Beeswax candles are especially intriguing because they are made from 100% beeswax, with no synthetic additives. Beeswax candles give off a pleasant scent without the need to add fragrance. The aroma comes from the honey and pollen that the bees collected and made.
If you’ve ever seen beeswax candles, you’ll notice subtle variations in color due to differences in the honeycomb from which the beeswax was made. As the bees collect the pollen, some of it is deposited on the comb.
Because the only source of beeswax is active bee hives, beeswax is more expensive compared to paraffin wax, which is made from refined petroleum products.
Are you ready to start making beeswax candles? It’s not as hard as it seems once I break it down for you.
Rolled pillar candles are created from a sheet of wax rolled around the wick. The sheets come in different patterns; the most popular is a honeycomb pattern. You usually won’t find a solid candle made from beeswax due to the volume of wax required and the price per pound. A 22 ounce pillar candle will be quite expensive.
Beeswax can be easily poured into a variety of candle molds. It is well suited for hand dipping and creating tapper candles. The hardest part is deciding what type of sail to make, after that the rest is pretty easy.
When I started making candles I had no one to teach and guide me. I researched and read many articles and guides on the internet. The problem is that I kept finding conflicting information or articles that left out crucial steps.
My first pillar candle was a total disaster. The instructions I was following left out the critical information, use a form release agent before pouring the candle. I poured the candle. Let it cool completely. I tried to get it out of the mold and it was stuck! The wax had adhered to the walls of the mold. It was not on the budget. Not a bit. I ended up using my father-in-law’s oxyacetylene torch to melt the wax out of the aluminum mold.
He was ready to give up the hobby and throw it all away. What is the point of trying this hobby that is too difficult to master?
No, it is not when you have all the information in the correct order. I finally decided to invest in a small, easy to read and follow eBook on candle making.
After downloading the book right away, I was finally able to start making lovely, perfectly shaped candles made from beeswax and other waxes. It all made sense. All the missing steps were explained in easy to understand English! It was like a light bulb went off in my head.
I have been giving them away as gifts for birthdays and holidays. I have even received special requests to make candles for special events.
I have so much fun with this hobby that my friends call me the professional candle maker. I still feel a little weird about being called a professional, as they are so easy to do once you have the correct information on hand.