Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => Products Of The Hive => Topic started by: riverbee on October 23, 2015, 01:26:10 am
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i have spent a few days in our cold weather making some candles........here are some pix:
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.cc%2F9ph4byqbt%2FCandle_1.jpg&hash=d299ab93c892fe675efa19bbaec4859568c93b20) (http://postimg.cc/image/9ph4byqbt/)
pic # 1: flat top tealights, (burn time about 4 hours) beehive tealight (burn time about 7 1/2 hours) and beeswax bar
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.cc%2Fwpnroao5l%2FCandle_2.jpg&hash=2b49a044e1fd137a21f80cb4f9e2ea495f1e4917) (http://postimg.cc/image/wpnroao5l/)
pic # 2: beehive tealight and flatop tealight closeup
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.cc%2Fhw943jgeh%2FCandle_3.jpg&hash=95ef5139258732f9b773e572e0a3765827e2db0c) (http://postimg.cc/image/hw943jgeh/)
Pic # 3: large beehive pillar (burn time about 30 hours) and small beehive pillar (burn time about 20 hours)
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.cc%2Fuc5txa9qh%2FCandle_4.jpg&hash=5958dd50dcf788cd22768a8954152cf0724af995) (http://postimg.cc/image/uc5txa9qh/)
Pic # 4: size comparison: large beehive pillar, small beehive pillar, beehive tealight and flat top tealight
the bar molds, (pic # 1) they are lighter wax and will be used for lip balm.
all of my molds (with exception of the bar mold) are of silicone and made to order from a canadian candle supplier in ontario. the larger molds, pillars (pic # 3) are without seams in the mold as other suppliers, no messing with rubber bands around the mold and no need to use any candle mold release.
the smaller tealights are simple, the flat top and the smaller beehive in pic #2. just place a wick pin in the mold (finish nail), pour the beeswax in, wait for them to 'cure', then pull them out. (10 min for the flat top, 45 min for the small beehive) wick them with you own handmade wick tabs or purchased wick tabs. done! i make my own wick tabs. it's easy!
the pillars are different, pull wicking through the mold, pour the beeswax, wait...........about 2 to 2 1/2 hours for these molds, then pull them out.
making candles is fun! if anyone is interested in trying candles, DO IT! don't be afraid to try it, it's not that hard or complicated!
BTW.......
to clean up any beeswax splotches that made it to the kitchen tile floor when you can't bend over or get down on your hands and knees..........
1. duct tape
2. broom handle or long handled something or another
3. 2 or 3" plastic scraper/putty knife or even 4 " i have a few different sizes (depends on the amount of wax bits slopped on the floor............ :D...........i just had specs..........in perry's case not sure this would help.......... :D and no i wouldn't allow jack in my kitchen either........... :D)
duct tape the plastic scraper/putty knife to the broom handle, mop handle whatever. scrape up the beeswax off the floor!.............. :D
then wash it down with your kitchen mop and pine sol!
done!
..........how do i know this?................ :D
EDIT AND ADD:
neglected to add where i purchase my candle making supplies, great guy, awesome molds/moulds:
BUSY BEE CANDLE SUPPLY (http://www.busybeecandlesupply.ca/)
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Cute as can bee Riverbee ;D Thanks for sharing that. I love the scent of beeswax candles ~
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After reading this post i got my candle making equipment out that i have never used yet,and was going through it in my den. I have a work bench in my den and had the wax melting pot on the work bench when my wife walked by stopped, put her hands on her hips and said, DON"T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT :o. Those things belong in your work shop, not in the house. I ask her what ever happened to the sweet woman that always wanted to do things together ??? She said watching you in action for 56 years :-X It's going to be a long Winter :yes: Jack
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The only king who's castle is in the barn. :laugh:
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Jack the butcher the baker the candlestick maker :D if you make even one candle Jack... You have to take a pic and show everyone! Understand rubberband?
I have some wax left over from the block that sweet Iddee sent me last year. I will make some candles as well, and post pics :) 8)
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Sweet Iddee, :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Jack
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I used my own little amount of wax to make lip balm following one of the recipes on this site. As my dear friend says, "they came schweet". I did purchase some beeswax and so far I made a four inch pillar candle. I plan on making more for my sister for Christmas presents. She is always burning candles and has discovered that those cheapo store candles leave soot everywhere. Won't happen with the beeswax candles, I told her. Good winter projects.
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Got me thinking what a cool hobby to get into over the winter.
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She is always burning candles and has discovered that those cheapo store candles leave soot everywhere. Won't happen with the beeswax candles, I told her.
it can if the wrong wick is used for the size of the candles. Size and type of wick makes a different.
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lol jack and iddee, you two guys make me laugh!
you have been challenged jack! jen says you have to post pix! LOL! (i can help you!) looking forward to pix from you jen!
neil, it is! wait til you get started messing with candles, you get sorta addicted to it! i love working with beeswax, also makes one appreciate what the bees have given us, another reward. candles, i enjoy making them and having my own..... makes the house smell so good!
btw i neglected to post where i get my molds/moulds from, (will add to my first post) can't say enough about this guy, his molds/moulds and his willingness to answer questions. he has even offered to track down or make a mold/mould for me of a tealight that can no longer be purchased. he will set you up with whatever you need for any mold/mould ordered (if need be) wick tabs, wick pins, proper wicking etc... for the mold/mould ordered and send instructions to make a great candle. and as les mentioned advice on wick sizing.
his name is larry, he's in ontario, canada, here is his website:
BUSY BEE CANDLE SUPPLY (http://www.busybeecandlesupply.ca/)
scroll to the bottom and click on 'Moulds & Supplies or here:
Moulds & Supplies (http://www.busybeecandlesupply.ca/supplies.html)
ps prices are in canadian dollars
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THose are some NICE looking candles Mrs. River..
I have not made any... my wife "had" a candle shop so I always left that to her... but now, shes GONE!! She is in Maine! I skype with her each night, but, it occured to me, that NO ONE is here to make threats, give me the evil eye etc... I might just have to order some molds! I can get wax on the floor and then DANCE on it, giggle at it, smear it around and track it all about the house!!!!!!
Just as long as it has vanished before she comes back for christmas.....
It occurred to me, that the KING has full reign of his castle! for a couple months........... :laugh:
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............. :D :D :D
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Scott - "It occurred to me, that the KING has full reign of his castle! for a couple months...........
There ya go Jack! Why pick on Perry when you should be picking on Scott... for like the next 5 years :D
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Hey Riv - Thanks for those links, just what I needed. I love candles as well and burn them all winter long, keeps the house comfy.
As a matter of fact I think out of all the stuff I have gleaned from the hive, my 3 most favorite would be, honey, candles, and propolis tincture.
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Apisbees, could you discuss what type of wick material should be used and proper size? I don't want to mess these up, considering how much wax costs!!! :-[ :o
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I would like to know that as well. I do know this tho, thru a little bit of experience. The candles that we buy in the store have thinner wicks because parafin melts quicker and the wick stays lit. If you use a thinner wick with beeswax the wick will burn out right away cause beeswax takes longer to melt and drip. Beeswax needs a thicker sturdier wick, which makes a larger flame, which melts the beeswax slower and hotter.
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The wick in the candle if it is to small it will not support a large enough flame to provide the heat to melt the top area of the candle. it will melt a dip around the flame and the wax liquid wax will raise up the wick and drowned the flame. a wick to large for the candle surface will provide to much heat and will cause the wax to be burned at a faster rate and will cause the excess melted wax to over flow the candles top wax pool and run down the sides.
As for wick size you need advice from someone ease as i have only ever made dipped candles and depending on the candle diameter the wick needs to be adjusted.
As for wasting wax it doesn't take long to see how the candle is burning and if the results are not satisfactory cut the burnt off the candle and remelt the wax and try again.
On candles like skeps and other that are non straight a compromise needs to be reached as the wick that will work at the bass of the candle may be a little to large for the tapered top
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"Apisbees, could you discuss what type of wick material should be used and proper size? I don't want to mess these up, considering how much wax costs!!!"
les, use square cotton (bleached) braided wicking. this stuff is made specifically for beeswax candles and all the suppliers carry it. the proper size of the wick depends on the diameter of the candle, and also if you are using a mold or pouring into a glass container. AND how clean your wax is.
i use larrys (Busy Bee Candle Supply) guideline on wick sizing, it has worked for me:
Busy Bee Wick Sizing Chart (http://www.busybeecandlesupply.ca/supplies.html)
Wick Sizing Chart
Wick Size Recommended
Candle Diameter
4/0 tealight
3/0 votive
2/0 0.8" taper
1/0 0.9" taper
# 1 1" - 1.5"
# 2 1.5" - 2"
# 3 2" - 2.5"
# 4 2.5" - 2.8"
# 6 2.8" - 3.2"
# 7 3.2" - 3.5"
or if you want specifics and some confusion, Atkins and Pearce:
Bleached Square Wick (http://www.atkinsandpearce.com/candle-solutions/product-pages/bleached-square/)
the above link is a good guide when using bleached square wicking for determining wick size for your candles. i have also attached a pdf file.
Wick Selection Guide (http://www.atkinsandpearce.com/candle-solutions/product-pages/wick-selection/#beeswax)
scroll down to 'select your wax type' and click on it.
also most suppliers have and recommend wick sizing for any mold you purchase from them. all are just guidelines. the neat thing is if you are using a mold, and you light it and it doesn't burn properly, (or you muff it up........ :D) you can melt the wax back down again and try a different wick size for the mold you are using.
beeswax has a higher viscosity...........hmmmm, like apis and jen said............it is a thicker liquid and requires a thicker wick than other types of candles to burn properly.
beeswax..........i use nothing but cappings wax, and if you think your wax is clean even though you have filtered it, not so, and this will affect the finished product even though you may have the proper size wick. i filter all my wax through a solar melter 2 to 3 times. when i melt the wax down to make candles, i melt the brick down (double boiler method) in a large melting pitcher. when the wax is melted, i pour it into another smaller melting pitcher lined on top with nylon filter material to filter again before i pour into a mold, and temp about 160 degrees F.
if you are pouring tealights or votives or glass container, your wicks must be primed. (coated in beeswax). you can purchase pre primed wick tabs. i make my own. this is just simply taking the wick material and dipping it in molten beeswax, hanging it to cool and straighten, then crimping the amount i need onto a wick tab.
if you are pouring pillars or tapers, the entire wick through the candle does not need to be primed, just the tip of the wick, if you desire, not necessary. you can do this by pouring the wax down the wick (and should be anyway for any mold or container) or later dipping the tip briefly in melted beeswax. i don't. the candle will burn just fine.
also, about bleached cotton braiding............this braiding has a 'V' pattern in it, you want to place the wicking so that this 'V' pattern points with the 'V' upright in the candle, not the pointy end of the 'V' upside down like this ..........^
hope this helps, if you all would like, next time i pour candles in the next couple weeks, i can maybe photograph how i do it step by step to help out a little?
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Thanks for all the info! It's a whole other world out there.
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love candles...........especially my own!...............
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs15.postimg.cc%2Fazp9uvpsn%2Fpillar_candle_1.jpg&hash=8e1aded7480de37d969d5bc206d676a238be745b) (http://postimg.cc/image/azp9uvpsn/)
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs15.postimg.cc%2F7hd9yhown%2Fpillar_candle.jpg&hash=1801fef27f98d1ec59f8c91167f283f8a8c57401) (http://postimg.cc/image/7hd9yhown/)
the pottery dish is made by a young man (junior in high school) very talented, i think i am going to put him to work and have him make some pottery dishes/candle holders for me to go with some of my candles!
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Beautiful! and great information as well ;) 8)
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I am picking up some beeswax today at a huge holiday craft fair. Surprisingly, I couldn't find ANY available beeswax from any of our local beekeepers... Except One, god bless her heart! She is going to sell me regular beeswax and also some honey cappings to make candles with.
She gave me instructions to clean and melt down the honey cappings as such. She said, you have to get all the honey gleaned out of the cappings before making candles or the wax won't burn well. Place the cappings in a pan and cover with water just to the top of the wax cappings. Slowly melt the cappings. When the cappings are fully melted in the water, remove the pan and let cool for a couple hours or more. Then lift out the wax disc and Wah Lah you have a lighter color wax that smells delicious and is ready to melt down again for candle making.
Any input on this subject 8)
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She is correct, but you will have trash on the bottom of the disc, which must be scraped off, along with some of the wax. Therefore, the smaller diameter the melting pot, the less scrapping wax you will lose.
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Okay, that sounds logical. Is it difficult scraping off the debri? Would a sharp straight edge knife do?
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It's not hard, but it will be mixed with the lower wax, so there will be waste.
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Okay, and is the capping wax softer than the hive wax?
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NO, but it is cleaner and lighter colored.
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Thanks Mr. Wizard ;) :P
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Just got back from the holiday craft fair where I met up with some local beekeepers selling lovely candles and honey. Prior to the holiday fair they said they would hold back some wax for me to pick up at the fair. I was lucky to find them in our area. There is a local candle company that snaps up most of the wax in the area for their candle making needs. These beekeepers don't sell to this candle company so some of us little guys can have some wax fun as well.
5 1/2 pounds for 45.00 at .50 an ounce. I love them with all of my heart ~sniff~
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs11.postimg.cc%2F6nzw7mdwv%2FDSCF8604.jpg&hash=43956accad48b77da27ccb4cae5570292c6f6b24) (http://postimg.cc/image/6nzw7mdwv/)
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs11.postimg.cc%2F9xiwrtre7%2FDSCF8608.jpg&hash=e8f186f3a47bc54ae16d6ed96d9ef12ea84a5261) (http://postimg.cc/image/9xiwrtre7/)
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Not extremely clean but can be filtered again. I know candle makers who wouldn't buy wax that had that amount of debree in it.
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Bulk wax is difficult to get here. I stopped selling it bulk and will definitely run out by Christmas. I sell 1 ounce bars for $2.
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After I melt mine in the water and scrape the bottom I run it through a grease filter that restaurants use to strain their grease. It gets the wax very clean.
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs21.postimg.cc%2F7uwdjqis3%2F20150823_093548.jpg&hash=f2db7e80fead05aa5cf6c2b233a80331b4b9257b) (http://postimg.cc/image/7uwdjqis3/)
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.cc%2Fb1fao5a9l%2F20151118_215731.jpg&hash=5c7bd1af2e5808f7579b3cfcb6ab819af4decf3e) (http://postimg.cc/image/b1fao5a9l/)
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I have wax that i have filtered through screen wire and T- shirt material 4 times that is darker than i like ( almost a tan color) even run Hydrogen peroxide through it once? Guess i'll just have to make Tan colored candles and lip balm :-\\ Jack
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Apis ~ I was told on the phone that this wax would have debri on the bottom, and I don't mind sending it thru a cheese cloth filter. I like knowing how to do the whole process. Must be why I got it for .50 an ounce. Or, maybe they were being generous because I'm a beekeeper. Made me very happy :)
Yanke ~ that is some beautiful was there, I can't even fathom that amount of wax at this point. Thinking I need a solar melter :)
Perry ~ Sounds like I got a good deal!
Jack ~ I would make candles out of tan wax for sure. Wondering if the tan wax is a perfumed as the golden wax?
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Yankee, you're brave, filling those bar molds straight out of your Presto Pot. ;D I usually go into a pour pot and then into the molds.
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Havn't had a problem yet. I just start at the end and slide the mold under the spout slowly. When I get to the other end and its full , I close the valve.
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i have been given cappings wax jen, that was dirtier than the wax in your pix. i ran it through the solar melter, and it was the whitest prettiest wax.
what you could do is melt the wax down double boiler style, get yourself a few milk cartons, cut one side off, clamp t shirt material to it and also a piece of bounty paper towel, and pour the wax into the carton, this should strain all the junk off, if not remelt and do it again after it cools. you will know if the wax is not clean, there will be sediment either on the bottom, or a little on top. with candles any dirt in the wax, however small will cause a candle not to burn properly, (among other things, proper wick size is another), so you want your wax very clean. also, when you are ready to pour candles, melt the wax down and strain it one last time through nylon curtain material. you will be amazed at the small specs of sediment that remain even though you think your wax is very clean. what i do is i have one very large melting container, and two small containers. when i make candles, i melt the already filtered wax down in the big container, (it's a larger wax pitcher), double boiler style. i place the nylon material over one or both of the smaller containers (small melting pitchers), and attach using a rubber band and pour the wax through. these smaller containers are also kept on the stove double boiler style, so once i have strained it through the nylon, i pour my candles.
EDIT AND ADD:
bulk wax is sometimes hard to come by and i am picky when i have purchased some. (b and b). but it is worth the effort to clean and filter it, the finished product normally turns out great. i hoard all my wax, i don't sell it because i don't like to run short when i need it. the other thing to is, we are competing with non beekeepers who are buying up wax and making and selling beeswax candles and other products, so sometimes the price of it gets driven up.
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River, I printed this off, Thank You for all of your input :)
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jen, you are welcome! any questions post back. also, i was thinking you might want to place a section of window screen over the milk carton, so in order, top from the bottom, window screening, bounty paper towel, and a section of a raggedy t-shirt you have been trying to get your husband to ditch..... ;D
the window screening will catch a lot of junk, before the wax goes through the paper towel and t shirt. also, if you try this, when you clip these materials to the milk carton (i use the small black binder clips) don't clip it all on tight across the carton, (you can't with these clips) see this pic here, scroll down to the milk carton:
How to deal with Beeswax (solar) (http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,9.msg199.html#msg199)
also, clip the t shirt as short as you can around the clips, and just lay the paper towel on top the t shirt, don't run it over the sides or you might wind up with wax being soaked to the ends.
what type of candles will you be making jen? from molds, or containers?
EDIT AND ADD:
ps, i recently had a visit with my surgeon, he usually wears the blue scrubs. underneath the blue scrubs a t shirt. the collar of the t shirt was so raggedy i asked him if i could have his t shirt when he was done with it! i brought him a picture on my king salmon from alaska, he asked if he could have the pic (i was going to give it to him anyway) so i said yeah, i will trade you my pic for your t-shirt! LOL! :laugh:
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I'm thinking container candles, more for my own functional use.
Your suggestion of milk cartons took me back to my girlhood hippie days when mom and I made milk carton candles. It was a blast!
Careful River, you're flirty side is showing thru ;) :laugh: I do hope he climbed out of the scrub top right then and there and gave you the tshirt off his back :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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lol, no flirting, just wanted the t-shirt to strain bees wax with..............
candle containers...........i don't have experience with these, but make sure you use a container that can withstand the heat from the beeswax.
if you want something really simple and works great, use a dixie cup! these make great votives!
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Riverbee,
I really like your holiday avatar! :)
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Dixie cups, very cool! pint sized half and half... hmm, got me working my brain :)
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jen just took these for ya..........
dixie cup votive:
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.cc%2Fohoevjqpb%2Fdixie_cup_votive_1.jpg&hash=c12894c760b9cd069c4c82367bf889c8e90f55f2) (http://postimg.cc/image/ohoevjqpb/)
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.cc%2Fxdz6zhhbj%2Fdixie_cup_votive_2.jpg&hash=32ec30b59078a2944764dd95f6ddba4b2479db66) (http://postimg.cc/image/xdz6zhhbj/)
these sold so well, i am not buying anymore 2 ounce votive molds.... so all ya need is a 3 oz dixie cup, mold release, #3 square braid cotton, wick tab.
i make and prime my own wicks for votives and tea lights, and attach them to the wick tabs.....EASY!
spray the dixie cup VERY lightly with mold release.
pour a little melted beeswax in the bottom of the dixie cup to place and adhere the wick tab and wick in, or you can use a glue gun to adhere the wick tab down.
i keep the wick centered at the top by placing it in between a pair of kabob sticks rubber banded together.
pour the wax in..........
a nice votive! burns long!
ps neil...........thanks! i like to have fun and merry christmas!
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Hey Riverbee, did you invest in the book on candlemaking from Busy Bee Candle Supply? A Guide To Beewax Candle Making? I haven't made candles in many years, was thinking this would be a good guide for me....
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i didn't jen, but i was interested in purchasing the book, and asked larry (busy bee) about it, he said worthwhile, but that ian frasier has written an updated version that he does not carry. it was on my christmas list..... ;D
you can order his original through busy bee or updated version here:
A Chandler's Guide To Beeswax Candle Making by Ian Fraser (http://www.happyhoneybee.ca/booklet.html)
most everything i learned has been by trial and error, and when i started ordering molds and supplies from busy bee, the guy is a wealth of information and was very patient with my questions. btw, he also sends some instructions/information with his molds, which is helpful.
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I had to buy beeswax but I dove in and made votives and pillars for Christmas presents. A few little missteps but all in all was very pleased with the results. YouTube is a wealth of knowledge whenever you get stumped. I used Pam as an "release" spray and it worked just fine.
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Hey Everyone,
Thought about starting a new topic but here we are. I've always liked the look so I'd like to try dipping some candles. I'll be shooting for a base diameter of 7/8th of an inch. Should I use 2/0 or 1/0 wick? Thanks, Ted
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I use 2/0.
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That's good enough for me! Thanks Perry!
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i haven't done dipped candles.........the few beeks i know that do, as perry said, use 2/0. good luck ted! post some pix!
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wanted to update the thread on my dixie cup votive adventure..........i use wick pins now. set them in the dixie cup, and no messing around with trying to glue a wick in and keep it centered. i have been using # 1/ 0 square braid wicking for these. i make my own wicks, prime them in beeswax, and crimp to a tab and cut. pull the votive out of the cup by the top of the wick pin. remove the wick pin, insert the wick. they burn great and last a long time.