How to Make a Beeswax Lantern

Melting beeswax in the double boiler.

Beeswax is a great material for a lantern because of its high level of heat tolerance: It melts at about 144 to 147 degrees F, and won't combust even in most high-temperature ovens. The material was used in the past for as many purposes as we use plastic today. While most of those uses have been replaced, there are still plenty of fun ways to use beeswax.

Things You'll Need

• Beeswax Double boiler or two saucepans of different sizes Water Stovetop burner Hard microcrystalline wax beads Tall, metal, rectangular-shaped candle mold Votive candles Thermometer Mold lubricant Craft knife Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Put some water in the base of a double boiler or a larger saucepan, and bring the water to a boil. For saucepan users: The smaller saucepan will sit in the larger one, so adjust for water displacement/overflow. Turn on the burner.

2. Put the wax into a double boiler, or smaller saucepan, and watch the wax as it begins to melt. When the water comes to a boil, turn down the burner so it's simmering.

3. When the wax is melted fully into a liquid, stir in the correct proportion of hard microcrystalline wax beads. The beads increase the temperature tolerance of the beeswax, so it's even less likely to melt.

4. Coat a metal candle mold with lubricant so it's easier to remove when all is said and done. When the liquid beeswax reaches 200 degrees F, pour it into the mold.

5. Rub ice cubes on the outside of the mold to cool the wax that is closest to the walls of the mold first. The cooling process will take a couple hours.

6. Check to make sure that after about 2 hours, the wax is hardened around the walls and on the top at about 1/4 inch thick. If it's thicker, that's all right--but if not, wait. The wax should be significantly hardened on the walls before the next step.

7. When the wax is 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick, use the craft knife to cut and scoop the hardened beeswax off the top of the mold. Leave a 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch rim around the edges. Like you're drilling a hole in ice, there will be liquid underneath.

8. Pour the liquid beeswax back into the double boiler or small saucepan. Continue to ice the sides of the metal mold, or put it in the refrigerator until the wax is hardened.

9. Remove the lantern, carefully, from the inside of the mold. It should slide out easily if the mold was well lubricated and the wax is completely cooled and hardened. Place a lit votive candle inside your beeswax lantern.

Tips & Warnings

• Votive candles are recommended for this lantern. They have a lower melting point than beeswax and won't melt the lantern while they're lit inside it.