Homemade Candles

Like my friend Sandy used to say, I am turning into a pyromaniac in my old age. I love candles! Nothing compares to the soft and soothing lighting emanating from a freshly lit candle, particularly during the cold and dark winter months.

I have been buying my candles from Ikea but while the price has not changed significantly, the quality has. The candles do not last as well as they used to. When I was at Coop Coco, I saw that they had beeswax pellets and intrigued, I purchased some. They since sat in my cupboard untouched. When my last Ikea candles were done, I removed the remaining wax by putting the container with wax in the freezer (my Mom’s sure fire trick). After cooling, the wax is very easy to remove. I was left with 2 clear glass containers. I decided to try my hand at making candles. It seemed relatively easy. All I needed was beeswax, coconut oil, wicks and containers.

With that in hand, I melted the beeswax using a double boiler setup on the stove. This process took a surprisingly long time. I had just over 1 cup of beeswax pellets. If you plan to try this, please use a dedicated container and mixing device. I use the same old ceramic bowl and spoon for preparation of anything with beeswax (like lip balm and these candles). Beeswax has a high melting point and is difficult to remove from surfaces.

While the beeswax was melting, I prepared the containers that would hold the candle. I glued the wicks into the bottom of the container.

Once the beeswax was melted, I added the coconut oil (about a third of a cup). The coconut oil is added to lower the melting point of the beeswax and help the candle burn more uniformly.

When the mixture was fully molten, I slowly poured it into my container. The wick needs to be held vertically. I used bamboo skewers but apparently you can use a pencil.

Then you wait. The candles take 24 hours to set. Once they harden, they are ready to use and create that beautiful mood lighting that I very much enjoy. Apparently I am not the only one who likes it….

One important point to keep in mind. The first time that you use your candle, be sure to leave it lit for at least 2.5 hours. You want the entire candle to melt to avoid tunneling (hole around the wick only). My candle seemed to show some tunneling and I think I would add more coconut oil in my next attempt.

Challenge for the Week: Have you ever tried to make beeswax candles? Or would you? I think you can see how very easy these candles are to make. I encourage you to give them a try. They make a nice Valentine’s day gift too!