This year Jim and I decided to make beeswax candles for our families for Christmas … after purchasing 5 pounds of beeswax, 50 wicks and 25 vintage tins, we knew there was no turning back.
This past Sunday we prepped the kitchen, cracked open a few beers and got to work – Here’s how we did it.
Supplies: (click item for source)
- beeswax (1 lb. makes ~5 small candles)
- pre-tabbed wicks
- vintage Jello tins and/or canning jars
- thermometer
Everything else we used can probably be found in your house. Beeswax is difficult to clean from surfaces once it cools – Keep this in mind when selecting containers and tools to use during the candle-making process!
Process Photos:
Directions:
- Break the beeswax block into small pieces. We used a box grater to create fine shavings and a dull knife to break off larger chunks.
- Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. This part takes time – Be patient and do not allow the wax temperature to exceed 185*F. We placed a Pyrex measuring container containing the beeswax in a pot of gently boiling water and checked the temperature periodically with a thermometer.
- While waiting for the wax to melt, prepare your candle tins. Place your pre-tabbed wicks in the center of each tin, stand them up straight and wrap the top of the wick around a pencil to keep it vertical while the candle cools.
- Carefully pour the melted beeswax into each tin.
- Allow candles to completely cool overnight.
- Trim each wick to about half an inch before burning.
Light your candles and enjoy!
I am really happy with how these turned out – The candles burn strong and clean and the beeswax gives off a subtly sweet scent.
I can’t wait to wrap and gift the rest of these to our families for Christmas this year … or maybe we’ll just keep them for ourselves! ;)
What. No Mints? 