Warm Spice Beeswax Candles

Warm Spice Beeswax Candles

There’s something special about the cozy, flickering glow of a small candle. For me, the ritual of lighting candles is not just about ambiance and beauty, but it is also about connecting to the act of doing something with an intention and allowing that to have meaning

Making a candle is the perfect project if you’re looking for a warm touch to your space or a heartfelt gift to share. Using locally harvested beeswax, upcycled jars, and a few other simple ingredients, you can easily make your own candles that are sustainable and inviting.

Why Beeswax?

Beeswax is a natural material with a rich history of use in candle-making. It burns cleaner than paraffin wax, emits a soft honey-like woody aroma even when unscented, and it pairs beautifully with most essential oils. When you use beeswax sourced locally, you’re also supporting your local beekeepers and their efforts to nurture pollinators.

What You’ll Need:

• Beeswax: I used natural, locally harvested beeswax for its purity and clean-burning properties.

• Coconut Oil: This softens the wax slightly, helping the candle burn evenly. Use coconut oil without any additives that is solid at room temperature.

• Wooden Wicks and clips: Wood wicks add a delightful crackle as they burn. Use two wicks if your vessel is more than three inches in diameter and three wicks if it is more than five inches and up to six inches. Anything larger might not burn evenly with a wood wick and you might need to use cotton or hemp. Use a metal wick clip to secure the wick to the bottom of the vessel.

• Upcycled Jars: Any small, heat-safe glass jars work.

• Essential Oil Blend: This is where you can create a personalized scent for any intention or gift. I’ll share my custom Warm Spice blend which is nutty and full of winter spices.

• Kitchen scale

How to Make Beeswax Candles: Here’s my simple recipe for a rustic beeswax candles. I used a 4oz jar. Your amounts might vary depending on the size of your jar or vessel.

1. Prepare your materials
   Start by gathering the above supplies and ingredients. Insert the wooden wicks into the clips and place one in each jar.

2. Melt the wax
   Combine three ounces (weight) beeswax and one ounce coconut oil in a heat-safe container. Put that container in a small sauce pan surrounded by an inch or two of water. Melt the wax and oil over medium low heat, stirring occasionally.

3. Secure your wicks
   Dab the bottom of one wick clip into the wax and then carefully place it back into the jar. Center if using one wick. Careful not to drip melted wax from the pot to your jar.

4. Add the essential oils
   Once the wax is fully melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, stir in your essential oil blend.

   For Warm Spice blend in this four ounce candle use 8 drops Benzoin, 8 drops Nutmeg and 4 drops Cinnamon Leaf. This scent is subtly festive without being overwhelming.

   Generally 5 drops of essential oil for every ounce of wax and oil mixture will scent a candle nicely.

5. Pour in the wax
   Stir well and then carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared jars, leaving a little space at the top. Adjust the wicks if necessary to keep them centered.

6. Let them set
   Allow the candles to cool and harden completely, which can take several hours. I recommend overnight. Trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch before lighting.

Embracing Imperfection

Handmade candles, like all handcrafted things, are a little unpredictable. Beeswax has proven to be a bit finicky for me, but I love them too much to be bothered by any uneven surfaces or air bubbles. The imperfections remind me of the care and intention behind the process, making each one unique and each time I craft a candle a new experience.

The Finished Candle

When lit, these little beauties emit a soft, warm glow and crackle from the wooden wick. The Warm Spice scent lingers subtly, creating an atmosphere that’s nostalgic and calming which is perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Making your own candles is a simple, satisfying project that connects you to the materials, supports sustainable practices, and brings a bit of homemade magic into your home.