Making Candles & Potpourri: Illuminate and Infuse Your Home - Hardcover

The book's second half is devoted to potpourri, which is given the same careful treatment. A short introduction to scent in history--touching concisely upon perfumes, incense, and aromatherapy--leads into explanations of several methods for creating potpourri (fixatives, drying, storing, displaying). This is followed by specific recipes for, among others, spring, summer, and autumn medleys; energy-boosting, relaxing, and romantic scents; and themed potpourris for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. A final section charts botanicals to grow for potpourri making, explores essential oils and their useful properties, and offers additional candle-decorating ideas. Pretty photos enhance the presentation. --Amy Handy

Catherine Bardey, fashion editor and stylist, reveals the secrets of using candles and potpourri to set the perfect mood in any room. She explains how to make and use beautiful potpourri arrangements of dried fruits and flowers to infuse each room with the scents of the seasons or holidays. Whether you're making exquisite girfts or adding that special detail to a room, you'll delight in the joys of these simple and creative projects.

Catherine walks you through the different techniques of candle and potpourri making providing easy and insightful ideas for personal touches along the way. She also gives recipes for her favorites including:

CANDLES

BASIC VOTIVES for everyday use

SAND CANDLES for a unique gift

LAVENDER MINI PILLARS to add a quaint aroma to any room

HANDROLLED BEESWAX CANDLES for extra illumination

Candles in apples or pears for special dinners

Holiday candles to complement celebrations

POTPOURRI

LUXURIOUS SUMMER, a festive arrangement with an elegant orchid base

VIBRANT VIOLET, a burst of purples reds and pinks with a fresh apple scent

AUTIMN MEMORIES, a warm sensual mix with earthly undertones

SWEET SWEET DREAMS to help you relax and sleep

GIVE THANKS, a fall holiday mix

JASMINE DELIGHT, a bold mix with a luxurious feel

This is just the beginning. Use these examples as starting points for your own candles and potpourri to create the perfect environment for any occasion!