Book Description
Step-by-step color photographs and descriptive detail make this book indispensable for beginners looking to create beautiful and functional scented candles on their very first try, and for experienced crafters who want to sharpen their skills. Precise instructions eliminate the guesswork that too often creeps into how-to books. Gleaned from the expertise of master candle makers, this guide presents everything a novice needs to know to get started crafting traditional tapers and molded candles, container and rolled beeswax candles, and interesting variations on each. Includes guidelines for buying tools and materials, preparing the workspace, and working safely and effectively, as well as suggested shopping lists. This book includes the contributions of veteran candle makers and crafters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

The only book you'll ever need!
What's best about this book are the step by step photos included with the instructions. That's what makes it so easy to understand even for the novice.

Offers valuable tips and advice for those who are more advanced as well. This book is a must for your collection if you're serious about candle making.

[...]

Highly Recommended
Excellent long-lasting bound Book. Excellent colored photos throughtout!
Highly Recommend for Candle Maker Beginners!
Would have to be "Advanced" Candle Maker to need any other Book!

Very Helpful
This is a great book for people who are just starting making candles or has never done it before. The pictures are big and all color and the directions are clear. It also has a list of supplies that you'll need to get started for basic candles with easy to do projects.

Beginning Candlemaker
If you have made candles before, this book isn't for you.It is however the perfect book for me. I am new to candlemaking and have read all the candle books in the library and bought several more.But when I make candles, I find myself jumping from book to book trying to get all the steps straight.

This book is an extremely detailed explanation (with pictures) of the steps to making several types of candles; container, molded, dipped, and rolled beeswax.It is like having an expert standing beside you, "This is the way you prime wicks.This is how to add color to the wax".

Includes information on equipment, a good explanation of the different kinds of wicks and then step-by-step instructions with lots of pictures and a checklist of materials needed.

Once I get the hang of candle-making, this book will probably be put back on the shelf in favor of more advanced techniques.But until then, this is the next best thing to having an expert walk you through each step.

pictures!
This book is very descriptive.It shows step by step photos that get rid of any confusion that is prevalent in most how-to books. ... Read more

Book Description
Discover How to Profit from Your Craft
Have you ever dreamed of learning the beautiful art of candlemaking? You can! Candlemaking For Fun & Profit was written with two purposes in mind: to teach you the basics of this fun craft and to show you how to turn these new skills into cash! Whether you've been crafting for years or are just getting started, you'll learn:
·The benefits and enjoyment of making candles
·The right materials, tools, and equipment to use
·How to create a special "crafting place" in your home
·Ways to sell your creations at craft shows, shops, and other outlets
·Craft-business basics, including pricing, record keeping, and copyrighting
·And much more!
Includes 6 money-making projects you can create at home!
Also:
·Candlemaking how-to's
·Fun and simple projects
·Home-business basics
·Helpful resource section
Barbara Brabec, the For Fun & ProfitTM series editor, is one of the world's leading experts on crafting as a business and is the author of six books on the subject, including Creative Cash. She lives in Naperville, Illinois. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Great for beginners
This book has everything needed for those who are just getting into candles. Witch are:

A great list of candle suppliers(wax,wicks,jars,ect.)

Trouble shooting

Projects

Business how-to

Fragance information

Color dyes information

Wicking help and tips

Plus multiple tips on everything

Informative book
This book has helped me in the little things I didn't know about candle making,,very easy to understand and well written.
thanks! good choice!

Candlemaking for fun & profit
This book is vague at best. There is not alot of specific info on making candles or running a business.This is an OK book if you find it used and cheap, but your money is better spent on a different book if you want specific technical info on how to make candles.

Valuable Information!!
This book explains so much. Just what I will need to get my candle business off the ground! I highly recommend this book!

Wicked Cool
This book was extremly helpful. It tells you how to make candles along with suggestions on how to make a business out of it. It tells you the step by step procedure for making everyday candles and tells you how to make some of the more exotic one. A+ ... Read more

Book Description
Make floating candles, herbal soaps, and even a home spa

Discover the secrets of color, shape, and scent the fun and easy way®

Whether you're a beginner or seasoned craftperson, this fun book offers everything you need to make beautiful, professional-looking candles and soaps at home. You get practical tips on dyeing and scenting wax, using unusual molds, adding embellishments to candles, working with soap ingredients, and even turning your hobby into a business!

Discover How To:

• Stock a safe & efficient work area
• Work with all types of wax
• Add color and scent to your projects
• Make melt-and-pour soaps
• Turn a hobby into a business

Customer Reviews (4)

Great for melt and pour soap creations
I did not read the sections on candle making, so this review is strictly based on the soap sections.I found this book to be one of the most helpful ones I've read (I checked out a lot from the library).True, it does not cover the cold process, but as the more simple, melt and pour method is all that I'm interested in, this book is right on target for my needs.

In addition to the color and fragrance info, it discusses stenciled soap, soap on a rope, variegated soap, embedded soap, three-dimensional soap, imprinted soap, soap balls, customized shampoo, massage oil, bath salts liquid soap and more.

I also enjoyed Chapter 19 which is devoted entirely to aromatherapy. It lets you know what a particular scent is noted for (i.e. boosting memory, fighting infections, relieving congestion, calming effect, etc.), as well as whether it is photosensitizing (increases your chance for a sunburn), a possible irritant to sensitive skin, possesses antibacterial qualities, etc.

Not worth your money
Of the many books I bought on soap making this was the worst. It had no real information in it. It skimmed on all the topics but never really explained how or why. The books written in the early 1900 on soap were more helpful than this one.

Review of linked supply source
I appologize that this is not an actual review of the book but a warning about one of the merchants that the book suggests you buy products from. I suggest that you DO NOT order soap making products from Well Naturally Products. Check out the Better Business Bureau on line first. I unfortunately failed to do that and had my credit card billed 60.00 and so far it's been a month with no products and no replys to my inquiries.
This may have been a fine company when the book was written...but I'm not so sure about that now.

For beginners only
If you've never made a candle, or done pour-and-mold soap, this book will tell you how.It will also warn you of every concievable mishap you could encounter.In today's litigious society, I suppose that's required, but it did detract from the rest of the work, in my opinion.Then again, I was looking for pointers and updates on materials, since I hadn't made any candles since the late 1980's.In that regard, it introduced me to soy wax and a few products I did not know existed.

However, the pictures offered were not all that helpful, and the instructions very basic.Any of this information could be gotten from a decent online search.The best part of this book was the part in the back which listed a lot of websites for supplies and further information.

I found the author's style to be rather pedantic, and overly "upbeat", as if she were trying too hard to make this a fun and enjoyable book by interjecting bits of humorous commentary that didn't quite "gel".

As a series, the "for Dummies" line seems to me to be stretching a bit thin.I have quite a few of them, and the originality of the first few made learning fun.Now it simply makes it tedious, and the attempts at fun and humor are becoming tiresome.

All in all, the series overall has become what the name implies: books for beginners and dilettantes.There is nothing wrong with that, by any means.But it wasn't what I was looking for in this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Beginners can easily jump right in and turn out very good-looking candles with the clearly presented instructions in this guide. Nice color photos illustrate both finished products and every step along the way as we learn how to create marbled, layered, aromatic, embedded, appliqued, chip, and several other variations of candles. Most project designs are fairly standard but are nevertheless attractive; a few are more innovative, such as the stacked candle or the lantern candle with embedded dried fruits. Additional ideas (though no instructions) are provided in the six "candle galleries"--double-page spreads showcasing themed tableaux of container, embedded, Christmas, decorated, multiwicked, and floating candles. An introductory section covers all the basics of materials and general techniques. --Amy Handy Book Description
Make your own candles at a fraction of the cost of store-bought ones! With the help of Candle Making in a Weekend you will learn quick, easy, inexpensive and fun ways to make your own candles and decorate plain ones. 20 projects, covering a range of candle-making and decorating techniques, include how to dye wax wonderful colors, pour it into unusually shaped molds, perfume it, model with it and embed it with decorative objects. The basic techniques are very simple--the possible variations, endless. Includes lists of all the materials and equipment needed; plus colorful gallery pages showing a variety of handmade candles for adding charm to holidays, weddings, romantic dinners, bubble baths and other special times. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An excellent basic introduction to candlemaking
After looking through stacks of books featuring floating candles, sand candles, and red white and blue beeswax cutout candles, I settled on this book for its introduction to a variety of techniques.This book answeredquestions I had on how to keep the wick still in votives, pouringtemperature for different types of candles, how to make drip candles, andhow to inlay objects.The author offers useful tricks for completing eachproject successfully accompanied with step by step photographs.The mainthing I love about this book is that I can adapt its techniques to make myown creative projects.

Candle Making in a Weekend
Colorful and practical.This book has great ideas for decorative candles.Each idea has step by step instructions (as well as pictures so you can double check your work)for basic techniques that stand alone or can be combined with others to make more elaborate candles.

This is a book ofprojects.If you're looking for a history of the techniques/materials usedto create these candles you won't get it.But if you want quick ideaswithout alot of informational interference, this is it. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Letty Oates's Naturally Creative Candles focuses on the use of natural materials in making and decorating candles. Projects incorporate such items as pebbles, seashells, herbs, pressed and fresh flowers, wheat, pinecones, starfish, rustic fabrics, and even carved fruits and vegetables to create striking candles, holders, and table displays, all shown in beautiful photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Disappointing
This looks to be a really beautiful book. But if you are intending to try and make the really nice looking swirly candle o nthe front cover in the centre, you will be very disappointed. The cover of this book is very deceiving. It shows how to make most of the ones advertised on the front, but not the real pretty which is only in the book for display purposes only. I find that highly deceitful to print pictures on a book of how to make candles.

Decent Guide
A decent guide to candlemaking. The book is rather short on text and consists mostly of pretty pictures, and that's a little irritating. Still, there is enough here to teach you to make your own tapers, although I wasrather surprised at how easy it was. Great of you've never done it before.

Great pictures and Ideas
This is a great book, with wonderfull pictures and a lot of step by step ideas and instructions. If you are looking to get into candle making this is should be your first book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Expected more pictures of how to
I will agree that this book has a wealth of information, such as history and useage of candles, along with good descriptions of the types of candles, etc.But what it lacked was good pictures showing step by step processes of candlemaking.It described a lot of things in text, but I am a picture person.Also I didn't find anything about Soy candles.Anyway, I was a bit disappointed due to the lack of pictures.

For anyone ready to roll up their sleeves
M.J. Abadie's The Everything Candlemaking Book lives up to its name with all the facts, how-to instructions, tips, safety precautions, and much more needed to embark on the creative and satisfying art of making one's own candles whether just for fun or for practical use. From the history of candlemaking, to step-by-step instructions on getting started, to making candles for holidays and special occasions, to using intricate techniques such as applique to ornament candles, to recommendations for tools and supplies, to using unique containers, to incorporating candles into rituals, to adding scents and other personal touches, The Everything Candlemaking Book is a first-rate instructional reference for anyone ready to roll up their sleeves and enjoy a unique and rewarding activity. ... Read more

Book Description
Now anyone can create, scent, color and embellish professional looking candles at home.

This new book will satisfy the needs of candle makers from the complete novice that has only a few dollars and an orange juice can mold to the entrepreneur, ready to start a small home business. With over 250 color photographs that guide the reader through step-by-step instructions, the entire candle-making process is presented for more than 20 unique candles with endless variations. From the selection of raw materials such as wicks, waxes, colors and fragrances to the finishing touches, Katherine J. McDaniel and Dr. Robert S. McDaniel offer a comprehensive look at this exciting craft.

Dr. Robert S. McDaniel is also the author of Essentially Soap, a finalist for the 2001 Award of Excellence.

-Color photographs guide the reader through step-by-step instructions
-Projects for pillar candles, dipped tapers, rolled candles, container candles, floating candles, sand candles, mold making and much more
-Guides for decorating and adding fragrance to candles ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A clear and elegant presentation.
If you are only going to invest in one book -- this should be the one!In addition to instructions to create classic and creative candles, there are great explanations of wax types, molds, safety precautions, and more. All this information is presented with words of encouragement and enhanced with well-photographed examples.

Boring, and not much help to beginners
De. Bob should stick to soap.His candle making book is not for a beginner who just wants to know the basics in simple terms and get started.Although I am sure some of the information will be helpful to the more advanced, it was not what I was looking for to get started.

Essentially Most Useful
I was first struck by the photo content.It seems that procedures to make every common type of candle (and several uncommon ones as well) are fully illustrated with lots of photos that make reproducing the results extremely easy to follow.Not only that but the authors helped to dispell my bewildernment over the many, many ingredients available on the market which are useful (or not) for producing special effects.For instance, the suggestion to forget gloss ingredients and use higher temperatures in making the candle is simple and highly practical.
I own or have looked through almost every candle book on the market, and I think this one is clearly the best resource book available.I just wish it were longer.
Finally, to my surprise, I discovered that this is the only book that is recommended by my primary ingredient supplier.They seem to agree that it is the most factual and accurate book on the market suitable for those getting started as well as for those needing more info as they scale up.

Best value!
Ingredient selection for candles can be baffling, but Dr. Bob covers the gamut and tells which work or when there is a better way to do things.Lots of projects with easily available equipment as well as how to use fancy molds, or even make your own molds!Over 250 beautiful color pictures make procedures and results easy to understand.The section on how much wax is needed for a particular mold is invaluable, and I personally love the section on wax characteristics.
The FAQ is quite complete and look for tips on the best ways to make or avoid mottled candles, glossy candles, and which special ingredients can be replaced by the right technique.This is a valuable book for scout leaders, first timers, and experienced candlemakers alike.But then, what would you expect from the authors of Essentially Soap.

Essentailly Candles kindles enthusiasm
"To waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully. " Tryon Edwards (1809-1894)
This quote,(pun intended), describes Essentailly Candles to a "T". Starting withthe history of candles,then proceedingto choosing the correct wax, wick and additives, then to the projects and great photos, Bob and Kate McDaniel have done an excellent job of teaching basic and advance skill in candlemaking. The book is easily read, the projects are illustrated with great photos and it is packed full of information useful to either the novice or more experienced candlemaker. I found the infomation on color, blending techniques, wax quantites for molds and differences and uses of various waxes to be most informative and helpful. I have made candles for over 20 years and still learned many new and useful things from this book.There are many books with pretty pictures anddirections for projects. Essentially Candlesnot only gives the projects and the step-by-step directions but also offers the foundation information necessary to explore other possibilities.A must have for anyone wishing to know the why of candlemaking. ... Read more

Amazon.com
With nifty candle ideas for every room in the house, Candle Creations reminds us that we needn't wait for a power outage or a special occasion to surround ourselves with the magical glow of candlelight. Three dozen projects incorporate everything from seashells to wooden spoons, vegetables to candies, yielding an impressive variety of candles and candleholders. Most are quick and easy and are crafted of readily available materials. Brighten the living room with flower-filledcandles; set a dinner-for-two mood with a romantic candelabrum; make parties more festive with candles that mimic wrapped gifts or a lemon bundt cake. You'll also find attractive ways to display your creations throughout the home and garden. --Amy HandyBook Description
From the floral designer of Four Weddings and a Funeral comes more than 30 fun and easy projects to enhance a home or garden. Readers learn how to make and decorate candles in a variety of exciting styles, from the traditional to the exotic. With lively step-by-step directions and clear photographs, each project can be completed quickly and with stunning results. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Pretty & Imaginative Ideas
If you believe presentation is important and like to occasionally make your guests go "ooh" and "ahh," this is a great book for ideas.Most ideas aren't that complicated, but make a big impact.Not really for people who want to make candles, but really for people who have plain candles and want to gussy them up.Terrific, inspiring photos!

Candles
I was a little disappointed when I got this book, because in Canada the title is "Decorating with Candles" and it its not a decorating book.But this book is fun! Its got lots of great candlemaking projects, from plain candles to more decorative ones for special occasions.The instructions are really simple.Alot of the materials are easily found in your house too (aside from the wax!)There are projects for your kitchen, for childrens' parties, for outside and for Christmas too! You can even make scented candles and different types of holders and sconces.

In a word...Gorgeous.
Some of the most elegant candle, floral and found object arrangements you could ask for. Easy candlemaking projects that yield major designer results. ... Read more

Amazon.com
"Please, please, please, burn candles!" pleads Betty Oppenheimer. "Too many people save them, keep them wrapped up in a drawer or forever in the same centerpiece holder, never to be burned." If that isn't enough incentive to use candles, the rest of this thorough guide certainly provides it in the form of step-by-step instructions covering virtually all aspects of making rolled, poured, molded, dipped, and decorated candles--even candleholders. Though there are no photos, the line drawings are quite helpful, as are the crafting tips that--along with well-chosen candle-related quotes--fill the book's margins.Book Description
With illustrated step-by-step instructions and complete source lists, The Candlemaker's Companion shows you how to create rolled, poured, molded, and dipped candles; scent, color, and decorate candles - naturally; make innovative containers, holders, and gift packaging; create luminaria, lanterns, and floating candles; and use specialty techniques like overdipping, painting, layering, and sculpting. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Very informative, but hard to understand...
Let me just say that there is a lot of information on this book, and the author thoroughly covers everything!However, for someone who was looking to learn how to make candles it was way over my head.The way the book jumped around didn't really leave me an organized way to figure out my first step in making candles.I gave it to a friend and hopes she has better luck with it!!I think people that have some experience will find this book very helpful!

The Candlemaker's Companion
A very simplified instruction book. Fun to read that makes you want to dive right in and get started, but it also cautions you not to read ahead just do each project in order for a complete understanding of what a joy it is to learn such an ancient craft.

Great Book
I have made candles since I was in the 5th grade and always made them from kits or just dabbling in the kitchen with some left over wax.I often found many problems with my results and never could find solid instructions about the details of candle making.This books chapter on wicks explained so much to me and has since made my candles not only more successful but I know why they are successful.No more smoking wicks and sputtering wax.If you want to make beautiful gifts for yourself and friends and are tired of just buying a kit.This book should be your next step.It dymistifies the mystery.

like the variety
This is a walk through of the whole gamut of candlemaking.Our family has used this guide to roll, dip and pour candles and my wife used Oppenheimer's processes in her summer school classes.Dipping was a big hit and required no artistic skills and the results were very professional.They made great gifts at Christmas time.

For beginners it is a must have primer and for range of ideas, can't be beat. Jen also ordered the Candlemaker's Companion but the instructions inside weren't as good as in this book.

Highly Recommended Book
This is a highly recommended book. It is rare that an author's love for the subject is so obvious and couples with so much practical advice. Loved it. ... Read more

Book Description
-Includes 16 attractive projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I can't believe that no one has written a review for this!!
This book starts out with defining different materials,waxes, molds,coloring/scenting,and wicks.It tells you how to prepare the wick;how to level the bottom of the candle;and how to use containers found in all homes.It has sections on beeswax candles,making tapers at home,making your own molds,painting and applique candles, layering candles, making floating flowers by hand, imbedding, gel candles(small section),making stacked candles,hurricane(shell)candles,stencilling, wrapped candle ideas,stick candles for the yard,marbling candles,and frosted candles.This book includes templates, variations and tips in the sections and all pages are either full colored pictures or have multiple pictures.Many of the crafts are even explained with pictures to show the novice how to make candles.I have bought around 30 books on candles and I still like this very much.It shows you how to make candles from nothing but the wax and your hands.I can't say enough about this book... ... Read more

Amazon.com
Aromatherapy remains tremendously popular, and candles are of course natural components of this practice. Rhondda Cleary discusses the basics of essential oils and perfumed candles, including brief guidelines on what scents enhance what mood. But this is really not so much a book about fragrance (which it addresses almost glancingly) as it is about general candle making and decorating with candles, which it covers quite well. Cleary explains exactly how to make a molded candle and many variations thereof (striped, mosaic, ice, embedded, floating), as well as dipped and beeswax candles. The second portion of the book offers suggestions for using candles in the home and garden: for everyday decorating, holiday celebrations, table arrangements, and so on. Although the step-by-step instructions and photographs are adequate, they are not outstanding; where the book really shines is in its approach to making candles part of our daily lives and in encouraging us not simply to make candles but to use them. --Amy Handy Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for beginners or experts
This book explains most of the terminology involved in candle-making, as well as explanations of different techniques and step-by-step instructions for getting started.Each style of candle described includes a list ofequipment needed and great photographs of the finished product.There is adetailed description for each style of candle and hints on how to overcomemore difficult steps.Each style of candle is followed up with the exactmaking process, including notes on the author's personal experiences andfailings (and how to avoid repeating them.)This has been a very enjoyablebook.It was also my first candle-making book. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (2)

cool book
my wife loves the book, she cant wait to get started making candles...so i would definitely not htink twice about this book, awesome ideas and pics...

New gel ideas
I gave this book a five stars because of the idea/pics included.It starts out talking about safety,tools needed, and working with gel. It address containers,bubbles,coloring/ fragrances,adding glitter,nesting the candle in a water/flower arrangement,using embeds( wax,clay,glass,agates,beads,wire,sea glass,pins), selecting wicks,making cameos for embeds(very original),using gold leaf inside candles,silhouette candles,color swirling,and gel floating candles.

There are ideas about: sand/treasure candle,neat spider web candle,using flower pot holders,amethyst stone look,using vases in another vase,HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN GUMBALL MACHINE CANDLE(very original at very low cost),vertical striped or diagonal candles, desert candles,pizza candle,tuxedo candle,glass painted/clear candle, bamboo candle,and bonsai(handmade)in a candle.Even shows candle ideas for men!

Each idea comes with pics,instructions,materials list.Great pics and ideas for the beginner and the pro. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Fantastic Candles!
A friend of mine loaned me this book and I ended up buying my own copy! Very easy to follow and the candles are just fantastic. I used to see this type candle in malls when I was a kid and never thought I could make them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

great book for beginners
This book covers all the basics of candle making and includes some really great projects to get you started. Its the first book I turn to when I want to make candles

All you want for making candle by yourself
I like ideas in this book a lot. It inspire me and make me want to make candle. Especially in the Moulded Candels that show me the idea that easy to apply, also, this book has beautiful gallery at the back.
I recommend this book as your first book to start your project. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Individual gifts: aromatic candles
Excellent book with a good background on etheric oils, how to recognise and combine them and finally how to prepare candles using the different oils. The book has a very nice layout with a lot of pictures inviting to be very creative!
Material needed is quite a lot (especially if you start from scratch) but if preparation of candles is not a "one-shot-event" it is definitely a good investment. After a little bit of training these candles are the best presents to good friends and you can be sure to be invited again! ;-) ... Read more

Amazon.com
Luscious colors and bold geometric shapes are the hallmarks of designer Alison Jenkins's elegant candles, and she shares her expertise in creating them in this book. Magnificent photographs and excellent instructions explore molded, beeswax, gel, ice, embossed, frosted, embedded, and scented varieties, including stately bamboo-shaped tapers, an imposing Mark Rothko-inspired rectangle, soothing Zen stones, and a flashy number sporting iridescent glass nuggets. No one method receives highly in-depth coverage, but each is treated skillfully enough to give even novices a good grounding in the technique. A thorough introductory section details tools, materials, basic techniques, mold making, and special effects. Safety precautions, a troubleshooting guide, and a list of suppliers round out this terrific presentation. --Amy Handy Book Description
The irresistible charm of a flickering flame makes the candle a universally popular choice for mood lighting. Handmade candles make stylish and beautiful accessories, and they are inexpensive and fun to create. The craft of making your own candles is enjoying a revival, and candlemakers now have access to a vast array of wax products, molds, and decorative materials with which to experiment.

THE HANDMADE CANDLE includes clear and simple instructions for making designer candles at home for a fraction of the retail cost. Choose from a wealth of creative ideas from simple rolled beeswax candles to iced, frosted, and textured effects to fabulous embossing and embedding designs. With a useful section on basic techniques, special effects, equipment, and additions, crafters can either make the projects as they are or use them as a source of inspiration and adapt them as they desire. Whatever your level of candlemaking interest, experience, or expertise, THE HANDMADE CANDLE will fill you with enthusiasm and fill your home with candlelight.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Beautiful book and full of great ideas
Not only is this book beautifully photographed, but it is full of helpful, detailed information.Some of the candle books I have contain outdate and old-fashioned looking projects, but this book has projects full of contemporary candles and great design ideas. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Relatively new to the candle-making kingdom, gel is a readily available, adaptable substance that can be transformed into all sorts of fascinating candle looks. By melting the jelly-like goop, adding color and perhaps fragrance, and pouring into a heatproof container with a wick, anyone can whip up one-of-a-kind candles. Dawn Cusick's Gel Candles presents a stunning selection of gel candle creations. Sometimes the containers define the style: Moroccan painted glasses, Easter candles in glass eggs, a teacup, an etched bud vase. But more often what makes the candle unique are the items embedded within: beads, wire, seashells, metal charms, marbles, tiny ceramic figures. The transparency of the gel--even when tinted--enables the treasures to shine through.

Overall, the step-by-step directions are adequate, and the author includes numerous safety precautions. Some of the embedded choices, however, appear rather questionable: silk flowers, plastic toys, and paper photocopies all appear in projects, and although the author warns to keep such items away from the wick and to extinguish the flame when it comes within one inch of the container bottom, such warnings seem insufficient, especially for beginners. And the wicks themselves are often short and unanchored, threatening more hazards if they burn too long. With these caveats in mind, Gel Candles is a worthwhile, whimsical idea-filled guide to the subject. --Amy Handy Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Creative & Beautiful Candles to Make
This book is fantastic,I really love all the information.Excellent!

Some ideas worth considering
This book does have some pics with short wicks(which the candlemaker could fix) and one or so of the crafts could be fixed differently to keep the wicks away from embeds.The rose candle on p.49 could still work in a larger container with a shorter wick.The paper used in the candles is against the glass and away from the wick. As with all crafts, the crafter can use his judgement and change around things.That said.

This book has beatiful pics and some great ideas.The marbles/stones candle is very pretty.There is a garden scene with the garden supplies(that could be bought at Wal-mart in crafts)at the bottom, a wire candle,various shell candles, candles using stated nonflamable gold leaves,a glass shard candle,a candle using springs(you make springs yourself,great for a man),broken glass shards candle,fruit/vegetables at the bottom candle,tubular gel candles(could still work with rounder tubes)with materials,there is a neat shark candle, a candle using spare screws,nuts,bolts,ect.(very nice for a man),Pics with candle jars in a jar,use of button coins,ceramics,a very nice fruit cocktail,use of sand in between gel layers(different), a metal dinosaur candle,a birthday cake candle using gel and whipped gel made with crayons and real birthday candles,christmas ornament candles,cylinder/beaker candles for science looking candles,and beer caps candle or other caps.

This book does have flaws, but has great ideas/pics too.The candlemaker can always perfect these ideas and still use this book.

Creative and helpful
I don't know what either the Michigander or the Nashbabe are talking about.Rankin goes into depth about flash point and the importance of a clip-on thermometer and the dangers of gel.

The ideas in here are solid, inspirational and very creative.I was quite impressed with all the various candles that Rankin mentioned but I must admit she sorta hints that GELS cannot be taken out of their mold (she only talks in terms of this as a plus factor that you show off the mold).

Don't know why Cusick is here; not on my copy of the book.It's Rankin only.

Some creativity, but unsafe.
Some of the items are very cute and creative, but as another reviewer states, you would be ill-advised to actually burn many of these candles and taking a significant risk to sell them. It's a start, but don't use this book as your definitive way to make gel candles. It's more a "crafty" type book than a true book about making candles. And "crafty" books aren't a good idea to use when you are making things that are designed to burn. Use caution.

This Book Is Not For Beginners!
Let me start by saying that if you are a beginner, please use caution if you purchase this book! In the same manner, if you are a crafter who sells your work, you would be taking a HUGH chance by producing and selling many of the designs that are detailed in this book. This author uses everything from embedded plastic beads to actual paper used to line the glass of one candle. She even suggests the use of paper, photocopies and photographs as EMBEDS, but goes on to caution that one should "be sure to place the wick well away from all paper products." How can ANY gel candle maker suggest paper as an embed to someone and then be able to sleep at night?

One has to wonder how much practice the author has in making gel candles since most of the wicks in the pictures are VERY lopsided and way off centered ( I guess she didn't heed her own words under the heading "Taming Rebellious Wicks.") In many of the candles, only a partial wick is used (about 2" or so) for, according to the author, "safety and aesthetic reasons." HA! The wicks that are pictured all the way to the bottom of the container are not even anchored, which, when dealing with gel is VERY unsafe. Firstly, an anchored wick is less likely to fall over, and secondly, a high-collared, tabbed and anchored wick will extinguish the candle BEFORE it reaches the bottom of the jar and thusly not allow the container bottom to get too heated and possibly ruin the surface it is sitting on, or worse.

It gets more ridiculous AND more dangerous. In the martini example, a REAL olive is used, in the "Sweet Dreams Scented Candle" plastic letter beads are suspended in the candle, in the "Insect-Repellent" candle, very large plastic bugs are used (I think their plastic since they look like it and on the material list "colorful, plastic or ceramic bugs" are called for) and a disgusting variation for this candle even suggests using a "large, interesting bug" ("already dead, of course") as an embed. And in the "Tubular Gel" candles, the author has poured the candle into long (possibly 12" or more) extremely narrow tubes of glass, using an unanchored, short wick, of course! There's more, embedded Christmas ornaments, silk flowers and even a wooden toothpick!

Okay, enough about the dangers of the candles in this book, now I will focus on the LACK of instructions.

Wicks. Although a whole page is devoted to this topic, the information is very vague. Sizes, available coring (or coreless alternatives), and surfaces are not covered other than to mention that zinc wicks are available and not to use paper wicks. No discussion on wick size relevant to the containers diameter, the hazards of using lead wicks (if one can still get their hands on them) and why, or the pros and cons of using a waxed or unwaxed wick. I suppose this most important component of candle making is left to chance for the beginner.

Fragrance. Discussion under this heading is left to a minimum. The author does state that fragrance can cause your candle to ignite. She does mention the words "flash point" but does not explain what this means nor does she explain to the reader what the fragrance oils should and should not contain (so as not to be readily flammable) or what is the minimum degree flash point that a fragrance can have before it is considered dangerous for gel. Additionally, the author does state that the wrong fragrance can cloud your gel or the wrong amount of fragrance can be dangerous, however, she never tells the reader what is the right amount or, at the very least, what percent (according to weight) one might consider using. Nor does she speak of the virtues of fragrance when used sensibly, or of the types that can or can't be used (i.e., perfumes, essential oils, etcetera).

Embeds. Been there!

Dyes. This section is OK, except that the author neglects to mention NOT to use embeds that may have been dyed with toxic paints.

Containers. Ok, but does not warn against containers that are too narrow or containers that are somehow damaged.

Additionally, this book lack in other areas such as: no mention of warning labels and no mention of resources and suppliers, save for The Chemistry Store in the acknowledgements.

I cannot help but to think that because of the sudden popularity in making gel candles and because of the lack of written material on the subject that this book was put out in thoughtless haste so that the author and publisher could cash in on the publics eagerness to be creative. And, because of the fact that (to the best of my knowledge) this is the first "commercially" issued book on this subject, the publisher (and writer) should have exercised foresight and assumed that many beginners would, because of a scarcity of published information on the subject, purchase this title, and as such, they should have given heavy thought to the scope of the book concerning both safety and directions.

As with all books (and to be fair), there is some favorable contents within the pages of this title. It is laid out well and has very nice photographs. And, if you are EXPERIENCED in making gel candles and know to disregard the potentially dangerous examples, it does offer some unique ideas.

Finally, to all you newcomers, safe & enjoyable gelling is possible, with the right directions; therefore, I recommend the book "How To Make & Market Gel Candles That Sell Like Wildfire" by Lynn A. Thomas.This "plain Jane" looking book is bursting with both common sense and ideas and the author also maintains a website with tons of resources.

Suggestion: purchase both books. The latter for the know-how, and the former for a bit of visual inspiration. ... Read more

Amazon.com
With a brief but compelling history of the candle, Catherine Bardey introduces us to a once-essential source of light that has lost none of its charm through the ages. We may no longer depend on candles for everyday illumination, but we still rely on them to create atmosphere, evoke a mood, or enhance our decor. Excellent descriptions of the various materials and techniques (molding, dipping, pouring, rolling, decorating) and extensive recipes for many types of candles ensure that even the novice can create beautiful designs.

The book's second half is devoted to potpourri, which is given the same careful treatment. A short introduction to scent in history--touching concisely upon perfumes, incense, and aromatherapy--leads into explanations of several methods for creating potpourri (fixatives, drying, storing, displaying). This is followed by specific recipes for, among others, spring, summer, and autumn medleys; energy-boosting, relaxing, and romantic scents; and themed potpourris for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A final section charts botanicals to grow for potpourri making, explores essential oils and their useful properties, and offers additional candle-decorating ideas. Pretty photos enhance the presentation. --Amy Handy Book Description
Create a relaxing oasis of serenity, comfort or romance in any room. Step-by-step directions explain the techniques of candle and potpourri making--from scented, hand-dipped tapers to decorative column candles to aromatic mood enhancing rose petals that readers can use to decorate and fragrance their homes.

Readers will find recipes for all occasions, seasons and places including spicy Christmas potpourris and elegant Hanukkah candles--all made from herbs, flowers and oils. A resource directory, safety hints and decorating advice help readers enjoy and explore the relaxing and soothing world of mood lighting and fragrances. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great for beginners
This book is quite clearly written with enough variety to keep you interested but not so much that it is overwhelming.Nice simple recipes and easy to find ingredients.I recommend it! ... Read more

Book Description
Inspriatioal ideas for creating enchantment by candlelight.A complete practical guide to making candles, from melting, scenting, dipping and twisting to elaborate decorative effects.Creative ideas for candleholders of all kinds, with projects for candlesticks, chandeliers and lanterns to light up your home and yard. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Can't imagine it being more complete.
I aspire to make my own candles for special occasions. I picked up this book because it looks like the only one I'll need. It takes you from candle-making (rolled, dipped or moulded) to candle decorating and when you're done with that, you learn to make your own candlesticks, candelabras, pots, holders, lanterns, sconces, and chandeliers. When you're done with THAT, you can create stunning displays based on color or season, decorating your home or for entertaining. Every single page has full color photos of the steps of the project and the finished project. You can simply browse the book as an art book - it's lovely. I love the folk art carving project and gold-leafing project. Bravo for a great craft book.

Elegant designs
When Gloria says "complete" she means complete. There are so many projects in this book i wonder if i'll ever complete them all. She has some of the freshest ideas i've seen. Very elegant in the designs and for the most part, easy to follow instructions. A book for all those interested in the elegant side of candles.

Wonderful Creative Book!
I received this book from Amazon, last week, and I am very impressed! Stunning pictures (wich gives us inspiration), great ideas about displays, candles and candle holders. I don`t think this is a beginner book... shegives basic information and some projects about making candles, but it isnot very detailed. I think this is a book for intermediate and advancedcandlemakers. I loved especially the recycling ideas, using old glassbottles, tin cans and so on. This book is VISUALLY and CREATIVELYexcellent, you just cannot stop reading and looking at it! ... Read more