Beeswax Candles

This girl LOVES candles! It's so nice to walk into a room and be met with an incredible smell. I love making candles. They make a great gift for almost everyone! Until, half your family - the big half - declares them toxic and make the switch from candles to diffusers. They are taking the healthier route and using essential oils now. Okay, now what? They aren't going to appreciate a toxic birthday gift, right? After doing some research, I discovered they can still enjoy my candles. I just had to create a new recipe. Challenge accepted!

I have actually created a recipe for candle with its own set of health benefits. Who knew? Not this girl. When these candles are burned, they don't produce byproducts or heavy soot like some other candles do. Beeswax candles actually produce negative ions when burned, which help to neutralize pollutants in the air. This helps remove dust, unpleasant smells, and mold from your home. Said ions also make breathing a little easier for those with asthma and allergies!

Granted, they don't have the strong scent that you get from some of the other candles. When unscented, they give off a sweet honey scent. I've been experimenting with adding essential oils. Like I said, it's not as strong as a paraffin but it does give off a nice light scent. I think burning candles helps you relax after a long day.

I tried two different methods making these candles. First, I melted the wax on the stove in my wax pitcher - not the best idea. Beeswax is super hard, so when you try to clean the pitcher it's a serious chore. The second method I tried was using the microwave and a glass measuring cup. Much better! For the clean up process, I just popped the glass back in the microwave a few seconds to melt the wax and wipe it clean. It helps to heat the jars before you pour your candles. If you don't the end product isn't as pretty, you can see air bubbles through the side of your jar. I used a combination of beeswax and coconut oil because I think the coconut oil helps with the scent throw. The first essential oil I tried was thieves and the second was peppermint. I think the peppermint had a stronger smell.

Here's what you need to make your own beeswax candles:

- all natural wicks

- something to hold your wick straight (I used a highlighter)

- jars

- wick sticker or I hear hot glue works too (haven't tried it)

- 1 lb beeswax pellets

- 1/2 cup coconut oil

- essential oil if desired

- thermometer

Combine beeswax pellets and coconut oil in a large glass measuring cup. Heat in the microwave about 30 seconds at a time. Check the temperature when it melts. Once it gets to 160 degrees, add essential oil, if you are using it. There's not a set amount of essential oil to add, you just have to experiment until you find what you are looking for. Prepare your jars by sticking the wick to the bottom with the wick sticker. Pour the wax into the warmed jars when the temperature cools to 150. I set my oven to the lowest setting to warm my jars - worked pretty good. After you pour the wax, use something to keep the wick in the middle of the candle while it cools. Now just wait until it's solid and you have a good for you beeswax candle.

Of course if you don't want to make your own beeswax candle, you can always buy one from oh I don't know...this girl?

Until next time...Good luck in all that you do and God bless!