What is Beeswax?

Beeswax is a natural substance produced by honeybees. It is created in the worker bees’ wax glands and used to build the hexagonal cells in the honeycomb, which is used to store honey and raise their young. Beeswax is a complex mixture of fatty acids, esters, and hydrocarbons, and its composition varies depending on the plant species the bees visit.

Collecting Beeswax

Collecting beeswax involves harvesting it from the honeycomb. The wax I collect is the cappings from the honey supers I extract throughout the season, and from any frames in my hives that need to be culled. Beekeepers cull (remove and replace) frames that have been in the hive for 3 years or more. They then add brand-new frames for the bees to work on. The wax cappings are strained for 24 hours, allowing any excess honey to drip into a honey pail. Next, it gets melted down and strained to remove any impurities such as pollen, or debris.

The strained and melted wax is then allowed to cool into blocks until it is ready to be used. Beeswax from different regions may also vary in color, scent, and texture. The purity of beeswax used in candles can vary. Some people blend beeswax with other waxes or additives, however, my candles are made with 100% pure beeswax. The only exceptions are my cocktail candle collection and the jar candles where essential or fragrance oils are used.

Selecting a Wick for Beeswax Candles

The wick is a crucial component of any candle, and choosing the right one is important. The wick must be able to draw the melted wax up to the flame to keep the candle burning. For my beeswax candles, only cotton wicks are used. The wick’s size is also essential as it determines the candle’s burn rate. A wick that is too small will not draw up enough wax, causing the candle to burn unevenly, while a wick that is too large will burn the wax too quickly, causing the candle to burn out faster. The diameter of the candle goes into determining the wax size.

Preparing the Wax For Beeswax Candles

Before the wax is poured into the mold, it needs to be prepared. The wax must be melted and cleaned of any impurities. Beeswax has a high melting point of around 145°F (63°C), so my wax is melted using a dedicated wax melter. Once melted, the wax can be further refined to achieve a particular color or scent. This is done by filtering the wax or adding essential oils, fragrance oils, or colorants.

Pouring the Beeswax Candles

The wax has been melted and prepared, it is time to pour it into the molds. Beeswax can be poured into a variety of molds, including jars, tins, or shaped molds. The mold should be clean and free of any debris to ensure a smooth finish. The wick is then attached to a metal or wooden wick bar, which is used to center the wick in the mold. The wax is then poured into the mold, taking care not to overfill it. As the wax cools, it will contract, leaving a small well in the center. This is called a sinkhole, and it is filled by pouring a small amount of melted wax into the center of the candle.

Not all molds are made the same, some of the molded candles I make that feature intricate details have a lower success rate and typically need to be poured a couple of times. They also need a mold-release spray to be applied prior to pouring.

Some actually take multiple pours such as the candles in the Cocktail Candle Collection. First, the “toppers” are poured, and the glasses need to have a sealing pour before everything can be combined into the finished candle.

Finishing the Beeswax Candle

Once the wax has cooled and solidified, the candle is removed from the mold and the wick is then trimmed to the optimal length, typically around ¼ inch.

The Craftmanship of Beeswax Candles

The high melting point and density of beeswax also means that the candles burn for a longer period, giving them a longer burn time than paraffin or soy wax candles. The natural color of beeswax varies from creamy white to golden yellow, making them an attractive addition to any home.

The Craftsmanship Behind Beeswax Candles is a fascinating process that involves collecting and refining beeswax, choosing the right wick, and pouring and finishing the wax. Beeswax candles with their clean burn and natural scent, are sure to add warmth and charm to any home.

Check out our Ultimate guide on how to care for and get the most out of your beeswax candles, ‘The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Beeswax Candles: Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Burn‘.

Shop our Hand-poured Beeswax Candles     Shop our Hand-rolled Beeswax Candles

Save 20% off of your beeswax candles with discount code: BEESWAX20

Ordering outside of Canada? Visit my Etsy Shop

The post From Comb to Candle: The Craftsmanship Behind Beeswax Candles appeared first on Flights of Fancy Honey Bee Company.

For centuries, beeswax candles have been a beloved household item because of their natural beauty and benefits. They not only provide warmth and light but also have a sweet and pleasant fragrance that fills the room. However, it is essential to know how to care for and get the most out of your candles. In this blog post, we will discuss some essential tips on how to maintain your candles and get the most out of their use.

Wick Care:

Trimming The Wick of Your Beeswax Candles:

One of the most critical factors to consider when it comes to candles is wick trimming. It would help if you always trim your wick to about 1/4 of an inch before lighting it. This is because a longer wick can cause the candle to burn unevenly, leading to an irregular burn pool, excessive smoking, and even a shorter burn time.

Keep Your Wicks Straight:

When burning candles, it is essential to ensure that the wick remains straight. This is because a bent or curved wick can cause the candle to burn unevenly, and the wax will pool on one side of the candle, causing the wick to burn out.

Optimal Beeswax Candle Burn Times:

Don’t Burn Your Beeswax Candles for Short Periods:

Another crucial factor to consider is the length of time you burn your candle. It would help if you burned your candle for at least 2 hours each time you light it. Beeswax candles require a longer burn time to create a full melt pool, which ensures the wax burns evenly, preventing tunneling.

Burn Your Beeswax Candle for 1 Hour for Every Inch in Diameter Size:

For the best performance, you should burn your beeswax candles for one hour for every inch in diameter

size. This means that a 3-inch diameter candle should be burned for three hours to ensure that the wax burns evenly and prevents tunneling. This will also ensure you get the most out of your candles.

Burning Molded Beeswax Candles:

Molded candles need to burn for longer periods to melt the wax evenly and prevent tunneling. When burning your molded candle, make sure you allow the candle to burn until the melted wax pool reaches the edge of the candle, the timeframe will depend on the shape, layers, and width of your candle.

Beeswax Candle Burning Conditions:

Avoiding Drafts and Vents:

Candles are incredibly sensitive to drafts and vents, and they can cause the candle to burn unevenly and even extinguish the flame. It is essential to place your candles away from any draft or vent, which can cause the wax to melt unevenly and create a wavy burn pool. When the flame is extinguished by the wind, the wick can become buried in the wax, leading to an uneven burn the next time you light it.

Understanding Beeswax Candles:

Cracked beeswax is a part of life:

It is also important to understand that cracked beeswax is a part of life. Each of these candles are unique, and the wax’s texture and appearance can vary depending on factors like temperature, humidity, and beeswax purity. However, cracked beeswax does not affect the candle’s performance or quality, and it is not a cause for concern.

Natural Beeswax Candle Bloom and How to Remove It:

Beeswax bloom is a whitish film or powdery substance that appears on the surface of the candle over time. This occurs due to the natural oils in the beeswax that rise to the surface of the candle over time. This is not harmful and is a sign that you have purchased a high-quality beeswax candle. It is a testament to the purity of the beeswax used in the candle. This is a natural occurrence and does not affect the quality of the beeswax or the candle’s performance.

If you prefer your candle to have a smoother appearance, you can easily remove the beeswax bloom by gently wiping the surface of the candle with a soft cloth or brush. You can also use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to melt the bloom away, make sure not to hold the hairdryer too close to the candle or blow on the candle for too long otherwise the wax will begin to melt. Also, keep in mind that the bloom may reappear over time.

Hot Tip: removing the beeswax bloom is purely cosmetic, and it does not affect the candle’s performance or fragrance. Some people prefer the look of beeswax bloom as it adds to the natural beauty of the candle.

Every Beeswax Candle is Truly Unique:

One of the fascinating things about beeswax candles is that no two candles are alike. Each beeswax candle is unique due to the natural variations in the beeswax, the handcrafting process, and the environment in which it was created.

The color, texture, and scent of beeswax can vary depending on the type of flowers the bees visited, the season in which the beeswax was harvested, and the processing methods used. This means that beeswax candles can range from a light, creamy yellow to a deep, golden hue, with a variety of textures and patterns.

In addition, the handcrafting process of beeswax candles adds to their uniqueness. Every candle maker has their own technique and style, resulting in subtle variations in each candle’s shape and size.

These candles are not just beautiful, but they also offer numerous benefits. They purify the air, release a pleasant fragrance, and provide a warm and inviting ambiance to any space. By following the tips discussed in this blog post, you can ensure that your candles perform at their best and provide you with long-lasting enjoyment. Remember that beeswax candles are a hand-crafted and elegant addition to any room, and proper care will help you get the most out of your purchase.

Check out the craftsmanship that goes into each candle, in my new blog post: From Comb to Candle: The Craftsmanship Behind Beeswax Candles

Shop our handmade beeswax candles!  Did you know that each one of our candles can be traced back to the hive that made it? It’s true, you can meet the bees, learn all about them and join them on their journey.

Shop our Hand-poured Beeswax Candles     Shop our Hand-rolled Beeswax Candles

Save 20% off of your beeswax candles with discount code: BEESWAX20

Ordering outside of Canada? Visit my Etsy Shop

The post The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Beeswax Candles: Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Burn appeared first on Flights of Fancy Honey Bee Company.