DIY Beeswax Candle Making: How to Make Your Own Tealights, Votives, and Pillars
Beeswax candles are known for their long-lasting burn time and natural honey aroma. Making your own beeswax candles at home is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only will you save money on buying store-bought candles, but you'll also have the satisfaction of creating something with your own hands. In this blog post, we'll show you how to make different types of beeswax candles like tealights, votives, and pillars.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you start making your candles, you'll need to gather a few materials. You'll need:
- Beeswax
- Wicks
- Wax dye (if you want to add colour to your candles)
- A double boiler or a pot and a heat-proof bowl
- Candle moulds (for tealights, votives, and pillars)
- A thermometer (optional but helpful)
Step 2: Melt the Beeswax
Place your beeswax in the double boiler or heat-proof bowl and set it over a pot of boiling water. Stir the beeswax occasionally until it's completely melted. If you're using a thermometer, the ideal temperature for beeswax is around 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit/63-65 degrees Celsius .
Step 3: Add Wax Dye (Optional)
If you want to add colour to your candles, now is the time to do it. Add a few drops of wax dye to the melted beeswax and stir until it's well combined. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so add a small amount of dye at a time until you reach your desired colour.
Step 4: Prepare the Wicks
While the beeswax is melting, you can prepare the wicks. Cut your wicks to the desired length and tie them to a chopstick or skewer. This will make it easier to hold the wick in place while you pour the wax.
Step 5: Pour the Wax into the Moulds
Now it's time to pour the wax into the moulds. First, place your wick in the centre of the mould. Hold the wick in place with the chopstick or skewer. Carefully pour the melted beeswax into the mould, making sure not to pour too quickly or too slowly.
Step 6: Let the Candles Cool and Harden
Once you've poured the wax into the moulds, let the candles cool and harden. This will take a few hours, depending on the size of the moulds. Once they're completely cool, you can remove the candles from the moulds.
Step 7: Trim the Wicks
Finally, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch. Your candles are now ready to use!
Conclusion:
Making your own beeswax candles at home is a fun and rewarding experience. With just a few materials and some basic instructions, you can create beautiful, long-lasting candles that will fill your home with a natural honey aroma. Whether you're making tealights, votives, or pillars, beeswax candles are a great addition to any home. Give it a try!