Welcome to The Cracklin' Cauldron

Hello Friends...

My name is Lana and I am the maker here at the Cracklin' Cauldron.

My hobbies are knitting, crocheting, gardening, nature, and all things crafty.

I have a particular fondness for herbology.   I am a plant and animal lover.  I enjoy early mornings watching the sun come up and the squirrels out dancing in the trees.   I enjoy morning coffee with my 4-legged babies. 

I also enjoy movies days with my crochet hook and yarn kicked back watching some LOTR or HP.   It is especially enjoyable in the winter when the snow is falling and its nice and sparkly outside.    

Now that you know a little bit of me, I'd like to share a bit about my products.   I am a long-time soap maker.   I enjoy the process of turning oils and caustic soda into soap.   Its calming and so very peaceful.   I also enjoy the process of making lotion and emulsified scrubs.   I find the chemistry behind the processes fascinating.    

Candle making has been the thorn in my side.    I love making candles and melts but... it has (over the years) become somewhat of a trial of patience.   So much bad information and scare tactics used in the candle community.   It is horrifying how many people are convinced that natural waxes are so much better than paraffin wax.   Now I am not a chemist, but I have been making candles for over 20 years. and listening to the advice that some give to new makes drives me nuts.    Soy wax, Palm wax, Apricot wax, coconut wax...  it's all wax that is burning with a wick.   Wicks burning equal soot.   That is just how it is.   Now some will soot more than others but...  This is actually more of a wicking issue versus a wax issue.   Of course, this is just my professional opinion so take it for what it is.   I enjoy using all different types of wax so that is what I do.   My personal preference is a blend of soy and paraffin.   I find that the creaminess of the soy and the scent throw of the paraffin gives me the best candles that I can provide for my customers.

Laser engraving is also a fun favorite pastime of mine.    Oh, how I love the smell of burning wood.  Some wood smells better than other wood but... Being a firebug at heart... I am completely in my element.   I enjoy creating designs and then allowing my machine to create beautiful art.     Yes... I know...  hand burning would be amazing but alas...  I am not patient nor stable enough to be able to do the intricate designs that the machine can do.

I am going to wrap up this first post.. I believe I have rambled on enough for now.   Take some time to browse the site and keep watch for announcements on product drops.    Also keep your eyes peeled for my online video tutorials.   I will be doing some tutorials on products that are created with my own designs.

Hugs, love and peace to all..

 ~Lana