Handmade Candles and Smudge Sticks

Learn how to make your own candles with these 35 projects ranging from subtly-scented and refined to pastel-colored glittering creations, plus smudge sticks to create a beautifully fragrant home.

Candles have never been more popular, adding warmth, light, and fragrance to your home. And making your own candles is simple and cost-effective, all you need to begin is a container or a mold, wax, wicks, and decorations, plus Emma Hardy’s detailed instructions. Learn how to use your shell collection to make delicate tea lights, fill some glass jars with herbs, flowers, essential oils, and wax to create a nature-inspired scented candle, swirl colored wax together to make stylish marbled pillar candles, and much more. There are Christmas, Valentine’s day, fall, and spring delights, and why not start the year by refreshing the energy in your home with one of the gorgeously scented smudge sticks—try traditional sage or make your own with your favorite herbs. There is also a techniques section that explains all the basics you need to know (plus fire safety!) so you can start creating your own beautiful candles.

Emma Hardy is a keen gardener and an equally keen crafter. Emma’s books for CICO include Making Children's Clothes, Quilting in No Time, Hand-Crafted Cards, Green Crafts for Children, The Winter Garden, Small Summer Gardens, and Teeny Tiny Gardening. Married with two daughters, Emma lives in south London, UK.