7 Candlemaking Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Petra Ahnert, Alyssa Garner, and other thought leaders recommend these must-have Candlemaking Books to elevate your craft and business.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if you could unlock the secrets behind crafting exquisite candles that not only illuminate a room but also spark a thriving business? Candlemaking has evolved far beyond a simple hobby; it’s a creative outlet and a potential source of income for many. Especially today, as people crave handmade, sustainable products, mastering this craft offers both personal satisfaction and entrepreneurial opportunity.

Petra Ahnert, celebrated for her artisan approach to beeswax products, and Alyssa Garner, an experienced entrepreneur teaching how to build profitable candle businesses, are among the voices shaping this space. Their books offer insights grounded in real-world experience, from the art of wax manipulation to scaling a home-based business.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks for crafting and selling candles, readers seeking content tailored to their specific skill level, creative goals, or business ambitions might consider creating a personalized Candlemaking book that builds on these insights for a more customized learning experience.

Best for sustainable beeswax projects
Library Journal, a respected voice in publishing and craft book reviews, highlights the versatility of beeswax and praises Petra Ahnert’s detailed guidance for intermediate DIY crafters. They note, "Beeswax is a wonderful, malleable and beneficial product that has a wide array of possible uses. This attractive book has a lot to offer for the intermediate do-it-yourselfer." Their endorsement underscores how Ahnert’s experience as a businesswoman and beekeeper enriches the book’s practical instruction, especially in making body products. Their review suggests that this book not only deepened their appreciation for beeswax’s potential but also serves as a trustworthy companion for anyone looking to create natural wellness and home goods.

Recommended by Library Journal

Beeswax is a wonderful, malleable and beneficial product that has a wide array of possible uses. This attractive book has a lot to offer for the intermediate do-it-yourselfer. In her debut book, businesswoman Ahnert provides an excellent introduction and solid technique instruction to make candles, lotions, and soaps with beeswax. VERDICT The true strength of this book is its instructions for making homemade body products. While similar in coverage to Leeann Coleman and Jayne Barnes's Honey Crafting, Ahnert's book provides better body products and more detailed technical instruction. Strongly recommended. (from Amazon)

2015·136 pages·Candlemaking, Crafting, Soap Making, Beekeeping, Body Care

Petra Ahnert draws on her unique blend of artisan entrepreneurship and hands-on beekeeping experience to guide you through transforming beeswax into a variety of handcrafted goods. You’ll learn not just how to make candles but also how to create balms, creams, soaps, and salves with detailed techniques and over 40 projects. The book walks you through the history and properties of beeswax, then dives into practical crafting methods, such as hand-dipped birthday candles and natural perfumes. If you’re interested in sustainable, homemade body products or want to expand your candlemaking repertoire, this book offers both inspiration and solid instruction.

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Best for aspiring candle entrepreneurs
Alyssa Garner has been an entrepreneur since 2016, evolving from a food blogger to running multiple profitable businesses with her husband, Garrett. Their passion for teaching others to find financial freedom doing what they love led them to write this book, offering a clear roadmap to launching and growing a candle making business from home. Their combined business experience shines through in this guide that goes beyond craft techniques to include marketing, branding, and automation strategies critical for success.
2023·127 pages·Candlemaking, Marketing, Business, Strategy, Candlemaking Techniques

Alyssa and Garrett Garner bring their entrepreneurial expertise to the candle making world with a guide designed for aspiring business owners who want to launch and scale from home. You’ll find practical instruction on crafting your first candle batch, but the real strength lies in their marketing and branding strategies tailored to build a six-figure income. For instance, the book breaks down how to create unique candle designs that resonate with customers, and it simplifies complex business aspects like LLC formation and tax filing. This book suits those ready to move beyond hobby crafting and build a serious, profitable candle enterprise with clear financial goals in sight.

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Best for personal growth plans
This AI-created book on candlemaking mastery is tailored to your skill level, creative interests, and business ambitions. You share what aspects of crafting and selling candles you want to focus on, and the book is crafted to provide guidance that fits your background and personal goals. This personalized approach helps you navigate the rich world of candlemaking with content that truly speaks to your journey and aspirations.
2025·50-300 pages·Candlemaking, Wax Techniques, Scent Blending, Design Principles, Safety Practices

This tailored book explores the art and business of candlemaking with a focus on your unique interests and goals. It covers creative techniques such as wax selection, scent blending, and design, while also examining how to grow a candle business, including marketing and sales approaches. Drawing on a wide range of expert knowledge, the book presents a personalized pathway that matches your background and skill level. By concentrating on your specific aspirations, it reveals how to craft exquisite candles and develop your entrepreneurial potential in this craft-based market.

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Best for beginners building candle businesses
Christie Greene is a renowned author and expert in candle-making with years of experience helping individuals turn their passion into profitable businesses. Her comprehensive knowledge spans from the craft’s basics to advanced marketing strategies, making her uniquely qualified to guide you through launching and growing your own candle business from home.
2021·124 pages·Candlemaking, Business, Marketing, Sales, Candlemaking Basics

Christie Greene, a seasoned candle-making expert, channels years of industry experience into this guide aimed at beginners eager to transform their hobby into a thriving business. You’ll find detailed chapters covering foundational skills such as wick selection and wax types, alongside practical insights on scent blending and safety precautions. The book doesn’t stop at craft; it dives into legal considerations, marketing techniques, and sales strategies tailored for both online and offline success. If you're ready to explore candle-making beyond a pastime and build a business from home, this book offers a clear roadmap without overcomplicating the process.

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Best for hands-on candlemaking beginners
Rebecca Wellner's guide stands out by focusing on transforming novices into capable candlemakers through straightforward instructions and vivid illustrations. This book appeals especially to those eager to craft personalized candles for both personal enjoyment and small-scale sales. It covers everything from basic supplies to advanced recipes, alongside practical tips for troubleshooting and preserving your creations. If you've ever wanted to move beyond store-bought candles and embrace a hands-on approach, this book provides a clear path forward.
2019·61 pages·Candlemaking, Crafts, DIY, Candle Recipes, Troubleshooting

Unlike most candlemaking guides that skim the surface, Rebecca Wellner's book digs into the craft with hands-on clarity. She walks you through essential tools, clear tutorials, and nine advanced recipes to elevate your skills beyond basics. For instance, her troubleshooting chapter addresses common pitfalls, saving you time and frustration. Whether you're crafting for relaxation or aiming to start a small business, this guide equips you with the knowledge to create candles that truly set moods. If you're new to the craft, this book offers a solid foundation without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for creative home candle projects
Sarah Ditchfield’s candle-making journey began after receiving a kit from her husband. She expanded her skills by experimenting with waxes, dyes, and fragrances, eventually selling her creations and launching Candle by Events, which offers workshops and corporate events across the UK. Her hands-on experience and passion for the craft fuel this approachable guide, designed to help you make beautiful, personalized candles for your home and gifts.
2021·80 pages·Candlemaking, Crafts, DIY Projects, Wax Types, Scent Blending

Unlike most candlemaking books that focus solely on techniques, Sarah Ditchfield brings a personal and approachable touch to creating candles for your home. Drawing on her experience running workshops and experimenting with various waxes, dyes, and fragrances, she guides you through 20 distinct projects ranging from taper candles to ice pillars. You learn not only how to make candles but also how to decorate and package them thoughtfully, making this ideal if you want handcrafted gifts or a relaxing craft hobby. This book suits both beginners eager to start and those looking to expand their creative candle repertoire.

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Best for personal launch plans
This AI-created book on candlemaking business is crafted based on your experience level and goals. It zooms in on the practical steps you need to start and grow a profitable candle venture, matching your specific interests and challenges. By focusing on what matters most to you, it streamlines learning so you don't have to sift through vast expert content. This personalized approach means you get a clear, actionable path tailored just for your candlemaking journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Candlemaking, Candlemaking Basics, Product Development, Market Research, Brand Building

This tailored candle business book offers a focused, step-by-step exploration of launching and growing a profitable venture in candlemaking. It covers essential topics from crafting quality candles to establishing a market presence, all aligned with your background and goals. The personalized content matches your interests in entrepreneurship and artistry, guiding you through practical phases such as product development, branding, and customer engagement. By concentrating on your specific challenges and aspirations, this book reveals how to transform passion into profit efficiently. It examines market entry hurdles, production scaling, and sales techniques with clarity, making the learning experience uniquely relevant and actionable for your candlemaking journey.

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Best for simple step-by-step candlemaking
Adrienne Haws is a stay-at-home mom who developed a deep interest in candle making, exploring various styles and techniques. Her enthusiasm led her to write this guide, where she shares approachable knowledge for beginners wanting to craft candles at home. Drawing from her personal experience, she offers clear instructions and creative ideas designed to inspire and equip you for your candle making journey.
2016·57 pages·Candlemaking, Crafts, Home Hobbies, Wax Types, Wicks

What started as a personal passion for Adrienne Haws, a stay-at-home mom fascinated by diverse candle styles, became a practical guide for novices eager to craft candles at home. You’ll learn the essentials — from understanding different waxes and wicks to incorporating scents, colors, and even herbs into your creations. The book breaks down the process into a clear seven-step method, supported by basic recipes and design ideas that make experimentation accessible. If you’re drawn to handmade crafts or want to gift something uniquely personal, this book offers a straightforward introduction without overwhelming you with jargon or complexity.

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Best for combined soap and candle beginners
Richard Walter Hart is a skilled author specializing in DIY crafts, particularly soap and candle making. With a passion for teaching others, he aims to empower you to create your own products at home using simple, accessible materials, making this book a practical guide for beginners interested in crafting their own soaps and candles.
2021·98 pages·Candlemaking, Crafts, Soap Making, DIY Projects, Home Recipes

Richard Walter Hart draws on his expertise in DIY crafts to guide you through making soaps and candles using everyday household items. The book offers a collection of 30 recipes and practical tips that focus on simplicity and resourcefulness, ideal if you're interested in hands-on creativity without expensive supplies. You'll find step-by-step instructions that demystify the craft, making it approachable whether you're crafting solo or with family. This book suits those looking for an enjoyable introduction to soap and candle making rather than a technical manual.

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Conclusion

The seven books highlighted here reveal two clear themes: the blend of artistry with practical techniques, and the path from crafting candles to creating a sustainable business. If you’re eager to master the craft itself, start with Beeswax Alchemy or How to Make Candles for foundational skills and creative inspiration. For those aiming to turn their passion into profit, Candle Making Business and Candle-Making Business Startup offer clear, accessible guidance.

For rapid progress, combining hands-on recipe books with business strategy guides can accelerate your journey from hobbyist to entrepreneur. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Candlemaking book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation.

These books can help you accelerate your learning journey, whether you’re lighting your first wick or launching your candle brand. The knowledge you gain here will brighten your craft and your business alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with How to Make Candles if you're new to the craft; it offers clear, step-by-step instructions that build your confidence. If you want a sustainable approach, Beeswax Alchemy is a great choice.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Candlemaking?

Not at all. Several books like Candle Making for Beginners and Soap Making and Candle Making for Beginners are designed specifically for novices, breaking down techniques into manageable steps.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with beginner-friendly guides for fundamentals, then explore Making Candles or Beeswax Alchemy for creative projects, and finish with business-focused books like Candle Making Business to scale your craft.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can definitely pick one based on your goals—choose craft-focused books for skills or business books for entrepreneurship. Reading multiple offers broader insights but isn’t required.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Books like Beeswax Alchemy blend theory about materials with hands-on projects, while Candle-Making Business Startup emphasizes practical business steps alongside crafting basics.

Can personalized Candlemaking books complement these expert guides?

Yes! Expert books provide solid foundations, and personalized books tailor advice to your unique needs, bridging general knowledge with your specific skills and goals. Consider creating a personalized Candlemaking book for targeted guidance.

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