The Candlemaker's Companion

Create exquisite, handcrafted candles at home with this comprehensive primer!

From wax to wick to wrapping, the magical glow of a handmade candle is now easier to create than ever before. With illustrated step-by-step instructions and complete source lists, The Candlemaker's Companion shows you how to:

* Create rolled, poured, molded, gel, dipped, and custom-blended candles

* Scent, color, and decorate candles for special places and occasions

* Make innovative containers, holders, and gift packaging

* Create luminaria, lanterns, and floating candles

* Use specialty techniques, such as overdipping, painting, layering, and sculpting

This complete guide to making your own candles covers everything you need to know! With Betty Oppenheimer's illustrated, step-by-step instructions, you'll learn how to create rolled, pour, molded, gel, and dipped candles; scent and color your candles; make special containers and gift packaging for your candles; create luminaria and lanterns; and use special techniques, such as overdipping, painting, layering, and sculpting.

With illustrated, step-by-step instructions and complete source lists, Betty Oppenheimer shows crafters how to easily create rolled, poured, molded, and dipped candles from wax to wick.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

An experienced candlemaker, crafter and sewer, Betty Oppenheimer is also the author of three Storey books: Gifts for Herb Lovers and Sewing Packs, Pouches, Seats, and Sacks. Dan Junkins, museum associate for the Yankee Candle Company, commented on Betty's third book, The Candlemaker's Companion: "This book really does a great job in presenting candlemaking to the common person off the street." Betty studied textile science at the Fashion Institute of Technology, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University, and has worked as textile quality assurance engineer and manager for Eddie Bauer, Inc., Brittania Sportswear, Ltd., and Generra Sportswear. Now living in Sequim, Washington, Betty was the former production manager of Coyote Found Candles in Port Townsend, Washington, where she has resonsible for writing technical manuals, among other tasks.

Acknowledgments

A Plea from the Author

Introduction

Chapter 1: The History and Language of Candles

Chapter 2: Wick

Chapter 3: Wax and Additives

Chapter 4: Color and Scent

Chapter 5: Equipment

Chapter 6: Rolled Candles and Sheet Wax

Chapter 7: Poured Candles

Chapter 8: Casting and Moldmaking

Chapter 9: Dipped Candles

Chapter 10: Troubleshooting

Chapter 11: Decorating

Chapter 12: Candleholders and Related Items

Chapter 13: Wrapping, Storage, and Repair

Chapter 14: Moving into Production

Suppliers

Reading List

Index