Easy Homemade Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are a natural alternative to paraffin wax candles. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also produce a cleaner and more fragrant flame.
Equipment
- 4 oz mason Jar Container
- Candle Wicks Be sure to get wicks that are appropriate for the size of your candle (as measured by candle diameter).
- A double boiler This is just a pot that fits inside another pot with water in it.
- A glass measuring cup with a spout
- Candle Wick Tabs optional if your wicks don't come with them
- A stirring spoon
- Scissors
- A pencil or chopstick
- A pot holder or oven mitt
Ingredients
- Beeswax
- Coconut oil Coconut oil has a high melting point and is solid at room temperature.
Instructions
- Cut your wicks to the desired length. The wicks should be about two inches taller than your container. If you are using wick tabs, attach them now.
- If you'll be using a glass measuring cup, put some hot water into your glass measuring cup to warm it while your wax is melting. This will ensure that your wax stays melted when transferred for pouring.
- Measure out your wax according to the volume of your candle holder, either using 100% wax or a combination of wax and coconut oil. I usually approximate how much I will need total, then do a 50-50 split of wax and coconut oil.
- Place the wax into the container you will be using to melt. Remember, you can use a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan, a double boiler, or a candle-pouring pot. Or, you can use your wax melting pot if you have one.
- Melt the beeswax. Once the beeswax is melted, remove it from the heat, add the coconut oil (if using), and stir to combine. This is also when you can add a few drops of fragrance if you want your candle to have a scent other than natural beeswax.
- If using a glass measuring cup, pour the warm water out of your glass measuring cup and dry it, then transfer your melted wax to this container for pouring. Otherwise, pour right from your melting container.
- Pour enough hot wax to cover the bottom of your mold or candle container. Then, place the wick into the container and center the wick tab.
- Use a pencil or chopstick to hold the wick in place while you let it cool for a minute. Then, pour the rest of the hot wax into your container, moving the wick into place as necessary to ensure it stays centered.
- You can also hold the wick in place using two kabob sticks or chopsticks held together with an elastic. Stretch the wick gently so that it is straight from bottom to top and centered while the wax cools.
- Allow the candle to cool until completely hardened. For best results, let it sit overnight just to be sure, but it can cool in a few hours. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the top of the wax.
- And that's it! You've made your own beeswax candles.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!