MAKING BEESWAX CANDLES: A GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS

Beeswax candles are a wonderful addition to any home. They burn cleanly, have a natural honey scent, and are surprisingly easy to make yourself! This guide will walk you through the process of making both poured and dipped beeswax candles, perfect for beginners.

Beeswax Candles: A Complete Beginners Job

Materials You’ll Need

Poured Candles:

Beeswax (pellets or blocks)
Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and pot
Thermometer
Candle wicks (size appropriate for your container)
Containers (jars, tins, etc.)
Hot glue gun or wick stickers
Pencil or skewer

Dipped Candles:

Beeswax (pellets or blocks)
Double boiler or tall pot
Thermometer
Candle wicking (spool)
Weight (to keep wicks submerged)
Tall container with cold water
Newspaper or parchment paper to dry candles

Making Poured Beeswax Candles

Poured candles are a great option for beginners as they allow for creativity in container choice and scent additions (optional). Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare Your Container: Clean and dry your chosen container. Attach the wick to the bottom center using a hot glue gun or wick sticker. Use a pencil or skewer laid across the top of the container to keep the wick centered and taut.
2. Melt the Beeswax: Fill the bottom of your double boiler (or pot) with water and bring to a simmer. Place the beeswax in the top of the double boiler (or heat-safe bowl) and melt completely, stirring occasionally. Monitor the temperature using a thermometer. Do not overheat the wax; a temperature of around 150-160°F (65-70°C) is ideal.
3. Add Scent (Optional): If you want to add essential oils, do so after the beeswax has melted and is removed from the heat. Use candle-safe essential oils and add them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the melted beeswax into your prepared container, leaving some space at the top.
5. Cool and Cure: Allow the candle to cool and harden completely at room temperature. This may take several hours. Avoid moving the candle during this time.
6. Trim the Wick: Once the candle is fully hardened, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch

Making Dipped Beeswax Candles

Dipped candles offer a rustic charm and are made by repeatedly dipping wicks into melted beeswax. Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Cover your work surface with newspaper or parchment paper. Fill a tall container with cold water and set it aside.
2. Melt the Beeswax: Fill the bottom of your double boiler (or tall pot) with water and bring to a simmer. Place the beeswax in the top of the double boiler (or pot) and melt completely, stirring occasionally. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, keeping it around 150-160°F (65-70°C).
3. Prepare the Wicks: Cut a length of candle wicking and attach a weight to one end. This will help keep the wick submerged during dipping.
4. Dipping Process: Dip the wicks into the melted beeswax, holding them submerged for a few seconds. Slowly remove the wicks and allow the wax to cool and harden for a few seconds. Repeat this process, dipping and cooling, until the candles reach your desired thickness.
5. Cool and Straighten: After the final dip, hold the candle straight until the wax has cooled slightly. Then, lay the candle on the prepared surface to fully harden.
6. Finishing Touches: Once the candles are completely cool, trim the bottom to create a flat base and trim the wick to about 1/4 inch.

Beeswax Candles: A Complete Beginners Guide

Tips for Success

Use Quality Beeswax: Opt for pure beeswax for the best results.
Monitor the Temperature: Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for both methods.
Safety First: Always exercise caution when working with hot wax. Use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands. Never leave melting wax unattended.
Experiment with Scents and Colors: Once you’re comfortable with the basic techniques, try adding essential oils or candle dyes to create unique candles.

Enjoy Your Handmade Candles!

Making beeswax candles is a rewarding and enjoyable craft. Whether you choose to pour or dip, you’ll end up with beautiful, natural candles that you can be proud of. Light them up and enjoy the warm glow and subtle honey scent!