Beeswax has become a favorite wax among candle makers, and is especially popular with the 'go green' crowd. This material can be more expensive that other types of wax, but it is well worth the added cost. After learning to work with beeswax, you will be reluctant to go back to the standard paraffin based materials.
The clean flame leaves little smoke behind, and the slow burn helps preserve the candle for several weeks. The natural scent and color is also a plus - no need to add fragrance and dyes to these candles. You may prefer to add color, and that's ok too. Most craft shops that sell beeswax will offer the sheets in various colors, including bleached white and the natural honey tone. You may also add a scent if you like.
Beeswax can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, but is most commonly seen in sheets, solid cubes, or pellets. The most common sized sheets are 8" x 16", which lends itself to making pillar candles. The sheets are easy to trim for making a variety of candle sizes. Once the height of the candle is chosen, simply trim the sheet to that height and roll tightly around a wick. The square-braided wick works well for this type of candle. And the sheets don't require melting, so this is the perfect wax for the candle making beginner.
For those with more experience, the solid blocks and pellets make interesting candles, but they require melting and the use of candle molds and containers. This also requires using a zinc-core wick instead of the square-braided design. The zinc wire helps the wick to remain upright while pouring the wax into the candle mold.
To make a pillar candle, you must first decide how tall your candle will be. The height of your candle will determine the width of the strip of wax you will need. If you will be making a candle that is 4" tall, you will need to cut the wax sheet into strips of 4" x 16". The square-braided wick will need to be trimmed to 1/2" longer than the height of the candle, so you want your wick to be 4-1/2" long. Lay the wick along the edge of the 4" side of the wax strip and allow the extra 1/2" to extend past what will be the top of the candle. Press the wick gently into the wax. You will now begin to roll the sheet around the wick, making it as tight as possible without deforming the wax. A tight roll will help your candle burn more slowly. Once the first strip is completely rolled, add another strip by placing the new edge against the last edge of the first strip, and begin rolling as you did the first strip. Repeat this process until the candle is the diameter you desire, and press the final strip's edge into the wax to make a seam. You can now trim the wick to 1/4" from the top of the candle, and your beeswax candle is complete. Position the candle on a pedestal or dish, and it's ready to light and enjoy!
The clean flame leaves little smoke behind, and the slow burn helps preserve the candle for several weeks. The natural scent and color is also a plus - no need to add fragrance and dyes to these candles. You may prefer to add color, and that's ok too. Most craft shops that sell beeswax will offer the sheets in various colors, including bleached white and the natural honey tone. You may also add a scent if you like.
Beeswax can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, but is most commonly seen in sheets, solid cubes, or pellets. The most common sized sheets are 8" x 16", which lends itself to making pillar candles. The sheets are easy to trim for making a variety of candle sizes. Once the height of the candle is chosen, simply trim the sheet to that height and roll tightly around a wick. The square-braided wick works well for this type of candle. And the sheets don't require melting, so this is the perfect wax for the candle making beginner.
For those with more experience, the solid blocks and pellets make interesting candles, but they require melting and the use of candle molds and containers. This also requires using a zinc-core wick instead of the square-braided design. The zinc wire helps the wick to remain upright while pouring the wax into the candle mold.
To make a pillar candle, you must first decide how tall your candle will be. The height of your candle will determine the width of the strip of wax you will need. If you will be making a candle that is 4" tall, you will need to cut the wax sheet into strips of 4" x 16". The square-braided wick will need to be trimmed to 1/2" longer than the height of the candle, so you want your wick to be 4-1/2" long. Lay the wick along the edge of the 4" side of the wax strip and allow the extra 1/2" to extend past what will be the top of the candle. Press the wick gently into the wax. You will now begin to roll the sheet around the wick, making it as tight as possible without deforming the wax. A tight roll will help your candle burn more slowly. Once the first strip is completely rolled, add another strip by placing the new edge against the last edge of the first strip, and begin rolling as you did the first strip. Repeat this process until the candle is the diameter you desire, and press the final strip's edge into the wax to make a seam. You can now trim the wick to 1/4" from the top of the candle, and your beeswax candle is complete. Position the candle on a pedestal or dish, and it's ready to light and enjoy!
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