The Candlemaker's Companion: A Complete Guide to Rolling, Pouring, Dipping, and Decorating Your Own Candles

by Betty Oppenheimer

Enjoy some homemade glow. From wax to wick to wrapping, The Candlemaker’s Companion is a definitive guide to modern candle making. Learn how to create rolled, poured, molded, and dipped candles; play with your favorite scents and colors; and use specialty techniques to design glowing luminaria, candle holders, and other gorgeous accessories. With illustrated directions, complete source lists, and plenty of practical advice, Betty Oppenheimer invites even the beginner candlemaker to get in on the action. Fill your house with the warm light and enticing fragrances that only candles can bring.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Ann Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastic Comprehensive Book for Novices and Experts

I am extremely impressed with the amount of information given for candle making. I am new to this art and I’ve searched and read several books before starting to make my first candle. I wish I had come across this book first. If you are looking to build your knowledge base on making candles I highly recommend this book. I know I will return to the pages of this gem many times now and in the future. I consider this book a wise investment to building a super business.

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first craft book I found that is readable and addicting. Not all the decorations and projects I will try but it gives you so much of the basic breakdown, you can add embellishments to the recipe. It taught me what I already knew, what I didn't know, and what I really needed to know. It's not the glossiest book but some craft books get too complicated and fancy.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Learned a lot. Gave a lot of tips as well.

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found something on make sheets of wax we will try to make rolled candles from scratch for menorah.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlike so many candlemaking books filled with photos printed on glossy paper with very little information and step-by-step instructions for just a few fancy candles, this is the opposite. It is filled with information that obviously comes from long experience, yet still illustrated throughout with beautiful lineart illustrations showing what the author is talking about. It isn't a recipe book for candles. It's an in-depth guide to the art and craft of making candles of every kind.

She goes into great depth with materials and molds and especially the practical aspects of making candles. The book is full of informational sidebars related to the techniques being discussed that are always helpful in the right places. There's even a section at the end discussing techniques of mass producing candles.

Of all candlemaking books I've read and sampled this is by far the best and most complete.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very complete and detailed. Not as visually appealing as a lot of the other candle-making books but more useful than most I think. I also liked that she offered a variety of different wax recipes and didn't assume that everyone was using paraffin.

[Katie Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe not the most aesthetically pleasing arts and crafts book I've ever read, but definitely chock full of practical advice for anyone who wants to make their own candles. Worth buying to keep as a reference!