Professional candlemakers spend years honing and using specialized tools to craft high-quality products. Lucky for us, we have all of the tricks and tips you need to make your very own beeswax candles. This process can be messy so you need to take extra care. Let’s dive in!
The Supplies You Will Want
Let’s get started. Gather the materials you need to make your own homemade beeswax candles.
Bulk Beeswax
It is important to ensure you only purchase pure bulk beeswax. Beeswax blocks should be able to be divided, cut apart, and pre-melted for future use.
Cotton Wicks
Although there are other types of wicks, only cotton wicks are strong enough to withstand candle-making.
Double Boiler, Thermometer
As we will see, a double boiler plays an important role in the beeswax candlemaking process. Use a microwave oven or oven instead.
Candle Jars And Candle Molds
If you opt to make candles using molds, then you will need to gather molds in the sizes and shapes you desire. It is important that you ensure the molds are resistant to high heat. They will not crack or drip.
For candles that can last for years, use mason jars made of glass that are suitable for high-heat canned purposes.
Wick-Stickers
These small metal discs will help keep the wicks in place while you pour your wax into the jars.
Bamboo Skewers
We recommend bamboo skewers for your wax stirrer. But, in a pinch, you can use another tool to stir the wax.
Directions
Now you have all of your tools and supplies gathered, it is time for the fun part: making your candles. Here are the basic steps of how to make beeswax lamps.
Step 1: Setup A Double Boiler
First, You will need to melt wax in your double boiler.
If you have ever melted chocolate in a double oven, then you will be familiar with the process. To avoid scorching beeswax, it should be melted in a gentle manner.
A double boiler can be bought or made by you using a large pot or saucepan as well as a measuring cup, stainless steel or heat-safe bowl, or a measuring cup.
The bowl that contains the melted waxes should be reserved for beeswax melting. It cannot be used for other purposes.
The bowl should rest on its rim. Only the bottom should be in water that has boiled below it.
Step 2: Melt The Wax
Once the double burner is assembled, with the water and wax in the pot/saucepan, heat up your stove to bring the water gently to boil. To ensure that the wax does not reach 175 degrees Fahrenheit, you can use a candy-tonometer.
Step 3: Prepare Your Jars Or Molds
No matter if you are using candle moulds Australia or glass containers, place a sticker with a wick on the bottom. Cut the wick lengthwise, then tie the ends to a bamboo stake placed on top of the mold.
Step 4: Pour (Or Dip) Your Candles
The melted wax can then be placed in the molds. Allow the beeswax to dry completely, which will take about two days. After that, you can remove the mold (if the mold is moldable) and trim your wick to about one-quarter inch.
How To Choose Among Candle-Making Methods
There are three candle-making techniques that we have already mentioned: mold jars and dip. The final decision on which method to use depends on the style of your candles and how big an investment you are willing to make in order to get them made.
