Book Review:
After a brief introduction to candles and the projects in this
book there is an abbreviated history of the candle and a must read
section on candle basics. Candle Basics include: candle anatomy,
wax, wicks, scents and dyes, candle styles, tapers, tea lights,
pillars, votives, novelty (or molded) candles, container candles
(accompanied by a photo of the different candle shapes and sizes),
decorating candles, how-to tips for decorating candles, finding
the circumference of a candle, marking a candle, working with wax,
how to overdip candles, how to make a sheet of wax or appliques,
creating pressed flowers and leaves, decorating with flammable materials,
adhering material to candles, using pins and tacks, and painting
candles. Also covered are candleholders: selecting the right one
and an incomplete survey of candleholders, lighting and extinguishing
candles, tips for lighting candles, tips for extinguishing candles,
storing and caring for your candles, candle safety, and displaying
and burning candles.
Decorating Candles contains 48 candle projects by 12 different
artists including 1 project that is a collaboration of two artists
(Button-and-Bow Flower Garden Candle) and two variations of Oriental
Candles by two different artists. The main techniques involved in
making the candles in this book include decoupage, rubber stamping,
batik, mosaic, calligraphy, quilling, painting, clip-art, embossing,
stenciling and beading. Page numbers are provided when necessary
for the reader to refer back to the Candle Basics section to learn
how to do techniques such as determining the circumference of your
candle (Old World Calligraphy Candle) and pressing natural materials
and overdipping (Decoupaged Maple Leaf Candle).
I like that this book includes a wide variety of styles of candle
making projects that anyone can do. The candles are colorful, use
a variety of materials and teach you the new techniques you might
not know how to do to make candles such as the Quilled Spring Bouquet
candle. Most of the tools and materials you will need are easily
available at craft or hardware stores if you don't have them on
hand already. To save you money on expensive candle dyes it is suggested
(for the Batik Candles) that you can substitute wax crayons for
candle dyes. Some projects (Papel Picado Candle, Flower Power Pyramid,
Folk Art Candle, Wrought Iron Candle, Tooled Copper Medallion Pillar)
require the use of a photocopier to enlarge templates (good for
those who can't draw, are supplied at the back of the book) or photos
(Anniversary Candle). There is a small section on the contributing
designers for those who are interested in learning more about the
artist who created the unique candles in this book. |
