8 Best-Selling Candlemaking Books Millions Love

Discover expert picks from Petra Ahnert, Michelle Espino, and David Constable, featuring proven methods and business savvy in Candlemaking Books.

Updated on June 25, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, and Candlemaking is no exception. The enduring appeal of crafting candles blends creativity, craftsmanship, and even entrepreneurship — making these popular books more than simple guides. Candlemaking remains a favored hobby and small business avenue, with readers drawn to proven techniques and inspiring projects that stand the test of time.

Experts such as Petra Ahnert, whose artisan experience shapes 'Beeswax Alchemy,' and Michelle Espino, who channels business acumen into 'Candlemaking for Fun & Profit,' highlight the blend of craft and commerce that resonates with many. David Constable's Guinness record and approachable guidance further affirm the credibility behind these choices. Their recommendations have helped shape a collection of favorites that readers return to again and again.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Candlemaking needs might consider creating a personalized Candlemaking book that combines these validated approaches. This way, you can blend expert wisdom with your unique goals and background for a truly customized learning experience.

Best for intermediate beeswax artisans
Library Journal, a respected publication authority in crafts, highlights this book as an excellent guide for intermediate DIY enthusiasts exploring beeswax projects. Their recommendation came after evaluating many candlemaking resources and recognizing Petra Ahnert’s detailed instructions and nuanced approach to body care products made with beeswax. They note how this book expanded their understanding of the material’s versatility beyond candles into lotions and soaps, praising the clear, practical guidance provided. "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," they wrote, emphasizing the book’s strength in crafting homemade body 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. 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.

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

When Petra Ahnert first discovered beeswax's versatility after meeting a beekeeper in 2002, she transformed her curiosity into a hands-on guide blending craft and beekeeping. You’ll find over 40 projects showing how to create candles, balms, soaps, and creams using beeswax, with detailed techniques and tips drawn from her artisan business experience. The book goes beyond simple candlemaking to include body care recipes like lip balms and salves, complete with color photos illustrating each step. If you want to deepen your practical skills in working with beeswax or explore handmade wellness products, this book offers clear guidance without fluff.

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Best for craft entrepreneurs
Michelle Espino is a business analyst and avid candlemaker, owner of Waxed Out Candles in Tallahassee, Florida. Her combined expertise in business and craft shines through this book, which teaches you not just how to make candles but how to transform that passion into a source of income. The book offers a unique blend of technical candlemaking skills and practical business advice, making it a valuable resource if you’re serious about turning craft into profit.
Candlemaking for Fun & Profit book cover

by Michelle Espino··You?

2000·336 pages·Candlemaking, Crafts, Entrepreneurship, Small Business, Product Pricing

The breakthrough moment came when Michelle Espino, blending her business analysis expertise with a passion for candlemaking, crafted this guide to bridge creativity with commerce. You get not only fundamental candlemaking techniques—like selecting the right materials and creating your workspace—but also practical insights into turning your craft into a profitable venture through pricing strategies and sales channels. Chapters on managing craft shows and copyright basics provide a clear path for makers serious about business. If you want a hands-on approach that covers both artistry and entrepreneurship, this book fits well; hobbyists seeking only creative projects might find the business sections less essential.

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Best for personalized craft plans
This AI-created book on candlemaking techniques is designed around your craft experience and specific goals. By sharing what you want to focus on and your current skill level, you receive a book that addresses your challenges and interests directly. Personalizing the content this way helps you engage deeply with proven candlemaking practices while fitting the book precisely to your creative journey.
2025·50-300 pages·Candlemaking, Wax Types, Wick Selection, Scent Blending, Color Techniques

This tailored candlemaking book explores time-tested methods refined through widespread reader validation, focusing on your unique background and goals. It covers essential practices and nuanced techniques that seasoned crafters rely on, offering a personalized exploration that matches your specific interests and challenges. The text reveals how these proven approaches can be adapted thoughtfully to suit your craft style, materials, and desired outcomes. By combining popular knowledge with your individual focus, the book invites you into a rich learning experience that balances tradition and customization. It emphasizes hands-on skill development and creative confidence, tailored to support your candlemaking journey.

Tailored Blueprint
Proven Craft Methods
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for mastering diverse candle styles
Bob Sherman is a renowned candle maker with extensive experience in crafting various types of candles. His expertise and detailed knowledge are reflected in his comprehensive guides, offering you a reliable path to mastering diverse candlemaking styles and techniques.
Candlemaking book cover

by Bob Sherman··You?

2002·220 pages·Candlemaking, Craft Techniques, Wax Types, Candle Design, Handcrafting

When Bob Sherman realized the depth of variety in candlemaking, he crafted this guide to illuminate the craft beyond basics. You’ll explore how to create a wide range of candles—from flame candles to balloon and pudding styles—each with stepwise instructions tailored to skill levels from beginner to expert. Sherman’s experience shines through in chapters that detail techniques for achieving different textures and finishes, helping you refine your craft. This book suits anyone eager to expand their candlemaking skills, whether you're just starting out or looking to master advanced styles.

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Best for creative home candle makers
What makes this book a standout in candlemaking is its approachable but richly detailed method of teaching you to make candles at home that are anything but ordinary. The Everything Candlemaking Book offers a wide array of candle styles, from simple tapers to intricate twisted and layered designs, accompanied by inspiring photos that encourage your own creativity. It addresses both the practical side—tools, supplies, and step-by-step guides—and the artistic, such as color mixing and scent additions, making it perfect for anyone eager to explore candlemaking beyond the store-bought options. This book serves as a comprehensive companion for beginners and enthusiasts looking to bring warmth and personal flair to their living spaces through handmade candles.
2002·304 pages·Candlemaking, Crafts, Hobbies, Home Crafts, Color Techniques

This book invites you into the world of home candlemaking with a hands-on approach that balances creativity and technique. Marie-Jeanne Abadie walks you through everything from basic tapers to complex twisted and layered candles, supported by vivid full-color photos that spark ideas for your own designs. You’ll gain practical skills in shaping, coloring, and scenting candles, along with tips for using unique containers and adding ritualistic touches. Whether you want economical alternatives to store-bought candles or a new artistic hobby, this guide offers clear instructions and inspiration to get you crafting with confidence.

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Best for first-time candlemakers
David Constable holds the Guinness Book of Records certificate for the world's largest free-standing candle and has authored several books on candlemaking along with numerous magazine contributions. His deep expertise and passion for the craft led him to write this guide aimed at making candle creation approachable. His proven track record and recognition in the candlemaking community lend this book credibility and practical value for those eager to begin or improve their candle projects.
Beginner's Guide to Candlemaking book cover

by David Constable··You?

1997·48 pages·Candlemaking, Crafts, Hobbies, Candle Types, Coloring Techniques

Unlike most candlemaking books that dive straight into complex techniques, David Constable's approach makes crafting accessible and enjoyable. He walks you through making a variety of candles—from classic tapers to perfumed flower candles—using straightforward projects that demonstrate key skills like coloring, shaping, and scenting. You gain hands-on experience with different candle types, including spirals and floating designs, which equips you with a solid foundation to experiment creatively. This book suits anyone curious about starting candlemaking as a hobby or looking to refine basic skills without getting overwhelmed by technical jargon.

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Best for rapid candlemaking progress
This AI-created book on candlemaking is tailored to your skill level, background, and specific goals to help you improve quickly and effectively. By focusing on the aspects you want to explore, it delivers a step-by-step plan that fits your interests and experience. Unlike general guides, this personalized book zeroes in on what matters most to you, making your learning journey more enjoyable and efficient. It's designed to get you meaningful results fast, without wading through unrelated information.
2025·50-300 pages·Candlemaking, Candlemaking Basics, Wax Handling, Scent Blending, Candle Design

This personalized book explores a stepwise approach to fast improvement in candlemaking, tailored to your unique interests and experience. It covers essential techniques, materials, and creative processes that match your background, enabling you to progress efficiently and confidently. The content delves into candle types, wax handling, scent blending, and design elements, crafted to focus on what matters most for your goals. By combining widely validated knowledge with a tailored focus, it offers a learning experience that speaks directly to your aspirations. Engaging and practical, this tailored guide reveals how to achieve meaningful results on your candlemaking journey, step by step.

Tailored Guide
Stepwise Progression
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for visual technique learners
The Encyclopedia of Candlemaking Techniques offers a unique visual approach to mastering the art of candle crafting. This step-by-step guide lays out a broad spectrum of materials and techniques, organized alphabetically for easy reference, while showcasing works from professional artists to fuel your creativity. It’s a valuable resource for anyone drawn to crafting candles with both skill and artistry, providing clear demonstrations to help you handle materials confidently and design your own signature pieces. Its methodical yet inspiring framework makes it a notable contribution to the candlemaking community, helping hobbyists and budding artisans alike explore the craft in depth.
1999·160 pages·Candlemaking, Craft Techniques, Material Handling, Design Inspiration, Visual Guides

After exploring countless crafting guides, Sandie Lea developed a thorough visual encyclopedia that breaks down candlemaking techniques from A to Z. You’ll find clear demonstrations on handling various materials alongside inspiring galleries from professional artists, making it more than just a how-to manual. Chapters organized alphabetically by technique and material let you easily navigate from basics like wax types to intricate design methods. Whether you’re experimenting with color blending or mold shaping, this book offers concrete skills to elevate your craft. It’s ideal if you want a visual and methodical approach to creating distinctive candles, though those seeking narrative-driven inspiration might find it less engaging.

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Best for hands-on beginners
Candlemaking for the First Time invites you to explore the art of candle crafting with approachable guidance designed specifically for beginners. This book has drawn attention for its clear Q&A format and a variety of projects that range from simple single-wick to more trendy multiwick candles with embedded objects. By breaking down techniques into manageable steps, it helps you develop both confidence and skills in candlemaking, making it a fitting choice if you’re looking to start crafting candles at home or expand your general craft repertoire.
2001·112 pages·Candlemaking, Crafts, Project Techniques, Multiwick Candles, Embedded Materials

What started as a straightforward guide for beginners evolved into a practical manual that demystifies candlemaking techniques for anyone eager to start. Vanessa-Ann presents her instructions in a clear question-and-answer format, making it easy to grasp the basics while exploring projects like multiwick candles and embedded materials. You’ll find stepwise insights into 30 varied projects that gently push your skills beyond the fundamentals, perfect whether you’re new to crafts or looking to add creative flair. This book suits those who want hands-on experience without overwhelming jargon and who appreciate learning through doing with accessible explanations.

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Best for aromatherapy candle enthusiasts
Michelle Weber’s book offers a distinctive approach to candlemaking by integrating aromatherapy principles to enhance well-being. It has gained attention for guiding you through the process of making your own scented candles that aim to address stress, weight management, and everyday health concerns. The book breaks down the merits of producing candles yourself compared to buying them, providing you with recipes and scent ideas drawn from natural plant extracts. If you’re interested in combining craft with wellness, this guide serves as a clear, practical resource to help you benefit from aromatherapy candles within your own home.
2015·46 pages·Candlemaking, Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Stress Relief, Weight Loss

When Michelle Weber first explored the intersection of aromatherapy and candlemaking, she uncovered how scented candles could do more than just fill a room with fragrance. This book dives into crafting your own aromatherapy candles to target stress relief, weight loss support, and common health issues through carefully chosen essential oils and natural extracts. You’ll get practical recipes and guidance on blending scents, plus insights into the benefits and limitations of homemade versus store-bought options. If you’re intrigued by DIY wellness or want to deepen your candlemaking skills with therapeutic intent, this guide offers focused knowledge without overcomplicating the process.

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Proven Methods, Personalized for You

Get expert candlemaking strategies tailored to your unique craft and goals.

Custom Craft Plans
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Trusted by thousands of candlemaking enthusiasts worldwide

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Candlemaking Foundations Blueprint
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Conclusion

These eight books together paint a clear picture: Candlemaking thrives on a balance of skill, creativity, and practical know-how. If you prefer proven methods for crafting classic and artisanal candles, starting with David Constable's 'Beginner's Guide to Candlemaking' and Sandie Lea's 'The Encyclopedia of Candlemaking Techniques' provides solid foundations.

For those drawn to combining craft with commerce, Michelle Espino's 'Candlemaking for Fun & Profit' offers valuable business insights, while Petra Ahnert's 'Beeswax Alchemy' expands your technique repertoire with beeswax projects. If aromatherapy or creative expression calls to you, Michelle Weber and Marie-Jeanne Abadie provide focused inspiration.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Candlemaking book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, making your next candle project both rewarding and informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, choosing can be tricky! Beginners often find David Constable's 'Beginner's Guide to Candlemaking' approachable and practical for getting started before exploring more advanced titles.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Candlemaking?

No, several books like 'Candlemaking for the First Time' and 'Beginner's Guide to Candlemaking' are designed specifically for newcomers, offering step-by-step projects and clear explanations.

What's the best order to read these books?

Start with beginner-focused titles to build skills, such as Constable’s and Vanessa-Ann’s books, then explore technique encyclopedias and business guides as your interests and skills grow.

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

You can pick one aligned with your goals—creative projects, business, or aromatherapy. Each book offers unique insights, so focusing on what excites you most is best.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Candlemaking changes?

While basic techniques remain steady, some newer books like 'Candlemaking Aromatherapy' focus on evolving trends. Combining classic and recent titles ensures a balanced perspective.

How can personalized Candlemaking books complement these expert picks?

Personalized books build on these expert methods, tailoring advice to your skill level and goals. They help focus your learning efficiently. Learn more here.

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