Making beeswax candles

[~Megan~]

I'm trying to find info on how to make beeswax candles. Most of the info I'm finding is for the sheets. I have a chunk of fresh beeswax from my friend, who's family are bee keepers, and I'm thinking of making candles.

I plan to use some canning jars, essential oils, and to get an old pot to melt in. I know that much. I'm not sure what kind of wicks to use though. I've got some cotton yarn but am pretty sure that won't work.

Websites or info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[mamaMAMAma]

I love beeswax. We hand dip candles and this year I got a couple of molds for pouring as well. I'm not sure about using cotton yarn as wick though. I got my supplies from www.pourette.com. The website tells you what kind of wick to get. Have fun!

[MonP'titBoudain]

subbing

I use beeswax candles too and can't really afford to buy them. I'm curious about the wicks, though. mamaMAMAma, why are you unsure about the cotton wick?

[JessicaS]

Originally Posted by MonP'titBoudain

subbing

I use beeswax candles too and can't really afford to buy them. I'm curious about the wicks, though. mamaMAMAma, why are you unsure about the cotton wick?

She is talking abuot using cotton yarn as wicks.

This place is kind of near my house and I visit their shop pretty often. (this is where I get some of my soaping supplies)

http://www.mid-conagri.com/ It is a bee-keeping store.

Ask your friend where they get their bee-keeping supplies. They might have candlemaking supplies as well.

[MonP'titBoudain]

Originally Posted by abimommy

She is talking abuot using cotton yarn as wicks.

I really thought I had read wicks!

[mamaMAMAma]

Yes, I think cotton wick would work. Not yarn (though I've never tried)

[nursemom2bee]

I have used heavy cotton wicking and liked it for beeswax but I made molded candles with it not container candles. I am not sure how it would work for containers. I love to use fresh beeswax for candles, my EHs grandfather kept hives and I would get 5 gallon buckets of honey soaked wax every year. I always enjoyed cleaning the wax and taking out the dead bees and such because it left the house smelling SOOO yummy. I know I have a link somewhere about wicking but I can't seem to find it at the moment (I am two days past due and can't think straight).

[AngelBee]

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[eepster]

The reason you need actual wick and not just cotton yarn or string is b/c the wax gets "wicked" up the wick as it melts. Just as fabrics like gortex say they "wick" moisture away from the body. Basically wick is another word for absorb but only going in one direction.

The wick itself is only supposed to burn a little at the end the flame is actually mostly from the liquid wax (which is melted by the flame) traveling up the wick to feed it. In order for the wick to work it needs to be permiated with wax and braided a certain way.

I hope this long and clumsey explanation makes sense.


If you're doing container candles make sure your containers are safe for it. Regular glass jars can burst from the heat.

BTW I've always been a dipped candle person.

[counterGOPI]

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[AutumnMelody]

We made dipped beeswax candles last week and I used organic cotton yarn dipped in beeswax for wicks. DH commented on how our beeswax candles burned better then any we've ever bought! I honestly don't know much about it, except that it worked for us and I was happy with the results. We made a couple of container candles last year in the same way (cotton yarn dipped in beeswax).

The other thing I wanted to mention is not to heat the beeswax directly as it can flare up. Put it in a double boiler or an old coffee can in a pot of water or something along those lines. Happy candle making!

[mommabeehilly]

you guys are inspiring!

this is all so helpful....and inspiring!

so where do you get the beeswax and wicks????

[Mama Shifra]

Originally Posted by mommabeehilly

so where do you get the beeswax and wicks????

Well, if you have a Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or JoAnn's craft stores, they usually sell blocks of beeswax and wicks. I would try them first (just to save on shipping fees!).

[mommabeehilly]

Originally Posted by Mama Shifra

Well, if you have a Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or JoAnn's craft stores, they usually sell blocks of beeswax and wicks. I would try them first (just to save on shipping fees!).

thanks.

[unfrozncavegrl]

i want to make bw candles today. i have small metal votives that came with predipped wicks. how do ensure the wicks stay straight and stable when i pour? they all seem to be falling at an angle.

[EviesMom]

Hmmmm... I have a cinnamon-scented beeswax hanging decoration thing and I want to do make something new out of it. DD dropped something on it and it cracked. Can I melt it down and use it to make dipped candles instead? That would be more useful to me anyway.

[mommabeehilly]

hand dipped candles

so dd has been sick this weekend...which has somehow allotted me more time to do things (probably because she has been sleeping so much).

today as i took down our valentine's decor (finally) i got urge to go ahead and melt down the beeswax that i used in heart molds for decoration, and hand dip candles (or at least try).

voila!
i have made 12 perfect for spiral/rings

and two little bitties for dd's 2nd birthday cake

i am hoping to make some more sometime soon. it was much easier than i had anticipated.

on and eviesmom--yes you can melt it down and make hand dippeds!