| Many centuries ago, beeswax candles were made | | | | Firstly you will need to place a sheet of beeswax |
| exclusively for the church and the rich, simply | | | | onto a flat surface, and thereafter place |
| because they were too expensive for common folk. | | | | candlemaking wick onto the sheet, roughly 2mm |
| Tallow or animal fat was the most reliable and | | | | from the edge and all along its length. At this point |
| affordable material used for candlemaking, but had | | | | you need to slowly start rolling the edge of the |
| the disadvantage of releasing a foul odour when lit. | | | | beeswax sheet over the wick, and continue to do so |
| Today there are better candlemaking materials and | | | | until the entire sheet has been rolled up, much like a |
| waxes available than ever before, with the most | | | | paper scroll. All you have to do now is trim the wick |
| popular of these being paraffin wax and stearin. | | | | with a pair of scissors and you are done. It is quite |
| Paraffin wax is produced by crude oil refineries, but | | | | shocking just how easy it is to make a beeswax |
| beeswax on the other hand is a 100% natural | | | | candle and the end result simply looks fantastic! |
| product produced by busy little bees, which is why it | | | | To make another great looking beeswax candle you |
| is still the most expensive candlemaking wax available | | | | need to place a sheet of beeswax onto a flat |
| today. | | | | surface and cut out triangles by using a ruler and a |
| Beeswax can be obtained in solid or sheet form and | | | | craft knife. Once this is done you need to repeat the |
| both can be used for candlemaking. Solid beeswax is | | | | process used in the making of the pillar candle and |
| mostly used as an additive in paraffin wax to make | | | | the result will be one you will enjoy. |
| modern day church candles. To make a church candle | | | | Another great looking candle is to buy or make a |
| you will need to ad 25% beeswax to paraffin wax, | | | | plain white pillar candle and then wrap it with a sheet |
| but because beeswax is a very sticky wax it is | | | | of beeswax. This gives it the appearance of being a |
| extremely important to generously apply a release | | | | solid beeswax candle and creates a beautiful glow |
| agent to the mould, otherwise it will be a bit of a | | | | when lit. Simply place a beeswax sheet onto a flat |
| nightmare to remove the candle once the wax is set. | | | | surface and measure the height of the pillar candle. |
| Beeswax releases a decadent and sweet honey like | | | | Once you've done this, simply cut the sheet |
| aroma when lit, not to mention the beautiful glow of | | | | according to your measurement and then wrap it |
| natural light, which makes this wax one of my | | | | around the pillar candle. You might need to use some |
| favorites. You can find more free information on | | | | glue just to prevent it from coming loose. |
| waxes and candlemaking by visiting my blog at | | | | Imagination is your only limit when working with wax, |
| Anyone can make beeswax candles if you use the | | | | so let's make a ball candle with beeswax sheets. |
| sheets, which can be found at any honey and bee | | | | Take a few beeswax sheets and any pieces that is |
| foundation in your area. These sheets usually cost | | | | left over, then warm them up with a hairdryer and |
| about $2 and it's actual intended use is in the making | | | | start squeezing them all together until you have a ball |
| of new bee hives and not candlemaking! | | | | shape. After you have done this, push a skewer |
| Beeswax sheets are pliable at room temperature and | | | | stick or wicking needle through the centre of the ball, |
| smell just like honey. They are very easy to work | | | | insert a wick through the hole, then gently push the |
| with because of it's flexibility and all that you will need | | | | bottom of the candle onto a flat surface so that it |
| to make candles with them is candlemaking wick, a | | | | will be able to stand on its own. It is as easy as that |
| ruler and a craft knife. | | | | to create your own original candles with beeswax. |