Here you'll find instructions on how to make several types of beeswax candles using pure beeswax sheets. Candle types include Twisted Tapers, Votives, Straight Tapers, Pillars, and Christmas Trees.

Beeswax candles are appealing because they are easy to make and do not require any "special" equipment or supplies. Beeswax material is pure and the end result is a clean burning, virtually smokeless candle with a beautiful long flame. The sheets can be used to make candles in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Materials: 1) Utility knife, Exacto knife, or any sharp paring knife. Box cutters also work. 2) Ruler, an 18" metal ruler works the best. 3) Cutting surface, something that can take being cut on. A large cutting board or a piece of smooth veneer particle board that is approx 15" in height and 21" wide will work. 4) Scissors 5) Handheld hairdryer (something with a low air, high heat setting. 6) Wick material (see below for more about this) 7) Beeswax sheets (see below for more about this)

Wick material.

I use 100% cotton wick. This braided wick comes in rolls of 100ft-250 ft. #2/0 Wick is most commonly used and can be purchased at your favorite craft store or candle supplier. (See favorite suppliers).

Beeswax Sheets

Beeswax sheets can be found in a variety of colors and the thin flat honeycomb sheets measure approx 16.5"x 8". Materials can be purchased at any craft store i.e. Michaels. I also use Mann Lake Ltd. Honeywax.

Step 1 (Twisted Tapers)

These candles have a long fluted look and are beautiful for any dinner table for any occasion.

1) Use all general supplies above. For twisted tapers, use 2 beeswax sheets for 1 pair of tapers.

Step 2

2) Place on cutting board. Use blow dryer no less than 2 inches away to heat and soften the wax sheets to prepare them for rolling. The wax can be brittle so it must be heated to prevent it from cracking.

Step 3

3) Place ruler at top left corner leaving ½ inch from the width, and the other end of the ruler at the opposite corner, also leaving ½ inch from the bottom.

Step 4

4) Use the ruler as your guide to cut the wax from each corner until there are 2 sets of triangles.

Step 5 & 6

5) Measure wick placing the end on the flat end to the tip of the triangle and cut 1 inch longer than the tip of the triangle. (you may trim the excess wick later.)

6) Heat wax again with the blow dryer right before rolling begins. This will ensure that your wax properly adheres to the wick and provides a nice tight roll.

Step 7

7) Start at the bottom end with wick firmly fold the wax over the wick and press down until all wick is covered.

Step 8

8) Turn the wick folded wax so wick is at the top facing you. Gently roll the wax towards you creating a firm, tight roll until it wraps around completely.

Step 9 & 10

9) To create a fluted effect be sure you open the bottom corner of the wax at a slight angle to allow room for fingers.

10) Using your thumb, gently slide thumb underneath the edge while turning so the edges flare out creating a fluted look.

Step 11 - Finish

11) Pinch the top of the candle against the wick to seal and trim excess wick. You may also use the utility knife to cut and square off.

Tips: These candles once complete are bigger than standard tapers and candle holders. To be sure they fit snugly in standard candle holders, heat up the wax at the bottom using either flame or the blow dryer. Once wax is softened, squeeze the bottom to narrow it so it will fit into your candle holder safely. Two toned tapers. Follow all instructions above except use 2 colors, one light and one dark to create a two-toned effect.

Straight Rolled Tapers

Follow instructions for twisted tapers above only take 2 sheets and cut in half, or midway from the top of the sheet. The sheet measures approx. 8 ¼ inches from the top (4 ¼ inches). Measure wick on long end ¼ inch from the bottom.

Votives - long and short

Votives. Follow instructions for the straight rolled tapers only measure and cut wax sheets in quarters or thirds. Note, you can do a long votive as shown in the picture. Best used on a candle plate rather than standard votive holder.

Finish votive with appliques

Appliques on candles. Pick your favorite cookie cutter and heat wax sheets with the blow dryer as per the general instructions above. Cut out desired shape, i.e. four leaf clovers, christmas trees, etc. Cut out then heat wax so the appliqué will stick to your candle. It is recommended appliqué on a 2 in or more pillar or votive. Please note most cookie cutters need ample surface so pillars work well. See photos.