How to make easy Beeswax Candles

If you're looking for something useful, beautiful and fragrant too, your search is over. Beeswax candles are the answer. Unlike standard paraffin wax candles beeswax candles burn longer and do not smoke or drip. They also burn with a warmer, softer glow.

Materials needed:

• Beeswax sheets
• Ruler or yardstick
• Pizza cutter (or small paring knife)
• Scissors
• Wick

Your wick should be about 1 ½" longer than the candle you wish to make. The first roll of wax around the wick is the most important. The roll should be tight and even. Crimp the wax around the wick and pinch evenly until the entire edge is tightly sealed. Roll tightly and evenly.

Seal the end by smoothing the seam with your thumb.

Beeswax is quite pliable at room temperature or when warm. In cold weather you may want to warm the beeswax with a hair dryer or even by placing it near a heater until you can work with it. Of course, you must be careful not to melt the wax!

Your wax may develop "bloom". Bloom gives a dull or frosty appearance, but it is a natural characteristic of beeswax and can be removed easily. By simply warming the surface with a hair dryer you will restore the original color. Again, be careful not to melt the wax!

If you wish to create "dinner tapers', use an 8" square of beeswax for each candle. Lay the wick at one side and begin rolling in a tight, straight pattern.

If you wish to create "spiral tapers" you will need an 8" square of beeswax for two thin candles. Cut the beeswax diagonally in two. Place the wick on the widest part of the beeswax and begin the "pinch and roll" process, tightly and evenly rolling the wax toward the top.

For birthday candles one 8" square for eight candles. Cut the beeswax vertically in half. Then cut each half horizontally into four equal pieces. Place the wick, pinch and roll.

There are countless ways to embellish your candles since beeswax is naturally tacky to the touch. Decorate with sequins, beads, or shells, or with shapes cut out of pieces of colored wax. Simply press the decorations gently into the surface of the candle, and they will stay in place.

Honeycomb beeswax candles make a perfect gift when something personal and special is required. Whether they are completed with a simple raffia ribbon or embellished with glitter and sequins they become a statement of your personality and your willingness to share with others.

If you're close by to help, this is a great project to do with grandchildren.

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