MAKE YOUR OWN BEESWAX CANDLES

Make Your Own Beeswax Candles By Dina Zelden

ENJOY MAKING BEESWAX CANDLES TO DECORATE YOUR HOME OR GIVE AS GIFTS. BEESWAX BURNS LONGER, DRIPS LESS AND SMELLS WONDERFUL, NATURALLY. THIS CRAFT IS SIMPLE ENOUGH FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO JOIN IN THE FUN.

SUPPLIES: • Beeswax sheets (colored or natural) • Cotton wick cut to height of candle plus approximately 1/2 inch to light • Unfinished natural wood slices, round with bark (approximately 4 inches, depending on candle size) • Bits of pine bough, rosemary or other greenery • Paper ribbon or twine • Small, natural elements • Candle putty • Hot glue or other adhesive INSTRUCTIONS:  Begin by having an adult cut the beeswax sheets to the desired height of your candle using a sharp knife. Remember that the length of the sheet will determine the diameter of the candle, so adjust accordingly.  Place cotton wick along the HEIGHT side of the beeswax sheet and gently press into the wax. Bend about 1/8 inch of the wax around the wick. Begin rolling tightly to secure the wick, as this will be the center of your candle. The wax will soften with the warmth of your hands, but you may speed the process by applying the heat from a blow dryer on the lowest setting. This is the only time you need heat and a little pressure. Once the wick is secure, roll gently so as not to compress the honeycomb pattern. Keep your rolling even and straight to the end of the sheet or until you reach the

desired thickness. Trim any excess. Gently press the edge to finish the candle.

You may use your thumb or nail to make a fairly smooth edge.  Adhere candle to the center of a wooden disc with candle putty. Adorn with greenery, ribbon or twine tied into a small bow and secure with adhesive such as hot glue, taking care not to melt beeswax. You may add small natural items such as mini pine cones, acorns, or star anise pods. Have fun and be creative!