by C.S.Alexis

Created on: June 08, 2008   Last Updated: March 14, 2011

Making candles at home can be simple and fun for people of all ages. Candles are useful as well as decorative, so that makes this craft a great thing to produce. The truth is, candle making is one of the oldest crafts on Earth. Here is a very simple way to make your very own candles and share the joys of illumination.

I. THE BEESWAX CANDLE MAKING METHOD

Using beeswax to make a candle is by far the simplest form of creating a candle. The reason it is so easy is because this method does not require any form of heat to create a finished product. Beeswax can be purchased in craft stores ready to use. It is often found in large, flat sheets that are dyed different colors. You can purchase sheets of beeswax that match any decor you want to enhance with matching handmade candles.

This method is the best one to use in situations where small children would be crafting the candles. It is also good for much older folks who have lost the dexterity of their aging hands, or when people who are physically challenged are partaking in the craft. One other situation where this method would be the best to utilize is when you are limited to equipment and utilities to produce heat. That would encompass situations such as outdoor day camps for children or limited space and time.

A. TOOLS and MATERIALS NEEDED FOR BEESWAX CANDLES

1. Sheets of Beeswax
2. Candle wicking
3. Scissors
4. Optional decorations to add to finished candles

B. HOW TO MAKE A SIMPLE BEESWAX CANDLE

1. Decide how long you want to make your candle. When you have that figured out, carefully measure the length and gently mark that distance on a sheet of beeswax using the tip of your scissors to make a small dent. This is how long you will cut your sheet of wax.

2. Next cut a length of wicking that is about 1" longer than the finished candle will be.

3. Now you will have to decide how big around you would like for the finished candle to be.

As an example, let use decide that the first candle you make is going to be a one inch taper. The next step is to place your wicking on the outside edge of your beeswax sheet so that one end is flush with the length of your candle to be. The other end should extend about an inch over the opposite end. This will be the end you will light when you get ready to burn your home spun candle.
Now you will begin to roll the edge of the beeswax over the wicking creating a closed tube around the wick. You will have to cut the beeswax sheet as you roll the tube to keep the desired length. When the diameter of your candle reaches 1" stop rolling the wax tube and cut the beeswax off in a straight line that runs parallel with the taper. This will produce a uniform tapered candle.

A WORD OF CAUTION; be careful to press the finished edge against the taper but do not crush the honeycomb design that naturally occurs in the beeswax. The natural heat from your fingertips should be adequate to create a seal.

4. The finished candle can be left plain or decorated with a piece of colored ribbon , string, yarn or other misc. addition of adornment. Use your imagination and creativity to embellish it the way you like.

a. For variations try cutting a sheet of beeswax into a 1/2 of a triangle and then rolling your wicking into the tube. This will create a cone shaped candle. You can also use a quarter section of a circle to create a candle with a curved surface. These are more outstanding when rolled into a larger diameter to create a free standing candle. Experiment and have fun with this candle making method.

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