Making Beeswax Candles
If you want to complete a very simple project in candle making, consider making beeswax candles. A rolled candle is as easy a project as you will find, and it is a great project for children. There is no wax to melt or keep at a certain temperature. Dye, fragrance, and other additives are not used with this type of candle.
Items you will need are:
• Sharp cutting knife
• Beeswax sheet
• Wick
• Cutting board
Beeswax sheets come in 16 or 18 inch lengths and are usually about 8 inches wide. You will need to cut your wick about ¾ of an inch longer than the narrow measurement of the wax sheet. Lay the wick along the edge and fold up the edge of the wax sheet, lapping it over the wick. Press down firmly to make a tight fit on the wick. The wax is easy to mold with your bare hands, unless it is very cold. Remember to keep the wick as close to the edge as possible so it will be in the center of the finished candle.
Now comes the skilled part of the process. Roll the wax around the wick keeping the whole length straight. In other words, you can’t let one end get ahead of the other. You must be gentle with the wax to keep from damaging the honeycomb pattern. Do not put heavy pressure on it. Take time to do the work correctly as this is the most important part of the procedure. Due to the sticky type nature of the substance, it is very easy to roll as long as you start out straight.
One sheet of beeswax will make a candle that has an approximate diameter of an inch. When you complete the rolling of the wax sheet, the edge should be straight and the candle should be the same diameter throughout. If you don’t achieve this in your finished beeswax candle, you have done something wrong. It is not an easy process to unroll the sheet and do it again, so be sure to do it right the first time. With gentle pressure, push the top edge of the wax into the roll to seal it. You can indent it into the candle if you choose, but it is not necessary and will take away from the appearance of your candle.
If you want a larger candle, you can add another sheet by simply abutting it to the edge of the first sheet after you finish rolling it. Proceed to roll as you did with the first sheet and seal the edge when finished.
Check each end of the candle to see which one looks best. Even with a great rolling job, the ends will not be perfectly straight. Cut the wick about ½ an inch from the candle top and flush with the bottom. If you feel it is necessary, use the knife to straighten the bottom for a good flush seat.
There’s no waiting for this type candle, just light and enjoy the smooth light and fragrant smell. Making beeswax candles is so simple, anyone can do it. It just takes time and patience.
