There’s nothing quite like burning a cozy candle in the evening after the day’s work is complete. Something about this simple act says, “Good work today. Now enjoy the rest.”
I stopped burning most candles once I discovered how toxic they can be to our health. They are filled with artificial fragrances (learn why I like to avoid fragrances here) and the wicks tend to be full of harsh chemicals. All of that is burned and then spread throughout the air in our homes. Yeah…that’ll be a no thank you for me!
Most of the time, I just run essential oil diffusers to get the scent I want, but it’s just not the same as having a candle burning! Don’t let candle making overwhelm you, as it did me for a long time, because it is actually a very simple process.
Come along as I teach you how to make a beeswax candle. The process is probably much simpler than you think! Beeswax is healthier to burn in the home and making your own allows you to avoid the harsh chemical and fragrances that are in most store-bought candles. All the details and instructions are just below!
How to Make a Beeswax Candle
Keep in Mind:
- Secure the wicks to the bottom of the jars using hot glue to avoid them shifting as you pour the wax.
- Play around with essential oils for scents. Candles will need a lot of essential oils to get a stronger smell. But also, don’t expect these beeswax candles to smell like artificial candles.
- If your beeswax begins to harden, just remelt it over a double boiler or if it is in a oven safe dish, place it in the oven at 350 until its melted again.
- Get creative with the type of container you use for the candle! For example, crocks, thrifted jar, mason jars, old tin cans, or tea cups.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of beeswax pellets
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- Candle wicks
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Various sized mason jars, crocks, bowls, or the like
Instructions:
- Add one pound of beeswax pellets and 1/2 cup coconut oil to a double broiler.
- Secure the wicks to the bottom of the jars with hot glue, centering them as much as possible.
- To keep the wicks centered, wrap them around skewers that lay on top of the jars.
- After the beeswax and coconut oil were fully melted, add essential oils to the mixture. This step is optional if you want an unscented candle.
- Pour the beeswax into the container(s). Beeswax hardens quickly, so don’t take your time filling the jars. Simply return the bowl to the double broiler if the wax hardens too quickly.
- Allow the wax to completely harden. This takes anywhere from 5-10 minutes for a large candle.
If you make this project and love how it turned out, feel free to come back and comment about your experience. I’d love to see your creation and how you used it!
More Handmade Projects:
- How to Make No-Sew Cafe Curtains
- Sewing a Simple Tea Towel
- Adding Antiques to the Farmhouse Kitchen
- DIY Bunting Garland
- DIY Sign For The Garden
- How to Cover a Seat Cushion With Drop Cloth
I might need to try this with Chloe to make gifts! I too love candles but they almost instantly give Rory a headache unless I buy natural ingredient options and those are wonderful but so expensive!!