Are you prepared to elevate your candle-making skills to new heights? Say goodbye to dull, store-bought candles, and hello to the world of DIY beeswax candles! But wait, what are beeswax candles, you ask? Well, Beeswax candles are made from the natural wax produced by honeybees. They are easy to make and have a ton of benefits. Making your beeswax candles at home allows you to customize your candles’ scent, color, and style.
There are many benefits to using beeswax candles over traditional paraffin candles. Beeswax is a renewable resource, whereas paraffin is derived from non-renewable petroleum. Additionally, beeswax (taper, pillar) candles burn cleanly and produce very little soot, unlike paraffin candles, which can release harmful chemicals into the air.
Beeswax candles also have a natural, subtle honey scent that many people find pleasant. They also burn longer, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
Materials Needed
To make beeswax candles at home, you will need the following materials:
Beeswax
Candle wicks
Wick tabs
A heatproof bowl and a double boiler
A thermometer
Candle molds or containers
Optional: essential oils or fragrance oils for scent
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are a natural, toxin-free alternative to traditional paraffin candles. They have a clean burn and are virtually dripless when kept out of drafts. This step-by-step guide leads you on an enchanting journey to create beautiful candles from scratch. So grab your apron, and let’s get started!
Step 1: Getting the Workspace Ready
Before starting, make your workspace clean and organized. Ensure no flammable items are nearby, and place a protective covering on your working surface. When handling candles and hot wax, it’s essential to always prioritize safety.
Step 2: Melting the Beeswax and Adding Essential Oils (If Desired)
It’s time to learn to melt the beeswax using gentle heat in a double boiler. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer and ensure it doesn’t exceed the recommended range. If you prefer scented beeswax candles, add a few drops of essential oil during the melting process.
Step 3: Choosing and Preparing the Containers
Select suitable containers or molds for your candles. Ensure they are heat-resistant and will accommodate the size of your desired candles.
Step 4: Cut and Attach the Wick
Next, cut your wick to the appropriate length for your mold or container. You will want the wick to be about 1 inch longer than the height of your container. Attach a wick tab to one end of the wick by threading the wick through the hole in the tab and pinching it closed with pliers.
Step 5: Pouring the Melted Beeswax
Now, carefully pour the melted beeswax into the prepared containers. Keep the wicks centered and straight while pouring. Leave some space at the top to avoid overflowing.
Step 6: Allowing the Candles to Cool and Harden
Let the candles sit undisturbed until they cool and harden completely. The time it takes for the candles to solidify may vary and could take several hours, depending on their size. It’s best to leave them undisturbed until they are fully set.
Step 7: Trim the Wick
In the final step, cut the wick to be roughly ¼ inch longer than the top of the candle.
How to Add Scents and Essential Oils
If you want to add scents or essential oils to your beeswax candles, you can do so once the wax has melted completely. Stir in a few drops of your chosen scent or oil until well combined with the wax.
It’s important not to add too much scent or oil, as it affects how well the candle burns. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 6% fragrance oil by wax weight.
Tips for Making Beeswax Candles from Sheets
If you want to make beeswax candles from sheets instead of melting wax, follow these steps:
Cut a sheet of beeswax to the desired size for your candle.
Place a wick along one edge of the sheet, exposing about 1 inch of wick at the top and bottom.
Carefully roll the sheet around the wick, making sure to keep the wick centered and straight.
Use your fingers to gently press the edge of the sheet into the candle to seal it.
Trim the wick to approximately a quarter of an inch above the candle’s surface. Your beeswax candles from the sheets are ready.
How to Mix Beeswax with Other Waxes
You can customize your candles by mixing beeswax with other waxes. By combining beeswax with other waxes, such as soy wax or paraffin wax, you can adjust your candles’ burning properties or scent to your liking.
The process is simple: melt both waxes in a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until the waxes are well combined, and then pour the mixture into your prepared mold or container. That’s all there is to it!
Use a larger wick: A larger wick will produce a larger flame, which will melt more wax and cause the candle to burn more slowly.
Add coconut oil: Adding a small amount to your beeswax can help it burn more slowly.
Keep the wick trimmed: Make sure to trim the wick to about ¼ inch before lighting your candle. A longer wick will produce a larger flame, which will cause the candle to burn more quickly.
How to Refresh Wax Melts
If you have wax melts that have lost their scent, you can refresh them by following these steps:
Melt the wax in a double boiler over a saucepan of simmering water.
Once the wax has melted completely, stir in a few drops of fragrance oil until well combined.
Pour the melted wax into a container. Let it cool down and become fully solid.
Pop the refreshed wax melt out of the mold or container and use it as usual.
Final Words
Making your beeswax candles at home is easy and rewarding. Not only do they provide warm and pleasant light, but they also have numerous benefits for your health and the environment. With this step-by-step guide, you can create beautiful and natural candles quickly! Also, don’t miss these key facts about beeswax candles, they’ll elevate your candle-making experience. From their natural charm to their healthy advantages, beeswax candles stand out, making them a must-try for any candle enthusiast.
FAQs
Why add coconut oil to beeswax candles?
Adding a small amount of coconut oil to beeswax can help it burn more slowly and make your candle last longer.
Can you mix beeswax and soy wax?
Yes, you Mix beeswax with soy wax to create a custom blend. Melt both waxes in a double boiler over a saucepan of simmering water and stir until well combined.
How long does a beeswax candle burn?
The burn time of a beeswax candle depends on its size and shape. On average, a beeswax votive candle will burn for about 15 hours, while a larger pillar candle can burn for up to 100 hours.
How much fragrance should I add to beeswax candles?
You should use 6% fragrance oil by wax weight. It’s important not to add too much fragrance or essential oil to your beeswax candles, as this can affect how well they burn.
What temperature should I pour beeswax candles at?
Beeswax should be poured at a temperature between 150-160°F (65-70°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the wax as it melts.
Can you mix paraffin and beeswax for candles?
Yes, you can Mix paraffin wax with beeswax to create a custom blend. Melt both waxes in a double boiler over a saucepan of simmering water and stir until well combined.
When should I add fragrance to beeswax?
Fragrance or essential oils should be added to melted beeswax once it has reached a temperature between 150-160°F (65-70°C). Stir in a few drops of your chosen scent or oil until well combined before pouring into your mold or container.
