Tips For Making Beeswax Candles
Beeswax Candles
There are several different ways that you for making beeswax candles. Beeswax was originally used for high end candles as it was very difficult to find clean beeswax. Creating beeswax candles today is much easier as you can purchase beeswax at your local arts and crafts store or talk to a local honey producer.
You can create beeswax candles by rolling sheets of beeswax together. This is the simplest method and does not require any heat. You can create molded candles made of melted beeswax or you can make hand dipped candles, the oldest and most difficult way to make candles. Beeswax is desirable because they are very slow burning and have a lovely fragrance.
If you are melting beeswax to create molded or hand dipped candle then it is recommended that you use a double boiler. Beeswax is very flammable and you need to make sure that your melting temperature is between 143-148 degrees Fahrenheit. If you heat it too hot then it could burst into flames.
Most people do not add any fragrances or dyes to beeswax as it naturally has an aroma reminiscent of honey and flowers. The color will range from a cream to dark brown but if you want to add dyes then you go about it just like making any other type of candle. When using beeswax the resulting color is always a bit of a surprise as you never know what it will be.
To create a rolled or folded beeswax candle you will need to fold the beeswax sheets and then flatten them along the fold. The wick should be cut so that it is longer than the candle on both ends and this should be placed on one edge of your beeswax sheet. Slowly roll the beeswax over the wick making sure to tuck the wax around the edge of the wick so that it is sealed.
When you are toward the end of the sheet you want to start rolling very tightly and you can soften the edge of the beeswax using your body heat and create a seal for the candle. Be careful that you do not press too hard as this can crack the candle. Once you are done all that is remaining is to trim the wick.
If you are really up for the challenge then you can see about making your own beeswax first and then creating candles. To make beeswax you will need to obtain some honeycomb capping. Wash the capping with water to remove any remaining honey. Let the capping drain in a piece of cheese cloth. Then you can melt the wax using a solar oven. Once the wax is melted it can be used for molded candles or dipped candles.
If you enjoy making candles then you should definitely try your hand at beeswax candles. These are beautiful candles that will last quite some time. There are several different types of beeswax candles that you can make and this can be a great time for the whole family to participate in your candle making. As with any other type of wax you can create simple candles or very ornate candles using beeswax.
