Traditional Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are really wonderful and have a long history as a craft. These candles give off a light; warm glow and a wonderful sweet scent make them true delights. Best of all beeswax candles are about the easiest candles to make since the wax is not melted, you do not need a melt pot or stove to make them. The ease of making these makes this a great family craft project that you can involve the kids in. Your finished beeswax candles can be displayed with stylish pride in your home or they will make a wonderful gift for any gift-giving occasion. Here are some ideas for Beeswax candle projects-
• Traditional Beeswax candles-These lovely candles are easy to make and lots of fun.

What you will need:
Some beeswax sheets (they usually come in about 8″ x 16″ sheets)
Some primed wick appropriate for a 1″ candle
A matt knife, sharp knife or razor blade (A small kitchen paring knife can be useful.)
A suitable cutting surface
Instructions for the project: The first step is to lay out your sheet of beeswax and place your wick on it. You will want to cut your wick about ¾ inch longer then the wax. Now you will start rolling your candle. Once you have cut your wick the right size lay the wick along the edge of the sheet and start rolling the candle by bending over about 1/8″ of the wax. Keep in mind that with this small channel, you will enclose the wick. Working from one end to the other, be sure to press down firmly to make sure the wax is tight around the wick. Remember that this is the only time that you will press hard with the beeswax sheets! Some crafters like to turn the wax over and bend the 1/8″ channel along the corner of the counter or a cutting board. However you choose to do it remember that it just needs to be a nice, neat, straight channel for the wick. Keep in mind that once the wick is pressed firmly into the wax, it’s time to be gentle with the wax. You will not want to compress or warp the honeycomb pattern on the wax. Continue rolling the candle slowly and straight, making sure that you are keeping the ends even. Keep rolling until you reach the end. When you reach the end gently press the final edge down onto the side of the candle. This should form a fairly smooth edge. You can use your thumb or thumb nail to press down. Once the edge is secure you can trim the bottom if you need to for stability and your candle is ready to light!