Learn How to Make Candles
A Complete Candle-Making Guide
Learning to make candles at home provides a fun, creative outlet that anyone can enjoy. The Candlemaker's Companion, by Betty Oppenheimer, contains complete, easy-to-understand instructions for making candles that can be enjoyed at home or given as beautiful personalized gifts.
The Makings of a Candle: Wicks, Wax, Additives, Color, Scent & Equipment
There are choices to make when deciding on a candle type. While scent and color are choices that reflect personal preference (or that of the gift recipient), choosing wicks and wax involves a bit of education. Today, many people prefer soy-based wax rather than the traditional petroleum or animal waxes due to its reduced environmental impact. Additives can change the appearance or characteristics of a candle. Learn about the different effects all of these choices will have on the end product before deciding on a candle design.
Candlemaking: Rolled, Poured, Dipped and Molded Candles
Think a candle was made by pouring some stuff in a glass and inserting a wick? Not so easy. Actually it is pretty easy, but once again, there are choices to make. Poured candles are exactly what they sound like: poured. Molded candles are made into a shape by using a container or mold, which can be as basic as a milk carton or as organic as a coconut shell. Dipped candles are made by repeatedly dipping a wick into melted wax. Rolled candles are made from purchased sheets of wax that are rolled into candlesticks. Choose a shape and get started.
Art Supplies: Decorating, Candleholders, Storage & Wrapping
Personalize a candle by adding wax over wax, making stripes or creating a wax flower. Try paining or stenciling a design, or even create a faux finish (great for saving a candle that's had a few accidents along the way). Suggestions are offered for a variety of candleholders that will complement the design of the candle itself. Protect handmade candles with the storage and wrapping techniques suggested.
A Small Business: Production Candlemaking
If, after trying candlemaking at home, the inspiration strikes for a new home-based business, The Candlemaker's Companion will help with the transition from hobby to production by answering some questions that may not have occurred yet. Making candles en masse involves different strategies, such as knowing how much melted wax can be handled at one time, how many molds will be necessary, and even how much room is available for cooling. Let a pro, like Betty Oppenheimer, shortcut some disasters by reading the production chapter before starting a new and exciting candlemaking business.
Summary
If stitchery or dried flower arranging is not all that appealing, but an urge for creation is still calling for attention, try candlemaking. Everyone loves candles, so there will always be a gift on hand, as well as a lovely candle to burn at home. Say goodbye to Yankee Candles. The Candlemaker's Companion is a thorough guide for beginners that will take them all the way to the professional stage, should they be so inspired. It is written in plain English and filled with helpful illustrations. This book is a great start to a newfound passion.
Title: The Candlemaker's Companion
Author: Betty Oppenheimer
Publisher: Storey Publishing, Rev.2004, 199 pgs., $18.95
ISBN: 978-1-58017-366-7
The Candlemaker's Companion
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