Essentially Candles: The Elegant Art of Candle Making & Embellishing [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Robert S. McDaniel (Author), Katherine J. McDaniel (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Now anyone can create, scent, color and embellish professional looking candles at home.

This new book will satisfy the needs of candle makers from the complete novice that has only a few dollars and an orange juice can mold to the entrepreneur, ready to start a small home business. With over 250 color photographs that guide the reader through step-by-step instructions, the entire candle-making process is presented for more than 20 unique candles with endless variations. From the selection of raw materials such as wicks, waxes, colors and fragrances to the finishing touches, Katherine J. McDaniel and Dr. Robert S. McDaniel offer a comprehensive look at this exciting craft.

Dr. Robert S. McDaniel is also the author of Essentially Soap, a finalist for the 2001 Award of Excellence.

-Color photographs guide the reader through step-by-step instructions
-Projects for pillar candles, dipped tapers, rolled candles, container candles, floating candles, sand candles, mold making and much more
-Guides for decorating and adding fragrance to candles

Product Details

• Paperback: 126 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; illustrated edition edition (September 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873419960
• ISBN-13: 978-0873419963
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #111,990 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essentially Most Useful, October 30, 2002

By A Customer

I was first struck by the photo content. It seems that procedures to make every common type of candle (and several uncommon ones as well) are fully illustrated with lots of photos that make reproducing the results extremely easy to follow. Not only that but the authors helped to dispell my bewildernment over the many, many ingredients available on the market which are useful (or not) for producing special effects. For instance, the suggestion to forget gloss ingredients and use higher temperatures in making the candle is simple and highly practical.
I own or have looked through almost every candle book on the market, and I think this one is clearly the best resource book available. I just wish it were longer.
Finally, to my surprise, I discovered that this is the only book that is recommended by my primary ingredient supplier. They seem to agree that it is the most factual and accurate book on the market suitable for those getting started as well as for those needing more info as they scale up.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best value!, January 10, 2002

By A Customer

Ingredient selection for candles can be baffling, but Dr. Bob covers the gamut and tells which work or when there is a better way to do things. Lots of projects with easily available equipment as well as how to use fancy molds, or even make your own molds! Over 250 beautiful color pictures make procedures and results easy to understand. The section on how much wax is needed for a particular mold is invaluable, and I personally love the section on wax characteristics.
The FAQ is quite complete and look for tips on the best ways to make or avoid mottled candles, glossy candles, and which special ingredients can be replaced by the right technique. This is a valuable book for scout leaders, first timers, and experienced candlemakers alike. But then, what would you expect from the authors of Essentially Soap.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essentailly Candles kindles enthusiasm, January 7, 2002

By	N. Barry (MD) - See all my reviews

"To waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully. " Tryon Edwards (1809-1894)
This quote,(pun intended), describes Essentailly Candles to a "T". Starting with the history of candles,then proceeding to choosing the correct wax, wick and additives, then to the projects and great photos, Bob and Kate McDaniel have done an excellent job of teaching basic and advance skill in candlemaking. The book is easily read, the projects are illustrated with great photos and it is packed full of information useful to either the novice or more experienced candlemaker. I found the infomation on color, blending techniques, wax quantites for molds and differences and uses of various waxes to be most informative and helpful. I have made candles for over 20 years and still learned many new and useful things from this book.There are many books with pretty pictures and directions for projects. Essentially Candles not only gives the projects and the step-by-step directions but also offers the foundation information necessary to explore other possibilities. A must have for anyone wishing to know the why of candlemaking.