Beeswax candles are a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional candles made from paraffin wax. Beeswax candles burn cleaner, produce less soot and pollutants, and have a naturally sweet honey scent. The best part is that you can make your own beeswax candles at home using simple materials that you likely already have on hand. In this post, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to make your own beeswax candles, and also highlight the benefits of purchasing beeswax from your local beekeeper.
Benefits of Beeswax Candles
Before we dive into the tutorial, let’s talk about the benefits of using beeswax candles. Beeswax is a natural byproduct of honey production, and beeswax candles are a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional candles made from paraffin wax. Here are a few of the benefits of using beeswax candles:
- Clean Burning: Beeswax candles burn cleaner than paraffin wax candles, producing minimal soot and pollutants that can harm indoor air quality.
- Long-Lasting: Beeswax candles burn longer than other types of candles, meaning you’ll have to replace them less often.
- Natural Scent: Beeswax candles have a natural sweet honey scent that can help to purify the air in your home.
- Safe: Beeswax candles are non-toxic and safe to burn around pets and children.
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of beeswax candles, let’s dive into the tutorial on how to make your own.
DIY Beeswax Candles
Materials Needed:
- Beeswax sheets
- Cotton wick
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Hairdryer
Step 1: Choose Your Beeswax
The first step in making your own beeswax candles is to choose your beeswax. Beeswax sheets are a popular choice for candle making, as they’re easy to work with and come in a variety of colors.
It’s important to choose high-quality beeswax for your candles. The best source for beeswax is your local beekeeper. Purchasing beeswax from your local beekeeper not only supports small businesses, but it also ensures that you’re getting a high-quality and sustainable product.
Step 2: Cut the Wick
Once you’ve chosen your beeswax, it’s time to cut the wick to the desired length. You’ll want to measure the length of the wick according to the height of the candle you want to make, plus a few extra inches for trimming. For example, if you want to make a 6-inch candle, you’ll want to cut your wick to 8 inches.
Step 3: Melt the Beeswax
Next, you’ll need to melt the beeswax. If you have a double boiler, you can use it to melt the beeswax. If not, you can create a makeshift double boiler by placing a heat-resistant bowl over a pot of simmering water.
Once the water is simmering, add the beeswax to the bowl or top of the double boiler. Stir the beeswax until it’s completely melted.
Step 4: Roll the Candle
Now it’s time to roll the candle. Lay out the beeswax sheet on a flat surface, with the wick at one end. You’ll want to leave a small amount of wick sticking out of the beeswax, so you can trim it later.
Using your fingers, gently press the wick into the beeswax sheet. Roll the sheet tightly around the wick, making sure that it’s straight and even. Apply light pressure as you roll the candle to help it stick together.
Step 5: Secure the Candle
Once you’ve rolled the candle, you’ll need to secure it in place. Use your fingers to pinch the seam of the beeswax sheet, sealing the candle closed.
Step 6: Trim the Wick
Using a pair of scissors, trim the wick down to the desired length. You’ll want to leave about 1/4 inch of wick sticking out of the top of the candle.
Step 7: Finish the Candle
To finish the candle, use a hairdryer on low heat to gently heat the surface of the candle. This will smooth out any bumps or wrinkles and give it a polished look.
And that’s it! You’ve made your own beeswax candle using simple materials and techniques. Be sure to store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep them in good condition.
Benefits of Buying Beeswax from Local Beekeepers
As we mentioned earlier, purchasing beeswax from your local beekeeper is the best way to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality and sustainable product. You can find your closest beekeeper through our directory search. Here are a few more reasons why you should consider buying beeswax from your local beekeeper:
- Supports Small Businesses: By buying from your local beekeeper, you’re supporting a small business and helping to keep the beekeeping industry alive.
- Sustainable: Local beekeepers are often committed to sustainable and ethical beekeeping practices, meaning that the beeswax you’re purchasing is produced in an eco-friendly and responsible way.
- High Quality: Local beekeepers are often able to produce higher quality beeswax than large-scale commercial operations, as they’re able to give their bees more individual attention and care.
- Freshness: Beeswax from local beekeepers is often fresher than store-bought wax, as it hasn’t been sitting on a shelf for an extended period of time.
Making your own beeswax candles is a simple and fun DIY project that can help you reduce your environmental footprint and enjoy the many benefits of beeswax candles. By purchasing beeswax from your local beekeeper, you can support small businesses, ensure that you’re getting a high-quality and sustainable product, and enjoy the natural sweetness of local honey in your home. So why not give it a try?