Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is a natural product coming from bees and is generally pure with no extra additives needed. It is so safe that it is used in cosmetics and used as a seal with some foods. Beeswax also has a naturally sweet aroma so no additional scents or fragrances need to be added. Depending on the plant that the bee gets the pollen from will depend on the final beeswax fragrance. This means beeswax purchased from different companies would most likely mean different aromas.
Beeswax also gets its colour from the honey and pollen that is packed into each honeycomb cell. The color variation is caused by the bees, which flowers they pollinated, and the impurities it contains. More colour variation also comes from its filtering (or cleaning). The more refined or filtered it is, the more "white" it will be. Natural colored beeswax is not as pure (or filtered).
The wax used in making beeswax candles can vary from white to a light brown. In some cases, candle makers may add bleach to the wax to lighten the colour. Candles that have been bleached may not have as much of a honey scent to them, but you won't be able to smell the scent of bleach. The bleach also helps to filter the beeswax. A beeswax candle made from unfiltered beeswax may contain small bits of wood or even parts of the bees.
Over time, you may notice that there is a white powder on the outside of your beeswax candles. This does not mean that the beeswax candles are no longer any good. The development of this powder is a natural occurrence with beeswax candles and is called “blooming”. You can easily wipe the powder off of the beeswax candle. It is actually a good thing for this to happen because it will tell you that your beeswax candles have been made from pure beeswax.
As you can see, beeswax candles are a wonderfully unique wax in so many ways. If you have never burned a beeswax candle, try one and you'll probably be 'hooked' for life and beeswax can last a long time. It has even been found in the Egyptian pyramids and has been said to have been there for over a thousand years. Beeswax candles are also dripless and will burn longer than regular candles. After that, try your hand at making or rolling your own. You'll certainly enjoy making them and will certainly enjoy the results that you get.
They look great in any room in the house. You can use them for soft light while you take a bath or as a pick me up while you do dishes in the kitchen. They spruce up the decor in your bedroom. Beeswax candles look exceptionally good on your coffee table and will impress any guests that you have. Use them as a decorative centerpiece in your dining room. They will put your chandelier to shame.
Leftover beeswax candles can be recycled into other things. So instead of throwing out your candle stubs, take them and find some recipes for using them. Recipes for lip balm, soaps, creams, polishes and other things have beeswax in them.
Over the years many people have enjoyed making candles as a hobby. The many different shapes and styles of candles make it even more fun. One of the safest types of candles and the easiest ones to make are the beeswax candles. Let your children join you when you learn how to make beeswax candles.
The fact that you don't have to melt the wax and there is no danger of getting burned, makes them an ideal craft for children. Even small children can help because they are so simple to make. You may need a blow dryer to warm the wax from time to time.
One fairly obvious use for beeswax candles is as a gift. They make great gifts for any occasion. They will be appreciated and will truly impress your friends and loved ones. Beeswax candles make great holiday gifts, but they are good for so much more. Try giving one as a bridal or baby shower gift. They also make good wedding or house warming gifts. People love hand made gifts and this is a great way to show that you care.
