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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!

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?

DIY Witchy Chopping Board Decor With a Free Vintage Spirit Board Printable

A cheap plastic chopping board might not look like much in the shop, but a little paint and an aged printable can turn it into a lovely piece of vintage Halloween decor. This version pairs a charcoal-black finish with a tattered spirit-board design, a scrappy ribbon bow and a small crescent-moon charm.

I love the contrast between the dark painted board and the parchment-style paper. Leaving a generous painted border around the printable makes those torn edges stand out, giving the finished decoration the look of something discovered in an old farmhouse cupboard.

The printable already includes aged markings and a distressed outline, but we’re taking that a step further by physically tearing the paper before attaching it. Those little uneven edges make a difference, especially once they’re smoothed down against the black background.

Style your finished board on a kitchen bench with a cream pumpkin, a stoneware jug and a folded linen tea towel. It’s an easy way to add a witchy touch to farmhouse Halloween decorating without covering the whole kitchen in orange.

Skill level: Beginner
Making time: Approximately 1–2 hours of hands-on work, plus drying and curing time
Finished use: Indoor decorative display

What You’ll Need

  • An inexpensive rigid plastic chopping board, preferably with a handle and hanging hole
  • The vintage spirit-board printable supplied with this tutorial
  • Ordinary matte printer paper, approximately 80–100 gsm
  • Primer specifically compatible with your chopping board’s plastic
  • Matte black or charcoal paint compatible with the primer
  • Optional antique bronze or muted gold paint for distressing
  • Matte decoupage medium
  • Soft flat paintbrush
  • Small sponge or dry brush
  • Fine sandpaper, if recommended by the primer manufacturer
  • Dishwashing liquid and a clean cloth
  • Scissors
  • Black lace and plum ribbon or torn fabric strips
  • Optional crescent-moon charm
  • Small display easel
  • Protective covering for your work surface

Choosing your board: Some inexpensive chopping boards are made from polypropylene or polyethylene, which can be difficult to paint. Check the material and choose a primer that explicitly supports it. Ordinary craft paint applied directly to these plastics can peel, even after sanding. Test your primer and paint on a small area before decorating the whole board.

1. Clean and Prepare the Chopping Board

Wash the board with dishwashing liquid to remove grease, dust and any residue from labels. Rinse well and allow it to dry completely.

Remove any loose stickers. If the board has rubber grips or removable fittings, take them off where practical.

Prepare the surface according to your primer’s instructions. If light sanding is recommended, gently scuff the surface and wipe away all dust. Sanding alone will not make every plastic suitable for painting, so the compatible primer is the important part.

Protect your work surface before you begin.

2. Prime and Paint

Apply your plastic-compatible primer following the product directions, including its drying time and ventilation requirements.

Once ready, paint the board in thin coats of matte black or charcoal. Cover the front, edges and handle, allowing each coat to dry as directed. Paint the back too if it will be visible on your display stand.

Allow the paint to cure sufficiently before attaching the printable. A surface that feels dry may still be soft underneath, so follow the paint manufacturer’s guidance.

3. Add a Lightly Aged Finish

For that old farmhouse look, use a small amount of antique bronze or muted gold paint around the board’s perimeter and handle.

Dip a dry brush or sponge into the paint, then wipe most of it off onto scrap paper. Lightly dab the remaining colour onto a few edges and corners.

Keep the effect patchy. A little worn-looking colour is enough to frame the parchment without competing with the design.

Let this layer dry.

4. Print the Spirit-Board Design

Print the supplied artwork on matte paper using your printer’s A4 setting. Avoid thick cardstock, which is harder to smooth down during decoupage.

Measure the flat body of your chopping board before choosing your print size. Aim for the artwork to occupy roughly three-quarters to four-fifths of the board’s width, leaving a visible painted border on every side.

Keep the image proportions locked when resizing. The handle should remain uncovered, and the printable should sit comfortably below the bow.

Make a quick draft print if you need to check the fit.

Check your ink: Test a printed scrap with your decoupage medium. If the ink smears, use a compatible print sealer according to its directions or have the image printed with a process that withstands the medium. Let any sealer dry before continuing.

5. Tear the Edges for a Tattered Look

This is the step that gives the board its character.

Roughly cut away the excess white paper, leaving a little extra around the printed parchment outline. Then use your fingers to tear away the remaining margin in small sections.

Work slowly around the design, creating an uneven outline with a few shallow notches and irregular corners. Avoid following a perfectly straight line.

Leave the alphabet, numbers, moon, sun and “GOOD BYE” lettering intact. Make deeper tears only in the blank parchment areas.

If you find the paper difficult to tear, lightly dampen a narrow tearing line from the back with a barely wet brush. Keep moisture away from the printed details and test this method on a scrap first.

You can soften any bright white torn fibres with a tiny amount of brown distress ink or nearly dry brown paint. Allow the paper to dry completely.

Don’t burn the edges. Hand tearing and a little colour provide the aged effect.

6. Position and Decoupage the Printable

Lay the torn printable on the board without glue first. Adjust it until you have a pleasing painted border around all four sides.

Lift the paper away and brush a thin, even layer of decoupage medium onto the area it will cover.

Carefully place the printable onto the wet medium. Gently smooth it from the centre towards the edges using clean fingers or a soft protective sheet, taking care not to stretch or tear the damp paper.

Press each ragged edge down so it adheres flat. Add a little medium beneath any loose points.

Avoid repeatedly brushing or rubbing the same spot while the paper is wet. Let the attached printable dry as directed.

7. Seal the Paper

Once the paper has dried, brush a thin coat of matte decoupage medium over the artwork and its torn edges.

Work gently with a soft brush. Check that all the small paper points are secured, then leave the board to dry.

Apply further thin coats only as recommended by your chosen product. Allow the finish to cure fully before adding decorations or placing the board on its stand.

A matte finish suits the aged parchment beautifully.

8. Add the Witchy Bow

Layer a strip of black lace with plum ribbon or a torn fabric strip. Tie them around the handle, keeping the hanging hole clear.

Let the tails fall loosely, but keep them short enough that they don’t obscure the spirit-board heading.

Tie a small crescent-moon charm into the centre of the bow if you’d like an extra witchy detail.

For a more rustic variation, swap the plum ribbon for faded black-and-cream gingham or a strip torn from an old linen shirt.

9. Style Your Finished Board

Place the board securely in a small display easel on your kitchen bench, shelf or sideboard.

A cream pumpkin, neutral tea towel and stoneware jug of dried stems make a simple farmhouse arrangement. Leave a little space around the board so the torn parchment and dark painted border remain the focus.

Keep it away from the sink, steam and cooking heat. Dust gently with a dry cloth rather than soaking or scrubbing.

This finished board is for decoration only. Once painted and decoupaged, it should not be used for chopping, serving food or placing hot cookware on.

The slightly uneven paper edges are part of the appeal. Let them look handmade, keep the distressing light, and you’ll have a Halloween decoration that feels wonderfully old and a little mysterious.