Eco-Friendly Holiday Decorating: Bee-Themed Ideas
Beeswax candles are made from pure beeswax and emit a natural, subtle honey scent. They burn cleaner and brighter, bringing a cozy warmth to any home. Beeswax candles are a nod to the hard work of bees and the natural gifts they offer us.Making beeswax candles is a delightful and rewarding craft. Here are step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process:
Materials Needed:
Beeswax (either in block form or pastilles)
Wick (cotton or hemp)
Wick sustainer tabs (if your wicks don't come pre-tabbed)
Double boiler or a makeshift one with a pot and heat-safe bowl
Candle mold or containers (like mason jars)
Thermometer (optional, but helpful)
Stirring tool (like a wooden spoon)
Scissors
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Wick:
Cut the wick to the height of your mold or container plus a few extra inches.
If using wick sustainer tabs, thread the wick through the tab and crimp it in place at the bottom. If your wicks are pre-tabbed, you can skip this step.
2. Prepare the Mold:
Secure the wick in the center of the mold. If using a container like a mason jar, you can hold the wick in place by wrapping the excess wick around a pencil or stick and resting it on top of the container.
3. Melt the Beeswax:
Place beeswax in the top of a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
Melt the beeswax slowly. Beeswax has a melting point of about 145°F (63°C). If you have a thermometer, you can monitor this.
4. Pour the Beeswax:
Once the beeswax is completely melted, carefully pour it into your mold or container. Fill it to the desired level, ensuring not to displace the wick.
If you’re using a mold, leave a little beeswax in the boiler as you might need it for a second pour.
5. Secure and Center the Wick:
Make sure the wick is centered and straight as the wax starts to cool. Adjust if necessary.
6. Allow to Cool:
Let the candle cool and harden, which can take several hours. Avoid moving the candle during this time.
If using a mold and the wax has sunk in the middle, reheat the leftover beeswax and fill the sinkhole.
7. Unmold or Trim the Wick:
For mold candles, once completely set, gently remove the candle from the mold.
Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the wax surface.
8. Cure the Candle:
Allow your candle to cure for a couple of days for optimal burning.
Your handmade beeswax candles are now ready to light up your space with a warm, natural glow. Enjoy the subtle, sweet aroma and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and functional. Remember to always burn candles safely, away from flammable materials and out of reach of children and pets.