DIY Beeswax Candles

I like to try new things.  I also like to learn how to make things that people take for granted... like laundry detergent, eye makeup remover, and candles.  I have, in the past, used these instructions to make jar candles using soy wax.  They were easy to follow and I made 24 jar candles in one day.

This time around I wanted to work with beeswax.  I have heard some interesting things about what beeswax candles can do for you including clean the air of allergens and pollen.  I haven't done any research to see if this claims are substantiated, but even if none of it is actually true, it would be fun to learn a new skill.

What you need:  Beeswax (1 pound), coconut oil (3/4 cup), cotton wicks, heat resistant containers to pour the wax into 

I bought my beeswax and my cotton wicks on Amazon (Good Lord!  What can't you buy on Amazon???)   had some squat canning jars that I thought would work well for candles and put them aside after I had eaten the salsa that they can contained.

I found some good background information and instruction on this website and used this as my guide.

1.  In a double boiler, melt the beeswax and coconut oil.

2.  Once the was/oil is melted.  Pour 1/4" in the bottom of the jar and set the wick in the center.  Cut the wick about 2" longer than the depth of your jar.  Push the end of the wick into the hot wax and hold it in the center with a pencil or a toothpick until the wax hardens and the wick stays in place on its own.

3.  Once all of the wicks are set, pour the rest of the melted wax/oil combo into the jars, pouring around the wick.  If you pour the hot wax onto the wick in the center of the jar, the newly set wax on the bottom melts and your wick comes loose.  I learned this the hard way :(

4.  While the wax is still hot, make sure the wick is still center.  Allow the newly poured candle to harden and cure for 48 hours before lighting it.

5.  Light and enjoy the wonderful, sweet, honey centered aroma on a beeswax candle.