Beeswax Candle Making at Home

Guidance on Beeswax Candle Making

Beeswax makes a splendid candle. Folks have always appreciated its lovely look, light scent and clean burning characteristics. The only real downside is price. If you’re able to afford it, here’s steps to make beeswax candles.

There are basically two options. One involves using beeswax sheets and the alternative begins by using melted beeswax. This report will illustrate both .

The Correct Way to Make Rolled Beeswax Candles

Although firmer compared to soy wax, beeswax is a fairly soft wax. In a thin sheet, it is pliable at room temperature. This fact allows for some rather simple candle making. Seeing that hot, melted wax is not required, beeswax candles are a good craft project for children. Think about how much enjoyment they will have making candles to decorate the family’s holiday table or as presents for Mom, Father or their grandparents.

This process employs sheets of beeswax that can be purchased on the internet or in any craft shop. The sheets are available in standard sizes…typically 10″ x 14″ or 12″ x 16″.

They’re found in different colors or undyed. Many folks like the natural look of the undyed beeswax sheets.

Other than beeswax sheets all you require to make a candle is a wick. To make a candle, start with a sheet of wax that is as wide as you would like the candle to be tall. Lay the sheet on a clean, flat surface with the “width” edge toward you.

Trim the wick approximately two inches longer that the candlestick will be tall. Place it along the edge of the wax sheet nearest to you and gently press it into the wax sheet.

Now, slowly roll the sheet around the wick. Go slowly trying to avoid trapping any air between the layers.

You can use the whole wax sheet, or trim the excess when the candle is as thick as you desire. If you prefer a thicker candle, simply roll on an additional sheet.

When you finish rolling the candle, lightly press the edge of the wax sheet to close off the seam. Select one end as the bottom of the candle. Cut the wick flush at that bottom end and leave the wick about a half-inch long at the other end…which, of course, will be the top of the candle.

Ideas…

1. Roll the wax slowly, particularly in the beginning. Apply gentle, even pressure across the length of the candle. It’s easy to distort the candle if you roll too quickly. Once you have rolled several candles you will develop the knack , but while you’re learning…slow and easy does it.

2. While you roll the candle, also take notice of the two ends. You should roll the candle so both of the two ends are as flat as possible.

3. In the event the beeswax sheet seems stiff or hard to roll use a hair dryer on low setting to soften it. Be careful not to overdo it.

Doing Beeswax Candles Using Molds

Making beeswax candles with molds is the more traditional method.

Utilizing a double boiler, melt the beeswax to about 170°. Instructions for operating a double boiler are included in my other candle making articles.

You can use molds to produce tapered candles or pillars. The molds should be clean and dry. A releasing spray will facilitate the removal of the candle from the mold .

Every mold will have a slightly different means of attaching the wick to the bottom surface. Typically, a thin metallic plate will hold the wick in position.

Many candle users prefer the natural color and smell of beeswax, but it is possible to color the candles and/or add fragrance. Coloring should be added as the wax is nearing the desired temperature. Follow the manufacturer’s directions. If in doubt, ere on the side of putting in too little. It is always possible to add more, however you cannot remove fragrance or color after it has been added…make sense?

If you wish to add fragrance, remove the wax from the heat and add the fragrance oil just before pouring the wax into the molds. As a rule of thumb, don’t use more than 1 ounce of oil per pound of wax.

Slowly pour the melted beeswax into the prepared molds, gently tapping the outside of the mold to remove any air bubbles.

Allow the molds to cool slowly at room temperature. Do not try to speed up the process by putting the mold in a cool place or the refrigerator…the candles could develop cracks.

However, if you’re having difficulty releasing the candles from the molds it might help to put them in the freezer or refrigerator for 10-12 minutes after they have solidified and cooled to room temperature.

For homepage=> Candle Making Instructions

…or you may want to learn about How to Make Soy Candles.