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.

Hubcap Creatures is the creative project of British sculptor Ptolemy Elrington, who has transformed discarded hubcaps into captivating sculptures of wildlife. Operating from Brighton, Elrington has been crafting these unique pieces since the late 1990s, turning everyday automotive debris into stunning representations of animals from the natural world.

The artistic process behind Elrington’s sculptures is centered around recycling and upcycling. The hubcaps he uses are typically found on the side of the road and often show signs of wear, including scratches and dents. Elrington believes that these imperfections add character and depth to his creatures, making each piece truly one of a kind.

His work spans a wide range of animals, including foxes, fish, and birds, with each sculpture thoughtfully crafted to showcase the unique features of the materials. The brand logos, grooves, and markings found on the hubcaps often contribute to the creature’s expression and structure, giving them a distinct, textured look.

Elrington’s Hubcap Creatures have been showcased in various exhibitions, both in the UK and internationally. His innovative approach has gained recognition for its creativity and environmental awareness, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into meaningful art.

For art enthusiasts or collectors, Elrington offers a mix of available sculptures and custom commissions, allowing individuals to bring home a piece of this upcycled art. Hubcap Creatures stands as a brilliant example of how creativity can breathe new life into the most unlikely of materials, all while promoting sustainability.

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