Candlemaking
Practical Action
References and further reading
Books
There is a large selection of books available which explain the common methods of candlemaking.
Most are designed for use by people making candles as a hobby, but some are more advanced and
also cover candlemaking as a small enterprise. Some books deal with one method only such as
dipping, or using beeswax.
Candlemaking for Profit: A practical guide for small-scale producers Robert Aley, 2011, Practical
Action Publishing, ISBN 9781853397219
Traditional Candlemaking: Simple Methods of Manufacturing by Deborah Millington, Practical
Action Publishing, 1993 ISBN 9781853391247
Beginners Guide to Candlemaking by David Constable, Search Press 2002 ISBN 0 85532832 0
Candlemaking: Creative Designs and Techniques by David Constable, Search Press 2002 ISBN 0
85532683-2
The Candlemaker's Companion: A Comprehensive Guide to Rolling, Pouring, Dipping, and
Decorating Your Own Candles by Betty Oppenheimer (Paperback)
Website resources
Completely independent information resources are rare on the internet. Most information sites are
sponsored by advertisers. However some also offer good information, articles and forums. Some are
also suppliers of materials and equipment.
http://www.candlemaking.org.uk/
http://www.candlecauldron.com/
http://www.candlemakingsupplies.co.uk
Useful resources for candlemaking with beeswax
http://www.thorne.co.uk/
Information about soya wax and candlemaking with soya
http://www.soya.be/soy-candles.php
This Technical Brief has been edited in March 2008 by Robert Aley, Specialist Candlemaker at
http://www.thewaxstudio.com/ and small enterprise development advisor.
Practical Action
The Schumacher Centre
Bourton-on-Dunsmore
Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 9QZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1926 634400
Fax: +44 (0)1926 634401
E-mail: inforserv@practicalaction.org.uk
Website: http://practicalaction.org/practicalanswers/
Practical Action is a development charity with a difference. We know the simplest ideas can have the
most profound, life-changing effect on poor people across the world. For over 40 years, we have been
working closely with some of the world’s poorest people - using simple technology to fight poverty and
transform their lives for the better. We currently work in 15 countries in Africa, South Asia and Latin
America.
10