From Our Readers

From our Holiday 2007 Newsletter
From our Harvest 2007 Newsletter
From our Spring 2007 Newsletter
From our Winter 2007 Newsletter

From our Holiday 2007 Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter

Storing Honey, White mold or scum on surface of wine, Can I purchase bees wax candles at the vineyard, Grape varieties available, Concord juice, Cleaning beeswax, What is ripe this weekend, Do you ship concords, Great Grape pie recipe, How long will you be selling bulk honey? Cabernet franc grapes?

10/30/2007 - Bernie McKenzie

I went to a fundraiser - Boricki's and won a beautiful basket of Honey, jams, etc. I use a lot of honey -- but the 5 pound one may take me a while to eat. What is the storage policy on honey? refrigerate? how long will it last? on the shelf?

Thanks much

Bernie McKenzie

Honey will last many years - all it will do is granulated and become solid. It does not need to be refridgerated. If you are not going to use it soon and want it to not granulate - just put it in the freezer. To re-melt granulated honey just put it in hot water and warm it. We do not heat our honey above 135 degrees.

Bill & Pat

10/7/2007 - Soun Vattana

Hello Sir,

I am Soun Vattana. Could you please help me with this second stage of fermenting? I just moved all my grade juice from completed primary fermenting into five-gallon carboy bottle about two days ago. Now, I just noticed that I have some white mold on the surface of my grape juice (wine). Is it normal for the second fermenting? If it not normal at this stage of fermenting, please give me some advices.

Thank you so much,
Soun Vattana

Although it is not desireable it does not sound un-typical of some fermentations. I have seen small white mold or scum occasionally on the top surface. You may want to rack it again and add 1 cambden tablet (crushed) per gallon.

Bill

10/5/2007 - Nancy Stevenson

Question: I live in Dryden can I purchase bees wax candles at the vineyard.

Thanks - Nancy Stevenson

Yes - We are open this weekend and probably one more weekend and we have a small assortment of candles at the vineyard. At ANY time you can place an on-line order and if you wish to pick it up - just process the order normally with shipping and credit card and if you want to pick it up from our porch and even pay with a check - just let us know & we will adjust the charges.

Bill

9/27/2007 - John M

I have interest in Concord grapes to make wine, or would be better if I could get Concord grapes juice, because I don't have the necessary tools. I see that you have these grapes, but I'd preffer the juice, because I don't have anybody to join me for grape ripping. Do you sell Concord grape juice, or do you sommebody who does this?
Thank you.
My best regards, John M

We do not sell grape juice. We do have a crusher-destemer area where you can crush your grapes after you pick them. If you want to make red concord wine you need to ferment on the skins anyway - fresh pressed concord juice is white.

Bill

9/7/2007 - Andrea and Family

Hi Folks. What a great website!
We are newbies at the beeswax candle making process. We purchasedÊ
a large quantity of dirty wax and are experiencing difficulty inÊ
getting it clean enough to burn well. Any tips?
The other question we have is about cutting the blocks to use inÊ
our little kitchen candle workshop. Do you know of any good methods?
Thanks, Andrea and Family.

We use large stainless steel tanks to melt our beeswax.
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/articles/tapers/tapers.htm

I would melt the wax with a lot of water in the bottom of the container - lots of the dirt will drop down into the water. Then strain it into another container. Let is settle. We leave our wax tank on almost all the time and the fine particles of dirt will settle to the bottom. Try leaving your wax hot overnight. We do not cut large blocks of wax. We use a very large screwdriver like a chisel and crack off large chunks - it helps if the wax is outside and is cool.

Good Luck - Bill

9/9/2007 - George Steinhardt

I have made wine in MO for years but have not been able to procure
any grapes here in Michigan. I am therefore delighted at finding
your web site. I have two weekends available this fall to pick
grapes. This weekend and Oct 13. What grapes will be ripe one
those weekends? I generally like to make either a Cabernet, or a
Chardonnay. I do have a wine press for the white grapes. However,
I do not have a stem remover. The wine shop always supplied that
for use when we picked up the grapes. Do you have a destemmer that u- pickers can use? I also wonder if you know of a local source of
bottles and corks. My Dad lives up in Bad Axe and we have some land
there that I think might be suited for grape growing. I would love
to view your operation to see further what the probabilities might
be. Looking forward to the interaction....and finally getting some
Michigan grapes!
George Steinhardt - Rapids, Michigan
I would love to get your news letter.

Most of our grapes will be ripe by this weekend. We will probably be closing and almost sold out by Oct 13. We do have a crusher-stemmer available here - all you need is pails to bring the must home in.

Our varieties:
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/vineyard.htm

See you this weekend - Bill & Pat

9/10/2007 - Bill Shivers

Hi, I love concords, do you ship them?

Thanks,
Bill Shivers, Lexington SC

I am sorry but we do not ship grapes.

Bill

8/28/2007 - H Mackey
Subject: Re: Great Grape pie recipe

Thank you for sending us this recipe. We would like to put in in our next newsletter.

Please send us your address and we will send you a pair of candles as a "Thank You". Bill & Pat

I used Mars grapes (a locally grown grape in NE Ohio).

4 C seedless grapes
2/3 C sugar
l/2 t gr. cinnamon
3 T cornstarch
2T lemon juice
lT lemon zest

Pastry for 9" double crust pie

In a saucepan combine grapes, sugar and cinnamon; toss to coat. Let stand for l5 minutes. Combine cornstarch, lemon juice and zest; stir into grape mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Line pie plate. Pour grape mixture into crust . Dot with 2T butter. Put top crust on; trim, seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top. Cover edges loosely with foil. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees; remove foil and bake 30-35 minutes longer or until crust is golden brown. Cook on a wire rack..

Notes: Juice and zest from one medium lemon equals (very closely) amounts in recipe.
Refrigerate pie to set well after cooling.

This is a most delicious pie and really so simple to make.

9/7/2007 - jlzh52

I would like to know how long you will be selling bulk honey?

We will be selling bulk honey until our Sales Stand and Vineyard closes in Mid October.

Bill

9/5/2007 - efriess

Can you give me an estimate when the Cabernet Franc grapes will be ready to pick? thank you.

We do not grow any Cabernet Franc - here are the red wine grapes we have available:
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/grapepages/redwine.htm

Bill

From our Harvest 2007 Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter

Purchase some of the taper candles with the "bloom" finish, Growing grapes in the backyard, Cold weather in June for grapes, Pressing grape juice, Recipe for Mango Wine, Pruning vines for decorative use, Do you sell beeswax cappings? Cleaning table grapes (bloom) and wine notes, Making citronella beeswax candles, Making beeswax candles at home in oven.

8/15/2007 - Terry.B.Davis

good morning! I would like to purchase some of the taper candles with the "bloom" finish. I have some antique candle holders and looking for something older looking and clearly handmade. Can you help me pick the right ones? Thank you

All of our beeswax candles will develop a bloom. Depending on how long ago they were made, our hand dipped tapers will have a bloom. Since many are made only a few months before they are shipped some may not have a bloom. I suggest ordering whatever you want and make sure you add a note in our note section so we do not "polish" them as we sometimes do. Even if the candles you purchase do not have the bloom right away they will develop it after about 3-6 months of storage. - Bill & Pat

7/24/2007 - Michael Mapel

Dear Honeyflow Farm:

I recently moved into a house that has 1 grape vine in the back of the house. (I live in Los Angeles, CA) Actually I moved in October of last year (2006) and that is when I noticed the grapes. Most of them were rotten or shriveled by then because the previous tenant didn't care and let them die on the vine. I found your web site last year and pruned them according to your site and couldn't wait until they came back.

The vine came back great. It flourished just the way yours did on your web site and I was so excited I couldn't wait until I could pick them and have fresh grapes. Then right after the grapes started growing, I noticed ants, by the millions desend on the vine. I put down ant traps, sprayed, have done everything and I can't get rid of them. Now, thanks to the ants, half of my vine and almost all of my grapes have died, shriveled or been sucked empty because of them and there are more ants now than ever.

Do you have any idea of how I could get rid of them and salvage what little I have left? I am at a loss as to what to do... It is so frustrating especially since I was so looking forward to eating the grapes this year and have waited so long.

I really would appreciate any help you coulf offer.

Thank so much, Michael Mapel

I have not had problems with ants. All I can think of is to use LOTS of ant traps. You could look more on the web for ant control solutions or contact you California Extension office or other Agricultural people. - Bill

7/9/2007 - Bernadine Wijnberg

Morning!
What would happen or perhaps does happen if extreme cold or disease were to affect the grape vine during the June month as the small fruit is developing? Does the entire plant have to be chopped or do you simply lose some of the fruit. I suppose it does depend on the extent of the damage but what is your general recourse in the event of this?

Regards, Bernadine Wijnberg

I don't know what you mean by extreme cold. Anything up to a freeze would not hurt the vine much after it has set fruit. Freezing temps would burn off any green growth. Many fungi can damage the plant and affect the clusters. Usually you would just lose the fruit and let the vine alone and prune normally next year. - Bill

5/23/2007 - ssreyn

Hi please add me to your mailing list for the fall newsletter. Do you
press grapes into juice for customers?

I have added you to our mailing list.

We no longer press wine juice - however we have a crusher-destemmer available along with mesh press bags that you can use - it makes it much easier to make wine. - Bill

5/13/2007 - Howard

Could you please help me. I am looking to make Mango Wine from 100% Mango Juice that I purchased from the store. Any help would be great, Thanks, Howard

You can make wine from any fruit juice - it may start fermenting by itself, but if it has been processed the yeast may be killed and you will have to add some.

Try adding about a 1/2 lb sugar for each gallon and some wine yeast purchased from a wine store - if it is fresh juice you will not need the yeast. - Bill

5/6/2007 - phantx

btw , I'm bit of a noob if I don't prune back my vines they will be just less sweet ? I have 2 plants at 3 years old 1 at 1 years old 3year plants didn't yield muck do they take a few years ?

Here is a link to how we prune our vines: http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/grapeproject/grapeproject.htm

If the vines are not pruned when they get larger - there will be too much fruit and it will not ripen properly and it may weakin the vine.

Usually you get a crop in your 3rd or 4th year. - Bill

5/11/2007 - Donna Farina

Do you sell beeswax cappings in bulk? If so, is it by the pound, and how much is it?

No we do not - all of our cappings go into making candles. - Bill

4/27/2007 - Wayne Schmidt

Dear Ma'am or Sir,

I know nothing about wines and even less about wine making. However, I do grow a lot of grapes for eating fresh and while experimenting with different ways to prepare them for the table, came across a process that made me wonder how it would effect wine made using it.

For many years I noticed that most grapes have a dusty undertone that detracts from the clarity of their flavor. I discovered that the source of this dusty flavor and texture is in actual dust particles that get stuck to the waxy coating that protects the grapes. I found I could eliminate this dustiness by plunging a bunch of grapes in boiling water for five seconds then immediately immersing them in ice cold water. The hot water melts the wax and removes the dust. The result is a much brighter, cleaner tasting grape that has not had its texture effected.

I began wondering how such a process would effect the flavor of wine made from such grapes when another processing step occurred to me: stem removal before crushing. My question then is: What type of wine would result from grapes that had their waxy coating, and the dust associated with it, removed as I described as well as the grapes removed from all stem material prior to pressing?

Thank you for taking the time to read this email and for any thoughts you have the time to offer.

Sincerely, Wayne Schmidt

Wayne - Thank you for your ideas.

The dustiness on the grapes is called bloom and it is a lot of dust along with yeast cells. The washing of the grapes like you are doing sounds like an excellent idea for table grapes. It could be useful for winemaking as cleanliness is very important, but it may not be necessary. The yeast cells on the grapes are used by many winemakers and are natures way of providing the yeast - although many winemakers (me included) - prefer to use a cultured wine yeast.

Stem removal is a common and preferred practice for winemakers - we have a crusher-destemmer available for our customers use at the vineyard. If you leave the stems in red wine for any length of time you increase the tannin level of the wine too much - and it can become bitter and astringent. - Bill Schnute

4/24/2007 - JOE & FERN DEGOIS

Hello, I really like your web site and newsletter, lots of great information and advice. My sister is a beekeeper, so we have a LOT of beeswax around. I have made pillar candle and votives and really like them. Make great gifts too. My question to you, and I have asked others with no avail, is it possible to make citronella beeswax candles? I was think votives first, maybe a small pillar. Would you use essential oils or scented oil? And how much beeswax and scent would you use? If you could guide me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it and I will let you know how it turns out.
Thank you - Sarah Marie

P.S. My sister has also lost over 50% of her hive, very devastating to her.

I made some citronella candles last year as an experiment. I got the citronella oil from Candlewic.com. I think I used a rate of about 1lb oil for 30 lb wax. Experiment in small amounts. Good Luck - Bill

More 2nd thoughts on candle: I think i did not use the 30 lb wax rate - It was more like I put wax in a large (about 1 qt) metal pail that used to be a citronella candle - filled it with wax and poured in some citronella oil until it smelled strong - I did not measure - used maybe a half cup of oil?? Just a guess - real technical!! - Bill

4/19/2007 - Terri

Hello - I am Terri from NC and have 2 bee hives. My kids and I made candles tonight and the darn things are cracking when cooled. What am I doing wrong? I did warm up the containers before pouring the wax, however, I'm still getting splits. Can you give me some suggestions? Thanks.

Hi Terri - To keep beeswax candles from cracking you must cool them very slowly. Preheating the molds helps. I cool in a temperature regulated tank.
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/articles/beeswaxpillars/beeswaxpillars.htm

When I pour, I set it to 130 degrees, then about 12 hrs later I touch up the tops and turn it to 110 degrees for a few hrs and then off.

You may want to try covering the hot, poured mold with some heavy cloths to insulate it and let it cool slower. You could put it in a warm spot like an oven at a very low setting but that sounds kind of like a fire hazard.

Good luck - Bill

Thanks, Bill. I did put them in the oven and left them there to get hard after I turned the oven off. Some did okay, some didn't. I burned one and it burned straight down - absolutely useless candle!!! How in the world do you avoid the burning straight down without cutting parafin wax in with the beeswax? I will probably be ordering some polar candles from you for my Mom. I really appreciate your response. My kids and I did this as an art project yesterday and I was quite disappointed when we burned one. How frustrating!
Thanks again. - Terri DeLuca

There is no advantage to adding parrafin to beeswax. They are "burning straight down" because the wick is not sized right. Beeswax uses a larger wick. You have to experiment. I use all square braid wicks in our candles. - Bill

From our Spring 2007 Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter

Treating honeybees for mites, Purchasing and picking up raw honey - "organic honey", Shipping & candle size questions, What would happen to the vines if they were not pruned? Source for honey bee packages, Learning to make wine, Thank you for shipping the honey, Tried other candles and like yours better, Do you offer tours of your facilities? Cool Pictures of Grapes and Berries at Different Stages. Nice site! Candle making questions, Purchasing honey locally, What do you do to control mites, A note from the mountains, Vineyard in the Rocky Mountains, Candle Catalog

4/8/2007 - Mary Ann
What kind of home treatment could my father use to treat his bees for mites? He has had two hives a few years now, and recently acquired a new hive a week ago. He just found this new hive dead. He said bees were hanging from the hive. Just in case this new hive was infested with something he would like to treat his old hives for mites and was hoping I could find some information on the internet for him. Any links or other sites would be greatly appreciate. Thanks, Mary Ann

I usually treat in the spring and fall with products containing thymol.

There is lots of info on our beekeeping resources page:
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/links/partners15.htm

If your father lost 50% - unfortunately that seems to be the normal lately. Good luck - Bill

4/11/2007 - Lori
Hi, I live in Dearborn (near Detroit). I'm interested in purchasing raw honey but don't want to pay shipping since I'm only an hour from you. Do you allow pickups? Also I was wondering if you sell organic honey? If not "certified organic", do your products contain pesticides, herbicides, etc.? Thanks for your help with my questions!

Sincerely,
Lori - lorijohnandbaby@aol.com

Lori

I do not put a lot of credence in the words "organic honey". Our honey comes from Michigan Wildflowers. The honeybees have their own way of making it organic. If they eat pesticides from flowers out in the fields - they die and do not return to the hive.

I can sell you 2 gallon pails of honey that you can pick up from our porch at any time (with advance ordering) for $45. Or you can wait till September and bring a pail and fill it from a 55 gallon barrel at our Sales Stand in the fall.

View our Bulk Honey Page

Bill

4/11/2007 - Jeff

My initial order would be for 8 large 6"-9" pillars. Ideally I would like something a little wider.
would you possibly ship overnight?? also are custom sizes available??

Thank you - Jeff

We do not do custom sizes or ship overnight. We usually ship within a few days unless we are short of stock and have to pour more candles - and then it could take a few days.

Bill

4/10/2007 - Lori

Hi, My name is Lori Beasley and I am from Millry, Alabama. I am in a discipleship group at my church and we are studying John 15. The pictures of the grape vines are wonderful and really help me visualize what Jesus is trying to teach the disciples in this chapter. But I had one question - What would happen to the vines if they were not pruned? Would they still produce the same harvest as the ones that are pruned?

Thanks so much for your reply -
Lori Beasley

If the vines were not pruned in the spring the vine would produce too much fruit and weaken itself over the next few years. Pruning limits the vine to just the right amount to remain strong and ripen a good crop.
Here are some pruning pictures:
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/grapeproject/pruning2006/pruning2006.htm

Bill

4/2/2007 - Rich

Hi, Looks like quite a professional operation. I was wondering if you could tell me your source for honey bee packages. I use to have a hive before moving and raising kids. I'd like to start a new hive now that the kids are older, but I'm having a difficult time finding a source for bees on line. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Rich - I would try SE Mich Beekeepers or Mich Beekeeper for more info
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/links/partners28.htm or find weavers on line. Bill

4/6/2007 - Bob

Hi - I am deaf man. I want to know, please. Could I visit your place for wine. Could I learn to how to make a grape Wine? Could you teach me to how to make a grape and white Wine? What time will your office opening for spring and summer season or anytime? Please give me some information.

Thank You
Bob Barnett

Hi Bob

You don't need hearing to make and enjoy good wine. Go to our vineyard pages for lots of info.
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/vineyard.htm

We are not open in the summer - only in Sept.
See you in September. Bill

Dear Bill,THANK-YOU for the honey!! I have already made the honey butter,honey cream cheese and the hard honey cookies! I have some friends coming over tomorrow who are making some honey bread and sharing the bulk honey that I purchased.We can't wait to come out in the fall! I definately will be in contact with you about purchasing some candles.You website is amazing!! Sincerely, Lori Ferrett

Hello to all at the farm. I have bought candles and soap from you in the past. A few weeks ago I decided to buy a "less expensive" beeswax candle. It was only a little bit less expensive and although it was still a poured candle (not those rolled ones) it just wasn't as nice as yours. It wasn't as fragrant and it didn't have the same natural - rustic look yours have. Sorry, I won't do it again. And of course, they didn't have those wonderful soaps!

Doria Lenicky

3/7/2007 - Laurel

Hello,
My name is Laurel Zoet and I am the Naturalist/Programmer for West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation.
I am currently working on our spring/summer program offerings and one of the things I would like to offer is a field trip to a honey farm.
I am wondering, do you offer tours of your facilities?
If yes, what dates are available and what does it cost? (either group rate or per person rate?)

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Laurel Zoet
Naturalist/Programmer
West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation

I am sorry but we are not set up for tours.

Many people and groups come visit us in the fall, however. They can pick grapes, purchase candles and honey and see a small observation hive at our sales stand. We are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from about Sept 1 to mid Oct.

Bill

3-16-07 - Subject: Cool Pictures of Grapes and Berries at Different Stages.

I really enjoyed your picture essay on grapes and berries at their various stages of growth and pruning. It really helped me get a picture of what I need to do to get a good harvest of grapes to allow me make some good vino.

Thanks, Art, a friend of Jesus.

Maria

Hey what a fantastic site !! loved it wish i could do that its been a dream ..ill leave it for you to do .to dangerous .i live in louisiana me and my mom were saying we dont see any bees any more..i raise passion vines and the only
bee i see is the big black one,,i heard if he stings your going to hospital ? any way its sad i dont see bees here ..thanks maria ..sell your honey let me know my mom loves it gotta go to work ..

2/18/2007 - "Dr. Jacques-Jude Lépine"

Hi there!

I have a couple of questions about making beeswax votives, as I have very relative success with them.

What product would you recommend to use on the mold to help removing the candle from the mold? I tried silicon spray, but it creates irregularities at the bottom of the candle. I used vegetable oil, but the candles were still sticking and I had to melt them again.

I use silicon spray purchased from candlemaking supply stores (it has only a small amount of silicon - the full strength ones from the hardware store have too much silicon & are too oily. But cooling the candle (sometimes in freezer) works the best.

At what temperature (180?) do you pour the wax?

I pour at about 185 degrees (at least the water bath temp is set to 185)

Cooling process: I have very little equipment. If I put the molds in sand, is it enough to slow down the cooling so the wax does not develop crack? Any simple way to slow it down otherwise. We live in northern, New Hampshire, we keep the pace at 64.

You have to experiment - try to cool as slow as possible (over about a 24 hr period)

Burning: I used the largest wick I could find, cotton square braid, for 3.5"-4" diameter pillar. But when they burn, , they develop a tunnel in the middle, preventing to enjoy the flame, after burning about an hour.

Sound like too small a wick - each wick should be matched to the candle. I buy wicks from www.candlewic.com

I tried in small votive glass, and got the same "tunnel" effect after an hour.

I am into wine and beer making too, I just discovered your site and am very excited about your products. You'll get orders from me soon!

Thank you, Jude

2/7/2007 - Heather

I am interested in buying some raw honey to help prevent seasonal allergies in my son. Do you sell any at local shops? I hate to order on line since it would be cheaper to pay for gas to drive to a store then to pay shipping. Thanks so much!

Heather L. Miller
Resident Director
Rochester College

"Health Foods of Rochester" on Rochester Rd in Rocherster and Foglers Orchard by Gunn Rd also carry our products. Bill

2/2/2007 - Petra

I wanted to know what you do to control mites.

I use rope cords saturated with Food Grade Mineral Oil with Thymol and a few other essential oils in it. In the spring and fall and also use a "fogger" with oil & thymol in it. This is similar to using Api-Life Var. Bill

Thymol is an essential oil then? I have a friend that wants raw honey and I recommended you but she wont buy from someone who 'sprays' for mites. If you treat them without pesticides she more than likely find your honey to her specifications. (We love it)

Petra

You probably have thyme in your pantry and use it for cooking - it is the same plant. The other essential oils we use may be spearmint and eucalpytus.

Grape-Papaya Recipe

Click here to enlarge
Click here for the recipe

1/28/2007 - Ron

Hi, I'm am starting a vineyard in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of about 7,700 ft. elev. Do you have any recommendations for late budding, short season vine varieties, primarily for red wine?

I saw your notes on the following link: honeyflowfarm.com/articles/msu/bernardcall1.htm
There was no date on the notes so I'm not sure how current they are.
Hopefully, you've expanded your research and have more information to share.

Do you know of a source of vines that may grow in my area? My work with other researchers point me to the Geneva Research Station whose google search identified your web page.

Regards, Ron Martinez

Ron - You may want to look at some of the vines from the northern areas such as Minnessotta. I have some Frontenac planted that is a shorter season very winter hardy vine. I take it that it is colder at that elevation?

Check on our resources page http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/links/partners19.htm
I get a lot of vines from DoubleA Vineyards.

Good luck - Bill

1/22/2007 - Patti

Hi - just wondering if it would be possible to try a small sample of your beeswax candles. Also do you have a hard copy
catalog so I could show my mom.

Thanks so much.

Patti Vetstein

Patti
You can download our catalog on this page:
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/articles/pdffiles/pdfindex.htm.

We have a candle assortment on this page

Bill & Pat

From our Winter 2007 Issue
Click here to view the Newsletter

Best grapes for an Arbor, Saving Honey Bees, Getting started in beekeeping, Candle Winner, Proper wick, Candles arrived fine, December Candle Winner, Pine cone fire starters, 6th Grade research project, Hollow in center of candles, Unique use for pillars, Candles sticking in molds, Another candle winner

1/15/2007 - Andrea

My husband and I have been to your vineyard over the last two or three years to help our friend pick his wine grapes.

I have a little "garden house" in my back yard and this fall we put a small 8' X 8' arbor in front of it. I would like to train grapes to grow over it to provide shade and so we can enjoy looking at the leaves and grapes.

My question is, would you be able to suggest a table grape that would work for that...or a wine grape that tastes pretty to eat?

Second part of the question, would you know where I could get the vines.

Oh, I should say we live in Midland Michigan so our winters can be a little harder than yours.

Thanks for anything you can do.

Andrea

I would use concord. They are easy to grow and hardy and you can get them at any nursery. - Bill

1/15/2007 - Dr. Ellie and Whit

I recently learned that honey bees are mildly endangered. mites etc.
What do you think of the idea of raising honey bees just to help protect them....not taking the honey?
We live on 37 acres in western North Carolina. We have some beautiful places on the property that would support the bees.
please advise.

If you want to be a beekeeper - do so. The honeybees will make honey whether you want them to or not. If you do not remove the crop they will probably swarm. Your email suggests that not removing the honey will help them - not true. All beekeepers want to have healthy bees and will do whatever they need to keep them healthy - I think if there were no incentive for the beekeeper (as in getting a crop) and keeping them healthy, the bees would weaken by mites and perish - just like they do in the wild.

Bill

1/12/2007

I know someone that is wanting to get rid of some bee supplies because they gave it up. I'm wondering if it's even worth it because it seems so confusing and expensive. I need a quick, easy, inexpensive way to get honey, and start a hobby that I believe I will enjoy. Before I invest a lot of money into beekeeping, I need to know more information. After reading your website I understand that you have a large farm, and i just want to know how to make it simple, fun, and easy. I have several question though, such as how and where to find bees (& a queen), and if I need to insulate during the winter & what i should use. And I noticed that you use a "bee blower" and wondered if that was needed to raise bees and get honey. So can you help me out?

Sincerely.
Michael Brewster
Pinnacle, N.C.

Michael

Beekeeping can seem confusing - but the bees really take care of themselves. And it does not have to be expensive. Purchasing used equipment can be a good idea. I but a lot of stuff for W. T. Kelley CO. http://www.kelleybees.com/ there are other sources on our webpage http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/links/partners27.htm

I would suggest subscribing to a Beekeeping magazine such as "Bee Culture" or "American Bee Journal" both on our resources page http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/links/partners28.htm

I would look on line for "honey bees", there are a lot of places that sell them and send them thru the Post Office. I would not be concerned with a bee blower or insulating colonies right now.

You will need to have some equipment ready for the bees in spring and have some shipped to you in mid May.

Check on line for a "North Carolina Beekeepers Assosiation" or something like that - there are lots of beekeepers there.

Good Luck - Bill

Fri, 22 Dec 2006

Hello Bill and Pat,

Just wanted to let you know I received my beeswax tapers in excellent condition. Thank you so much for being so generous! This is an expense to you, to have the candle winners every season. It gives me an opportunity to see how wonderfully different the beeswax candles are though! I was immediately struck by just how pretty they are, right out of the box! I have them in my special brass candle holders and they look just beautiful with the holly and berries around them! I definitely plan to place an order for some more candles after Christmas!

Thank you also for the personal note concerning my mother in-law.

Looking forward to your newsletters in the coming year! I always learn something new and interesting in them!
Christmas Blessings to you and your family. May God prosper you in body and soul this coming year.

Warmly in Christ,
Lynn Campbell

12/20/2006
Hello,
I made my first beeswax candles (pillar 3x2) with a cotton wick. My problem is the wick continues to smoulder after I blow out the candles. Have I done something wrong or can I expect this every time.? The smell lingers in the house for hours, not what I wanted. I love the smell of the wax melting and would prefer that.
Can you help!
Thank you
Fern DeGois

I would try different wicks. You may want to go to Pourette or Candlewic sites and see what they have.

Bill

From: "Sandy"

Your package arrived safe and sound today.
Thank you so much for your expert packing and speedy delivery. I will be a return customer.
Thanks and Merry Christmas
Sandra Fish

Fri, 15 Dec 2006

Thank you for the note that I won the holiday candle.

My wine with oak chips turned great.
That means you will receive two bottles in stead of one next year. Rrok Kalaj

12/4/2006

Good Morning, I am interested in dipping pinecones w/ beeswax. I am wondering where to gather some info. on How to: I hope you can help. Thanks Tammy

Are the pinecones for fire starters? You can just melt the beeswax and let the pinecones "soak" in it a few minutes or just quickly dip for a decoration - I have never done it - experiment. Bill

12/13/2006

Hello - I am doing a science fair project exploring the use of beeswax in candles. In my research, I need to know the weight of beeswax, (pounds per cubic ft, grams per cubic cm....) Could you help me with this information?
Thank you Lucas Ryan
6th grade, Crossroads School

Lucas - I make bulk beeswax cakes that measure 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 x 1 inch and they weight about 4 oz. I hope this helps. - Bill

Thank you. That works out to be about 60.9 pounds per cubic foot. I'm trying to test if candles with more mass per volume burn slower than candles with less mass per volume.
Lucas

12/11/2006

Help!

I’m making some beeswax candles inside glass containers that are 7” tall and 2 1/2 “ wide, and am using a medium size of wicking. The problem I’m having is that when the wax cools, sometimes there is a deep crevice in the middle of the candle, and sometimes this doesn’t show up until after the candle has been used for a couple hours. Do you have any suggestions or ideas as to why this is happening?

These candles are for the altar servers to carry in church. They are kept lit for about 1 ½ hrs each Sunday.

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Kathy Schtowchan

Kathy

This is very typical. You need to cool the candles as slowly as possible and then when they are still slightly warm, poke a couple of holes (1/8 inch or so) near the center of the candle on each side. Then take a hairdrier and melt the wax slightly and pour some more wax in to fill the voids. Melt the top slightly to melt it all together. It takes a little practice.

Pictures:
http://www.honeyflowfarm.com/articles/beeswaxpillars/beeswaxpillars.htm

Good Luck - Pat & Bill

12/9/2006

Hello,
I'm a new customer. Just want you to know how much I appreciate the candles you make. I have an extreme sensitivity to petroleum based particulates like those in truck/car exhaust and paraffin soot. In fact, we do not burn wood in our fireplace, instead we have placed seven pillar candles from Honeyflow Farm in the firebox. When lit, they produce almost the same effect as a small wood fire, and the flue can stay closed so that our heat doesn't go up the chimney.
We also use your votives and tea lights.
Thank you for producing a very nice product, for shipping expediently, and for providing good information about candle use. Have a wonderful holiday.
Kathy Ivey
La Crosse, Wisconsin

Thank you very much for your comments and unique use for our candles.

Bill & Pat

12/12/2006

Hello,
I love your web site, very encouraging. I felt challenged to make some candles my self. Everything went ok, until I had to remove the candles from their mold. Stuck like cement! How do I get them out and what do I do for next time?

Any advice would be great help. They are made from beeswax, my sister is a beekeeper, and I used a plastic mold 3x6 pillar.

Thank you
Fern deGois

Fern

You can spray the molds with a silicon release agent available from candlemaking stores - this will help, but the easiest thing is to cool them - in freeezer for a while & then they will pop right out.

Bill

Hi Bill and Pat,

I receive the shipment this morning. Everything is in good shape, and
smells so nice. I can HARDLY wait to use your wonderful soap.

Thanks again!!
Yoshimi

Hello,
I'm a new customer. Just want you to know how much I appreciate the candles you make. I have an extreme sensitivity to petroleum based particulates like those in truck/car exhaust and paraffin soot. In fact, we do not burn wood in our fireplace, instead we have placed seven pillar candles from Honeyflow Farm in the firebox. When lit, they produce almost the same effect as a small wood fire, and the flue can stay closed so that our heat doesn't go up the chimney.
We also use your votives and tea lights.
Thank you for producing a very nice product, for shipping expediently, and for providing good information about candle use. Have a wonderful holiday.
Kathy Ivey
La Crosse, Wisconsin

11/27/2006, you wrote:

Hello to the Schnutes, from sunny Florida!

My name is Lynn and I receive your newsletters. I have been enjoying the latest newsletter which came in the email this evening. Gosh.. I happened to get to the end where it said to see the previous candle winners and lo and behold, there was MY name listed there - for the "Early Spring 2006" drawing for candles. Oh my.. I TOTALLY missed it at that time! : (

I am assuming that this email must have come in during a very traumatic time for our family. My husband's mother died unexpectedly this spring. We were back and forth from our home in Florida, to his mother's home in Alabama. She had been through some illness and subsequent surgery, but was on the mend when she suddenly took a turn for the worst. We were sort of "out of pocket" around here for about 6 weeks.

I guess I missed the letter from you that month and missed seeing that I had won some candles! Well, I am sad that I missed it because I have never burned beeswax tapers before and I would have enjoyed trying them. But I still wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for a very enjoyable newsletter! Before receiving your letters I knew absolutely NOTHING about bees/bee-keeping/honey. And I had never burned a beeswax candle in my life! I found it all quite interesting. I have read ALL your webpages and really enjoyed the pictures of the bee hives and thoroughly enjoyed the pages on how you make the candles! The pictures of that process are really cool!

Well I just wanted to say hello and to thank you for sharing your love of the country life! I'm a city girl but I still enjoy reading your newsletters!
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Warmly,
Lynn Campbell

P.S. HA HA.. CRAZY treadmill video you included in the end of the newsletter!! I would break my neck within the first 10 seconds of trying to accomplish that! : ) I'm way too klutzy! I have to hang on the the bar when I walk on a treadmill, just to stay upright on it! Hehehe!!
Have a great week!

Please send me your address and I will send your candles.

Bill

Thank you Bill! I will look forward to receiving them and trying them out for the first time!

Thank you for giving readers this fun drawing as an opportunity to try the beeswax tapers. Again, I enjoy the newsletters and appreciate your warm way of sharing your lives with your readers. Who knows - perhaps one day I may move to the country and have my own bees! : ) At least I have a much greater appreciation for the honey that graces my breakfast table! We have started buying from a local beekeeper just a few miles up the highway from us. It's wonderful!

Christmas Blessings and a bright, prosperous and healthy new year to your family!

Lynn