Candle making is a craft that the entire family can enjoy. Even small children can get in on the fun and make beeswax candles. There are two different types of beeswax candles. One type is very simple to make, and doesn't require any heat, making it safe for small children. The other is the more traditional method.
One of the easiest ways to make beeswax candles is to roll them. This method requires no heat, since beeswax sheets are slightly sticky, so the toddlers can have some fun with it along with their parents. Honeycomb beeswax sheets are available in a rainbow of colors, including the natural golden color, and they naturally have a beautiful texture along with the signature slightly sweet smell that is the hallmark of beeswax.
To make beeswax candles of this style, simply place a wick along the edge of a sheet of beeswax. Usually the sheets will yield a candle that is a maximum height of eight inches, but you can make the candles shorter if you'd like. Cut a wick that extends over both edges of the wax sheet. This will allow you to select the most attractive edge to be the top later. Press the edge of the wax over the wick very tightly. If the children are making these candles, parents may need to help with this step. After the wick is embedded in the wax, it's as simple as rolling. Once you've reached the end of the sheet, use the edge of a spoon and press the edge down flat. Decide which end of the candle is the most attractive and trim the wick off the less than attractive end so that it is flush, and then it's as easy as lighting and enjoying.
The other method used to make beeswax candles is the traditional method of melting wax and either dipping wicks to make tapers or pouring wax into molds for votives and pillars. It's important when you make beeswax candles to closely monitor the temperature of the wax as it melts. Heating beeswax over 185 degrees will cause the wax to discolor. It's also important to know that when you make wax candles in molds, that the material of the mold will affect the outcome of the candle. Molds made of stainless steel or heavy plastic are safe for beeswax, but aluminum molds will discolor the beeswax.
It's easy and rewarding to make beeswax candles, and it's also a great way to have some creative fun with the family. If you make beeswax candles as part of a candle making business, this is a great way to teach older children and include the whole family in the business. You can even use it to your advantage with marketing by using the angle that you are a small family business that includes all the members of the family. Whatever you decide to do, one thing is certain. Making beeswax candles is easy, fun and can also be profitable.
