Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Beeswax Alchemy: How to Make Your Own Soap, Candles, Balms, Creams, and Salves from the Hive

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Featuring over 40 DIY projects that illustrate how to transform one of the world’s most natural ingredients into tangible creations, Beeswax Alchemy is the perfect amalgamation of recipe craft book and beekeepers’ guide.

Considered the miracle of the beehive and used by humans for 8,000 years, beeswax remains a vital ingredient to society and is still used as the foundation for many household products in the twenty-first century. Learn from apiarist and entrepreneur Petra Ahnert about the history of beeswax, as well as tips and techniques on how to mold it into beautiful, reusable creations.

An introduction details the different ways in which beeswax has been used throughout history, as well as the products that contain it today. You’ll also find an explanation of the different types of beeswax, as well as insider tips on working with beeswax, followed by step-by-step instructions for making candles, balms, salves, creams, scrubs, soaps, ornaments, art, and more out of beeswax (either your own or store-bought). Color photos illustrate the processes and show finished results throughout. Among the useful and beautiful things you’ll learn to make out of beeswax:

  • Hand-Dipped Birthday Candles
  • Lip Balm with Cocoa Butter
  • Rosebud Salve
  • Solid Natural Perfumes
  • Honey, Oats, and Beeswax Soap
  • Beeswax Luminaries

Whether you are an expert beekeeper or experimental crafter, Beeswax Alchemy is the best guide for anyone aspiring to make wellness-boosting treasures to keep or gift to friends and family.

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A Textured Knit to Get You to Fall

We’ve reached the portion of summer where I live where the heat is just an insult. I don’t want to go outside for any reason and the only thing I want to do is think about how it’s going to be fall soon and I’m going to need my sweaters again. 

If you need a pretty little knit to tide you over until you can start wearing sweaters again, might I suggest Tosca from Berroco? 

This highly textured cardigan design by Alison Green is stunning in a jewel tone but I think it would look great in any color you like. It actually calls for a Pima cotton yarn, which is great for the beginning of fall when you’re just starting to need an extra layer in the cool of the morning or the evening (or as a defense against air conditioning). 

This intermediate knitting pattern features a split hem and then is worked flat to the underarms in one piece. The parts are then worked separately to finish up the top, and the sleeves are knit flat and sewn in and seamed after the body has been sewn together. 

The pattern includes 12 sizes, with a finished bust measurement ranging from 38 to 72.5 inches, or 96.5 to 184 cm. The pattern notes don’t say how much ease is intended but it sounds like a lot. You can always pick a size based on how much ease you would like. 

The stitch pattern is a pretty lattice cable that includes yarn overs and decreases as well as simple twists. The pattern is both written and charted so you can work whichever way you like. 

This looks like a great cardigan that’s a little bit fancy but still not too difficult to knit that can get you through to the fall in knitting it and then you can enjoy wearing it all season long. 

Grab the free pattern from Berroco. 

[Photo: Berroco]

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