candle 101 : candlemaking with paraffin, beeswax & soy

Beeswax 101: The Humble Bee’s Astounding Contribution to Candle Making

candle101 — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:42:25 +0000

A Short History on Beeswax

Beeswax is the cleanest burning, brightest and only naturally scented wax available. It is collected from honeybees, a creature whose activities scientists can measure and marvel at, but never comprehend.

The Chinese Tang Dynasty were the first to use beeswax and during the Middle Ages, spread throughout Europe. 14^th century English Royals would pay their servants with beeswax candles. They were a marked improvement over tallow however considered a luxury item unavailable to many. Even today, beeswax is over twice as expensive as oil based wax however it burns approximately one inch every hour, far longer than paraffin and soy.

One of nature’s most humbling processes is the activity of the bumblebee. In addition to pollinating plants, they provide a wonderful food source and the byproduct of these activities is our ability to harvest their beeswax.

A bee flies some 75,000 miles to gather the nectar for a pound of honey. It will need to consume 10 to 15 pounds of honey to produce one pound of wax. This is the wax-unmatched by any other and deemed most fitting for use in the highest quality premium candles.

Unlike oil based waxes, beeswax candles contain no additives that may cause some to be subject to various allergic reactions and asthma attacks. Without the additives used to help candles burn, beeswax candles use a larger diameter cotton wick.

All candles require monitoring. Beeswax candles additionally require one to trim the wick to approximately .5 inches to continuously achieve an optimal burn. Most non-beeswax candles use self-trimming wicks that turn to carbon and curl down. Failure to monitor a beeswax wick will cause the candle flame to slowly diminish.

When burning a beeswax pillar candle, it’s important to allow it to burn long enough to form a hot pool of wax up to the edge of the candle. This can take anywhere from one to two hours of continuous burn time. If this doesn’t occur, a wall of wax will form in the middle of the candle creating a gap around the wick. It will receive little oxygen and be unable to stay lit.

Many candle makers swear by the beneficial characteristics of beeswax claiming it emit negative ions that acts as a natural air freshener. Beeswax candles create an inner sense of well being. The light emitted from a beeswax candle closely duplicates the natural spectrum of light. It is virtually dripless and isn’t an oil based fuel source therefore emits virtually no smoke, soot or harmful particles.

Article reposted with permission, courtesy of General Wax Company

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How to Make a Zebra Stipe Pillar Candle with Beeswax Sheets

candle101 — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 18:55:53 +0000

Inspired by my secret guilty pleasure reality TV: Jerseylicious and their not-so-secret-love for animal prints, this honeycomb patterned masterpiece is freehandly detailed with beeswax zebra stripes. Decorate your mantel and to let the animal in you come out and play.

Materials

2 sheets of white/ivory beeswax: 8 x 16 inches
1 sheet of black honeycomb beeswax: 8 x 4 inches
6″ of square raw wick
wick tab

Tools

Cutting mat
Scissors/craft knife
Ruler
Pliers

Instructions

Measure the short end of the white beeswax sheet and mark at the middle, dividing the 8” in half, repeat on the opposite end. Using the craft knife and ruler on the cutting mat, cut the beeswax sheet into two long strips, measuring 4” x 16” each. Repeat with the other sheet of white beeswax
Taking one of the white beeswax strips, lay the wick on top of the edge of the short end, centered so there is an equal amount of extra wick on both sides
Begin rolling the candle by curling the edge of the beeswax over the wick. Continue rolling the wax tightly using the palm of your hands with a even, firm but gentle pressure.
Continue by attaching the additional white beeswax strips to where the one before left off. When all strips have been used, press the end firmly into the candle to secure in place. Tip: To create a beautiful and even candle, keep an eye on one end of the candle, and roll the beeswax flushed to that end.
Examine both ends and choose the better looking one for the top. On the other side, thread the extra wick through the wick tab, stem side in and facing the candle. Using the pliers, crimp the stem by pressing tightly with your pliers so that your wick is securely in the wick tab
From the top side, pull the wick slowly through the whole candle so the wick tab comes against the bottom of the candle Tip: Be sure to follow step 6 slowly, pulling too hard or too fast will cause you to pull the wick straight out of the wick tab and through the candle.
We are now ready for the stripes! Using the template below as a general guide, freehandly cut the black beeswax with a scissor or craft knife on the cutting mat. The pieces with internal holes will need to be cut with a craft knife. CLICK TO ENLARGE TEMPLATE
Pick the longest piece of stripe you have and attach it to your candle diagonally across the middle. Press gently to secure
You can now build around the first stripe
Continue to attach pieces of the zebra strips one by one, leaving approximately ¼” to ½” space between each piece. Touching one end of a stripe with another also creates a desirable effect. Using the craft knife, cut off any excess black beeswax that protrude past the top or bottom edges.
Trim The wick to 1/4″, light and enjoy!

Leave me a comment below to share your experiences with this tutorial.

Fancy Layered Round Pillar Candle

candle101 — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 01:25:17 +0000

Tweet This is an easy candle project that yields lovely results. With simple techniques, learn to create a fancy effect on the classic layered candle.

Materials

1 piece of primed wick long enough for your mold (for candles 3″ diameter)

3″ diameter clear round acrylic candle mold

candle scent oils (optional)

8oz -10oz of general houseblend paraffin wax

Candle dye chips/blocks – 4 colors

1 chopstick

double boiler (consisted of a steamer and small melting pot)

Instructions

Setup your acrylic mold with wick for standard candlemaking and set aside

Divide your wax into 4 portions, precise measurements not necessary, as variations will create a more interesting affect

Melt the first wax portion completely in your double boiler. Add color and scent as desired, this will be the top layer of the candle.

Pour into prepared mold. (note: wax poured cooler will result in the bubbly texture, as seen in the green layers. pouring wax hotter will create the smooth and shiny look, as seen in the purple layers)

Repeat step 3 with the second portion of wax. Leave in double boiler until you are ready for the next step.

When the first layer has gained a cloudy appearance and has form into a soft solid consistency (about 10-15 minutes) pour the second portion into the mold.

Using your chopstick, poke stright down into the first layer, against the mold and stopping about 0.5″ from the bottom edge.

Continue this pattern around the whole circumference of the mold, each poke about 0.75″ apart. Varying lengths and distances will create a more organic look.

Repeat for wax portions 3 and 4. On your last pour, save about half ounce of wax.

Let stand for 4 hours or until competly cooled.

Melt the remaining wax with the double boiler, and pour into the center cavity, formed previously as the wax cooled.

Remove from mold when the last layer has cooled.

Now you are ready to display, light, and enjoy!

Mini Hearts and Stars Beeswax Candles

candle101 — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 08:28:53 +0000

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Silicone ice trays make great tools when it comes to making poured beeswax candles. While the beeswax stubbornly sticks to other types of molds, with silicone, the candle pops right out. These little heart and star-shaped candles are perfect for gift giving or adding a touch of candlelight to any occasion.

Materials

primed wick (for candles 1 to 2″ diameter) cut to 4 pieces at 1.5″ long

Natural-colored honeycomb textured beeswax sheet: 8 x 16 inches

Heart shaped silicone ice tray

Star-shaped silicone ice tray

Star-shaped silicone ice tray

Tools

Metal spoon

Wicking needle

double boiler (consisted of a steamer and small melting pot)

Instructions

Heat the beeswax sheet in the double boiler until completely melted.

Pour the beeswax slowly to the top of each silicone ice tray cavity, reserving about 2 oz. of the beeswax; set aside.

While the wax is still warm, insert a wicking needle at the center of the wax, creating a space for the wick to be placed when the candle is cooled.

Once the wax has cooled completely, remove the candles from the molds by popping out the wax.

Poke the wax with the wicking needle through the center again to ensure enough room for sliding the primed wick into the candle.

Insert a wick into each candle, making sure the wick and candle are flush at the bottom.

To fill the bottom of the candles and secure the wicks in place, set the candles face down on the ice trays. Reheat the remaining beeswax in the double boiler. Using a metal spoon, scoop enough molten beeswax to fill the indent on the bottom of the candles. Let cool completely, then trim the wicks to 0.25″

Carved Beeswax Rose Candle

candle101 — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 08:37:58 +0000

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Hand molding beeswax is a fun (but sometimes more difficult) way to get
creative with this natural wax. Taking the time to practice this technique is the key to creating a stunning finished piece.

Materials

• 1 lb beeswax
• 18-gauge wire: 18 inches long
• Primed wick (for candles 1 to 2 inches): 4 inches long

Tools

• Double boiler
• Metal baking tray
• Plastic wrap
• Pliers
• Ruler
• Scissors

Instructions

To make the beeswax sheets
1 . Lay the plastic wrap over the baking tray, smoothing out as many air bubbles as possible and covering the edges completely.
2 . Heat the beeswax in the double boiler until completely melted.
3 . Pour molten beeswax into the baking tray, less than 1/8-inch thick. Move the tray around to ensure even coverage.
4 . Once completely cooled, lift the plastic wrap by a corner and remove from the baking tray. Peel the plastic wrap off the beeswax sheet and discard.

To assemble the rose
1 . Cut one piece of beeswax approximately 2 x 4 inches; round the corners.
2 . Starting from one end on the short side, roll the piece of beeswax around the wick, pulling the top edge out as you roll and creating a petal-like look. Wrap wax around the wick two to three times; cut off remaining beeswax.
3 . Using the scissors, cut out 10 to 15 petal shapes (like a raindrop but flat on the bottom).
4 . Hold each end of the petal lengthwise and work it back and fourth, stretching it slightly.
5 . Attach the petals around the candle center, pressing tightly where the petals meet to secure in place. Note: The first inner layer holds three petals, and the second layer of petals will go between the first three.
6 . Repeat steps as necessary to create the desired size and depth (about two more layers with three to five petals each).
7 . Using the scissors, trim excess wax on the bottom, creating a stump that resembles the bottom of taper candles. Make sure not to trim too high and disassemble the entire rose.
8 . Adjust the height of the petals as needed, then press the edges of the petals to soften the look.

To make the wired stand
1 . Wrap the wire around the ruler as closely as possible; remove the wire wrapping from the ruler by sliding it off.
2 . Using the pliers, unravel the wire spiral. Note: You will have a long, zigzagged shaped piece of wire.
3 . Curl the piece around, forming a circle. Bend the ends inward like a “C” shape so the ends may hook onto each other.
4 . Using the pliers and your hands, adjust the spacing and shape of the wire until the bottom diameter is slightly larger than the top, leaving about a 1-inch opening on top.
5 . Drop the rose candle at the center of the wire.

Scents, Molds & Supplies! Where to Buy Candlemaking Materials?

candle101 — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:19:58 +0000

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After years of experimenting with the art of candlemaking, I’ve gathered a sweet list of companies that offer a variety of supplies

GENWAX is a great Southern California candlemaking supply store. They cater towards both wholesalers and hobbyist, and has a wide selection of materials for starting out.

BITTERCREEK has a huge selection of scents to choose from

CANDLEWIC carries a wide range of candlemaking molds and other specialty items for more advanced candlemaking.

DISCOUNT CANDLE has a couple of starter kits if you are the type that likes to be spoon fed

8 Unexpected (Mostly Kitchen) Tools Useful for Candlemaking

candle101 — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:13:41 +0000

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SPOON An essential tool when making specialty candles. It can replace a whisk when making whipped wax, since its easier to clean and you can work within a smaller container. Also useful to spoon molten wax into small crevasse and to top off the bottom of candles with more control.

LADLE Great for transferring small to medium amounts of wax from one container to another without getting burned. Also useful for evening out molten wax when making homemade beeswax sheets.

CHOPSTICKS Finally a use for your Chinese takeout utensil! If you don’t want to splurge on wick holders yet, look towards chopsticks to the rescue! Put wick in between two chopsticks and secure with paper clamps. Also useful for stirring in color, scent, and additives.

MEAT THERMOMETER Much cheaper than a wax thermometer, and no need to worry about spilled mercury if broken. If I had extra money to burn, I would get a digital one this time. Saves me the time to sit there and wait for the pointer to go up.

METAL BOWLS Great alternative to pouring pots and vats. Only downside is that you can’t hold onto the rim when removing from the double boiler, so try using pliers to lift the bowl. Useful for storing wax, whipping wax, and most of all, melting wax!

COFFEE FILTERS Comes in handy when making a project with recycled wax or wax with debris. Place 1 filter in an empty metal bowl, pour the melted wax into it, and lift the coffee filter by its edges slowly to drain out all the clean wax.

TIN LIDS Remember the good ol’ AOL cds that came in the metal tins? Who knew that these would come in handy for my candle making! Works great for making small batches of chunks for chunk candles, no need to melt large amounts of wax to make a thin layer of wax sheet, since the surface area is so small. Other tin lids work too, like cookie tin or candy tin lids.

TOOTHPICK Nice disposable tool for poking wick holes into warm wax or applying small amounts of varnish to candles.

Needless to say, you will no longer be able to use these kitchenware on your cooking again. Great tools are everywhere in your kitchen, you just have to stop and look. Hope this list has been helpful!

Have you also discovered unexpected tools you use in candlemaking? Feel free to share!

Mini Blossom Rolled Beeswax Square Candle

candle101 — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:14:51 +0000

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Inspired by cherry blossoms, this dainty candle reminds me of something proper and ladylike. Contrasting and matching colors make this project a fun way to explore decorative combinations through beeswax sheets, ribbons, and beads.

MATERIALS

• 1/8-inch wide ribbon: 12 inches long
• 1/3-inch wide ribbon: 12 inches long
• Dressmaker’s pin
• Flower metal spacer bead
• Natural or light-colored honeycomb textured beeswax sheet: 8 x 16 inches
• Pink honeycomb textured beeswax sheet: 8 x 16 inches
• Primed wick (for candles 1 to 2 inches): 4 inches long
• White Indian-style bead: large

TOOLS

• Baking pan
• Craft knife
• Cutting mat
• Double boiler
• Plastic wrap
• Pliers
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Small metal flower cookie cutter

INSTRUCTIONS

to make the square candle

Measure the short end of the natural beeswax sheet and mark into thirds. Using the craft knife and ruler, cut the beeswax into three long strips.

Lay the wick along the short edge of one of the strips.

Start rolling the candle by curling the edge of the beeswax over the wick. Continue rolling the wax tightly until the wax is about ½ inch in diameter.

Begin to press down instead of rolling. Turn the candle 90 degrees, pressing down again. Repeat for all four sides. You should begin forming the general shape of a square.

Continue the turn-and-press pattern, attaching the additional two strips of beeswax sheets to where the one before left off.

When all three strips have been used, press the end firmly into the candle to secure in place.

Heat the baking pan in the oven until hot. Remove from oven and place on heat-resistant surface. Press the top of the candle down into the baking pan to create an even top. Lift the wick up, as it probably has been pressed into the candle. Trim the wick to ¼ inch

to make the decorative cutout

Lay the plastic wrap over the baking tray, smoothing out as many air bubbles as possible and covering the edges completely.

Heat the pink beeswax sheets in the double boiler until completely melted.

Pour molten beeswax into the baking tray, less than 1/8-inch thick. Move the tray around to ensure even coverage.

Once completely cooled, lift the plastic wrap by a corner and remove from the baking tray. Peel the plastic wrap off the beeswax sheet and discard.

Place the sheet on the cutting mat and press the cookie cutter down firmly to create a clean cut.

Remove the beeswax flower cutout from cookie cutter.

to decorate the candle

Wrap the wider ribbon around the candle and tie a knot two-thirds down and to the side.

Using the thinner ribbon, tie a bow over the previous knot, keeping the ribbons centered within each other around the diameter of the candle.

Insert the dressmaker’s pin through the white bead, metal spacer bead, and then the beeswax flower cutout.

Using the pliers, trim the pin to approximately ¾ inch.

Insert the pin through the bow and knot on the candle, pressing tightly to secure in place.

Trim any excess ribbon to desired length.

Have fun with this project! How did it work out for you? Leave me a comment below!