4 comments

1. Ian says:

   June 6, 2010 at 09:57

   There are different methods of making bee’s wax candles. One is with a mold, and the other is dipping. The Mold version can produce figurines and interesting shapes. The dipping method is predominantly used for making tapered candles.

   For the mold version of making candles, you usually start off with a mold (2 pieces) that is taped together with the wick held in place by the mold. You need to hold the mold upside down. Fill the mold with hot wax (I’m not sure what temperature exactly, it depends on the wax). Let it cool until it is completely solid. Sometimes people put the candle in the freezer to speed this up. Open up the mold and trip off any excess wax that leaked out where the mold fit together.

   The dipping method of making candles is even simpler. You just get a wick and dip it in the wax. The first couple of times, the wick will not stay straight, so you have to straighten it by gently smoothing it out from top to bottom. Then dip it in hot wax again for another coat. Dip it in water to cool it down and then smooth it out and remove any excess water. Don’t leave the candle in the hot wax too long or it will melt. Repeat the wax/water dipping until the desired thickness is achieved. Trim the bottom of the candle so that it is nice and flat.

   The temperature of the hot wax is an important part of the process, especially for the dipping method. If the wax is too hot, it will melt the candle and it will be very difficult to get a nice sized candle. Some people use old coffee cans to heat the wax placed in a slow cooker filled with water. If the wax is too cold, you may get clumps.
2. Andastra says:

   June 6, 2010 at 09:57

   Beeswax comes in sheets the size of a piece of paper. You just put the wick at one end and roll the sheet around the wick.
3. Akkita says:

   June 6, 2010 at 09:57

   Hope thes sites help you out……………

   (1)Candles – How to Make Rolled Candles
   1. If the beeswax you’re working with is rolled, gently unroll it.
   (2)Candlebright pages
   (3)Everything You Need To Make Your Own
   Beeswax Candles
4. amarantine28 says:

   June 6, 2010 at 09:57

   Essentially, you don’t need a recipe, especially if you are just starting out.
   First of all, what kind of candle are you making?
   There are three basic types: hand-dipped, mold poured and rolled (beeswax only)
   Below, I will outline the materials and processes used for each method.

   HAND-DIPPED
   This is by far the most difficult and time consuming way to make a candle.
   You need:
   candle-maker’s thermometer (not necessary
   stove
   small pot
   tin can (2)
   dull knife
   small size candle wicking (2” diam. or less)
   beeswax, cut into cubes small enough to fit can

   Once your beeswax is cut and prepared with the knife, begin to place the cubes into the
   can until filled.
   Fill other can with cold water and set aside.
   Place your pot on the stove with the (wax) can in it.
   Begin to add water, continually checking that the can will not tip over.
   Turn the stove on to LOW heat and watch it.
   The wax is fully melted when you can no longer see any chunks in the bottom of the can. (Use the thermometer if you were able to get one)
   Turn off stove when ready.
   The melting usually takes from 5-10 minutes, depending on beeswax quality.
   Now, we are ready to begin. Have the can of cold water ready
   Take about 8 inches of the wicking off of the spool and keep it as straight as possible.
   Dip the wick into the wax until you feel it touch bottom, then remove. Hold it for a second then
   roll it on the counter if it needs straightening.
   Drop it in the can of water for just a moment, to prevent the wax from melting off when you dip it again. Dip it back in the wax (the water will not stick to the candle) and repeat over and over again, alternating between the wax and the water, until you get the size candle you want
   That’s all!

   MOLD-PORED
   This method is less time consuming and requires less effort on your part!
   You need:
   assistant
   candle molds
   potholder
   wicks with a round metal tab on the end to support themselves
   (same equipment and procedures as before to heat the wax)

   Have your wax ready to pour.
   Stand the wick on the bottom of the mold
   and hold it upright by the end. Have your assistant CAREFULLY pour the wax into the mold, until the desired size is reached.
   The wick should now be able to stand on its own.
   CAREFULLY set the mold in a safe place where it will not be disturbed, being careful not to move the wick.
   DO NOT put the mold in the refrigerator – the wax may crack while it hardens!
   When the wax is fully hardened – about one hour – your candle is ready!

   ROLLED
   By far the simplest!
   You need:
   same wicking as dipped candles
   sheet of beeswax

   All you need to do is place the wick across the width of the sheet and roll it up tightly!

   Candle making essentials and accesories:
   http://www.candlesandcandlemaking.com/search.aspx?keywords=Candle%20Making%20Supply

   http://www.candletech.com/

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