Learn how to make beeswax candles with just a few supplies. These homemade beeswax candles have an amazing aroma on their own, but you can play around with different essential oil scent combinations to create many unique varieties.
This post was updated June 2019
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I Love Being a Homemaker
I guess I am a maker in every sense of the word.
Even when I know I can get something relatively inexpensively at the store, I still find so much satisfaction in learning how to make it myself at home.
Being a maker allows me to add my own creative spin on everything and enjoy the process of seeing pieces and ingredients become finished things.
Sure, I can buy handmade dresses for my girls on Etsy, but adding an extra ruffle here, and little ties there, is such a rewarding experience for me.
Even though I can get a knitted hat for my baby boy at the Dollar Store, nothing can replace the love a mama puts into making it.
There is so much more value in a handmade piece. Love, care and creativity are behind every item.
I want to see my kids have the same love for creating that I do.
I want to see them bake the bread, knit the hat, sew the dress and arrange the flowers.
Their homes will be richer for it.
This week I added something new to my handmade repertoire.
How to Make Beeswax Candles Video Tutorial
It All Starts With a Hunk of Beeswax
I had a hunk of beeswax, that my mom brought home, from a beekeeper that comes into their farm store. Seeing it laying around made me think of candles.
I had been wanting to pour my own for quite some time. So, I finally had an excuse to try!
For my local beekeeper beeswax, I just put it in a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water with a little bit of coconut oil. Out of laziness I didn’t even grate it down. It did eventually melt and make a beautiful candle.
For my next go round, I bought these beeswax pellets on Amazon. Until I can get more wax from the local beekeeper, this is the route I will go.
They were so easy to work with and inexpensive.
Homemade Beeswax Candles Are Super Simple to Make
To be honest, there isn’t a whole lot to this whole candle making.
It’s basically; melt the wax, add the wick, pour it in.
I will get a little more detailed in the instructions to make it feel like I’m really teaching you something here, but there isn’t a whole lot to it.
But, trust me, if you make these for gifts, your family and friends will be super impressed.
I made vanilla one year for Christmas, and everyone was so surprised by my skills.
I may do a post on it one day, but here is the process: Add vanilla beans to vodka.
Amazingly simple, and delicious results.
Many Variations
For a batch of beeswax candles, just to experiment, I added a few hunks of cocoa butter, to my next batch.
And, oh my word, what a heavenly scent of honey and chocolate!
I can’t decide which candles I like more.
That is what I love so much about DIY. You don’t have to follow the instructions so rigidly. Experiment and see where your creativity can take you.
Next time I plan to add quite a bit more cocoa butter and lavender essential oil. Doesn’t that sound like a relaxing combination?! Lavender and chocolate, oooooh, or orange and chocolate, or maybe a holiday candles with pine and cinnamon, or honey lemon, or …….
I can see I am going to have a lot of fun with this candle making business! 🙂
Tips For Making Homemade Beeswax Candles
- Secure the wicks to the bottom of the jars using hot glue so they stay secured.
- Play around with essential oils for scents. Candles will need a lot of essential oils to get a stronger smell. But also, don’t expect these beeswax candles to smell like artificial candles.
- If your beeswax begins to harden, just remelt it over a double boiler or if it is in a oven safe dish, place it in the oven at 350 until its melted again.
- Use different kinds of jars, thrifted jar, mason jars, old tin cans, or tea cups for the candle holder.
Homemade Beeswax Candle Ingredients and Supplies
- 1 pound of beeswax pellets
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- candle wicks
- various sized mason jars
How To Make Beeswax Candle Instructions
Step 1. I added the one pound package of beeswax pellets and 1/2 cup coconut oil to my double broiler set up.
Step 2. I used hot glue to secure the wicks to the bottom of the jars, doing my best to center them as much as possible. I bought these wicks on Amazon.
To keep the wicks centered, I wrapped them around skewers, that I laid on top of the jars.
Step 3. After the beeswax and coconut oil were fully melted, I added essential oils. This step is totally optional.
Beeswax smells delicious all on its own, but I wanted to experiment with some different scents.
I decided to make citrus candles, so I added five drops each of lemon, lime, wild orange and grapefruit.
Step 4. Now, here is where it can get a little tricky, especially if you stop to take pictures for your blog. ;).
This stuff hardens VERY quickly, so don’t take your time filling the jars.
If you do, just return the bowl to the double broiler.
Since I had poured my wax in a measuring cup for easy pouring, the wax was sticking to the sides of it. I just put the measuring cup in the oven for a few minutes on 350, and it was liquid again.
Due to blog picture taking, and kids underfoot, I had to return to the oven and double broiler several times during this process.
Step 5. It took the larger candles about 5-10 minutes to set up completely.
Shop the supplies to make beeswax candles
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How to Make Beeswax Candles
Learn how to make beeswax candles with just a few supplies. These homemade beeswax candles have an amazing aroma on their own, but you can play around with different essential oil scent combinations to create many unique varieties.
Materials
- 1 pound of beeswax pellets
- 1/2 coconut oil
- candle wicks
- various sized mason jars
- skewers
Instructions
1. Add the one pound package of beeswax pellets and 1/2 cup coconut oil to a double broiler set up.
2. . I used hot glue to secure the wicks to the bottom of the jars, doing my best to center them as much as possible. I bought wicks on Amazon.
(To keep the wicks centered, I wrapped them around skewers, that I laid on top of the jars.)
3. After the beeswax and coconut oil are fully melted, you can add essential oils. This step is totally optional.
Beeswax smells delicious all on its own, but I wanted to experiment with some different scents.
I decided to make citrus candles, so I added five drops each of lemon, lime, wild orange and grapefruit.
4. Start filling the jars. This stuff hardens VERY quickly, so do this step as fast as you can!
If it hardens, just return the bowl to the double broiler.
(Since I had poured my wax in a measuring cup for easy pouring, the wax was sticking to the sides of it. I just put the measuring cup in the oven for a few minutes on 350, and it was liquid again.)
5. Leave candles to harden. It took the larger candles about 5-10 minutes to set up completely.
Notes
-Secure the wicks to the bottom of the jars using hot glue so they stay secured.
-Play around with essential oils for scents. Candles will need a lot of essential oils to get a stronger smell. But also, don’t expect these beeswax candles to smell like artificial candles.
-If your beeswax begins to harden, just remelt it over a double boiler or if it is in a oven safe dish, place it in the oven at 350 until its melted again.
-Use different kinds of jars, thrifted jar, mason jars, old tin cans, or tea cups for the candle holder.
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Leslie says
I too am a maker in every sense of the word! I’ve never thought to make candles but I might have to try! Thanks for the inspo!
Lisa Bass says
Hey there fellow maker! So, you totally get me! ;).
Andi says
Hi,
Just made your beeswax candles for the first time, turned out perfect.
When you said “double broiler” that was the cutest thing ever. It’s called a misnomer and our one daughter does it to this day, she’s 34 and we adore that about her.
I’m a 65 year old wife, mom, Nana and homesteader, just made organic goats milk soap, the goats I miked myself at a friends farm.
Isn’t life grand☺️
Andi
Chasity says
We just got goats and I’m wanting to milk them to make soap. Would love to know what recipe you use and any advice!
Becky says
Lisa, this sounds so fun and so easy too. I’ve just started using essential oils and this would be another great use of them. I love candles so I definitely want to try this. I love the color of your candles too.
Lisa Bass says
It is super fun, Becky, and so simple! Enjoy making them! 🙂
Diane says
Honey and chocolate sounds amazing! Just wondering if you add the cocoa butter in place of the coconut oil? And can i ask where you got the coconut butter and how much did you use?
Thank you
Lisa says
I just added it in addition to the coconut oil and beeswax. I got it from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008KPO2MY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=farmhouseonbo-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B008KPO2MY&linkId=fb0de6a07f91313978ffa9dc92b37327
Sarah Waninger says
how much cocoa butter in addition did you use?
Cindy says
Lisa, hey there, how many candles does the 1lb bag at Amazon make? I know it depends on the size jars I use, so trying to get an idea from you. Trying to decide how many bags to order. Thank you!!! Cindy
Lisa says
You know, thats a good question Cindy! Last time I made these I had a big hunk of beeswax from a local beekeeper, so I don’t really know for sure. But, I did just buy the bag of beeswax candles that I linked in the post. I will be doing the process again to make a video, so I will let know you then!
Lynne says
Hi, Lisa–my candles are in the oven. I purchased the beeswax from the link you provided. Have you tried this beeswax? How
Did it smell?
Tammy says
Love your blog, your style, your approach…trying so many of your ideas this year. But I’m ears are dying….it’s double-boiler not broiler!!! :-). Not sure if you realized that. I’m a weirdo for mispronounced words, forgive me.
Lisa says
haha I actually wondered that, so I googled it and thought it was actually broiler. Whoops! I’m actually normally pretty weird about words too! LOL
Stacy says
I’m so sorry to say this – maybe someone has already mentioned it – but I noticed it in your YouTube video, and now it’s been confirmed in this post about the candle making… you are using a double BOILER. Not a double BROILER. A double BOILER is a saucepan with a detachable upper compartment heated by BOILING water in the lower one. To BROIL is to cook by direct heat, as on a gridiron over the heat or in an oven under the heat; grill: to BROIL a steak. Most ovens have a BROIL setting.
My OCD was just hammering me every tine I heard you say double BROILER. ? Sorry.
(I do love the post and the video though. Def plan on making some beeswax candles thanks to your tutorial.)
Lisa says
Haha yes that has been pointed out. 😉
Paulette Flowers says
Hi Lisa.
I wanted to ask, can you use these as massage candles. As you add beautiful oils and butters I wondered could they be used in this way. I love your videos. I’m from London where you can get just about anything but, there’s something special about making your own.
Lana Rowsell says
Hi Lisa,
I am definitely going to try these! They look so beautiful and simple. I’ve been wanting to for quite awhile, and sometimes it just takes pictures and videos to show how easy the best things in life are. hehe.
When I click the “wicks” link it takes me to a table lamp page on amazon. Just wondering if you could give the link again.
Thanks so much!
Lana
Lisa says
Whoops! Here ya go: https://amzn.to/2RpH5y5
Lisbeth Vienberg says
Hi from Denmark
Thanks for this easy receipe 🙂 love it. How much essential oil do you use for this receipe?
I know that each brand of oils are different but since i use doTerra too ,i would love to know 🙂
JEM says
Thank You! Started making my own skin cream with beeswax (which was pretty easy too!) and thought, hmmm, why not candles? Another healthier alternative! No crap, just Mother Nature
Melissa says
Great tutorial! Do you ever have trouble with the candle having cracks in it?
Ingrid says
Great tutorial! I’m going to try next week! Can’t wait!
Julie Blanner says
Can’t wait to make my own! These are going to be great gifts for the holiday.
Kristina says
I am wondering, has anyone tried mixing in some food colouring?
Would love to slightly colour the candles but I am not sure if it would mix nicely with the wax and coconut mixture.
Karen says
Food Coloring is no oil soluble so not a good option for candles. Most craft stores sell dyes for candles that are inexpensive.
Kristina says
Thanks Karen. I ended up just leaving them with their natural beeswax colour and I think that looks even better than having them coloured. I poured them into thrifted teacups to give away 🙂
Chasity says
How much cocoa butter do you add? I’ve just made the body butter and I’m in love with cocoa butter!
Pury says
Hello! How many candles can one yield with the ingredients listed on your recipe? Thanks.
Liz says
Why is the coconut oil needed?
Tara says
I just made the candles. So easy and fun! Thanks for sharing. Any tips on how to clean your bowl and measuring cup afterwards? I’m having trouble getting the wax off.
Julie says
Is anyone else having issues with your candles tunneling? I can not figure out how to resolve this tunneling issue.
Valerie says
It did the same thing for me… I tried to remelt them, and couldn’t fix it. So now I mix soy wax with the bees wax and no issue. A little more soy than bees wax does the trick 🙂 hope it helps!
Angela Vincent says
Tunnelling usually happens when the wick used is the wrong diameter for the type of wax and/or diameter of container. It’s not as easy as just sticking a wick in a jar, unfortunately 🙁
Christine says
I just finished pouring my wax into tea cups. Love them! Now I am wondering ho you clean the pot?lol
Ann says
Just made these candles but mine seemed to have cracked. Any idea what I did wrong?
Amy says
Your link for the wicks leads to a Hamilton Beach food processor…
Kelly K Hawes says
Sounds fabulous! I bought wicks for another project so after Christmas ( no time this week! ) I’ll purchase beeswax and start filling all the odd and beautiful jars, teacups and containers that somehow fill the house.
Thanks!!
janae says
How many candles does this yield?
Nafisha Ladak says
Hi, thanks for your instructions. What do I do about candle tunneling? How do I prevent this?
Also, what ratio of beeswax to coconut oil? Do I have to use coconut oil?
I see you use DoTerra oils. How much?
Thank you!! Nafisha
Madeleine says
It is best to add coconut oil. Add ½ cup for every pound of wax. I always do a ¼ cup of coconut oil for every cup of beeswax. I have the same problem with the tunneling and I don’t know how to prevent it from happening, sadly.
Madeleine says
Hello! I need some help. I have recently started making organic beeswax candles but I have a problem. After I pour the wax into my jars and the it is cooling the wax dips in the center around the wick. I’ve never heard of anyone having this problem. Am I doing something wrong???
Milla says
Wow Nice!