Complete guide to Beeswax candles and how to get started

Making candles became very popular during lockdowns and isolations, but one thing no one ever tells you is how messy traditional melt and pour candle-making can be.

Did you know you can make candles from beeswax sheets? You simply roll the sheet around the wick to create a tapered candle or a pillar candle. They are so easy to make.

Beeswax sheets are perfect for anyone who wants to make candles but can not use or be around hot wax. Beeswax sheets are great for children, the elderly, or anyone with mobility issues. Beeswax sheet candles burn slowly and smell amazing too.

Beeswax sheet candles are durable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. In addition, they burn brighter and give off a subtle honey smell, eliminating the need for toxic fragrances.

So what are beeswax sheets? Wax foundation sheets or honeycomb bases are made of natural wax. they are used in beekeeping to give the bees a foundation on which they can build the honeycomb, but they are used for making candles too.

If you are looking to get started in beeswax candle making from beeswax foundation sheets, here are my top tips on what you need and you can follow along with our youtube video.

A sharp craft blade is important for cutting the wax, you may also need to clean the blade between cuts to prevent the sticky wax from sticking to the blade. Baby wipes work great for this. You will need a clean cutting board to roll the candle along and warm hands or work in a warm environment. Cold foundation sheets will not roll, it is all about finding the balance between hot and cold to find a great working environment.

Beeswax sheets come in different colors and you can also use the sheets to form flowers and press the designs onto the base of a plain rolled candle. Cookie cutters work well for cutting out the designs to place onto the candles.

You will also need some candle wick, or purchase a starter kit that contains everything you need in one package. These starter kits are perfect for gifting to friends and family.

Beeswax candles make quick and easy add on’s to homemade gift baskets, simply wrap them with some jute string or brown paper for a rustic handmade finish to your gift boxes and gift hampers, add a little plastic resin bee for decoration.

Read These Next

I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for vintage craft books. There’s something about flipping through the words of long-gone authors who took stitching very seriously (and often a little poetically) that makes me feel like I’ve joined a timeless club of thread-wielding women. That’s exactly how I felt diving into Chats on Needlework by Emily Leigh Lowes.

Originally published in 1906, this book is part history lesson, part opinion piece, and part how-to guide—with plenty of Victorian flair. And while some parts definitely show their age (in both language and perspective), it’s a fascinating and surprisingly enjoyable read if you’re into embroidery, textiles, or the roots of decorative arts.

Lowes doesn’t just “chat” about needlework—she lectures in a charming, tea-time sort of way. You get insight into historical stitching traditions from various cultures, plus commentary on the evolution of embroidery, tapestry, lace, and even ecclesiastical needlework. It reads like a stitched-together tour of museums and manor houses, narrated by someone who’s passionate, particular, and a bit sassy at times.

If you’ve ever wondered how medieval embroidery compares to Renaissance techniques—or what 19th-century women thought about machine-made lace—this book is your jam.

What stood out to me was how much Chats on Needlework made me think about the meaning behind the stitches. Lowes reflects on craftsmanship, aesthetics, and the cultural importance of handwork with a kind of reverence that honestly made me put down my current WIP and just appreciate it for a moment.

It’s not a how-to book, so don’t expect stitch diagrams or patterns. But it will deepen your love of needlework, especially if you’re the type who likes to pair your stitching with a strong cup of tea and a deeper sense of purpose.

Fair warning: Some references feel dated (as expected from a book written over a century ago), and the writing style is formal, with long-winded passages that take their time. But if you love reading about the why behind the craft, and if historical context inspires your creativity, you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.

I especially loved how she emphasized that needlework should be both beautiful and useful—something I’ve been trying to keep in mind as I mend old clothes or embroider reusable linens.

Chats on Needlework isn’t a flashy how-to or a Pinterest-ready pattern book. It’s more like sitting down for a fireside chat with your great-great-grandmother—one who had strong opinions on silk floss and medieval tapestries.

If you love textile history, appreciate slow crafting, and want to understand how embroidery was viewed before it became a hobby, this book is a little gem. It’s also great for anyone researching historical needlework for reenactments, costume work, or just creative inspiration.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely—for the thoughtful, curious stitcher who wants more than just pretty stitches. It’s not for everyone, but for the right reader, it’s pure gold (or at least goldwork).

4.5 out of 5 samplers.
(Minus half a point for the occasional archaic ramble—but honestly, that’s part of the charm.)

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Have you read?