Before electricity and oil burning, candles were the best way to light the home. In the middle ages, only the wealthy class and institutions such as churches and temples had access to beeswax candles. Today it is easier to acquire beeswax and it is proven to be one of the best waxes to use for candle making as it is one of the slowest burning and it purifies the air. Beeswax is also the best wax to use when adding essential oils for aromatherapy for candle-making.
Beeswax Candles | Source: Bee Wilde
Here is what you’ll need:
- Preferred essential oil (s) – see below for list
- 1 lb pure filtered beeswax
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 3 half-pint canning jars
- 60 ply cotton braided wick #4 cut into 6 inch pieces
- An empty coffee can or metal pitcher
- double boiler or a pot large enough to fit your pitcher to use as a double boiler
- bamboo skewers
The only setback to beeswax is the wax can become very sticky wax when using molds. It is still totally worth it.
Disclaimer: Beeswax is flammable, keep a close eye on it when it is heating. Don’t forget about it while its cooking or it might get too hot and spill all over your stove!
Beeswax Bars | Source: eBay
First, place your beeswax in your metal pitcher or coffee can. Place the pitcher in the pot or double boiler and fill it with enough water to surround the pitcher without spilling into the pitcher. Turn the stove to a medium-high heat. As the water heats, it will boil so make sure you don’t feel it too high for when it starts bubbling.
As the wax melts, prepare your wicks and cut them into 4 pieces about 6 inches long. You may even be able to purchase them at this size already.
Once the water is brought to a boil, turn the heat down to a gentle simmering boil until all the wax has melted.
Remove the pitcher from the heat once the wax is melted. Add your coconut oil to the mixture. Take your bamboo skewer and stir the wax-oil combo gently.
Add drops of your preferred essential oil to the mixture (depending on the size of the batch). I use about 10 – 15 drops for 5 jars. Do research on the best scents for candles and aromatherapy. Below is a list to help you! Gently use your skewer to mix the wax, coconut oil and essential oil blend together.
Aromatherapy Chart | Source: University Health Newsa
Pour about a quarter size amount into the bottom of each jar. Place the pitcher back in the hot water so the wax stays melted.
Place one wick in the center of each jar. Use the skewer to push down the wick and make sure it is placed properly. Allow the wax to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes until it is solid enough to place the wicks inside.
Using Wick & Skewer in Teacup | Source: ElizabethAnneDesigns
Using your bamboo skewer, wrap the top end of the wick around it and make it taut with the skewer resting atop the jar. You can even use tape to keep the skewer in place.
Hold your skewer and pour more wax into each jar. Leave about an inch on the top of the jar.
Make sure your wick stays centered! Let your wax cool completely in each jar. This could take several hours.
Once completely solid, you can trim your wick with scissors. Only trim about a 1.2 inches.
Homemade Burning Beeswax Candles | Source: Pinterest
These make amazing, slow-burning and useful gifts for family, friends or loved ones. Nothing is better than giving a gift made by your own hands and with the essential oils you can add a touch of your own flavor to every batch!
