How to Color Beeswax With Crayons
Beeswax smells wonderful, but comes in only one basic color--golden yellow--which is great for a natural look or where your décor is complemented by that particular shade. However, if yellow is not your thing you need an alternative. Luckily, you can use crayons to create a kaleidoscope of colored wax for candles and crafts.
Things You'll Need
- Crayons
- Seal-able plastic bag
- Beeswax
- Double boiler or pot and metal bowl or can
- Candy thermometer
- Wooden spoon or craft stick(s)
- White ceramic or glass plate
- Molds (optional)
Instructions
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1
Remove paper from new or unmarred crayons. Place each color in a separate, seal-able plastic bag and use a rolling pin or small hammer to crush it into small pieces. Combine colors, if desired, by mixing broken bits together in separate bags.
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2
Put beeswax in a double boiler; heat to about 145 degrees F (gauge temperature with a candy thermometer) or until wax just melts but is not bubbling hot. If you do not have a double boiler, melt wax in a clean metal can or bowl placed inside a larger pot filled with water to within an inch below the level of the can or bowl. Be careful that the water is not high enough to splash into the hot wax.
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3
Add bits of crayon from the plastic bags, a little at a time until the desired color is achieved. Stir with a wooden spoon or craft stick (for smaller amounts). Check color depth by dripping a small amount on a clean white ceramic or glass plate. Cool completely to get an idea of the true color as warm wax may appear lighter or cloudy.
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4
Pour the colored beeswax into molds or use as desired.
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Tips & Warnings
The color of beeswax varies. According to Honey Flow Farm, "Highly refined, bleached beeswax may sometimes be white (or very light in color) but the beeswax that is used by most beekeepers who produce candles has a golden color from slight amounts of pollen and propolis (a substance produce by the honeybees to glue their beehives together) that is in the wax."
Added colors may be influenced by the natural tint of beeswax. Blues may become somewhat more green, reds will become more orange, yellows may be slightly deeper or richer in appearance. Use bleached beeswax if pure colors are needed.
Use caution when heating wax. Do not overheat or wax may burst into flame. Do not allow water to splash into very hot wax--an explosion may result!
