How to Make a Professional Looking Pillar Candle

Use beeswax to create a professional looking pillar candle.

Whether you use them for display only or light the wicks, pillar candles add a nice accent to a room's decor. Although you could purchase pillars at a home supply store, making your own candles not only saves you money, but also lets you control the quality of the finished candle with little effort. Knowing the proper way of making pillar candle helps ensure a professional, finished look.

Things You'll Need

• Beeswax sheet
• Ruler
• Knife
• Hair dryer
• Wick
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Lay a sheet of beeswax on a clean work surface. The width of the beeswax sheet determines the height of the candle. Cut the sheet to the desired width by placing a ruler against the edge you wish to cut. With the blade pressed against the ruler, run a knife down the length of the sheet.

2. Soften the beeswax sheet using a hair dryer. Turn the dryer on low and hold it 6 inches over the sheet. Pass it back and forth for 10 seconds to soften the wax.

3. Cut a wick 4 inches longer than the beeswax sheet using scissors. Place the wick onto the beeswax sheet, positioning it width-wise against the bottom edge of the wax. Leave 2 inches of the wick hanging off each side of the wax sheet. Press the wick into the beeswax sheet.

4. Roll the bottom edge of the wax sheet up and over the wick. Roll it slowly to prevent misshaping the pillar. Continue to roll the wax sheet around itself until the pillar is the desired thickness, using firm pressure as you go to avoid air pockets in the wax. If you finish the sheet and want a thicker pillar, place a second sheet of wax flush against the edge of the first. Continue rolling as before to achieve the desired width. Press the seam into the side of the candle with your fingers to seal it.

5. Look at the ends of the rolled candle. Choose the end you prefer for the top. Trim the wick on this end to 1/2- to 3/4-inches long. Trim the other end flush against the bottom of the candle.

Tips & Warnings

• You can find spools of cotton wicking at craft stores and candle supply stores.

• If the base of the candle is uneven, use a serrated knife to cut the bottom of the candle off creating a flat surface.

References

• Candle Making Connection: How to Make Beeswax Candles
• My Craft Book: Learn to Make Beeswax Candles