DIY Beeswax Candles with Dried Flowers
Candles are one of the most popular craft types. Using beeswax in candle making dates back through the centuries. These handmade projects add a special warmth to your home décor and they make great gifts too. Show your creative flare by making beeswax candles with dried flowers.
Even today, in a world that is filled with artificial light of every brightness and color, we find a place in our lives for candles.
Candles have a fixed place in our society representing light in a world filled with so much darkness.
Homemade Beeswax Candles
Candle making with beeswax and other wax types is an age-old tradition that we still enjoy today.
The most basic beeswax candle recipe requires only 2 materials. You can create dipped beeswax candles using only melted wax and some wicking.
However, the beauty of handmade candles does not stop there. Many crafters use molds to create artistic candle projects.
Special designed sheets of beeswax are available in many colors. These rolled beeswax candles are so simple – even the younger children can participate.
Adding Dried Flowers to Candles
Dried flowers make a beautiful addition to any candle project. However, it is important to remember that you do not want the candle wick to come into contact with a combustible object.
Do not have pieces of flowers floating in the wax or scattered on top of the finished candle.
Also, always use care when making or using any candle project that involves combustible material or an open flame.
How to Make Beeswax Candles with Dried Flowers
Make your own beautiful beeswax candles with dried flowers to add a natural touch to your project.
Collect and press your own flowers or purchase dried flowers that are ready to use for this simple craft.
I prefer 100% beeswax candles and you may choose to use only beeswax.
However, you could substitute in some coconut oil if you wish.
Materials
- beeswax - amount depends on molds used - I used about 22 oz of wax for these 2 molds
- cotton wicking - size 6 for 3" diameter candles
- dried flowers
- glass containers - appropriate for heated items
Tools
- double boiler - or homemade equivalent
- rubber bands to fit the jars
- craft stick-popsicle stick
- craft paint brush
- scissors
Instructions
- Melt the beeswax. Use the double boiler method with water in the bottom pot and wax in the top section.
This is the safest way to melt beeswax. Beeswax is flammable- don't be afraid. But, be careful to avoid burns - melt the wax slowly - this takes a little time. Constant supervision is important.
- Measure the wick needed for a 3" wide candle I used wick size 6. Length depends on the depth of your candle container.
You need enough wick to reach the bottom of the jar with a few inches extra at the top. - Pickle your wick - give it a quick dip into the melting beeswax and pull it straight. Once cool, the wick will behave much better.
- Choose the pieces of dried flowers that you want to feature around the sides of the glass jar.
Adhere these inside the jar using a craft paint brush and some of the melting wax. Place petals against the glass and then a light coat of wax on top to adhere to glass. Let cool. - With the wick extended into the candle all the way to the bottom - a craft stick under the wick and a rubber band around the outside will hold the pickled wick in place.
Be sure that the wick in centered in the jar and reaches very near the bottom.
(Optional: If needed, you can use a glue dot to hold the wick in place in the bottom of your candle jar.) - Let the wax cool for a few minutes until it almost begins to skim over. Slowly pour the melted beeswax mixture into the candle jar. Fill to the preferred level.
I do not recommend adding pieces of dried flowers to the mixture or the top of the candle. This may look nice but it can be a fire hazard. - Cover the candles with a cardboard box, towel etc. We want the candle to cool very slowly. This helps to avoid cracking wax on the top.
- Let sit for 24 hours. Then, remove the rubber band and wick support - trim the wick to the desired length. You did it!
Notes
*If using flowers or herbs from your garden, ensure that they are dry and flat.
** Beeswax can be tricky to work with. Before pouring ensure that the melted wax is as cool as possible and allow candle to cool very slowly.
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Tips for Beeswax Jar Candles with Dried Flowers
Beeswax is a wonderful natural wax. It lends itself well to creating rolled beeswax candles and can be purchased in beautiful colors. A great project for the kids.
And, it is a great material to use when making beeswax candles with molds of every kind.
However, it can be problematic to deal with in clear glass jars. This is due to the fact that beeswax shrinks when it cools.
This causes a frosted appearance on the glass. When the wax pulls away from the inside of the glass – this air space is noticable.
Some people don’t like this appearance. As for myself, I embrace it as a natural part of making 100% beeswax candles.
To minimize this look in clear jar candles:
- preheat your glass jars before pouring
- keep your pouring beeswax as cool as possible – less shrinkage
- wrap the candle up so they will cool very slowly
Problems with Beeswax Candles Cracking
If you have problems with the surface of your beeswax pillar candles cracking, don’t be over alarmed.
One way to reduce this effect is to wrap the candle so that the wax will cool slowly and as mentioned above – don’t get your pouring wax any hotter than is needed.
Conclusion:
Creating homemade beeswax candles for your home or someone special is fun and easy.
With just a few inexpensive materials you can make other special candle projects for your family and friends.
Beekeeper Charlotte
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