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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!
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.
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.
Excellent easy tutorial, thanks for sharing this valuable knowledge Kristin Marr 🙂
Glad to know it worked well for you! Thanks for rating and commenting, Susana.