How to Prepare Beeswax for Candle Making

When harvesting your honey, save the cappings from the honeycomb to melt into elegant beeswax candles.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Honeycomb Cappings
• Solar Ovens
• Knee-high Hose
• Candle Wicks
• Cheesecloth
• 3-lb. Coffee Cans
• Large Bowls Or Pans
• Strainers

Clean Cappings

1. Wash wax cappings by swishing in water to remove honey.

2. Remove any large, black pieces of wax.

3. Wash cappings another three or four times to remove all honey.

4. Place clean cappings in a strainer or cheesecloth to drain.

Melt Wax in Solar Oven

1. Stretch a new knee-high nylon stocking over top of clean 3-pound coffee can.

2. Place clean cappings on top of hose.

3. Place coffee can in solar oven until cappings are melted.

4. Remove from oven and remove hose.

5. Pour melted wax into molds or make dipped candles.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle melted wax carefully - it can cause serious burns.