How to Make Blackened Beeswax Candles
Making candles out of beeswax allows the candles to radiate a sweet, fragrant aroma without the need for fragrance oils or perfumes. This is because beeswax is naturally scented. Beeswax also burns clean, and will not give off chemicals or toxins when used. Making blackened beeswax candles is a wonderful way to make the candles appear to be aged or antique without adding paint or solvents.
Things You'll Need
- Beeswax pellets, 4 pounds
- Candle wick, 18 inches
- Double boiler
- Coffee can
- Long match
- Wooden spoon
Instructions
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Melt the beeswax in a double boiler. Fill an empty coffee can with 4 pounds of beeswax pellets. Place the coffee can into the top part of a double boiler. Fill the bottom part of the double boiler halfway up with water. Place the top into the bottom, and heat it over medium heat. The wax pellets will begin to melt inside the coffee can. Stir the beeswax occasionally to make sure the heat is not too high. There should be no boiling or scorching. Once the wax melts, the candles can be dipped.
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Dip both ends of an 18-inch candle wick into the wax. Make sure the ends do not touch, otherwise they will stick to each other. Wait 10 seconds before dipping the wick again to allow the wax to harden slightly. Dipping the candles too quickly will cause the wax to drip off of the wicks. Continue to dip the candles until the width reaches at least a half-inch. Continue dipping if you would like thicker candles.
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Cool the candles by draping the middle of the wick over a tree branch or a banister. Be careful that the candles do not touch. Even though they are cooling, they still can become stuck to each other. The candles must be completely cooled and hardened before blackening the outside, otherwise the wax will melt off easily. Once they are cooled, light a long match and hold it under one of the candles, at least 24 inches below it. The match will start to burn harder, releasing carbon through the top of the flame. The carbon will attach to the beeswax candle. Rotate the candle so that all of the candle is covered with the carbon. Repeat this process with the second candle. Cool the candles again so that they are sufficiently hardened for use.
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