I love burning pure beeswax candles. They give off a gentle honeyed scent as they burn, have a longer burn time than typical paraffin candles, and produce a clean, soot‑free flame. If you prefer, you can add color and fragrance, but plain beeswax is lovely on its own.
Begin by gathering suitable jars, pots, or old candle containers. Avoid cracked vessels or very thin glass. Clean them thoroughly: scrape away any remaining wax with a blunt knife, then wash with hot soapy water to remove soot and residue.
You’ll need wick sustainers—the small metal discs found in tealights—which are available at craft shops. Buy proper candle wicks rather than attempting to make them unless you already know how. Good wicks are inexpensive and save time.
Wicks come in different sizes. For large, wide candles use thicker wicks so the flame can melt wax across the surface. For small jars choose a thinner wick, but avoid the ultra‑thin sizes designed for fast‑burning paraffin candles; beeswax requires a slightly larger wick to burn well.
Thread the wick through a sustainer, pinch it tight with pliers and trim the excess. The trimmed wick should be roughly the same height as the jar so it sits correctly when the wax is poured.
Secure a small dab of glue or hot wax to the center of the jar, then press the flat side of the wick sustainer onto it. Once it’s fixed, straighten the wick so it’s centered. Use a hairpin, chopsticks, or wooden skewers to hold the wick upright and centered while you pour. A centered wick ensures even burning.
Next, melt the beeswax. I use a bain‑marie, which gives gentle, even heat; others use a slow cooker or microwave. Do not heat wax directly in a pan over an open flame—melted wax is flammable and direct heating can scorch the wax or start a fire.
When the wax is fully melted, stir in any fragrance oil or dye you’re using. Mix thoroughly, then carefully pour the wax into the prepared jars. If the glass is cold it may crack when hot wax is poured in; warm the jars first by standing them in hot water or using a hair dryer to reduce the shock.
Allow the candles to cool and cure for a day or two before burning or gifting. Once set, trim the wick to about 1⁄4 inch before lighting for an even, clean burn. Enjoy your handcrafted beeswax candles and the warm, natural glow they bring.