Before I start making candles...

[Dana Mae]

Is there any must-read books or other recommended reading (other than this forum ) ?

Although eager to begin, I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the types of wax, wicks, testing, etc. and almost scared to begin!

That said, I hope to order my supplies this weekend or Monday. For those who haven't had the boring experience of reading any of my other noob posts, I'm wanting to make container (glass) candles...and am considering 4630 or 4627 wax to start.

Thank you in advance for your input and advice.

Dana

[flcandles]

Hi Dana

I never read a book on candlemaking, I just read these forums and other forums. Don't be scared about attemping to make your first candle... You need patience , expect fustration and mistakes (its only normal) Then if you keep following through on advice from others and your own intuitions & allow yourself patience you will get great satisfaction from your candles. (even the candlemaking pro's still come across frustion from time to time)Candlemaking isn't easy by far ,theres alot of testing involved but very rewarding and who knows this time next year you could be giving candles to family and friends for the holidays.:highfive:

Good Luck and when you do make your first candle then post a pic for us to see!

[Jane42]

Have you considered buying a kit? We started with a kit from Cajun (votive) and it gave us a bit of everything to let us get the feel of it.

We use 4630. It is a very soft wax that can having smoking issues IF wicked too high. Otherwise, we love it. Colors nice, if you are using dyes, and we are very happy with the cold and hot throw.

We did buy the Presto Pot to begin with. It is not necessary, but oh so much easier....lol

Good Luck!

[jbement]

Hi Dana,

There are so many books, some of which will depend on which types of candles you want to make (soy, blend, beeswax). A fairly decent introduction to candle making in general is "The Candlemaker's Companion" by Betty Oppenheimer. A quick perusal of any supplier website will show more, just see if you can look at the table of contents.

As flcandles mentioned, you may find that once you start and find an area of interest, that the forums are the best resource due to the numbers of people who follow a similar path. Most of the books are general in nature, without too much depth in any given direction. Make sure whatever book you get has a good troubleshooting section, as learning about the various characteristics of the wicks and waxes is the best way to make candles you will be happy with.

Buy a good thermometer, follow the usual safety guidelines, take lots of notes, and have fun!

JB

[Dana Mae]

Thanks everyone for responding

Yes, Jane, I was going to make a kit to start, but decided to try to make what I wanted as some of the colors/scents included in the kits aren't to my taste. I'm trying to use the kits as a guide though to the supplies I will need.

JB that is it, the various wicks/waxes are a bit confusing! It all sounds like great fun though and I am eager to start.

As with my CP soaping, I don't expect much from the start but hope for the best

Thanks

Dana

[Candybee]

There's a lot of information on candlemaking on these forums especially in the archives.

I would start by buying a kit. It will help you decide if you like making candles before you invest a lot of money.

After I started making candles I then bought some books for learning a variety of techniques and candle applications. Also, pictures of the finished candles were pretty helpful.

I also took some classes that were probably the most helpful resource aside from these forums. For example; there is nothing like watching someone 'whip' up a marble candle so you can see for yourself and then do it yourself with an instructor on hand.

[Donita]

I think you can find just about anything you want on this forum. I agree.....buy a kit and see how you like it. Make some candles.....burn them and watch how they burn......then start experimenting.....OMG this will drive you crazy if you really like it. We here have spent millions of dollars on experimenting and we still keep experimenting. Talk about becoming obsessed (smile)....but if you want to make a really good candle.....pretty and burns well and be able to repeat it over and over....it will require lots of testing. But in the meantime you should have a bunch of pretty candles to burn for yourself before you give them away or sell them. Gook luck and have fun. It is fun. Sometimes (smile)....Donita