Skip to main content

Browse our latest recommendations

Billionbooks Logo
BILLIONBOOKSMore Than A Bookstore

9 Best Candle Making Books for Crafters (2026)

Discover the best candle making books for beginners and experienced chandlers. Learn soy, beeswax, and paraffin techniques plus scent blending and decoration.

Candle making rewards beginners quickly—you can create beautiful, functional candles on your first attempt—but mastery involves understanding wax chemistry, fragrance science, and the art of consistent, clean burns. These books span the spectrum from craft basics to business development, covering different wax types, scent blending, and decorative techniques. Whether you're making gifts, building inventory, or simply enjoying a meditative hobby, there's a guide here for your goals.

Books & Affiliate Links

#TitleBest ForPriceISBN/ASINAmazon Link
1The Candlemaker's Companion by Betty OppenheimerComprehensive guide$171580173667Buy on Amazon
2Candlemaking for Fun & Profit by Michelle EspinoStarting a business$150761525084Buy on Amazon
3The Art of Candle Making by Chartwell BooksDecorative techniques$160785839062Buy on Amazon
4Soy Candle Making Guide by Sarah JamesSoy wax specialty$14B08KHFJ9LNBuy on Amazon
5Modern Candle Making by Stark WinterContemporary styles$181646114051Buy on Amazon
6The Complete Candle Making Guide by Sarah JohnsonStep-by-step basics$15B09GXMBTRMBuy on Amazon
7Candle Making Business by Suzanne CarpenterEntrepreneurship$161699215065Buy on Amazon
8Natural Candles by Rebecca SullivanEco-friendly methods$201911632701Buy on Amazon
9The Creative Candle by Annika LindkvistArtistic designs$220711261474Buy on Amazon

Book Details

1. The Candlemaker's Companion by Betty Oppenheimer

Betty Oppenheimer's book has been the standard candle making reference for decades, covering everything from basic votives to elaborate sculptural designs. The thorough treatment of wax types, wicks, and fragrances helps you troubleshoot problems and understand why certain combinations work. It's the foundation most serious candlemakers build upon.

2. Candlemaking for Fun & Profit by Michelle Espino

If you're considering turning candle making from hobby to income, Michelle Espino covers the business fundamentals alongside the crafting techniques. The book addresses pricing, marketing, legal requirements, and scaling production—the practical realities of selling handmade goods that pure crafting books ignore.

3. The Art of Candle Making by Chartwell Books

This visually-driven guide focuses on creating candles that look as good as they smell. The decorative techniques—layered colors, embedded objects, carved surfaces—transform functional candles into gift-worthy art pieces. The step-by-step photography makes even complex designs achievable for intermediate crafters.

4. Soy Candle Making Guide by Sarah James

Soy wax behaves differently than paraffin, and Sarah James focuses specifically on mastering this popular natural alternative. The book covers soy's particular characteristics, appropriate fragrance loads, and troubleshooting issues like frosting and poor scent throw that frustrate soy candle beginners. If soy is your preferred wax, the specialized focus helps avoid common mistakes.

5. Modern Candle Making by Stark Winter

Stark Winter's approach reflects current trends—minimalist vessels, sophisticated scent profiles, and Instagram-worthy presentation. The aesthetic feels current rather than crafty, appealing to makers who want their candles to fit modern interiors. Projects emphasize clean lines and natural materials that resonate with contemporary consumers.

6. The Complete Candle Making Guide by Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson wrote this for complete beginners who need hand-holding through their first projects. Every step is explained clearly with the assumption you've never heated wax before. It's the gentle introduction nervous newcomers need to build confidence before tackling more advanced techniques.

7. Candle Making Business by Suzanne Carpenter

Suzanne Carpenter provides a business-focused blueprint for turning candle making into a home-based income. The book covers finding your niche, developing a brand, managing inventory, and navigating the regulations around selling candles. For crafters serious about monetizing their skills, this addresses the business challenges directly.

8. Natural Candles by Rebecca Sullivan

Rebecca Sullivan focuses on sustainable candle making using natural waxes, essential oils, and eco-conscious materials. The approach avoids synthetic fragrances and petroleum-based waxes, appealing to makers concerned about environmental impact. The recipes and techniques produce candles that align with conscious living values.

9. The Creative Candle by Annika Lindkvist

Annika Lindkvist pushes candle making toward art with sculptural designs, unexpected shapes, and creative techniques. The projects challenge you to think beyond traditional containers and pillars into truly original creations. It's for makers who've mastered basics and want to express personal creativity through the medium.

Share this article

Back to All Articles