Beginner's Guide to Candlemaking

Beginner's Guide to Candlemaking
By David Constable

Customer Reviews

how to make candles
what do you need to make candle

Product Description

David Constable illustrates simple projects to show how easy it is to make beautiful classic candles, spiral candles, colored candles, container candles, perfumed flower candles and floating candles.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #488130 in Books
• Published on: 1997-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

Editorial Reviews

About the Author
David Constable holds the Guinness Book of Records certificate for the world's largest free-standing candle, has written several books on the candlemaking, and has contributed to many magazines.

Gel Candles: 40 Creative Projects

Gel Candles: 40 Creative Projects
By C. Kalia Westerman

Customer Reviews

Gel Candles: 40 Creative Projects
Great book, gives alot of information. A must have if you enjoy making candles.

Great and Easy To Follow
I love the pictures and the easy to follow projects, I recommend this book if you would like to make your own gel candles.

Author Corrects Oct. 27 Review
I am the author of this book. I am compelled to respond to the negative review written October 27.

Of course the reviewer has a right to her opinion, however it is incorrect that I recommend people "set an untabbed wick in gel". In my introduction, on page 4, I state "The wick must be self-tabbed with a metal holder". In my general discussion of materials required, on page 21, I state "the wick must have a metal T-Tab at its base which is at least 7/16" high". Finally, in my detailed discussion of wicks on page 22, I explain at great length why a tabbed wick is so essential (it would be a fire hazard to not use one).

I do not believe that the reviewer has read my book very carefully because her statement about wicks, as well as her other statements, do not reflect the content of the book.

Thanks for taking the time to read this statement.

Sincerely,

Kaila Westerman

Product Description

Candle gel is the hottest new product in candle crafting. This new product (95% mineral oil, 5% resin) is transparent, is extremely easy to clean up, and has a significantly longer burning time than traditional waxes. Author Kaila Westerman gives the basics of gel candle crafting in ten easy steps, then explores the endless possibilities for creating special effects with layers of color, swirls, bubbles, specialty molds, and embedments such as glass, botanicals, shells, stones, and pieces of solid paraffin candle wax. Readers can create candles that look like rainbows, aquariums, seascapes, playful sodas and other drinks, and more. Since gel candles cannot stand alone, each design is enhanced by wonderful whimsical, vintage, or even sophisticated containers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #316648 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

Candle Making Step-by-Step Crafts Review

Candle Making (Step-by-Step Crafts)
By Cheryl Owen

Customer Reviews

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...

Product Description

Large step-by-step photos with added close-up shots of detailed techniques.-- All you need to know about materials and techniques.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #414485 in Books
• Published on: 2002-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Making Candles & Soaps For Dummies Book Review

Making Candles & Soaps For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies))
By Kelly Ewing

Customer Reviews

The Weakest of Books, Better Available
The Weakest of Books, Better Available

Being a professional candle maker (3rd generation) and an avid reader, I have a huge collection of candle and soap making books. After looking over "Making Candles & Soaps for Dummies" for perhaps the 3rd time, I can honestly say that there are many better books covering both subjects. This book covers only the very basic information and will leave you with more questions than answers.

For the candle side, I highly recommend Beginner's Guide to Candlemaking or the instructional video Introduction To Candle Making

On the soap side, try Smart Soapmaking: The Simple Guide to Making Traditional Handmade Soap Quickl Safely, and Reliably, or How to Make Luxurious Handcrafted Soaps for Family, Friends, and Yourself.

These are both great hobbies that can become good sideline business and there are good resources available on the subject... this book is not one of them.

Not as helpful as others in the "Dummies" series
I usually love the "Dummies" books and was hoping this one could teach me about soapmaking. It really didn't have much in the way of helpful information and I ended it returning it.

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
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

Basic Candle Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started

Basic Candle Making: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started (Basic Books Series)
By Eric Ebeling

Customer Reviews

Not a good choice....even for beginners
I bought the book with just a little knowledge of the candle making industry. The problem with the book is its not updated for the new technology and materials that are used in candle making today. Yes it does a good job of breaking down the VERY BASICS but thats it. You need to know more about the industry than this book covers. I got more information from watching videos on youtube and the different candle supply companies websites than the couple of books I recently purchased. Watch videos and get up to date information on new waxes and materials. Save yourself the $15 or whatever you may spend and research the internet and the big candle supply companies out there. They know whats new and what works

When they say basic, they mean basic.
This is a great book if you've never read anything about candlemaking previously. I didn't realize it was going to be so 'simple'. It's extremely basic and I found it almost childlike. It's very easy to understand, has good pictures, and would be great if you are a real beginner.

Excellent for true beginners
I started candle making several months ago. I wish I had had this book on Day 1. I pretty much figured out the basics on my own, but would have saved a lot of time (and mistakes) if I had had this book to start with. It's Candle Making 101: basic, simple, step by step, and lots of photos. A great book if you are just starting out.

Product 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28992 in Books
• Published on: 2002-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• 104 pages