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Need a last minute handmade gift idea? You can't go wrong with these super simple beeswax candles.
Rolling beeswax candles is so easy and fast, it's the perfect project for the holidays. You can purchase beeswax sheet online, or from a local bee farmer or honey producer. I get mine from Madhava Honey in Lyons, Colorado. It takes eight pounds of honey to make one pound of beeswax!
Choose wicks based on the size of candle you are rolling. For skinny taper candles, use a flad braid 15 ply wick, usually available where beeswax is sold. Larger flat braid and Htp wicks and work well for the thicker pillar-type candle I'm making here. If the wick isn't waxed, you may want to dip it in some melted beeswax to help it burn.
Cut the beeswax sheet in half for a shorter candle, or leave it as is for a tall one. Full size sheets measure 16" x 8" and come in a variety of colors.
Place your wick at one end of the beeswax sheet and begin to tightly roll the wax around it. Use a blow dryer on low heat to soften the wax and keep it from cracking.
Keep rolling until your candle is the size you want it. To add more beeswax, simply connect two ends together using the blow dryer.
Decorate your finished candle with twine, christmas ornaments, vintage fabric strips, or beads. If you are giving it as a gift, make sure to include a little label with burning instructions.
When burning, remove all flamable decorations (especially pinecones!) and place candle on a fire resistant plate or candle holder (not a wooden table). Always keep the wick trimmed to 1/4". Burning beeswax produces negative ions which removes impurities from the air and makes it the cleanest, brightest burning candle wax!
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