How to Make a Beeswax Candle

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Things You\’ll Need

  • Beeswax

  • Glass container

  • Candle wick with clip

  • Hot glue or tacky wax

  • Lollipop sticks

  • Double boiler or two pans with the same diameter

  • Thermometer

  • Non-water based fragrance oil of your choice (optional)

... You can use all kinds of containers to make your candles. Image Credit: Stephanie Morgan

Making candles yourself is a great way to get creative with your home decor. Not only can you choose your candles' scent, but also the containers they're housed in. Choose from the large variety of glass containers available at big box stores and import stores to create candles that fit seamlessly with your home's aesthetic.

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Materials

Step 1

... You\’ll need beeswax, wicks and glass containers. Image Credit: Stephanie Morgan

Along with beeswax and wicks, you'll also need a double boiler, or a makeshift double boiler, for this project. Please see the last slide for an itemized list of tools and materials.

Step 2

... Secure the wick to the container with hot glue. Image Credit: Stephanie Morgan

Add either a dab of hot glue or tacky wax to the bottom of the wick clip. Place the clip in the center of your glass container and press to secure. See the Tips section for details on how to select the correct wick size.

Step 3

... Use a lollipop to keep the wick in place. Image Credit: Stephanie Morgan

Balance the lollipop stick across the top of the container and wrap the wick around it to stabilize.

Step 4

... If you don\’t have a double boiler, stack two pots with the same diameter. Image Credit: Stephanie Morgan

A double boiler works by using steam, instead of direct heat, to melt things. If you don't have a double boiler, you can make one by stacking two pots that have equal diameters. To use, fill the bottom pan with a few inches of water and bring to a boil. The resultant steam will melt anything placed in the top pan.

Step 5

... Score the beeswax before cutting it into smaller pieces. Image Credit: Stephanie Morgan

To prepare your beeswax for the double boiler, cut it into small chunks with a large kitchen knife. Start by scoring the top of the block. Cut by pushing down and away with the knife while rocking it back and forth.

Step 6

... The beeswax is ready to pour at 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Image Credit: Stephanie Morgan

Place the chunks of beeswax into the top pan of your double boiler along with a thermometer. Cook the wax until it is completely melted and the temperature reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7

... Poke a relief hole to allow trapped air to escape. Image Credit: Stephanie Morgan

Pour the wax into the glass container and use 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax to produce a highly fragrant candle. Let it harden for about an hour. At this point the beeswax will become a soft, caramel texture and you may see a sink hole beginning to form in the middle of your candle.

The is due to air becoming trapped underneath the wax as it hardens. Use a lollipop stick to make a hole next to the wick, extending about 2/3 of the way down the candle, in order for the air to escape. Melt a little more wax and pour it into any remaining holes.

Step 8

... Trim your wick and light your candle Image Credit: Stephanie Morgan

Allow at least another hour for the beeswax to harden. Trim the wick to 1/8 to 1/4 inch above the wax and your candles will be ready to use.

Tip

If you're having difficulty pouring the wax from the pan into your container, pour it into a spouted glass measuring cup first and then pour it into the container.

Never use a wire core wick with Beeswax. Use only flat braid, square braid or HTP wicking for best results.

Beeswax is much more sturdy than normal paraffin wax and will need a larger wick size to burn your candle. Use the following guidelines for picking cotton square wick sizes based on the diameter of your container:

Tealight – #4/0 Votive – #3/0 2-2.5 inches – #3 2.5-2.8 inches – #4 2.8-3.2 inches – #6 3.2-3.5 inches – #7 3.5-4 inches – #8

Warning

Do not microwave beeswax.

Do not exceed 300 degrees Fahrenheit when melting wax. If wax catches fire, extinguish with baking soda or smother with a lid. Never use water as it will cause an explosion.

Never use water-based dyes or fragrances when using wax.

Never leave hot or lighted candles unattended and keep away from children, pets and out of drafts.

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