Making beeswax candles is surprisingly easy, and beneficial for the environment. Beeswax candles burn without releasing smoke and toxins into the air. With a soft, yellow-amber color, and a natural honey scent, they are also a warming accent to any living space.
There are two different ways to make beeswax candles. One involves rolling sheets around a cotton wick, while the other is simply pouring melted wax into glass jars, or other containers. Try out these eco-friendly candles to save money, and to protect the environment from the pollution of paraffin candles and artificial fragrances.
Beeswax Candle Making Supplies
What is necessary for making beeswax candles? With the rolling method, sheets of wax, a hair dryer, a pair of scissors, and a cotton wick. For jar candles, the beeswax candle making supplies include wax, the wick, wick clips, scissors, pliers, a double boiler, a spoon, and the glass jars.
To make this project even more eco-friendly, contact a local beekeeper for the wax. This is a great way to make use of a natural bee by-product, and to support independent, and often family-owned, businesses. If the wax is not completely pure, pour through a fine strainer or cheesecloth once it is melted.
Rolling Beeswax Candles
To make beeswax candles from sheets of wax, find a flat surface for a working area, gather all materials, and get started. Be creative. Beeswax sheets come in a range of colors, and can be cut into different shapes, once the basic craft is mastered.
- Place the sheet down on the flat surface. Gently fold the wax to make a crease for easier cutting. A simple square is fine for a traditional tall, thin candle. For a tapered candle, use a diagonal cut.
- Cut the crease with scissors, being very careful to maintain an even edge.
- Blow warm air over the wax for ten to twenty seconds to soften the material.
- Cut the wick. It should be about one inch longer than the wax — one-half inch for each end of the wax sheet.
- Place the wick on the edge of the sheet, and start folding. Be sure to make the first crease very tight. If necessary, use the blow dryer to form a seal.
- Continue rolling the beeswax sheet, always checking for an even roll. Use both hands, putting a constant, light pressure for a tighter roll.
- Once finished, seal the edge of the sheet to the now rolled candle, with the warmth of the hair dryer, pressing down slightly with a fingertip along the edge.
- Trim one end of the wick completely, and the other end to one-quarter inch.
How to Make Beeswax Candles in Glass Jars
Making beeswax candles with glass jars requires a little more work, but the end product is more ideal for storing and gift-giving.
- Place the beeswax in a double-boiler over a low to medium heat. If possible, choose a pot which can be used solely for candle-making.
- Stir gently, heating to about 150 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The wax will melt at 145 degrees, and beyond 180 degrees, the color will begin to fade.
- While the wax is melting, warm jars slightly by setting in a 150 degree oven for about five minutes. This will allow the beeswax to cool slowly, which is important for preventing cracking.
- To prepare the wick, cut to about two inches beyond the height of the jar. Thread one tip through the wick clip, then crimp the clip to the wick with pliers. Now dip the wick in the wax, giving it a thin coating.
- Place the wick clip at the bottom of the jar. To hold the wick in place while pouring and drying, place a knife, pen, or any other long thin object over the surface of the jar, and wind the wick to secure in place.
- Pour the wax into the jar.
- Allow a full day for drying, then cut the wick to about one-quarter inch.
Keep in mind that wax is flammable. Take caution when melting the wax, and when burning the candles. Always keep the wick trimmed to one-quarter inch. Teach others how to make beeswax candles, and experiment with creative shapes, decorations, and containers.
Sources:
- Loux, Renee. "Easy Green Living: The Ultimate Guide to Simple, Eco-Friendly Choices for You and Your Home." (Rodale, 2008).
- Farmers Almanac
- Candle Help
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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