How to Make Homemade Bayberry Candles
Bayberry, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, typically refers to a "hardy shrub of coastal eastern North America bearing dense clusters of small berries covered with grayish-white wax." Candles made from these berries are dripless and have a very bright flame.
Things You'll Need
- Candle molds
- Large aluminum pot
- Paper towels
- Large box (like a moving box) full of bayberries
- Two large coffee cans
- Rubber band that will fit around one coffee can
- Candle wicks
Instructions
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1
Remove any leaves, twigs or debris in the berries and put the berries into the pot, leaving at least a few inches at the top.
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2
Pour in water until it sits about an inch or two above the top of the berries. Bring the water to a boil and continue to boil the berries for about five minutes. Remove from heat and let cool overnight.
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3
Remove the wax that has floated to the top and hardened. Break it into pieces that will fit into the coffee can. Throw away the remains in the pot. Set the remaining wax aside.
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4
Place the coffee can filled with wax into a pan of water on the stove and heat it a low temperature. As it melts, you can add more chunks of the wax.
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5
Place a paper towel over the second coffee can, slightly pressed into the can, and hold it in place with a rubber band. Slowly pour the wax a little at a time onto the paper towel to remove any floating debris.
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6
Set the wick in your molds and pour the wax into the molds. Allow to cool and remove from the molds.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When you are pouring the wax through the paper towel, you might have to reheat it a couple of times if it starts to solidify.
