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Throw all ingredients in the blender. Blend until it is as smooth as you like for a dressing. This usually keeps for up to two weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Procrastination and Frustration

Nearly two weeks have passed since my last post and very little has been accomplished. I've been burning tea light after tea light in my old christmas candles... thoroughly enjoying the vanilla smell but not getting rid of much wax. Thus, I am no closer to beginning my project of determining the best way to clean the candle jars for reuse or recycling. I did, however, begin testing a particular apple juice jar candle to make sure it would burn correctly. It burned great for the first 6 or so hours, then it went out due to the pool of wax drenching the flame.

In the morning I had the "brilliant" idea to attempt to pour off the excess wax to create a votive while ensuring that the apple juice candle would continue to burn as well. As you can see below, the results were not that pretty... the flame had blackened the wax. So, sadly I am back to square one. But I love this jar so much that I have to make one more attempt. Perhaps if I don't fill the jar so full originally it will burn better.

Thankfully for me, there was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I am currently making an order of candles for Midnight Sun. Below are the first two batches. The gray & red candles are Dragon's Blood scented - like new age resin, dragon's blood is a wonderful oriental blend of orange, rose, and carnation with a hint of patchouli and creamy vanilla. In the multi colored brown candles I am bringing back an old favorite, Tea Time - a spicy blend of citrus bergamot, peppercorn, cloves and more.

The full order of candles should arrive at Midnight Sun by Tuesday at the latest...

The Scent Lives On

It's Friday night and I'm at home, sipping a bottle of Westerly Vineyards 2002 Estate Grown Cab Franc Merlot blend. I decided to relax at home and sip some nectar from heaven... as I wandered to my DVD player to pop in another flick, I caught a whiff of ultra rich vanilla. It was coming from the christmas candles I burned until they smothered, and it made me want to write a bit.

Don't you hate it when your container candle burns "all the way" yet there's wax left along the sides? As a candle maker, let me say, I feel your pain but there's just no controlling the flame. I am not infallible, but generally do an excellent job of centering the wick. I always use the specified wick size for the width of the jar because there's no way I'm going to risk my product heating the jar until it shatters. And so, I suppose the unavoidable side effect is a bit of remaining wax. I recommend burning tea light candles inside this remaining "shell" of wax until the jar is as wax free as possible. I am currently experiencing the reality that there is plenty of leftover scent which can be released with the help of a tea light.Thinking about burning every last drop of wax in each jar candle also got me thinking about what to with the jars after that. I'm excited about the fact that I'm saving the earth a bit of carbon dioxide for each reused jar that I make a candle in... if I had bought a brand new one, another five to fifteen ounces of CO2 would have been released into the atmosphere, depending on how much recycled glass had been used to create that particular jar. Making a glass container from 100% raw materials uses about 40% more energy, so there is both a cost and environmental savings to recycling. (I've been reading up on my statistics the past few weeks.)

The reason I'm rambling about all this is because I think it is important to give my jars another life after the candle no longer burns. My first thought was that the soy wax isn't very porous, so it could possibly be scraped out with a butter knife or spoon. I have also found a few suggestions on the internet, one involving your microwave and the other using a vegetable steamer... I'm not sure I'm thrilled with any of the options at this point, but when my current jar candles finish burning I'm going to try them out and document the process. There are so many things these containers can be reused for. Obviously at my house I can make another candle, but they could store candy, buttons, jewelry, coins... or you could use some as flower vases. If you have enough jars around the house, then put them out with the recycling trash so they can find new life as an ingredient in concrete or fiberglass. There is no limit to the number of times glass can be recycled, so don't let the cycle stop with you... stay tuned for jar cleaning instructions.

One week, one order, one pledge, one recipe

It's hard to believe the first week of the year has already come and gone. I've already gotten my first wholesale order of the year - thank you Hemp Wise - which begins the ticker for dollars pledged to the Environmental Defense Fund. This order will mean a future donation of approximately $5... it sounds small, but I think the number will be much larger when I finally tally it up and make the first payment and I'm excited to be supporting a cause with my work. I didn't find time for any marketing this week, on account of having a cold and being busy enough just making, labeling and wrapping candles for Hemp Wise. So far I've made Red Currant, Rustic Woods and Oceanside... tonight I will make the final batch, pomegranate spice.

I also did a bit more cooking, through the week... glass jars are accumulating slowly. I thought I would share my newest potato salad concoction with you. It's loaded with vitamins and contains much less fat than traditional recipes thanks to the addition of greek yogurt.

1 bag baby gold potatoes

1 - 12 oz jar roasted red bell peppers - diced

1 shallot - diced

6 oz greek yogurt

2 Tbsp mayonaise

olive oil

Wash the potatoes then put them in a large pot, fill with water and put it on the stove. Bring water to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until potato skins begin to crack open (approx 40 min.). Drain and cool.

While potatoes are cooking, heat approximately 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a skillet on low heat. Add finely diced shallots and stir frequently. Cook 2 min or until lightly browned.

Once potatoes have cooled 5 - 10 minutes, pour in a casserole, use a fork to break into smaller chunks, then stir in yogurt, shallots, mayonaise and diced roasted red bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Allow mixture to cool on the counter 20 - 30 minutes before placing in the refrigerator to prevent condensation from watering down your chilled potato salad. Enjoy!