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Our selection of recommended books
Over the years, great books have been written and published on the topic of candle making.
Some are recent, others are genuine classics that were first published more than twenty years ago. But it's certainly not a reason to turn your back on them: if they know nothing about the most recent innovations like vegetable waxes and wooden wicks, they remain excellent introductions to the roots of our hobby.
For the sake of completeness, this list of technical and practical books is followed by a selection of works that delve into the topic of making candles for and using them in magical rituals. Who knows, they might inspire you and tickle your creativity...
Candle making techniques
The Soy candle making book
In this book you will find:
An extensive section on finding the right wick including a list of all the different types of wicks for soy wax and an explanation of each, with sizing recommendations.
Learn about soy wax pros and cons as well as a list of all the different types of soy wax.
An explanation of each tool and ingredient that is used in making soy candles as well as a list of fragrance oils.
An extensive section on finding the right wick including a list of all the different types of wicks for soy wax and an explanation of each, with sizing recommendations.
Learn about soy wax pros and cons as well as a list of all the different types of soy wax.
An explanation of each tool and ingredient that is used in making soy candles as well as a list of fragrance oils.
The Candlemaker's companion
Nothing less than a fabulous book for the more "advanced" candlemakers or for those who want to dig deep into the subject.
The author, Betty Oppenheimer, thoroughly explores all candle making topics and often uses chemistry and history to get her point across.
This book is about more than just candles: you'll also learn how to make your own candle molds and other items related to candles and candle making.
Not heavy on projects but essential on your bookshelf nonetheless.
The author, Betty Oppenheimer, thoroughly explores all candle making topics and often uses chemistry and history to get her point across.
This book is about more than just candles: you'll also learn how to make your own candle molds and other items related to candles and candle making.
Not heavy on projects but essential on your bookshelf nonetheless.
The complete candlemaker
Probably one of the best candle making projects book available, interesting for both beginners and more advanced candlemakers.
Superbly illustrated, The Complete Candlemaker reviews almost all existing techniques and offers, for each of them, detailed explanation and easy to understand and achievable projects.
If you have only two books on your candle making bookshelf, let them be this one and The candlemaker's Companion.
Superbly illustrated, The Complete Candlemaker reviews almost all existing techniques and offers, for each of them, detailed explanation and easy to understand and achievable projects.
If you have only two books on your candle making bookshelf, let them be this one and The candlemaker's Companion.
The encyclopedia of candlemaking techniques
Here's another very good projects book. Here again, all the techniques are explored in great detail and reading this book will make you want to rush to your workplace and start reproducing the projects right away.
Magnificiently illustrated, almost exhaustive: highly recommended.
Magnificiently illustrated, almost exhaustive: highly recommended.
Great candles
Like the previous books, this one details the majority of existing techniques but the projects are presented less extensively.
However, it scores by making use, whenever possible, of items you probably already have lying around instead of expensive specialized equipment and that's a very good idea for beginners.
However, it scores by making use, whenever possible, of items you probably already have lying around instead of expensive specialized equipment and that's a very good idea for beginners.
Gel candles : 40 creative projects
For anyone who wants to start Gel candle making, this is the book to have.
It begins with a detailed explanation of what candle gel is, its properties, how to safely work with candle gel, how to fight air bubbles and takes you by the hand for the step-by-step creation of a basic gel candle.
Up next are no less than 40 projects with increasing difficulty. There is also an interesting chapter about candles made with both paraffin wax and candle gel.
It begins with a detailed explanation of what candle gel is, its properties, how to safely work with candle gel, how to fight air bubbles and takes you by the hand for the step-by-step creation of a basic gel candle.
Up next are no less than 40 projects with increasing difficulty. There is also an interesting chapter about candles made with both paraffin wax and candle gel.
The ultimate Gel candle book
A beautiful book that introduces the basics of working with candle gel as well as more advanced (and original) projects.
All the projects are original and not another repetition of what you may have read elsewhere already.
If you hesitate between this book and Gel Candles, 40 creative projects, be assured that both books are complementary and offer different types of projects. A recommended read.
All the projects are original and not another repetition of what you may have read elsewhere already.
If you hesitate between this book and Gel Candles, 40 creative projects, be assured that both books are complementary and offer different types of projects. A recommended read.
Cut & Carve candles
If you're into this type of candles, this book is a must-read. From tapers with simple twisted ribbons of wax to an elaborate candle shaped like a lighthouse, these 20 cut-and-carve projects are relatively simple to make: just dip a base molded candle into layer after layer of colored wax, then carve, twist, and curl patterns into the surface. Explore the many possibilities by learning all the basic cuts, from scrolls and bows to loops, and then combining them to create an infinite number of wonderful effects.
The chemical history of a Candle
First published in 1861, Michael Faraday's celebrated series of lectures cover a wide range of basic scientific knowledge, much of which still has relevance today. The Chemical History of a Candle draws out the science behind the candle flame; a familiar yet complex example of combustion, and a source of fascination as much today as it was then. Timed to mark the 150th anniversary of the first publication, Frank James presents a new edition of the lectures, which, for the first time, includes a facsimile of Faraday's original handwritten lecture notes, never before published. Including an introduction from Frank James this new edition provides the historical context and background to his lectures, and to Faraday himself.
Candle Making basics
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.
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 work space, and working safely and effectively, as well as information on scents and dyes.
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 work space, and working safely and effectively, as well as information on scents and dyes.
Candlemaking : A step by step guide
Candle making is an ancient and highly enjoyable art. In this comprehensive book, readers will learn how to create many different kinds of candles including flame candles, balloon candles, and pudding candles.
There are dozens of different styles to choose from, and the skill levels range from beginner to expert.
There are dozens of different styles to choose from, and the skill levels range from beginner to expert.
The use of candles in magical rituals
