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Contributor Post written by Kimberly from Turning it Home. Photos updated in December 2015.
Making products at home can be very gratifying, and beeswax candles are no exception to that. I recently discovered that burning beeswax candles can aid in cleaning the air. As a nesting pregnant woman on a mission to eliminate all things dirty, I knew I needed some in my life.
Candle making seems intimidating but isn’t actually all that difficult. You’ll need a container to hold your candle in, a candle wick, some beeswax, and a double broiler (or a glass bowl set on top of a saucepan) to melt the wax in. One thing I love about beeswax candles is the subtle pleasant scent they have. If you want to make a stronger scented candle, you’ll want to have some essential oil on hand.
Since I frequent thrift stores, I like to keep my eye out for things I can use for crafty purposes. I found these vintage Jell-O molds and knew they would make perfect candle containers. Virtually anything metal or glass can be turned into a candle container, so have fun with it!
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Also, let’s talk about candle wicks. I attempted to make my own candle wick by using cotton twine dipped in wax and it failed miserably. Learn from my mistake and buy those nice pre-made candle wicks with the metal bottom. Apparently, beeswax candles do best with larger wicks.
Beeswax Candle
One thing I love about beeswax candles is the subtle pleasant scent they have.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beeswax 1 pound of wax will equal about 20 melted ounces
- wicks with a metal base
- candle container
- 15-20 drops essential oil the amount of essential oil(s) used will depend on the size of the candle and the scent desired., optional
- double broiler or a glass bowl set over a pot of water
- skewer pencil, or clothespin
Instructions
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Begin by melting your beeswax in a double boiler over medium heat. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a large glass or metal bowl set over a pot of boiling water.
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Once the beeswax is melted, dip the metal base of the candle wick into the wax and set it into the candle container. Roll the excess wick around a wooden skewer or pencil and set it on top of the container. Alternatively, you can use a clothespin. This will help the wick to stay in place while you pour the wax.
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If you would like to add essential oils, add the desire amount to the melted beeswax before pouring it into the container.
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Slowly and carefully pour the wax into the container.
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Allow the candle to cool completely. Once set, trim the wick to 1-inch above the wax.
Recipe Notes
The “where to buy” links provide links to the actual products I use. As always, I recommend shopping around online and at local stores for the best prices and products you love. Find my favorite DIY ingredients and tools, here.
To save spending on the little metal wick-bases, I re-use the ones from cheap tea lights – just pick them out of the aluminium shell that’s left when the candle’s burnt down and poke out any remaining wick that’s sticking inside. Voila!
Wow, that’s a fantastic idea! Thank you so much for sharing, Angela!
How many candles does 1 lb. of beeswax make? I’m wondering if I should prep for making several candles when I burn the beeswax. Thanks!
Hey Johanna, 1 lb of beeswax will make a little over 8oz. of melted wax–so about an 8oz. mason jar.
How am I to clean the wax off of my utensils and pots and counters?
Hey MJ, Very hot water is the best way to clean off the wax, and a good detergent (like Sal Suds or Seventh Generation).
Hi!
By any chance can you email wholesale suppliers of beewax and candle supply wholesale options.
Hey Cindy, I’m sure you could.