How to Make Rolled Beeswax Candles: A Simple Project
Making rolled beeswax candles is simple and yields a beautiful end product. This project is perfect for beginners, these candles are made without melting wax, making them a safe and fun activity for both adults and kids. The end result is an elegant almost golden colored candle!
I have a tutorial for hand-dipped beeswax taper candles. It is a wonderful skill to learn, however, it is a time commitment and requires a bit of skill. These are a great starting point and much easier than hand-dipped candles.
Here’s how you can make them at home.
What You’ll Need
**I used this kit and it has almost everything you need.
- Beeswax Sheets: These come in various colors. Opt for 100% beeswax sheets for a natural finish.
- Cotton Wick: Available in craft stores. Make sure the wick thickness matches the diameter of your candle.
- Cutting Tool: A utility knife or scissors.
- A hairdryer
- A candle holder
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Rolled Beeswax Candles
1. Prepare Your Beeswax Sheet
Lay your beeswax sheet flat on a clean, dry surface. If the sheet feels stiff, you can gently warm it with a hair dryer to make it more pliable, use a low setting. If you don’t warm it, it will crack as you roll it.
The sheets I used were 8″x 8″, which is perfect for a long taper candle.
2. Cut the Wick
Measure the length of your beeswax sheet and cut a piece of wick that’s about ½ inch longer than the sheet. The extra length will help secure the wick at the top for lighting.
3. Roll and Place the Wick
Roll up about 1/8″ of the beeswax sheet. Place the wick along the rolled edge. Press the wick gently into the beeswax to ensure it sticks.
4. Roll the Candle
Starting at the edge with the wick, gently begin to roll the beeswax sheet tightly around the wick. Keep the roll even by applying consistent pressure as you go. As you go, run the hairdryer over the sheet to keep it pliable.
Depending on how tightly you roll the candle, you may find that it needs to be a bit thicker. I used one full sheet and one half sheet for my candles. Simply cut a sheet in half and attach it to the first sheet, use the hairdryer to seal them together and keep rolling.
5. Seal and shape the candle
Once you’ve rolled the entire sheet, press the seam gently to seal it. Heat both ends and gently shape the top into a taper and roll the bottom to allow it to nestle in a candleholder.
6. Trim the Wick
Leave about ¼ inch of wick at the top of the candle for lighting. If your wick at the base is too long, trim it off for a clean, flat bottom.
Variations and Tips
- Make shorter tapers: leave the wick sticking out 1/2″ on each end. Roll the candle and then cut it in half down the middle. You get two shorter 4″ candles instead of one 8″ taper candle!
- Colorful Candles: Beeswax sheets come in various colors, so mix and match for vibrant, decorative candles. Try rolling different colors together for a layered effect.
- Add Scents: For scented candles, roll a few drops of essential oil onto the beeswax before rolling it up. Lavender, eucalyptus, and orange essential oils pair wonderfully with beeswax’s natural scent.
- Decorate Your Candles: For a rustic touch, you can embellish your candles by rolling in small dried flowers or herbs along the edges.
More Candle Making Posts:
DIY Beeswax Candles: Making and Pouring Beeswax Candles
How to Make Natural Soy Wax Candles
Candle Dipping | Handmade Beeswax Taper Candles
How to Make Lard Candles | Crafting Lard and Beeswax Candles
Benefits of Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles offer several benefits:
- Long-Lasting: Beeswax burns more slowly than paraffin, so your candles will last longer.
- Cleaner Burning: Unlike synthetic waxes, beeswax produces little to no soot and can actually help purify the air by releasing negative ions.
- Natural Fragrance: Beeswax has a mild, honey-like scent that’s perfect for those who prefer a subtle fragrance without chemical additives.
- Eco-Friendly: Beeswax is a renewable resource, making these candles a sustainable choice.
Common FAQs
How do I store unused beeswax sheets?
Beeswax sheets can become brittle if stored in very cold conditions. Keep them in a cool but not cold, dry place, ideally wrapped in parchment paper or a cloth to prevent dust from sticking to them.
Can I re-roll a candle if I make a mistake?
Yes! Beeswax is very forgiving. If you make a mistake, gently unroll the sheet and try again.
Are rolled beeswax candles safe to burn?
Yes, they are perfectly safe as long as you follow general candle safety rules. Always burn them in a suitable holder and away from flammable materials.
So grab some beeswax sheets, get rolling, and enjoy the warm glow of your handmade candles!
