Book Review
One thing I really liked about this book was the Publisher’s
Note about using candles safely because they are a Fire Hazard and
that if you want your candles to turn out properly you should only
use one set of measurements (imperial or metric) in cases where
both are provided. I really enjoyed the beautiful photos of the
candles and candleholders illustrated throughout the book. I can't
wait to try my hand at a few of these candles! There were also additional
photos on the Introduction and on the opening pages of each chapter
to give you an idea of the wonderful ideas to come.
In the Introduction the author provides you with a little bit of
the history of candles and candle making as well as hints and tips
about cleaning wax off of fabric and furniture. She also includes
a word of warning about the safe use of candles especially when
used in combination with decorative candleholders such as the Rustic
Candle Pot (with dried flowers) and the Paper-Mache Candleholders.
This book is broken up into three chapters, which are further broken
up into smaller sections. A chapter on Candle Style (Through the
Home, Themes, Seasons and Special Occasions) follows the Introduction.
There are also chapters on Candle Making (Types of Candles, Basic
Techniques and Decorative Candles) and Containers for Candles (Types
of Holders, Adapting Containers and Decorative Holders). There are
also additional sections at the back for the templates required
for some of the projects in the book and the suppliers of products
used as well as an acknowledgements section and a handy index of
projects, techniques and materials.
The Chapter on candle style mainly deals with displaying candles
in various areas of the home and in what kind of groupings. It covers
how to display them in large and small spaces, different rooms,
how to store your candles safely so they retain their shape and
beauty, what accessories (i.e. vases of flowers, fruit or dishware)
to complement the arrangement and display of candles. It also covers
themed displays of various kinds of containers (i.e. glass, decorative
tumblers and even jam jars). This section is further divided into
sub-sections including Simple Purity which is concerned mostly with
candles and candleholders of an all white or cream colored theme,
Gothic Splendour is represented mainly by brass, bronze, iron and
wood accessories to display candles and Classical Grandeur, which
can be described by one word, elegance, would be best suited for
dinner parties. There are also sub-sections on floral arrangements
including candles, celestial inspired candles and candleholders
and country style candles and candleholders. One of the sub-sections
(Provencal) also includes the instructions for Lavender Collars
to decorate candles with. Floating candles and displaying candles
outdoors are also covered in the last two sub-sections.
The section on Seasons covers arrangements involving candles and
flowers, plants and fruits and vegetables (i.e. Spring – Mossy
Pots, Summer – Novelty shaped floral candles Winter –
Birch bark wrapped candles). Special Occasions covers candle use
and arrangements for Weddings, Christenings, Mother’s Day,
St. Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Hallowe’en, Birthdays,
Garden Parties and Easter.
The chapter on candle making first covers the Types of Candles
you can make (dipped, themed. Candle types are followed by Basic
Techniques which is the most important
section because it informs you of the materials necessary to make
candles (wax, wick dyes, scents), equipment (moulds, double boiler,
dipping can, thermometer, spoon), then gets into the techniques
of candle making. There are directions accompanied by photos and
hints and tips for dipping and moulding candles, making scented,
candy-twist and rolled candles. The final section in this chapter
covers Decorative Candles with instructions accompanied by photos
for Carved candles, Stencilled candles (with a How To Stencil section),
Shell and Seaside Candles, Painted Candles, Decorating with Foils,
Floating Candles, Shaker Candles, Gold Leaf Candles, Marbled Candles,
Sand Candles and Embossed Candles.
The final chapter covers Containers for Candles starting with Types
of Holders illustrated in A Gallery of Candleholders (wooden, ceramic,
glass, metal, themed, lanterns, candelabra, chandeliers, sconces,
candle shades and accessories, snuffers and accessories, nightlights.
Adapting Containers demonstrates how to make container candles such
as Mediterranean Candle Cans (with a safety warning about the use
of metal containers), Byzantine Jam Jars, Painted Candlesticks,
Foil Leaf Chandelier, Tasselled Chandelier, and Making Use of Bottles.
Containers also covers Decorative Holders (Mosaic Candlestick, Rustic
Candle Pot, Seashore Candelabra, Copper Sconces, Byzantine Candlestick,
Copper Candelabra, Garden Candleholders, Wire Craft Candleholders,
Papier-Mâché Candleholder, Filigree Candle Crowns,
Nightlight Chandelier, Braided Candleholder, Painted Flowerpots,
Fancy Candle Collars, Storage Boxes and Candle Shades.
The New Candle Book is good resources for beginners because it covers
the Basic Techniques of candle making that will enable them to make
their own candles and go on to make the projects in this book. |
