Flickering candles are one of the simplest and yet most magical ways of adding atmosphere to a scene. Throughout history, man has lit wax for religious rites and rituals, for symbolic purposes, to represent purity, and above all to celebrate special occasions. Today candlelight is still the most romantic of settings; candles are used for birthday cakes; at Christmas; at summer garden parties; and to grace the most special of table settings. Candles are irresistible, but the immense creative potential for using and displaying them is often unrealized. The first section in this book, Candle Style, will open your eyes to the wonderful range of candles to choose from and beautiful ways in which candles can be used and presented in the home - to suit a particular style whether it be classical, simplistic or country; throughout the year; and on all occasions - Christmas, birthdays, Christenings, Halloween, and Mother's Day. Section two, Candle Making, is a comprehensive guide to the highly rewarding and inexpensive craft of making candles. The first projects demonstrate the basic techniques such as dipping, colouring, moulding, rolling and scenting candles. These are followed by creative and exciting ideas for how to build on these techniques, such as making sand candles, marbled candles, candy twist candles, and embossed candles, as well as decorating the wax by painting, stencilling, carving, and adding gold leaf.

All the projects are highly accessible and achievable by complete beginners to the craft. Candelsticks are as important a part of the display as the candle itself and the third section, Containers for Candles, presents the many different types available, as well as step-by-step projects for creating innovative candle holders of all kinds. From simple terracotta candle pots for a country setting; intricate candleholders made out of chickenwire; to brightly painted ethnic-style papier mache, there are projects to suit every style and occasion.