There is something very soothing and romantic about a candle burning in the dark.  I just love it.  And that is why I’m excited to share a really great recipe for making your own beeswax candles.  It’s simple, fun and inexpensive, and you’ll get a lot of satisfaction in knowing that you made them yourself.

Why did I decide to use beeswax instead of soy or paraffin wax?  Well, besides the fact that I’m a self-proclaimed honey fanatic, commercial candles in the stores today are loaded with chemicals (especially the scented kind).  Paraffin is a petroleum by-product, so as it burns it releases soot and other toxins into the air.

In contrast, beeswax candles burn hotter, brighter and longer.  They are smokeless and they don’t drip. They last up to three times longer than paraffin wax candles and about twice as long as soy candles.  They are chemical free, so that’s a blessing for people with asthma or other respiratory problems.  They have been termed “nature’s air purifier”.  The simple, organic aroma of a candle made from beeswax is very nice and relaxing for both body and mind.   They add warmth and beauty to any room.

So, do you want to try your hand at making one?  Great!  Let’s get started.  You can give them as gifts or keep them for your home.  Either way, you’ll be happy that you took the time to make these.  And no one will know that it took you next to no time to make!

How To Make Beeswax Candles In Jars – 3 Easy Steps:

Things you’ll need:

Beeswax pellets (You can use beeswax blocks, but you’ll have to grate them and they take longer to melt.)

Cotton candle wicks

Glass or metal measuring cup

Vegetable oil (to grease your measuring cup)

Glass Jars (I used little mason ones)

Cooking Pot

Beeswax pellets are easier to melt when making candles.

Here’s what you do:

1.  Bring a pot of water to a boil, and then reduce heat to a simmer.  Take a small amount of oil and lightly grease your measuring cup to help the wax release when you wash the cup. Then put in the beeswax.  Whatever size your candle jar is, measure out 1-1/2 that amount of beeswax.

Melt your beeswax over a simmering pot.

Place the measuring cup with the beeswax pellets in the hot water bath (or use a double boiler).   Stir the wax a few times until it is melted.

I used a wooden skewer to hold my wick in place.

2.  In the meantime, prepare your candle jar for the melted wax by putting your cotton wick right in the center of your jar.  To keep the wick in place, you can use your fingers if you want, but I use wooden skewers.  You can use whatever you have to make the job easy.  Some candle-making kits provide wooden popsicle sticks with holes in the center where you place the wick.  But whatever you decide to use, be careful as the wax is very hot.  I mean very, very hot!

3.  Pour your wax into the jar very carefully.   After the wax hardens, take a pair of scissors and cut the wick about 1/4 of an inch above the wax.  Voila!  You have just made yourself beeswax candle in a jar!

How many of you have made beeswax candles?  Do you have any tips to share?