I really enjoy making things, and I especially love when the thing I’m making makes me feel more at home. You can guess that I love scents (hence a blog about House Fragrances), so I enjoy experimenting with different fragrances to make my own candles.
It’s my guess that all of the above holds true for you since you’re reading this post, so I’m going to share 11 candle making books to show you how easily you can make the perfect candle for your home. After making a few for yourself, you can even start giving them away as gifts.
Keep reading to learn about resources you can use to fill your house with handmade candles, give them away as gifts, or make them for profit.
11 Candle Making Books for You to Consider
Since some of you might solely be looking for a craft resource, and others references for building a candle business, I am going to section this post with that in mind. So below is a list of digital or tangible DIY candle making books, business of candle making books, and a combination of the two.
DIY Candle Making
1. Candle Making Recipes: How to Make Homemade Candles for Beginners
- S. Miller, Shawna (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 121 Pages - 06/01/2021 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
You might have a lot of ideas about the kind of candles you would like to have in your home without any way of narrowing down your list or deciding on which ingredients to use. In Candle Making Recipes, you’ll read about the basic supplies needed to make your own candles, as well as recipes for candles of different shapes and scents. I also like the author’s creativity with regards to the kinds of containers used to pour the candle wax.
Some recipe examples include:
- Flower Pot Candles
- Summer Meadow Candles
- Cupcake Candles
- Gingerbread Man Candles, and
- Tealight Candles
The author explains the kind of wax you might use and why and the variety of candle molds available. Also to note are the different kinds of dyes you can use, and even an entire chapter on the benefits of making your own candles. DIY projects can truly be good for the soul.
Available formats:
- Paperback
- Digital
Length:
- 121 pages
2. Candle Making Basics: All the Skills & Tools You Need to Get Started
- English (Publication Language)
- 184 Pages - 03/15/2018 (Publication Date) - Stackpole Books (Publisher)
In this second edition book, you’ll learn how to set aside an area within your home to work on your candles as well as the types of supplies to keep on hand when making candles. They talk about dyes, fragrance oils and how to mix them, and the various types of wax and containers you can use.
You’ll learn to create four basic candle types:
- Container candle
- Molded candle
- Dip candle, and
- Rolled beeswax candle
Although there’s basic information, the author goes into great detail, ensure that beginners can catch on and learn this skill well.
Available formats:
- Paperback
- Digital
Length:
- 184 pages
3. The Scented Candle Workshop: Creating Perfect Home Fragrance from Wax to Wick
- Hardcover Book
- Firmin, Paul (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 144 Pages - 10/01/2019 (Publication Date) - Kyle Books (Publisher)
If candle making doesn’t work out, simply having this book on your coffee table would be a nice addition to modern or vintage decor. Written by co-owners of Earl of East London, authors of The Scented Candle Workshop take you through the process of creating a personalized fragrance for your home. If you are looking to burn a completely unique fragrance in your home, this book is your guide.
You know how in some of my posts, I mention layers of fragrances, like, the top note, middle, and base notes? Well, through this book you can learn how to create layered scents for your own candles.
And do you remember the post about Yankee Candles and how they tend to create scents that trigger some of your favorite memories? Well, Paul and Niko cover that process in this book as well.
Detailed instructions at a gentle pace is what you will find in, The Scented Candle Workshop.
Available formats:
- Hardcover
- Digital
Length:
- 144 pages
4. Beehive Alchemy: Projects and Recipes Using Honey, Beeswax, Propolis, and Pollen to Make Soap, Candles, Creams, Salves, and More
- Ahnert, Petra (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 160 Pages - 08/21/2018 (Publication Date) - Quarry Books (Publisher)
For those really into DIY projects, I suggest, Beehive Alchemy. And if you believe in the magic of bees, all the better.
In addition to candle making, this author shares how to make lotion bars, body butter, furniture polish, and even your own lozenges.
Regarding candles, you’ll find tutorials on hand-dipped, birthday, molded, and pillar candles but not without an introduction to their wax and its temperature, how to wick them, and which molds and containers to use.
There’s also an appendix that lists where to source containers, essential and fragrance oils, beeswax, and other supplies.
If you’re certain that you want to work with beeswax candles, then there is a wealth of information in this book written by a beekeeper who’s actually completed every project and used every recipe shared in it.
Available formats:
- Flexibound
- Digital
Length:
- 160 pages
5. 100 Candle Making Recipes
- Robinson, Lynn (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 04/18/2021 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
Literally a recipe book, this resource is fitting if you already have a grasp on the process of candle making and the types of wax you would like to use. Think of this book as an idea generator if you want to try different fragrance combinations.
Some recipe examples are:
- Orange Mint
- Cranberry Vanilla
- Vanilla Rose
- Peach Fizz, and
- Spiced Eggnog
Available formats:
- Paperback
- Digital
Length:
- 320 pages
6. The Candlemaker’s Companion: A Complete Guide to Rolling, Pouring, Dipping, and Decorating Your Own Candles
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Oppenheimer, Betty (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 208 Pages - 03/01/2004 (Publication Date) - Storey Publishing, LLC (Publisher)
Candle terminology, methods of making them, wick choice and proper burning, this book goes into it all. I did not know the difference between cored wicks, flat braids, or square braids until seeing it here.
What really stands out is that there’s an entire chapter dedicated to troubleshooting. Whether you are wanting to create the appropriate burn times for your candles or correct an aesthetic flaw, you can find an explanation in this book. There’s even a section in a later chapter about storing and repairing candles, which I haven’t found in many other books.
A long list of supplies as well as a readling list of more candle making resources makes this book a true companion guide and overall good reference.
Available formats:
- Paperback
- Digital
Length:
- 208 pages
7. How to Make Candles: A Guide for Learning How To Make Candles for Beginners
- Wellner, Rebecca (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 61 Pages - 01/16/2019 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
This comprehensive beginner’s guide covers the entire candle making spectrum. If you want to make all natural candles or are okay with using additives in your candles, this book describes either approach. You can learn the basics and then put your own spin on the process.
After covering foundational concepts, like the history of candles and which supplies you’ll need, the author shares her 9-step candle making process. Additional tips include making candles in a coffee cup or tobacco tin, and even the process of creating a wooden wick candle.
Some types, like pillar candles, need to be harder in order to hold their shape while burning. The author explains the use of hardening agents, and options for coloring and scents.
I think this is a great starter book that would be worth the investment.
Available formats:
- Paperback
- Digital
Length:
- 61 pages
The Business of Candle Making
8. The Art, Craft, and Economics of Soap & Candle Making and Selling
- Robinson, Lynn (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 283 Pages - 02/14/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
In addition to finding the right candle making supplies and getting familiar with the candle making process, this book explains how to start selling your candles. Whether you’re selling to family and friends, in a brick and mortar shop, at the open air market, or online, the author explains the process and what you might expect.
She even covers licensing and insurance, and how to price for profit. There are additional details about making the sale and marketing your business. The book ends with a wealth of resources that can help sustain your business for years to come.
Available formats:
- Paperback
- Digital
Length:
- 283 pages
9. The Art of Candle Making Business Startup: How To Start, Run, & Grow a Million Dollar Success From Home!
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Carpenter, Suzanne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 179 Pages - 01/24/2017 (Publication Date) - Valencia Publishing House (Publisher)
If making natural candles is your preference, you may want to consider, The Art of Candle Making Business Startup.
It all begins with testing. If you want your candle making hobby to become a business, there are lots of variables to consider when making candles. You’ll want to make a product with consistent fragrance, color, burn time, and so forth. You will learn all of this foundational information along with a 7-step process to candle making complete with safety guidelines.
There are also a lot of candle making projects to help you narrow down your process and decide which type of candle you would want to sell.
From finding your niche to setting up the legal side of business, there are lots of useful nuggets of information that you might find helpful. This book is probably best for those with little to no familiarity with starting a business.
Available formats:
- Paperback
- Audiobook
- Digital
Length:
- 179 pages
10. Candle Making Business 101: The Simple 8-Step Beginner’s Guide to Start, Run, and Grow a Profitable Home-Based Candle Business
- Holmes, Grace (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 184 Pages - 06/29/2021 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
According to the author, Grace Holmes, “… the majority of small candle making companies miss out on so many sales due to focusing solely on the technical side of candle making, and I do not want you to be one of them.” Much of the feedback on this book is that it’s really practical, and they feel more motivated to follow through with their decision to start a candle-making business.
From making to testing to marketing, it doesn’t seem as though Grace excluded any part of the candle business process. There are also accounting tips, as well as, pricing, marketing, and insurance tips.
Available formats:
- Paperback
- Audiobook
- Digital
Length:
- 184 pages
Candle Making for Fun or Profit
Whether you are new to candle making or you have some experience and would like to hone your skills, this next resource might be exactly what you need.
11. Candle Making 4 You
CandleMaking4You is a complete system that will have you making professional-looking candles in a short amount of time – without expensive equipment or classes. Most of what you’ll need you probably already have on hand. And the book author shares her go-to vendors for purchasing inexpensive candle making supplies.
In this book, you’ll learn how to
- Blend scents
- Create candles in almost every shape and size you can think of
- Create your own candle molds
- Decide on your preferred wax type
- Where to source materials
- Choose the best candle wicks
- Control for candle burning time,
- And more
These are all important lessons because according to the National Candle Association, scent, color, cost, and shape, are all determining factors for candle consumers.
Available format:
- Digital
On the business side of things, the author lays out how to keep track of expenses, how to efficiently produce candles and increase profit, candle packaging, and many trade secrets to help your business grow. Retail sales across the candle industry are over three billion USD, so if you are interested in growing a candle making business, you would definitely have potential buyers.
The full system comes in PDF format and includes a step-by-step candle making guide, CandleMaking4You, as well as the following titles:
- Candle Making Scents & Fragrances
- How to Make Custom Candle Molds
- Starting a Candle Making Business
- Candle Making Supplies – Wholesalers
Additionally, you’ll also gain immediate access to six bonus titles covering selling on eBay and at craft fairs, making incense sticks and cones, making soaps and perfumes, and the last book is all about aromatherapy. These bonus books can expand your product offerings through cross-selling and upselling.
And if it’s not a good fit for you, you’ll have 60 days to request a full refund. With so many people looking for alternative ways to earn income from home, this system could be worth a try.
==Buy Now and Get Instant Access==
Is Candle Making for You?
What do you think about this list? Candle making can be a fun skill to develop as a hobby.
Personalizing the scents within your space can not only make the space more reflective of you as an individual, but you can also use scents that meet your aromatherapy needs.
In the long-term, making your own candles can be more cost-effective. You can purchase candle supplies for a sum that might be less than your favorite luxury candles.
And whatever your skill level, you can learn to grow a candle business, if you so choose.
Whatever your goal, the resources listed here can help you get started and create a long-term plan for yourself.
That’s all for now. If you found this article helpful, please share it!
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