Making Beeswax Candles with Dried Flowers
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DIY Beeswax Candles with Dried Flowers
Candles are one of the most popular craft types. The use of beeswax in candle making dates back through the centuries. It is still popular today. 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. It seems that candle have a fixed place in our society representing light in a world filled with so much darkness.
Basic Candle Recipes
You may hear people talk about a candle recipe. Well, some crafters get rather serious with their creations and mix many different types of oils and waxes.
These combinations provide various burn times, amount of light produced and of course fragrances.
In a manner of simplicity, the most basic beeswax candle recipe requires only 2 materials: beeswax and a wick. Beyond that, you are only limited by your imagination.
You can create dipped beeswax candles using only melted wax and some wicking. People have been doing that for thousands of years.
However, the beauty of handmade candles does not stop with simple dipped tapers. Many crafters use molds to create artistic candle projects in any shape you can imagine.
The process does not have to be complex. Special designed sheets of wax are available in every color of the rainbow. These rolled beeswax candles are so simple – even the younger children can participate in making them.
Adding Dried Flowers to Candles
Another popular technique is to add some type of decoration to build on the “candle in a glass” project. Dried flowers are a beautiful addition to a candle project.
However, it is important to remember that you do not want the candle wick to come into contact with a combustible object. I have seen photos of candles with dried flowers scattered on top.
While this may look lovely… those things do burn you know. 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 Add Dried Flowers to Beeswax Jar Candle
Supplies needed:
- 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 needed:
- double boiler – or homemade equivalent
- rubber bands to fit the jars
- craft stick-popsicle stick
- craft paint brush
- scissors
Time needed: 3 hours.
Instructions for decorating beeswax jar candles with dried flowers.
- Melt the beeswax
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 and cut wick material
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 the wick
Now I don’t always do this step but it seems to work well with this thick wick. Pickle your wick – give it a quick dip into the melting beeswax and pull it straight. Once cool, the wick will behave much better.
- Attach flowers to jar
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. - Anchor Wick
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.) - Pour beeswax candle
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 for slow cool
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.
- Trim the wick
Let sit for 24 hours. Then, remove the rubber band and wick support – trim the wick to the desired length. You did it!
Tips for Beeswax Jar Candles with Dried Flowers
Beeswax is a wonderful natural wax. It lends itself well to creating many different form including beeswax candles with molds.
However, it is important to understand the natural properties of beeswax when pouring into clear glass jars. Beeswax shrinks when it cools.
What does this mean for your candle project? When the wax pulls away from the inside of the glass – this air space is noticeable. This causes a frosted appearance on the glass.
Some people don’t like this appearance. As for myself, I embrace it as a natural part of making candles with natural wax. Others feel that the natural frosting adds to the unique look of the jar candle.
However, if you are not a fan of frosting, these tips may help minimize this look:
- 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 Candles Cracking
Any type of candling making can present a few problems. Candles that crack on the top after cooling are a concern for some crafters.
If you have problems with the surface of your beeswax pillar candles cracking, don’t be alarmed. The easiest way to lessen the chance of cracking is to ensure slow cooling of the wax. And, don’t get your pouring wax any hotter than is needed.
Final Thoughts on Making Beeswax Candles with Dried Flowers
With just a few inexpensive materials you can make other special candle projects for your family and friends. These made with dried flowers are just one option. Of course you can add many types of fragrance if you wish – or just enjoy the natural fragrance of beeswax.
Creating homemade projects for your home or someone special is fun and easy. Try these Beeswax Citronella Candle Pots for your next outside gathering.
