Beeswax candle making is an open ended craft. Make as little or as much as you have need for. Use what containers you like or have around. And best of all, it requires no experience or deep learning to make a rustic light for the upcoming Winter Solstice. No need to add scents, beeswax candles smell of honey drifting across.
Beeswax Candles
Supplies:
Directions:
Add beeswax to a candle melting pot (or a large clean tin can). Fill a heavy saucepan with water no more than half full of water, add in melting container*. If the container threatens to float, pour off some of the water.
Turn stove on to medium and let the wax melt gently. If the water starts to bubble, turn down a bit to medium-low.
Place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper on your work space. Place containers on it.
Dip the bottom of the wicks in the melted wax and put into the container, pressing it down to stick. Drizzle in a little wax to set it up.
Pour wax in slowly, holding the wick upright.
To keep the wick straight-ish, use clothespin to keep upright.
Once wax has cooled and solidified, trim the wicks.
If your candles have internal holes (it happens), you can melt more wax and gently fill in, then let cool again.
Cleanup:
I have a dedicated melting pot for beeswax as I process so much, so I don’t worry if I have leftover wax, I just let it cool and set aside in a dust free area. However, if using something you need to clean, use paper towels to wipe out when warm any leftover wax
How much wax:
That can be very open ended. It depends on your container and how many candles you want. I did two 3-ounce jars. You can as I mentioned above, store leftover wax in the melting pot, or pour it into silicone molds for later use. I melted a pound and made extra candles not shown, in mason jars.
Safety Disclaimer:
*DO NOT LEAVE WAX WHILE MELTING. DO NOT HAVE ANIMALS OR YOUNG CHILDREN NEAR YOU. IF WAX WERE TO CATCH ON FIRE, COVER WITH A LID AND TURN OFF THE HEAT SOURCE. SALT OR BAKING SODA WILL EXTINGUISH IT.
And voila! Pretty candles to light up the longest night of the year…..make one for everyone in the family.
~Sarah