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Giveaway: Candlemaking and Soapmaking

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In continuing our month’s worth of giveaways for National Craft Month, Lark Crafts has offered several book titles we know you will love! There will be a new book giveaway each week, as well as other fun prizes throughout the month, so make sure you watch daily.

This week Lark brings us two beautiful and practical books by Rebecca Ittner: Candlemaking the Natural Way and Soapmaking the Natural Way. I recently did a review of the candlemaking book and shared some of its beautiful contents. If ever you wanted to get started in soap making or candle making, these are both excellent resources.

HOW TO ENTER
Simply leave a comment on this post and tell us if you make candles or soaps or if you have wanted to! Share the types of candles or soaps that you make, and if you have an etsy shop or tutorial blog, feel free to tell us about it! Tell us all about it before March 15th at midnight CST!

ELIGIBILITY
As much as we would love to include our Canadian and international friends I’m afraid this giveaway is restricted to those with a U.S. mailing address. If you live outside of the U.S. but have an address within the U.S. that we can ship to then you’re in! Otherwise, we truly apologize. You must be 18 or older to enter. Winner will be randomly selected on March 16th and notified via email. Winner will have 72 hours to respond with their shipping address, otherwise an alternate winner will be drawn. Good luck!

Please note, all prizes will be shipped at the conclusion of our National Craft Month celebration. Winners should allow 4-6 weeks for delivery after April 1, 2011.

Be sure to visit our new blog here at Craft Gossip, Candle Making with Sandra Williams. Don’t forget we have a Bath & Body blog too edited by Nellie Lurhmann!

Keep your eyes peeled for more fun to celebrate National Craft Month!

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Comments

  2. My closet… woe is me. It has so much potential, so much wasted space, so much inefficiency, so boring. Definately could benefit from a makeover!

  3. I’ve never made soap before but have always had the intention of learning to do so. When I was 10, I was given a candle making kit which I had a great time with making fun colored candles. I’d like to make some more now that I’m old enough to actually burn them! 😀

  4. I make glycerine soap–but have always wanted to try lye soap and I love recycling old candles into new ones!

  6. I’ve made both before. I plan on making egg shaped candles for Easter again this year, by pouring the wax into a hollow egg shell.

  7. I am just starting to get into soapmaking; so far, I’ve only done m & p, working with a castile base. I would love to win the soapmaking book!

  8. I have been wanting to try and make my own soaps. Candlemaking is fun, but I always make a huge mess in doing it.

  11. I’ve made candles once but never soap. I think that would be fun. maybe I’ll win and then I can learn now!

  12. I have never made my own soap or candles, but these books sure would be a good start to helping my husband and I live a more self-sustaining lifestyle. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  13. I am interested in trying both candlemaking and soapmaking. I have not tried either. I have done stamping on candles but never made them from scratch. I’d love to get good enough to sell them.

  14. I love candles but lately have felt like buying them is wasteful. I’d like to make my own natural candles so that I can reuse the same containers.

  19. I’ve made candles and would love to try soapmaking. They look like beautiful books!

  20. hi, i have made both before and make soaps every few months. Have been wanting to get into candle making again as well as expand knowledge on soapmaking.

  22. I made soap for a biology class in college and LOVED IT! I always wanted to keep it up but got sidetracked (life, kids…). I would love to get into it once again 🙂

  24. I’ve always wanted to try making both soap and candles…but find the process intimidating.

  25. I’ve never made either, but I would love to know how to make wonderful candles. I love them! Always lit at my house 🙂

  27. I have never made either, but I have been looking for the right time to try. This could be it!!!

  28. Hi! I am a stay at home Mom and a new crafter! I would love to learn and experiment with making soap and candles! Not only for my kiddos but maybe as gifts?
    Thanks

  30. I used to make soaps when I was younger to give as gifts to family. I remember how much I loved to do it. I’ve been wanting to learn how to make candles. Thanks for chance.

  31. I’ve made candles before, but it’s been awhile. I’ve been dying to try my hand at soaps!

  32. I use to make candles and made some for my neighbors Christmas gifts but haven’t made any for more than 3 years. I really miss it and want to get back into it again. I’ve experimented with soap but it never came out right.

  34. I made candles and soap with my mom as a little girl. I am almost knocked over with nostalgia when I think of how fun it would be to work through these books.

  36. I have made candles before but really want to try soapmaking… it looks like so much fun to do…

  37. i have not crafted these yet but would like to add thes to my never ending love of crafting

  39. These are 2 things I’ve been wanting to try but am so turned off in that isle of the craft store when I see how artifial all of the ingredients are. I’m intrigued that these titles are for making both “the natural way.”

  40. Many years ago I made candles and I enjoyed making them, so, I am not sure why I stopped making them. I have never made soaps but I enjoy all kinds of crafting so I’m sure that I would enjoy that craft also. Thanks for this giveaway.

  41. I’ve not made candles/soaps, but I have always wanted to do it. I’m such a sucker for both at craft fairs/art shops… Thanks for a chance to win!
    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

  42. I have been wanting to learn how to make both of these. I started researching last year how to make candles, so I could give them as gifts. 🙂

  45. I’ve made soap with glycerin before but haven’t made candles. I would like to win either of them.

  46. I make both candles and soap and have even made lotion for my family and friends. I would love to win the great books and make some of the items in the books…. Good Luck to everyone….

  47. Hi!! I have made candles, but never soaps. I would LOVE to learn to do those!! Thanks for the opportunity!! I DO have a USA mailing address (I live in Ecuador for now) so YAY I’m in!!!

  49. I make scented soy container candles, as well as other produts, and have an etsy shop called Beach In A Box

  50. I’ve rebatched soap and made a few melt&pours with my daughter–lots of fun. I haven’t tried candles yet, but I sure I’d like it too.

  51. I unfortunatly have not tried either but I would love to try them both. I love pretty scented candles and also the awesome shapes that you can make with the soap molds.

  52. I make soy candles they last longer and don’t smoke as bad. As for soap I would really like to make some. I want to thank you for the book giveaway.

  53. i have always wanted to make candles! i would love to learn how to do it! thanks for the opportunity!!

  54. I made gel candles once – my dining room table was consumed, the smell of “cinnamon spice” almost killed a loved one :), and I vowed never to do it again. Knowing there’s a far better way…wow. I’d love to try making soy candles or candles using organic products and essential oils. Could use them anywhere or make gifts!

  55. I make beeswax candles from our bees and goats milk soap from our nubian goats and sell them at the farmer’s market. I’d love to learn some new techniques!

  58. I used to make simple candles when I was a kid (a looooong time ago) but never soap. I’ve checked into doing both at times as I’d like something to bring in a bit extra money since I’m on disability. These books look like they would answer my questions. Thanks for the chance to win!

  59. Been making candles for about 50 years. still enjoy making a good sand candle now and then. Haven’t tried soap yet. Never too young to try new things.

  60. I’ve made soap before but haven’t made any for a really long time. I want to try candles sometime in the future.

  61. i have tried making candles and soap. my candles dont turn out to good,i amke a lot of hand and body soap. i also make laundry soap it really pays off.

  62. I made candles when I was younger (the hippie thing to do! lol) I would love to learn to make soap for our family and friends…naturally! Thanks for the chance to win!

  64. I have never made candles but have always checked out the supplies and things when I am in the craft shop. If I had the book I know I would give it a whirl. Love the front cover!

  66. Since I’m a science major in college, making candles and soap had always been interesting to me though I’ve only made soap in class before.

  67. I have done a bit of candle making but no soap making as yet. I have been studying herbal combinations for soaps and want to learn more, especially milk-based recipes.

  68. I just started my at home spa product company and I think that adding handmade soaps and candles to my line of products would definitely add to the spa at home experience.
    Thanks for the giveaway and the possibility of a chance to win.

  69. I made glycerin soaps and beeswax candles what seems like a hundred years ago 🙂 and just was thinking recently about a trip to A I Root Co in Medina OH where I grew up. They had all kinds of bee products and with bees environmentally threatened, wanted to learn more about their work&harvesting as they change and work to preserve the bee population. They have evrything! Sheet wax for lil bits to make roll candles, etc. In fact, that was the first candle I ever made.

  71. I’d LOVE to win the soap book particularly….as I’ve gotten older, my skin has become so sensitive to everything! 🙁 I’d love to learn how to make some pure/organic soap products for my house…and the skin I’m in! 🙂

    Thanks for the chance to win!

  72. I am going to make candles and soap in the future.Right now I am in the process of learning.

  75. I’ve always wanted to try and make soap but am a little bit afraid. I’ve been given handmade soap and loved them.

  76. I would LOVE to make soap on a rope. We always joke about it…but this would push us to actually do it. 🙂

  77. I have collected all kinds of candle-making and soap-making supplies — I’m dying to get going on these projects!

  79. I have tried melt and pour soap before and it’s fun. Just made it for fun for the family. I would love to learn more techniques though.

    As for candle, haven’t tried it yet but would like to try. I like soy candles that are aromatherapeutic. Would love to learn how to make those.

  81. Having made both candles and soap, I love both making and using the fruits of my labor. These are two of the oldest crafts and almost a lost art. Thanks for introducing it to crafters.

  82. Have made candles for years and still am inspired by books and new styles that I see in the stores. Just getting into soap making, this book looks awesome!

  83. The only types of candle I have made have been re-purposed candles that I have melted down. I have not made soap before but have wanted to try. These books look very interesting.

  85. I made candles with my aunt as a child, and I’ve made M&P soaps as an adult, but I’ve always wanted to dive into soap and candlemaking.

  90. Making soap is fun and makes a great gift. I have only done this a few times and would love to experiment some more. Thanks.

  91. I want to start making my own soaps. I have a limited number of commercially availible soaps I can use due to perfume allergies and it’s time to try the homemade route!

  92. My family made candles when I was a kid and soap too, but I haven’t done either since I grew up. I would love to try both with my girls.

  93. I have never made candles or soaps, but I really really want to!
    hisprincess886(at)yahoo(dot)com

  94. Never made candles before, but always wanted to. I’m always buying candles for my place.

  95. I have friends that make candles every year for Christmas. I’ve always wanted to make soap, but the whole lye business scares me.

  96. I have made candles in the past for friends who are getting married and I have even done my own unity candles at my wedding….the next conquest is soap making….I have always had a fear that I would make it wrong and cause someone to “break out”…I would love to learn how to make soap and be confident I know what I am doing. There are so many beautiful organic soaps…and I think to my self,”I can do that but how?” I guess even if I do not win I will still resolve to teach my self soap making.

  97. I have been wanting to make soap for some time, this would be great. Use to make candles with my mom when I was a little girl but have not made any in a very long time, would be nice to do some with the grandkids.

  98. I haven’t ever done soap or candle making, but I would love to! Thanks for the chance to win!

  99. I am yet to make soap, but candle making is a favorite hobby of mine. I always recycle old candle hollows and melt them down and re-pour them to make recessionista candles.

  101. I want to learn to make soap! I’ve done candles a couple of times, but just haven’t been able to get them quite right. Would love some help in making them better.

Have you read?

12 Porch Decor Ideas for Summer That Feel Easy, Fresh, and Welcoming

There’s something about summer that makes the porch feel like an extra room. It becomes the place where you drink your coffee a little slower, wave at the neighbours, potter with plants, and try to convince yourself that one more cushion absolutely counts as a practical purchase.

The nice thing about summer porch decor is that it really does not need to be complicated. A few planters, a wreath, some lanterns, a cooler for drinks, and maybe a soft outdoor rug can make the whole space feel more inviting without turning it into a full renovation project. The strongest summer porch ideas tend to lean on simple layers like flowers, seating, rugs, pillows, wreaths, and lantern lighting, while plant-focused porch styling is still one of the easiest ways to boost curb appeal fast.

If your porch is looking a little tired after cooler weather, these ideas are a lovely place to start.

Add oversized summer planters

If I had to pick one thing that instantly makes a porch look styled, it would be planters. Big pots flanking the door, clustered containers by steps, or even one statement arrangement can make the whole entry feel finished. Porch plant ideas that keep showing up again and again include hanging baskets, ferns for shade, and larger statement containers with a mix of height, filler, and trailing plants.

For internal inspiration, have a look at 18 DIY Planters Suitable For Outdoors and DIY Summer Planter Idea With Faux Flowers. The faux flower planter idea is especially handy if your porch gets blasted with heat and you are a little tired of replacing crispy plants every few weeks.

Try hanging baskets for easy height

Hanging baskets are one of the easiest ways to give a summer porch that lush, layered look without using up floor space. They’re especially good for smaller porches where every square foot matters. Garden advice for hanging baskets consistently recommends building them in layers and choosing plants based on the amount of sun your porch actually gets, which is one of those obvious tips that is easy to ignore until everything starts sulking.

This is a great option if your porch feels flat and you want more greenery without crowding the doorway.

Hang a summer wreath on the front door

A wreath is such a small thing, but it makes the whole porch feel intentional. Summer wreaths work beautifully with faux greenery, flowers, hoops, grapevine bases, or even little garden-inspired extras like mini pots or seed packets. Summer porch styling guides still consistently include wreaths as one of the simplest seasonal updates, and there are some very pretty DIY versions around right now.

For tutorials, try DIY Summer Wreaths or DIY Summer Garden Wreath Tutorial. Both would work nicely if you want something cheerful without going full beach-theme.

Layer in lanterns for soft evening glow

Lanterns are one of my favourite porch tricks because they make everything feel prettier with very little effort. Summer porch decorating guides often call out lanterns or solar lanterns as an easy finishing touch, and I can see why. They work in pairs by the front door, grouped beside planters, or tucked near seating where they can add a warm evening glow.

If you want a DIY version, How to Make an Easy DIY Outdoor Lantern is a good one to try.

Refresh the porch with outdoor pillows

Porch pillows do a lot of heavy lifting. They add colour, pattern, softness, and that little hint that yes, someone actually sits out here and enjoys themselves. Summer styling guides repeatedly mention pillows as one of the easiest ways to update a porch without changing the furniture itself.

If you want to sew your own, Outdoor Pillows 3 Ways and How to Sew Outdoor Pillow Covers are both useful. This is such a good stash-busting project too if you already have outdoor fabric or even just want to recover old inserts.

Paint or add an outdoor rug

A porch rug helps define the space and makes it feel much more like an outdoor room. Even a small porch feels more finished once there is something soft or patterned underfoot. Summer porch decor advice almost always includes rugs, and for good reason. They anchor everything else.

If you want something more custom, Paint Your Own Outdoor Rug is a fun option. For readers who like a more hands-on project, a painted porch rug can add colour and personality without a big spend.

Bring in a stylish patio cooler

This idea is a little more practical, but honestly that is part of the charm. If you use your porch for entertaining, a patio cooler feels like one of those projects that is both decorative and genuinely useful. Internal-wise, How to Build Your Own Stylish Patio Cooler – A Perfect Summer DIY is a perfect fit here, especially if you want the porch to feel more ready for summer gatherings.

This would be especially cute on a larger porch where you have a little room beside a chair or bench.

Add simple porch seating

A porch does not need a full furniture set to feel welcoming. Even one chair, a little bench, or a pair of compact seats can make the space feel more usable. Summer decorating guides consistently include seating as one of the core porch layers, which makes sense because once people can sit, the porch starts working as an actual living area rather than just an entrance.

If you are short on space, this is where a single chair with a pillow and small side table can still do the job beautifully.

Style a little porch table or crate vignette

This is the kind of thing that makes a porch feel personal rather than staged. A small table or crate can hold a pot, a lantern, a little stack of garden books, or even a tray with a drink and sunglasses if you want it to look especially summery. You do not need much. Just enough to make the space feel lived in.

This idea pairs nicely with your seating area and helps tie together your planters and lanterns.

Mix live plants with faux summer touches

I know faux flowers can be a bit divisive, but on a hot summer porch they can be a sanity saver. A mixed approach often works best: real greenery where it thrives, and faux accents where the heat is brutal or the watering commitment is unrealistic. That is one reason the DIY Summer Planter Idea With Faux Flowers tutorial is such a clever internal link for this topic.

It is also a nice option for covered porches where you want colour but not the maintenance.

Keep the colour palette light and summery

One thing that consistently works for summer porch decor is a lighter, breezier palette. Whites, soft blues, leafy greens, natural wood tones, and cheerful floral colours all help make a porch feel seasonal without screaming “theme decor.” Summer porch examples often lean on flowers, greenery, and a few simple accent colours rather than heavy styling.

This is a good reminder that you do not need to buy everything new. Sometimes just swapping out darker accessories for lighter ones does most of the work.

Use budget outdoor DIYs to fill the gaps

If your porch still feels a bit bare after the basics, budget outdoor DIY projects can help fill it out without overspending. Quick outdoor decor projects like birdhouses, planters, and other small decorative elements are still very popular for warm-weather styling, especially when the goal is adding charm fast.

For more internal ideas, 20 Outdoor DIY’s On A Budget is worth browsing, especially if you want a few extra projects to round out the space.

Why summer porch decor works so well

Summer porch decorating is really just about making the entry feel alive. Flowers, seating, rugs, wreaths, planters, and lanterns are popular because they work. They add colour, texture, height, softness, and a sense that someone actually enjoys this space. Plant-heavy styling in particular continues to be one of the easiest ways to make a porch look more polished for summer.

You do not need a huge wraparound veranda to make it happen either. A small porch with one great planter, a wreath, a rug, and a chair can still feel incredibly welcoming.