Maddie James
Beeswax candles are easy to make at home, and they smell amazing! They also clean the air as they burn and produce a warm glow. Because you don't need to melt the wax, you can make these candles with kids, and they can even help roll the wax. You can also buy beeswax in different colours and let your children cut out shapes to decorate the candles. In this article, we'll be covering how to roll a beeswax candle, step by step.
Characteristics and their values for making a beeswax candle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax sheet size | 17 inches tall, 13 x 15 cm, 34.5 cm x 20.5 cm, 8" x 8", 16" x 16" |
| Wick size | #2/0, #3, 4.0 square braided, 5mm longer than the wax sheet, 3/4 inch longer than the wax sheet |
| Temperature | Warm room temperature, not too cold |
| Rolling technique | Roll the wax a few times to secure the wick, roll from one end to the other, press down on the outside edge, roll the candle using your palms, roll until you reach the end of the sheet |
| Cutting technique | Cut the wax sheet in half, cut diagonally for a tapered candle, cut a thin wedge of wax, cut off the bottom wick |
| Other | Use a blow dryer to secure the wax, add decorations like glitter, add fragrance oils, use different colours of wax, cut out shapes with cookie cutters |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wick size
It's important to select the appropriate wick size to ensure the candle burns efficiently. A wick that is too small may cause the candle to snuff out easily, while a wick that is too large can result in an excessive flame that quickly burns through the candle. The wick should be sized correctly to produce enough heat to melt the wax and draw it up, providing fuel to keep the candlewick alight.
To determine the correct wick size, you can refer to sizing charts provided by some wick suppliers, such as Toadily Handmade Beeswax Candles. These charts simplify the process of selecting the right wick size for your candle diameter. Additionally, you can measure the width of the wax sheet and cut the wick accordingly. As a general rule, the wick should be slightly longer than the wax sheet to ensure a proper fit. For example, if you have an 8-inch wax sheet, cut the wick to approximately 8 3/4 inches, allowing for some excess wick on both sides.
When preparing the wick, it is recommended to dip it in hot beeswax before rolling the candle. This adds stability and rigidity to the wick, making the rolling process easier. After dipping, straighten the wick on a waxed surface and let it cool and harden. Remember to squeeze out any air from the wick before it dries to ensure optimal burning performance.
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Preparing the wick
When preparing the wick, it is important to measure it correctly. Cut the wick about 3/4 inch longer than the wax sheet, or approximately 1 inch above the intended length of the candle. For an 8-inch sheet, cut the wick to about 8 3/4 inches. This will allow you to have some wick exposed at both ends of the candle, giving you the option to choose the best-looking end for the top.
Some people prefer to use raw wick, but dipping the wick in hot beeswax beforehand can add stability and rigidity, making the rolling process easier. After dipping the wick in wax, straighten it on a waxed baking sheet and let it cool and harden. Remember to squeeze out any air from the wick before it dries.
Once your wick is ready, lay it along the edge of the beeswax sheet. Place it on the short side of the wax sheet, leaving about 3/4 inch of wick exposed at one end. This will be the top of your candle. You can trim the excess wick later.
Now you are ready to start rolling your beeswax sheet around the wick. Work carefully, ensuring that the wick stays straight and centred as you roll. This will help create an even base for your candle.
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Cutting the beeswax sheet
To make a rolled beeswax candle, you will need to cut the beeswax sheet to the desired size and shape. The size of the sheet will determine the size of the candle. For example, if you want a short and stout candle, you can fold or cut the sheet in half.
If you are using a full-size sheet, which is typically 16" x 16", cut it in half to create two 8" x 8" sheets. You can also trim the sheet vertically to make a thin candle. If you want a double-thick candle, simply butt two sheets together and press along the join with your thumbnail before rolling.
For a tapered candle, cut the sheet on the diagonal before setting the wick. You can also create a "pencil top" taper by cutting diagonally from even points towards the middle of the sheet. Use one half of the sheet, or layer two halves on top of each other for a double taper, or three pieces for a triple taper.
If your wax sheet is too cold and difficult to work with, you can run a warm hairdryer over it to soften it. It is important to work in a warm room so that the wax remains pliable.
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Rolling the candle
Now that you have your wick and wax sheets ready, it's time to roll your candle! Place your wax sheet with the length facing you. If you're using a full-size sheet, cut it in half to create two halves, and place one in front of you. Place the wick along the short side of the wax sheet, leaving a little extra wick at the top and bottom of the candle. You can cut the wick about 3/4 inch longer than the wax, or 5mm longer. Try to keep the wick as straight as you can. You can push it into the wax a little to keep it in place.
Roll the wax a few times to secure the wick in place in the middle. Use this small channel to enclose the wick. Working from one end to the other, press down firmly to make sure the wax is tight around the wick. Keep rolling until you reach the end of the sheet. You can add another sheet of wax for a double-thick candle by butting a second sheet up to the edge of the first and pressing the two together before continuing to roll.
Once you've rolled your candle all the way, go back and forth over the last join a few times to make sure it's really sealed. You can use your thumb or thumbnail to press down on the final edge to smooth it out. If the wax is too cold and won't stick, you can use a blow dryer on medium heat to gently heat the wax and help it adhere.
If you want to make a tapered candle, cut the wax sheet diagonally before placing the wick. You can also square your candle by pressing it down on a flat surface after a few rolls, turning it a quarter turn, and flattening it again. Finish by not pinching the last two rounds, then trim the wax on a corner and flatten.
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Sealing the candle
Pressing and Sealing:
- Using your thumbs or thumbnails, gently press down on the final edge of the wax sheet to seal it onto the side of the candle. This will help create a smooth and neat finish.
- Go over the last join a few times to reinforce the seal. Use your fingers or thumbs to carefully press down along the outside edge of the candle, ensuring it feels firm and secure.
- If the wax is too cold and doesn't stick well, use a blow dryer or a hairdryer set on medium heat. Gently apply heat along the length of the candle, then press down on the seam to help it adhere.
Adding Decorations:
Before lighting your candle, you can add some decorative touches:
- Glitter: Sprinkle glitter over the candle's surface for a sparkly effect.
- Fragrance: For scented candles, add a drop of essential oil to the pool of melted wax while the candle is burning. Alternatively, add a few drops along the beeswax sheet while rolling, but only use honeycomb sheets as they hold the scent better.
- Shapes: Cut out tiny shapes from different coloured beeswax sheets using miniature cookie cutters. Burnish these shapes onto the candle with the warmth of your hands.
Remember, always exercise caution when handling hot wax and open flames. Enjoy crafting your unique beeswax candles!
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