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The Candlemaker's Companion : A
Complete Guide to Rolling, Pouring, Dipping, and Decorating Your
Own Candles (Paperback)
Amazon.com
"Please, please, please, burn candles!" pleads Betty
Oppenheimer. "Too many people save them, keep them wrapped
up in a drawer or forever in the same centerpiece holder, never
to be burned." If that isn't enough incentive to use candles,
the rest of this thorough guide certainly provides it in the form
of step-by-step instructions covering virtually all aspects of
making rolled, poured, molded, dipped, and decorated candles--even
candleholders. Though there are no photos, the line drawings are
quite helpful, as are the crafting tips that--along with well-chosen
candle-related quotes--fill the book's margins. --This text refers
to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Both these books cover essentially the same ground and are good
basic guides for making candles. They deal with waxes, wicks,
molds, scents, and a variety of decorating techniques. Oppenheimer's
book has a more extensive text with line drawings, while Coney's
is completely illustrated with color photographs. Both have more
information on candle-making than Gloria Nicol's The New Candle
Book (LJ 11/1/95), a guide that emphasizes candle display. These
are both good basic books for the library craft collection.
Review: Excellent Introduction to Serious Hobbyist. A
few minor blemishes.,
`The Candlemaker's Companion' by Betty Oppenheimer is a the very
first book I have read on home candlemaking, and I got it primarily
as a source for techniques for decorating commercially made candles,
but I am happy to report that it lives up to its subtitle of `A
Complete Guide to Rolling, Pouring, Dipping, and Decorating Your
Own Candles'
The author states and I agree wholeheartedly
that there are a lot of similarities between candlemaking and
cooking, as long as you don't push the analogy too hard. Both
skills use chemistry, heat, and measuring in roughly the same
amounts, somewhere between a teaspoon (5 ml) and five pounds.
And, if Ms. Oppenheimer's book were to be compared to a cookbook,
it would not be to the Betty Crocker / Better Homes and Gardens
/ `Joy of Cooking' genre of lots of recipes with little why and
wherefores or to the `Gourmet Magazine' / Martha Steward school
of emphasis on elegance and entertaining or to the Eric Rippert
/ Thomas Keller / Daniel Boulud school of cuisine as high art.
It can be most closely compared to Alton Brown of `Good Eats'
and Shirley Corriher of `Cookwise' where the why of things is
given just as much importance as the how and how much.
As someone totally new to the candlemaking craft,
I am really impressed by how many variables go into making a successful
candle. A matter so humble as the wick requires a whole chapter,
and the first long chapter to boot. Dismiss any notions that any
length of cotton string can serve as a wick. After reading this
book, I am convinced that your conventional kitchen twine will
fail miserably as a wick, regardless of the thickness of the candle
or any other variable entering the picture. The best wicks are
braided from many, many strands of cotton in such a way that as
they burn, they bend so their tip reaches out to the outer layer
of flame and becomes oxidized (turned to ash) without smoking
as a result of partial burning.
As a former chemist, the varieties of waxes
are a bit more familiar to me, but the variety and techniques
of additives to the wax involves a second major section, albeit
not even as long as the chapter on wicks. Heating wax is one place
where the parallels to cooking are significant, as the range of
temperatures are similar to deep frying, and safety measures are
similar.
The variety of techniques for making candles
is also familiar; as I have dealt with all sorts of candles, including
poured, dipped, rolled, and sculpted. What is unfamiliar is the
amount of care one needs in the selection of the best combination
of wicks and waxes for each technique. Buying your 11 pound block
of paraffin and some coloring at your local craft store, throwing
it all into a heating pot, and pouring the result into a mold
with wick will probably lead to a less than perfect result.
This brings up the fact that like baking and
unlike savory cooking, candlemaking measurements must really be
pretty precise, which, among other things, means you really do
need a pretty accurate scale for measuring weight. The author
makes no suggestions, but I will chime in and say that the type
which are best for cooking, the digital, dual unit electronic
models are really the best. And, largely agreeing with the author,
I will say that this is the ONLY tool that you can share between
your kitchen and your candlemaking bench. The author, from long
experience, I am sure, says that any tool you use for candlemaking
will acquire traces of wax that you will invariably be unable
to clean from the tool. This includes all other types of measuring
devices.
This brings me to the fact that the author has
some serious weaknesses in her discussion of measurements. At
the top of the list is her mistaking a gallon for 3.76 milliliters
(ml) rather than 3.76 Liters. This means she is off by a factor
of 1000! While this may not cause any problems for anyone ignoring
the metric measurements, it can cause serious headscratching for
someone not thoroughly familiar with the metric system, is valiantly
trying to work with it for all its obvious examples. My more general
issue with Ms. Oppenheimer's measurements is that she interchangeably
uses volumes, weights, and relative size (parts). My suggestion
would be to stick primarily to metric weights and do conversions
to volume only when really necessary, as when you are figuring
out how much wax you need to fill a particular vessel to a particular
level.
My only other major issue I could find with
the book is in the fact that Ms. Oppenheimer makes a reference
to the color wheel as if this device typically taught in the seventh
grade were a working part of all her reader's everyday knowledge.
While I have a vague notion of what the color wheel looks like
and how its used, I have no certainty that I know where to find
one which will work with pigments (one of the things I do remember
is that there are different color wheels for combining pigments
and beams of light.)
Regarding my original purpose for buying this
book, I can state that it gives many sound looking techniques
for decorating the outside of commercially purchased candles,
although I did find a few slips in lists of materials which I
would consider a major flaw in a cooking recipe.
I recommend this book for the `sophisticated'
beginner who is willing, as the author wisely suggests, to do
a little experimentation in pursuit of the hobby. If you just
want to knock off a few votive candles, buy a ready-made kit for
the purpose.
Recommended, with warning to keep your brain
fully engaged as your read.
Review: Great How-to Book
What really sets this book apart from other craft and how to books
is the author's notes from personal experience about different
things that she has tried. For example, she details how wicks
are supposed to work and what happened when she tried to make
her own. She has a wonderfully succinct style and includes just
enough historical background to keep it moving, interesting and
usable as a resource when you are actually at the table.
Review: Good book, hoping for
more illustrations
Great book when it comes to content, but lacking in illustrations.
Review: the best book on the
subject
Having dabbled in candle-making since I was a child, I have read
a good many chandlery books. This is by far the most comprehensive
book on the subject I have read and the instructions are easy
to understand and follow.
Review: A must for beginner and
those who thought they knew candles!
This book is incredibly useful for creating a cheap candlemaking
studio out of common items. It makes candlemaking accessible for
the regular venturing hobbyist. It is meant to be owned. I recommend
that once you get the basics of this book down that you also buy
The Encyclopedia of Candlemaking Techniques A Step By Step Visual
Giude by Sandie Lea to explore the more creative techniques in
an easy approach. They are a must set.
Review: Good Buy!
I bought this book about a month ago and have found it very helpful.
It does not have any photo's but more than makes up for it with
lot's of good drawings on a wide variety of candles.
Candle Making (Step-by-Step Crafts) (Paperback)
About the Author
Cheryl Owen is an experienced crafter who has also worked
as a dressmaker, fashion designer and embroiderer. She is the
author of many craft-related books and has contributed to numerous
magazines including Essentials, Good House Keeping and Inspirations
on subjects as diverse as paper, clay, fabric, glass painting
and salt dough. Candle making is her latest passion, and she has
created a number of exciting handmade candles for craft and lifestyle
magazines.
Review: I can't believe that no one has written a review for this!!
This book starts out with defining different materials,waxes,
molds,coloring/scenting,and wicks. It tells you how to prepare
the wick;how to level the bottom of the candle;and how to use
containers found in all homes. It has sections on beeswax candles,making
tapers at home,making your own molds,painting and applique candles,
layering candles, making floating flowers by hand, imbedding,
gel candles(small section),making stacked candles,hurricane(shell)candles,stencilling,
wrapped candle ideas,stick candles for the yard,marbling candles,and
frosted candles. This book includes templates, variations and
tips in the sections and all pages are either full colored pictures
or have multiple pictures. Many of the crafts are even explained
with pictures to show the novice how to make candles. I have bought
around 30 books on candles and I still like this very much. It
shows you how to make candles from nothing but the wax and your
hands. I can't say enough about this book...
Essentially Candles:
The Elegant Art of Candle Making & Embellishing (Paperback)
Book Description
Now anyone can create,
scent, color and embellish professional looking candles at home.
This new book will satisfy the needs of candle makers from the
complete novice that has only a few dollars and an orange juice
can mold to the entrepreneur, ready to start a small home business.
With over 250 color photographs that guide the reader through
step-by-step instructions, the entire candle-making process is
presented for more than 20 unique candles with endless variations.
From the selection of raw materials such as wicks, waxes, colors
and fragrances to the finishing touches, Katherine J. McDaniel
and Dr. Robert S. McDaniel offer a comprehensive look at this
exciting craft.
Dr. Robert S. McDaniel is also the author of
Essentially Soap, a finalist for the 2001 Award of Excellence.
-Color photographs guide the reader through
step-by-step instructions
-Projects for pillar candles, dipped tapers, rolled candles, container
candles, floating candles, sand candles, mold making and much
more
-Guides for decorating and adding fragrance to candles
Review: clear and elegant presentation.
If you are only going to invest in one book -- this should be
the one! In addition to instructions to create classic and creative
candles, there are great explanations of wax types, molds, safety
precautions, and more. All this information is presented with
words of encouragement and enhanced with well-photographed examples.
Review: Essentially Most Useful
I was first struck by the photo content. It seems that procedures
to make every common type of candle (and several uncommon ones
as well) are fully illustrated with lots of photos that make reproducing
the results extremely easy to follow. Not only that but the authors
helped to dispell my bewildernment over the many, many ingredients
available on the market which are useful (or not) for producing
special effects. For instance, the suggestion to forget gloss
ingredients and use higher temperatures in making the candle is
simple and highly practical.
I own or have looked through almost every candle book on the market,
and I think this one is clearly the best resource book available.
I just wish it were longer.
Finally, to my surprise, I discovered that this is the only book
that is recommended by my primary ingredient supplier. They seem
to agree that it is the most factual and accurate book on the
market suitable for those getting started as well as for those
needing more info as they scale up.
Review: Best value!
Ingredient selection for candles can be baffling, but Dr. Bob
covers the gamut and tells which work or when there is a better
way to do things. Lots of projects with easily available equipment
as well as how to use fancy molds, or even make your own molds!
Over 250 beautiful color pictures make procedures and results
easy to understand. The section on how much wax is needed for
a particular mold is invaluable, and I personally love the section
on wax characteristics.
The FAQ is quite complete and look for tips on the best ways to
make or avoid mottled candles, glossy candles, and which special
ingredients can be replaced by the right technique. This is a
valuable book for scout leaders, first timers, and experienced
candlemakers alike. But then, what would you expect from the authors
of Essentially Soap.
Review: Essentially Candles kindles
enthusiasm
"To waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way
to teach easily and successfully. " Tryon Edwards (1809-1894)
This quote,(pun intended), describes Essentailly Candles to a
"T". Starting with the history of candles,then proceeding
to choosing the correct wax, wick and additives, then to the projects
and great photos, Bob and Kate McDaniel have done an excellent
job of teaching basic and advance skill in candlemaking. The book
is easily read, the projects are illustrated with great photos
and it is packed full of information useful to either the novice
or more experienced candlemaker. I found the infomation on color,
blending techniques, wax quantites for molds and differences and
uses of various waxes to be most informative and helpful. I have
made candles for over 20 years and still learned many new and
useful things from this book.There are many books with pretty
pictures and directions for projects. Essentially Candles not
only gives the projects and the step-by-step directions but also
offers the foundation information necessary to explore other possibilities.
A must have for anyone wishing to know the why of candlemaking.
Review: Great for Beginners and Advanced
Alike!
This book is excellent for beginners but also for more advanced
candlemakers. It includes a wealth of information on ingredients
and equipment both store bought and homemade. It covers a variety
of candle types including pillar, container, gel, floating, fantasy
and tapers to name some. It also includes handy charts like figuring
out how much wax you need for a mold or how to create a particular
color. Good list of suppliers too. Lots of creative ideas for
more advanced candlemakers and step by step instructions for beginners.
There is something for everyone.
The Book Of Candlemaking:
Creating Scent, Beauty & Light (Paperback)
Amazon.com
Creating your own candles allows for a wide range of
creative expression. Molding, dipping, rolling, carving, twisting,
scenting, decorating-all these methods yield unique handmade candles,
and all are nicely explored in this well-illustrated guide. A
thorough introduction to the various techniques sets the stage
for dozens of projects, from molded shapes concealing hidden treasures
or stately pillars collaged with found objects to elegantly decoupaged
tapers or whimsical candles mimicking ice cream sundaes. Many
projects are devoted to decorating candle containers, so in addition
to showing beginners how to delve into the field and providing
more experienced crafters with new ideas, the book also offers
great designs for unleashing your creativity on the candleholder,
even if you never make a single candle from scratch. --Amy Handy
Book Description
Make candles with that personal, imaginative
touch. Gorgeous color photographs come together with a complete
how-to guide to help you produce any combination of size, shape,
color, scent, and style. Experiment with mold, double mold, dipped,
rolled, and floating candles, shape them by carving, pinching,
and twisting the wax, and add aromatic effects. Decorating techniques
include decoupage, embossing, and leafing, while a variety of
easily available items such as dried leaves, foil, paint, cork,
glitter, and bracelet charms will transform the most ordinary
candle into an object of beauty and charm. You'll even learn how
to make candleholders and containers from ordinary household items,
and individualize store-bought candles. Lavish photographs of
gleaming candles in inspiring settings show exactly how to create
a romantic evening, a festive holiday atmosphere, or a warm welcome
for dinner guests.
Review: Good but not great
This book covers the basics in candlemaking, what you'll need,
wick types, wax types, pouring temps, which is very informative
but it lacks in the candle varieties. It seems to focus more on
candle decorating. I was looking for tips on making chunk, layered
and ice candles to name a few. There also isn't any information
on Gel wax or soy wax. There was some helpful information in here,
but overall it wasn't what I was looking for in a candle book.
Review: Well, I DID come back
to order it....*grin*,
First impression....all I can say is I guess my dog likes it!
I woke up this morning to find the pages of this book strewn all
over my yard. What was left of it did seem very informative and
useful, so I came back to reorder it. Maybe this time I'll get
to see the whole book. LOL
Review: I think this is a great
book for beginners to candle making
The information is very useful, detailed, and well presented
Weddings with Style : 1,000 Inspiring Ideas, from the Invitations
to the Reception and Everything in Between.
Book Description
Your wedding day is one of the most special and significant days
of your entire life. Weddings with Style will help you to make
sure your wedding is truly special and unique. This book offers
one thousand fresh ideas for every facet of your wedding, including
ceremony, reception, pre-wedding, and post-wedding details.
In Weddings with Style, Gail Oliver and Gisele Sullivan share
tips, secrets, and other ideas that will save you hundreds of
hours searching for ways to ensure that you and your guests fondly
remember your wedding for years to come. Weddings with Style will
help you make a lasting impression that matches your personal
style without breaking the bank.
Weddings with Style lets you choose from an abundance
of different, unique and innovative ideas. From the simple to
the extravagant, there are ideas that will fit every budget.
Weddings with Style will help you to enhance every
detail of your wedding. It is the ultimate companion to your other
wedding planning books, offering a wealth of ideas and inspiration
that will make every aspect of your wedding more beautiful, unique
and distinctive. Gail Oliver and Gisele Sullivan’s advice and
ideas will help you plan the wedding of your dreams. After all--you,
your fiancé, and your guests deserve the best.
Review: The Only Wedding Planner You Need
Forget about buying all those bridal magazines! This is the only
book a bride needs for planning her wedding. Every bride wants
her wedding to be unique and this book provides you with innovative,
creative and cost effective ideas that will make your wedding
stand out from all the rest. I was impressed with the wide range
of ideas and easy to read format. It is the perfect Christmas
or engagement gift for the bride-to-be and her mother.
Review: Great book
I got a copy of this book for a good friend who is getting married,
and she absolutely loved it. There are tons of ideas in the book
for every aspect of the wedding. And a lot of the ideas will make
the wedding even more special without making the wedding any more
expensive. (In fact, some of the ideas will even save my friend
thousands of dollars.) A wedding day is such a special occasion
that I cannot imagine how anyone could not benefit from at least
a few of the ideas in this book.
The major sections of the book were as follows:
1. Pre-Wedding (ideas for photos, invitations, and stuff like
that)
2. The Ceremony (ideas for flowers, attire, video, decorations,
etc.)
3. The Reception (ideas for center pieces, favors, entertainment,
toasts, etc.)
4. The Post-Wedding (ideas for wedding albums, thank you notes,
gift-opening parties, and things like that)
All in all, this book is worth way more than the
price. I am glad I bought it for my friend.
Bryon Krug
Publisher of Weddings with Style
The Best of Martha Stewart Living Weddings
(Best of Martha Stewart Living) (Hardcover)
Amazon.com
The maven of all things tasteful, Martha Stewart has impeccable
style when it comes to weddings, and The Best of Martha Stewart
Living: Weddings compiles the finest ideas from the magazine of
the same name. The book is designed to provide inspiration for
the big day, whether it is for the ceremony or the reception.
Wedding apparel isn't covered, but all of the other significant
parts of the wedding are: ceremony and reception decorating, bouquets
and boutonnieres, wedding cakes, favors, guest books, music--even
storage and display of photographs and other memorabilia after
the wedding.
Stewart encourages readers to use the book's ideas as inspiration
for wedding elements unique to the bride and groom, and to avoid
simply incorporating the book's ideas into their wedding day.
She emphasizes that a wedding should reflect the couple's personality
and wishes, as well as any customs they choose to follow. There
are few rules of etiquette à la Emily Post. Instead, the
book provides historical explanations of common wedding traditions,
then gives examples of variations on that tradition that couples
have decided to use in their weddings. Stylishly arranged color
photographs of the bouquets, wedding cakes, reception decorations,
table settings, party favors, and more bring the ideas to life;
instructions for reproducing them are often provided.
Many of Martha's suggestions are doable even on
a budget because they stick to simple, classic design. The reference
section at the end of the book includes ceremony and reception
planning and seating tips; music suggestions; recipes for cakes,
drinks, and hors d'oeuvres; and sources for wedding supplies.
The Best of Martha Stewart Living: Weddings should prove a rich
source of inspiration for couples looking to add stylish and meaningful
touches to their wedding day. --Kris Law
Book Description
"Will you marry me?"
If you or someone you love said yes, let America's
wedding experts help you create a day as romantic as the day he
asked. For more than a decade, Martha Stewart and the editors
of Martha Stewart Weddings have guided brides down the aisle,
onto the dance floor, and over the threshold with thousands of
ideas for making their wedding day unforgettable. In this breathtakingly
beautiful volume, brides-to-be -- or anyone participating in planning
this joyous event -- will find ideas and inspiration for every
element of a wedding, including decoration, flowers, cakes, food,
favors, and photography.
The very best ideas from Martha Stewart Weddings
have been organized here in four sections--For the Ceremony, For
the Reception, Forever, and For Reference. For the Ceremony is
filled with bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, and bridesmaids flowers.
There are decorating ideas for every kind of ceremony imaginable
-- a classic clapboard church, a grassy meadow, or the family
living room. For the Reception features exquisite lighting ideas,
a selection of drinks and hors d'oeuvres, charming favors for
guests, and, of course, cakes. There are more than 30 cakes to
inspire you, and there is one to suit every style, taste, and
budget. Novice bakers can learn how to make a basic wedding cake
in Wedding Cake 101. Forever includes albums, guest books, and
keepsakes. In the For Reference section there is information to
help you plan the ceremony and reception, select music, chose
stationery, prepare hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, and find supplies
to make many of the projects pictured.
Designed to evoke the grandeur with which a wedding
day should be celebrated, The Best of Martha Stewart Weddings
is the ultimate guide to creating a wedding day as touching as
the words "I do."
Review: Martha at her BEST
What a beautiful and helpful book! Really - it's Martha at her
best! She's so good at weddings, and this book has a wonderful
collection of some of her best ideas on the subject. Such useful
information! It was interesing to learn about placement of the
bridal party and where the guest seat! Who knew that Catholic
and Jewish ceremonies were diffrent. The invitation help was great
too - especially if you are making your own, like we are!
Review: ESSENTIAL READING FOR ALL BRIDES
-TO -BE
**This is my second copy... (I wore out my first copy).. Have
styled many many weddings using this invaluable guide - from budget
nuptials to ooh la la over the top extravaganza's.. so many many
ideas that are so easy to do yourself.. Martha makes it all so
easy.. If you buy no other books, buy this one!!!
Review: The Best of Martha Stewart Living
Weddings
Excellent reference book as well as beautiful layout overall.
With my first-time buyer incentive on Amazon.com, the price was
excellent!
Review: Ideas for planning a wedding
Martha Stewart's "The Best of Martha Stewart Living Weddings"
provides information such as decorations, cakes, flowers, as well
as reception ideas that are useful for couples who are planning
for their weddings. Stewart also provides information for those
who are interested to make things (cakes, favors, etc) rather
than just buying them from the stores. The book is filled with
colorful pictures that help to illustrate her ideas.
Before reading this book, I thought that it would
be too fancy and way too expensive for middle-class folks (like
some of the wedding books out there). However, I am pleasantly
surprised that some of her ideas are quite practical and doable
and they were not as expensive as I thought. A useful book to
have. I would also recommend Carley Roney's "The Knot: Complete
Guide to Wedding in the Real World" which I think provides
even more detailed information.
Review: A Must have
A "Must Have" for those who works in the wedding industry
or getting married. Featured some creative decoration ideas, wedding
bouquets & boutonniere style, cake decoration,Type of flowers,
color coordination, music lists, etc. Great book for references.
Review: A beautiful and practical must-have
reference!
This is a high-quality volume, and includes page after page of
beautiful full color photographs that are very enjoyable to look
through as well as very helpful in inspiring ideas for one's own
wedding. It is also an incredible reference, loaded with valuable
information about all aspects of weddings (ceremony, reception,
attire, flowers, and much more). I don't know what I'd do without
this handy and lovely guide, and I look forward to a very unique
and elegant wedding with significant thanks to this book for it.
The one single best resource out there for brides-to-be.
Review: The BEST Wedding Book Out There,
By Far!
Like most brides, I have probably spent 1/8 of my budget on books
and magazines alone! But save yourself some money because this
is truley the best wedding book out there! The pictures were full
of ideas that you could really incorporate into your own wedding.
This book is just full of inspiration!
Review: WORTH THE INVESTMENT
BEYOND THE BASICS... I love this book! As a compulsive
researcher, I wanted as much information as possible when I was
planning my wedding. This book goes beyond the basics and covers
such topics as having a tent reception, seasonal flowers, preserving
photos after the wedding, and so much more. On top of all of the
great info, this book is just plain beautiful. It is filled with
gorgeous photography and many details. I had my baker recreate
a cake from this book, and I also had my caterer use a punch recipe.
I just loaned my precious copy out to an engaged friend and I
hope she enjoys it as much as I did.
Review: A Lovely Book
When my daughter and I planned her wedding last year, we found
that it was easy to get overwhelmed by the commercial hoopla around
the wedding preparation process. This book helped by having plenty
of beautiful ideas all in one place.
The book includes a variety of styles -- unlike the bridal magazines,
which all seemed to have the same ideas over and over. All the
ideas are classic, elegant, and practical. We were able to use
the pictures in this book to crystallize ideas, which we then
could take to our wedding professionals, who were able to help
us make them affordable and realistic for a simple backyard wedding.
The book goes through flowers, cakes, refreshments, stationery,
favors, and music. From the early dream stage through the final
preparations, it is a useful and practical help.
The Ultimate Wedding Idea Book: 1,001 Creative Ideas
to Make Your
Wedding Fun, Romantic, and Memorable (Paperback)
From Library Journal
A wedding consultant gives tips on everything from the proposal
and prenuptial parties to the post-wedding period when couples
struggle to write thank you notes, exchange duplicate gifts, and
begin financial planning. Many brides will find her emphasis on
handling stress and strategies for taking care of yourself beneficial.
Muchnick even includes some comments on renewing vows, a topic
ignored by many books. Though the ideas presented here are found
in other guides (such as Robbi G.W. Earnst's more detailed Great
Wedding Tips from the Experts, Lowell, 2000), this is fun to browse
through, and readers will appreciate the straightforward, friendly
tone.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Creative, Romantic, and Exciting Ideas for Your Big Day
Book Description
Creative, Romantic, and Exciting Ideas for Your Big Day
Are you looking for fabulous and fun suggestions that will make
your special day more special? This vibrant little wedding companion
will show you how to add spice and pizzazz plus romance and allure
to your wedding day to create memories that will stay with you
forever. At your fingertips are 1,001 spectacular hints and tips
such as:
·Unique wedding and reception locations
·Modern twists on traditional weddings
·Creative, budget-minded alternatives
·Writing romantic and personalized vows
·Hip bachelor and bachelorette parties
·Exciting theme weddings
·And so much more!
"A multitude of fresh ideas, from announcing the engagement
to planning the honeymoon. This smart, practical, and creative
advice is sure to inspire many engaged couples."
—Diane Forden, editor in chief, Bridal Guide magazine
"Wow! A great alternative to the Internet! A very easy-to-read
book that lists more ideas than a bride could ever use!"
—Beverly Clark, author, Planning a Wedding to Remember
Inside Flap Copy
Creative, Romantic, and Exciting Ideas for Your Big Day
Are you looking for fabulous and fun suggestions that will make
your special day more special? This vibrant little wedding companion
will show you how to add spice and pizzazz plus romance and allure
to your wedding day to create memories that will stay with you
forever. At your fingertips are 1,001 spectacular hints and tips
such as:
·Unique wedding and reception locations
·Modern twists on traditional weddings
·Creative, budget-minded alternatives
·Writing romantic and personalized vows
·Hip bachelor and bachelorette parties
·Exciting theme weddings
·And so much more!
"A multitude of fresh ideas, from announcing the engagement
to planning the honeymoon. This smart, practical, and creative
advice is sure to inspire many engaged couples."
?Diane Forden, editor in chief, Bridal Guide magazine
"Wow! A great alternative to the Internet! A very easy-to-read
book that lists more ideas than a bride could ever use!"
?Beverly Clark, author, Planning a Wedding to Remember
From the Back Cover
Creative, Romantic, and Exciting Ideas for Your Big Day
About the Author
Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick was born and raised in Marin County,
California. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Art History
and Political Science at Stanford University where she met her
husband, Adam Muchnick. After completing college, Cindy moved
to Chicago where she began her career in college admissions at
the University of Chicago. One spring break, Cindy and Adam were
on vacation in Paris when Adam popped the fateful question that
sparked Cindy's interest in proposals and weddings. Cindy and
her husband relocated to Florida where she earned her masters
degree in Liberal Studies and taught tenth grade history.
Dubbed an Engagement Expert and Coach, she has appeared on dozens
of talk shows and news stations including Leeza, Sally Jesse Raphael,
Donny & Marie, Fox News, Good Day LA, Good Day New York and
many others. Cindy also worked as a columnist and spokesperson
for Honeymoon magazine as well as a freelance writer for Coast
magazine. The Ultimate Wedding Idea Book is Cindy's third wedding
book. She is also the author of Prima Publishing's upcoming wedding
book, The Frugal Bride, scheduled to release early 2002.
Still incurable romantics, Cindy and her husband Adam are living
happily ever after with their two sons in Southern California.
The Creative Wedding Idea Book: Bold Suggestions
to Make Every Aspect of
Your Wedding Special-From the Invitations to the Honeymoon (Paperback)
Book Description
Looking for a way to add a
unique sense of wonder and excitement to your wedding day? Here
are hundreds of innovative wedding ideas-minor but distinctive
touches that will help you personalize clothing choices, invitations,
photography, receptions, keepsakes, and much, much more.
The Creative Wedding Idea Book helps couples add panache and personalization
to all aspects of the ceremony and the celebrations that follow.
It's a welcome breath of fresh air.
About the Author
Jacqueline Smith is a wedding and bridal consultant who operates
a full-service bridal shop in Guild, New Hampshire.
The Perfect Wedding Reception : Stylish Ideas
For Every Season (Hardcover)
Book Description
Once couples decide to say
"I do" there are dozens and dozens of decisions to be
made. It's hard to know where to begin and even more difficult
to fit all the dozens of details together into one wonderful event.
Thankfully Maria McBride-Mellinger, author of acclaimed bridal
books, stylishly illustrates just how to create a dreamy reception
that will be forever memorable.
The Perfect Wedding Reception features exquisite
wedding celebrations designed by Maria McBride-Mellinger that
capture the magic of each season in refreshing, contemporary style.
The nuptial adventure begins in a formal spring garden but soon
its off to a beach front for a fanciful summer wedding, to a revolutionary
era stone barn for a rustic fall wedding and finally to a gracious
country home for a candle lit winter wedding feast.
Glorious photos of each location, flowers, menu
selections, table details, centerpieces, bouquets, invitations,
wedding cakes and favors tell the story of each wedding with helpful
tips and most importantly McBride-Mellinger's favorite resources
from around the country that will actually help bring your wedding
reception to life.
Whatever season you choose to marry Maria McBride-Mellinger
offers delightful flourishes to tempt every couple as they plan
the party of their lives and create memories meant to last a lifetime.
About the Author
Maria McBride-Mellinger is leading expert on weddings. She was
fashion editor for Bride's magazine for five years. She is the
author of The Wedding Dress (Random House 1993) and Bridal Flowers
(Bulfinch Press 1992). She is contributing editor to Bride's and
a frequent contributor to other national magazines.
Great ideas and details for across the seasons!
Review: Reviewer: A. Maxham "Just trying to help..."
I wanted to get some sort of book for ideas because all that the
brick-thick bridal magazines do is show you wedding gown after
wedding gown with the occasional bridesmaids gown thrown in for
variety. I wanted ideas for place settings, place cards, flower
arrangements, cakes, favors, and even menus and was getting frustrated.
When I ordered this book, I was a little concerned because it
is advertised as a reception for each of the four seasons. I'm
having a winter wedding, so I was thinking "Oh Great- I'm
only going to be able to use a fourth of this book." I was
WRONG! Generally speaking this book manages to give you ideas
for how to give your wedding (or any formal event) the *feel*
of the season, but also gives you detailed ideas that may generalize
throughout the year. For example: The spring bouquet with some
modification would be beautiful for my December bouquet.
In addition to the seasonal advice, there are sections
called "Fine points" dealing with general details such
as "confections" (desserts), table accents (for formal,
semi-formal and informal occasions), flowers, etc. The ideas that
seem to be lacking in the literally foot-tall stack of bridal
magazines are here in this book.
Yes, some of the ideas in the book are sorta pricey,
but some are less pricey and very do-it-yourself (e.g. Juniper
shrubs in galvanized tin buckets, covering the topsoil with moss
and tying a silver mesh ribbon around the trunk- VERY cute, and
highly do-able).
I highly recommend this book! I do wish there were
a book for each of the seasons, but until then, don't be afraid
of this one!
Review: Perfection!
As a second-time bride, this was the book that "did it"
for me.
My October wedding reception, while not the exact replica of Ms.
McBride-Mellinger's, incorporated as many of her ideas as I could.
This is an absolutely beautiful book which will be an inspiration
to any bride to be that wants a classy, memorable wedding befitting
her chosen season. The settings, invitations, floral designs,
cakes, and small touches are unique and certainly can be "scaled
down" for those on a smaller budget.
Not the end-all, be-all catalogue of a bridal book...but a digestable
and exquisite source of inspiration.
Review: Beautiful pictures, but not enough
different weddings
This book has wonderful pictures of four weddings, one in each
season.
The pictures are truly extraordinary, but they are almost exclusively
of these four weddings, so there aren't tons of different ideas
for each season, rather one "theme" idea for each season.
One thing that disappointed me was that her summer wedding was
a casual one on the beach, so if you want more formal ideas for
a summer wedding you are out of luck. Like other reviewers have
said, most of these perfect presentations would be completely
out of a lot of people's price range, but you could definitely
pull a few ideas that you loved from her spreads and make it work
on a smaller budget. By and large this is a good supplementary
book on reception ideas, with tons of photos and some good "idea"
text (as opposed to "how-to" text.)
Review: creative suggestions
This book suggests many creative ways to make your wedding reception
fun and unique. The author describes 4 weddings (one for each
season) thoroughly and with an artist's eye for detail and color.
She also provides an extensive index for all aspects of reception
preparation and planning. The pictures vividly display the character
of each wedding, bringing them to life. I would have prefered
some extra examples with illustrations of decorationg ideas for
each season that were not part of the featured wedding. It would
have been nice to have some more practical examples of possibilities.
The featured weddings are gorgeous but, for people like myself,
a bit out of reach financially. Surely, one can put a creative,
unique twist on some less eccentric styles to make them equally
as special, beautiful and perfect for any wedding.
The Perfect Wedding Details : More Than 100 Ideas for Personalizing
Your Wedding (Hardcover)
Book Description
You've picked a date, booked the church, and finalized
the invitation list. You've even found the perfect dress. But
how can you ensure that your wedding is one you and your guests
will remem ber for years to come? As wedding expert Maria McBride-Mellinger
explains, it's all in the details.
In The Perfect Wedding Details, McBride-Mellinger
makes planning a wedding reception much less overwhelming -- from
the center-pieces to the icing on the cake. Whether you've chosen
to hold your reception at an elegant hall or in your own backyard,
her step-by-step guide offers all the ideas and inspiration you'll
need to make yours unique.
You'll find luscious photographs and in-depth how-tos
on every detail of the reception -- including bridal chairs, place
cards, cocktails, candles, wedding cake tables, favors, and programs.
Whether formal or fun, sophisticated or whim sical, Maria McBride-Mellinger's
refreshing designs provide a wealth of inspiration. With a comprehensive
list of the author's favorite resources around the country to
aid brides in finding materials, The Perfect Wedding Details will
ensure a perfect event -- carried off with style, finesse, and
individuality.
Review: Amazing ideas
I checked this book out from the library but would have had to
photocopy so many pages I decided to buy it. It has great, trendy
ideas for the modern bride. Some may be hard, too time consuming,
etc. but it's not the fru-fru stuff that Martha Stewart does,
it actually looks good. If you want to have your own touches,
this book is great. It contains huge full page color photos, which
a lot of books lack.
Review Useful, unusual ideas
Of the many books I've read on wedding decor, this is among the
more helpful. It is one of the few books with truly unique ideas.
Many of them are very lovely in effect, but simple, which is handy
for people busy with planning a wedding. From the "gilded
tree" with roses to the lovely nautilus shell to use as a
flower girl basket, it's filled with wonderful little details
to add uniqueness and charm to your wedding.
Review: Great ideas for our outdoor wedding!,
I have sticky-tab bookmarks on at least 18 pages of ideas we plan
to incorporate into our wedding. Most of the ideas we are going
to modify in some way, but it sure helps to have a beautifully
detailed and photo-illustrated guide to tasteful touches for a
wedding. You might not need this book if you already know 1-2-3
what you want for your cookie-cutter event, but if you want to
make it special and a touch above, this book is a great way to
get your creative juices flowing!
Review: Great book
We're buying this book because we've had it checked out of the
library for the three+ months since my daughter's engagement!
She loves the ideas, and is using them to give her wedding its
own special look. Her only problem is not being able to fit as
many ideas into one wedding as she would like. These are mostly
handcrafted ideas with very clear instructions, supply lists,
etc. Beautiful photgraphy lets you get a realistic picture of
the completed projects.
Handcrafted Weddings: Over 100 projects
& ideas for personalizing your wedding (Paperback)
Amazon.com
Perhaps the best-looking and most complete guide to creating wedding
accessories, Handcrafted Weddings demonstrates that you can achieve
exactly the wedding look you want for less than the store-bought
price, and you need only a modicum of crafting experience to accomplish
most of it. Organized by theme, the five sections detail projects
involving stationery, bridal party accessories, ceremony accents,
reception decor, and memorabilia. In addition to dozens of beautiful
traditional creations, there are wonderful touches of whimsy,
such as the gold-accented white sneakers and baseball cap that
the bride can swap for the formal veil and shoes at reception
time; the card holder constructed from a white mailbox adorned
with pine branches and papier-mâché birds; the mirror-tile
centerpieces that double the effect of candlelight; or the fairy-tale
fantasy of a twig arbor (surprisingly simple: anchor branches
in buckets and swath in tulle and twinkle lights). There are so
many eye-catching ideas that the hardest part may be choosing
which ones to make or finding the time to do them all. --Amy Handy
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Booklist
With the typical wedding estimated at $19,000, it is no wonder
that this book will quickly find an eager and appreciative audience.
And even those readers with allergies to sewing machines will
find projects that speak to nostalgia, individualism, and, yes,
savings. The more than 100 ideas are more than amply illustrated,
including step-by-step photographs whenever necessary and possible
variations. Appealing mainly to brides-to-be are the accessories
(veils, headpieces, and decorated shoes and gloves); ceremony
and reception accents, from corsages to slipcovered chairs; stationery
(to stencil or emboss or die cut?); and memorabilia, such as frames,
photo albums, and even a showdown box. Too bad dollar comparisons
weren't made between store bought and handmade, though. Barbara
Jacobs--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Book Description
Handcrafted Weddings offers ideas and projects for creating a
dream wedding affordably with unique handcrafted accessories and
decorations. Learn to make one-of-a-kind ceremony accents, such
as a ribbon adorned ring bearer pillow, a precious posy ball for
the flower girl, or a stunning floral arbor.
Design and create original wedding stationery, a custom made headpiece
and veil, or delightful table favors for the guests. All projects
are beautifully photographed and explained with clear, step-by-step
instructions. With 300 color photos, this invaluable guide is
filled with dozens of imaginative ideas for adding a personal
touch to any wedding.
As weddings become more and more expensive (the
average cost is now $19,000!), do-it-yourself accessories and
décor have become a popular way to lower costs. The projects
in Handcrafted Weddings require only basic sewing and crafting
skills.
From the Back Cover
Handcrafted decorations and accessories give personal meaning
to your wedding day.
Design and create your own original wedding stationery.
You'll be amazed at how easy it can be!
Accessorize the bridal party from head to toe with
beautiful handcrafted items. Make any style of veil for a fraction
of the purchase price.
Create one-of-a-kind ceremony accents, like a ring
bearer pillow, flower girl basket, elegant bouquets, or a stunning
floral arbor.
Decorate the reception site in high style at low
cost. Delight your guests with unique centerpieces, table favors,
a fancy card box, or a floral cake top.
Discover innovative ways to preserve and display
your cherished wedding memories. Make picture frames, album covers,
wreaths, and shadow box displays.
Step-by-step directions with nearly 300 full-color
photos inspire and guide you in creating your perfect handcrafted
wedding.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
About the Author
The editors of Creative Publishing international have created
more than 100 titles on sewing, crafting and home decorating.
This experienced staff has developed several other wedding-related
books, including Hosting Wedding Parties and Veiled in Beauty.
Review: great book with beautiful projects
This is a wonderful book, with beautiful pictures throughout the
book. I saw it the first time at Michaels. From the moment I looked
through it, I knew it was a valuable source in planning a do-it-yourself
wedding, or even just adding a few homemade touches to a wedding
that is professionally planned. This book has a few basic ideas
for each of many aspects of a wedding. There are a few ideas I'm
not too thrilled about and that's why I bought an additional wedding
decoration book to supplement this one. I also bought a budget
book as well, to help to keep the cost low and i bought an wedding
organizer, which makes it easier to keep an overview over the
whole wedding planning. There are a lot of wedding planners out
there, so you are well advised to study them carefully, to find
out which suits best for your purposes.
Review: SWEET!!!
I absolutely love this book! I'm actually 19 and getting ready
to get married but didn't want to put my e-mail or anything in.
I have been freaking out over how to make my own veil and decorations.
This book is definately great if you are on a tight budget but
still want a beautiful wedding. You can make everything from decorations,
centerpieces, veils, garters, ringbearer pillows and a whole lot
more. I just got the book yesterday and am EXTREMELY pleased with
it. I've already started on my veil. :D
Review: No budget handcrafting
A beautifully illustrated book with great instructions, but I
found most projects were created with no budget in mind. When
I think handcrafted I think of saving money on the project, I
didn't think that was the case with this book. Great traditional
ideas and instructions for decorating from cakes to veils but
not with a small budget in mind. Well worth buying if you are
looking for the personal touch of doing it yourself without being
on much of a budget.
Review: Awesome Book
I had an at home wedding with a small budget. I made a bunch of
the projects out of this book and made everything for less than
what I could buy it for (and it looked better!). I highly recommend
this book if you are going for the "do it yourself"
wedding.
Review: Best wedding craft book ever!
My daughter was married this August and we had searched many books
during our preparation time. This book was by far the best one
for ideas, instructions and colorful pictures. We used the ideas
for the bouquets, flower girl baskets, etc. The wedding was gorgeous
and the arangements were beautiful.
Your Vintage Wedding : Unique Ideas and
Inspiration for Today's Bride (Hardcover)
Book Description
Your Vintage Wedding is a lavishly illustrated guide to the most
popular types of twentieth-century weddings with advice on how
to incorporate creative vintage details into your special day
to add romance, fun, acrd unforgettable style. From the Art Nouveau
elegance of the 1910s to the Art Deco Hollywood glamour of the
1920s; from the night-club and café society of the 1930s
and 1940s to the Audrey Hepburn-era elegance of the 1950s, Your
Vintage Wedding reveals what weddings were like during these periods
and how to add vintage elements to invitations, flowers, photography,
music, menus, and more -- including finding the perfect retro
gown.
Playful, sophisticated, and filled with useful resources, this
full-color book includes dozens of photographs to enchant and
inspire. It features accounts and photos of actual vintage weddings,
including a 1940s extravaganza on San Francisco's Treasure Island.
Whether you dream of a 1910-style bash complete with potted palms,
ropes of pearls, top bats, and dancing the tango or simply small
touches that add beauty to the day, such as reviving the custom
of wearing orange blossoms or tying lovers' knots in your bouquet
ribbons, Your Vintage Wedding will help make it a day to remember.
About the Author
Eaton and her work have been featured on CNN Headline News and
MSNBC, and in USA Today, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Glamour, and
elsewhere. Her expertise on a wide range of vintage subjects makes
her a popular choice on the speakers' circuit. She lives near
Venice, Florida, where she is restoring a 1924 Mediterranean-revival
home.
Review: Vintage Wedding tips...
This book is a wonderful read for anyone who is planning a vintage
wedding, or at least to incorporate vintage details into their
wedding. What I liked about this book is not how it focuses on
what "they used to do" but how as a modern bride you
can attain the same vintage feeling without trying to impossibly
re-create the time period you most aspire to. Along with Vintage
Wedding: Simple Ideas for Creating a Romantic Vintage Wedding
by Daniela Turudich, these books are excellent for planning a
unique, romantic and vintage wedding.
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