The Art of Crafting Beeswax Candles

The art of candle making combines scientific knowledge with elegance. While no longer a necessity due to the availability of electric lighting, the once essential craft of candle making has shifted towards creating ambiance. Despite this change, the techniques required for making candles still necessitate patience and practice. The outcome is candles that add warmth and beauty to any setting and provide various health benefits. In this blog post, we will explore the process of crafting beeswax candles by hand, giving you the insights and skills needed to create your own distinctive candles.

The Allure of Beeswax Candles

The allure of traditional beeswax candles sets them apart from other waxes due to their unique features. Naturally non-toxic, beeswax is secreted by bees from their abdomens, which is then shaped into storage structures called comb. This is where they keep their precious honey and care for their young. When burned, beeswax emits negative ions, which are the molecules that attract pollutants, dust, and odors, aiding in air purification. Beeswax candles also burn longer and hotter compared to other wax types, offering a cost-effective option for your home. Furthermore, their golden color adds a warm and inviting touch to any decor.

The beauty of natural beeswax candles, soothes and enhances any room.

Additionally, beeswax is an eco-friendly product. It's important to verify that the beeswax you purchase is sourced from reputable suppliers and has undergone triple filtration to be suitable for candle making. Ensure that your supplier backs local beekeepers, as this not only fosters sustainable practices but also aids in preserving bee populations in your region.

Understanding the Basics of Candle Making

To embark on your journey of candle making, you must first understand a few essential elements. The primary ingredient in this process is, of course, beeswax. It can be found in sheets, pallets or blocks. When starting, you might prefer sheets as they are easier to handle and shape.

Furthermore, you'll need square braid wicks, available at craft stores or online. It's important to select the correct size; larger candles require thicker wicks for even burning. Picking the right wick size for your candle can be challenging, which is where patience and practice are essential. Burn testing your candles is the only way to achieve the best results, and sometimes several candles need to be made to find the correct size.

As a starting point, the diameter of your candle determines the size of your wick. Depending on your location, wick sizing may use different terms to describe sizes. In Australia, the standard size chart uses # symbol, where a wick size of #5/0 is smaller than #1. Good candle supply stores will provide charts for wick sizing and offer advice on diameter recommendations.

Ultimately, if your goal is to craft beeswax candles in various shapes, consider investing in silicone moulds to start with. There is a wide selection available; beginners should start with a basic round pillar mould for practice. Once you master the correct wick to wax burn time, you can explore moulds in different sizes and designs, enhancing your creativity in candle-making projects.

Beeswax container candles elegantly glow, though beginners might find them challenging to create.

How to make beeswax candles for beginners?

Making beeswax candles is a straightforward and gratifying process. Below, we outline the basic steps for beginners to create moulded candles at home.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, ensure you have all the materials at hand:

• Beeswax sheets, pallets or blocks

• Candle wicks (pre-waxed wicks are recommended)

• Double boiler or a slow cooker

• Metal Jug (preferably stainless steel)

• Thermometer (infrared)

• Silicone Moulds (if melting)

• Long Bobby Pins or Chopsticks

• Scissors

• A flat surface to work on

  
  

Step 2: Melt the Beeswax

If you have blocks of beeswax, start by chopping them into smaller pieces. Use a double boiler or slow cooker to melt the beeswax slowly. Monitor the temperature; it should ideally stay between 70°C to 79°C to avoid burning the wax.

Step 3: Prepare the Wicks

While the beeswax is melting, prepare your wicks. Cut them to the desired length, ensuring they are a few centimetres taller than the mould or candle holder you're using. This allows for trimming later on.

Step 4: Pour the Beeswax

After the beeswax has melted, it's ready to be poured. If you're using moulds, they typically have a pre-made hole. Secure the wick in the centre of the mould and anchor it at the top with chopsticks or a long bobby pin. Keep in mind that a mould is usually upside down, so the top is at the bottom. Carefully pour the melted beeswax into the moulds, ensuring you don't splash. Reserve a small amount of beeswax in the boiler for topping off later if needed.

Step 5: Cool and Trim

Allow the candles to cool fully at room temperature, which might take a few hours. After they have cooled, take the candle out of the mould. If you're using silicone, this step is usually straightforward. Trim the wick to be even with the bottom of the candle and about 5-8mm at the top.

Step 6: Enjoy or Gift

Your beeswax candles are now ready! Enjoy them in your home or consider gifting them to friends and family. A beautifully crafted candle makes for a thoughtful gift, especially when wrapped attractively.

Crafting hand-rolled beeswax taper candles is an excellent starting point for children.

Customising Your Beeswax Candles

One of the greatest advantages of making beeswax candles is the opportunity to customise them to craft visually stunning creations.

Essential Oils: While some candle makers include essential oils in beeswax candles, we advise against this, as essential oils should not be heated beyond 40℃. Beeswax generally burns at temperatures exceeding 63℃, which can cause the oils to become toxic. If you want to add a scent to beeswax candles, opt for oils specifically designed for high heat.

Colourants: You can enhance your candles by adding natural colourants such as alkanet root or turmeric to the beeswax during the melting phase. It is important to carefully filter any lipophilic additives from the beeswax before using it for candles. Be sure to choose organic options to preserve the natural qualities of beeswax.

Shapes and Sizes: Experiment with various moulds to create different candle shapes. Use cupcake tins for small, charming candles or larger moulds for statement pieces.

Maintaining Your Beeswax Candles

To ensure your beeswax candles last as long as possible, it is important to follow a few maintenance tips:

• Storage: Keep your candles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent warping or discolouration.

• Trimming Wicks: Regularly trim the wicks to avoid soot and ensure an even burn.

• Safe Burning: Always place candles on a heat-resistant surface and avoid burning them unattended.

  
  

With proper care, your handmade beeswax candles will not only beautify your space but also uplift your spirit.

The Joy of Creating Handmade Gifts

Crafting beeswax candles can also serve as a beautiful way to give back to loved ones. Handmade gifts often possess a personal touch, making them more meaningful. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just because, gifting beeswax candles allows you to share your passion and creativity with others.

When selecting materials, consider opting for locally sourced beeswax. This not only supports beekeepers but also ensures your candles contribute to sustainable practices.

In summary, the world of beeswax candles is rich with opportunities for creativity, sustainability, and personal expression. From the allure of their natural properties to the joy of gifting, crafting these beautiful creations is an art worth embracing.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to create your very own handmade beeswax candles, why not gather your supplies and start your next delightful project? For those interested in exploring products further, check out our sellection of prefiltered beeswax at https://www.serenesbeeswaxory.com/category/pure-beeswax to help you start your journey.