DIY: Rolled Beeswax Candles

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   For taper candles: Place one beeswax sheet on a work surface with a long side toward you. Use a ruler and pencil to draw a vertical line dividing the sheet into two 8-inch squares, then cut along the line with scissors.

2. Step 2.

   Cut a 9-inch piece of square-braid cotton wicking. Lay the wick parallel to the edge closest to you, about ¼ inch from the bottom, with ½ inch overhang on each end. Gently press the wick into the wax to adhere, then fold the bottom edge over the wick to seal. If the wax is stiff, soften the entire sheet with a hair dryer on low heat for about 30 seconds.

3. Step 3.

   Once the wick is covered, roll the beeswax sheet tightly around the wick into a tube, keeping the ends aligned as you roll.

4. Step 4.

   For twisted taper candles: Place one beeswax sheet with a long side toward you. Draw a vertical line to divide into two 8-inch squares and cut. On one square, mark 1 inch from the bottom left corner on the near edge and 1 inch from the top right corner on the opposite edge. Draw a line between marks and cut along it to create two triangles. Place the right triangle in front; flip the left triangle so both have the slope slanting downward to the left and the unpointed corner on the upper right.

5. Step 5.

   Cut an 8-inch piece of wicking. Lay it parallel to the near edge, ¼ inch from the bottom, with ½ inch overhang on each end. Press the wick into the wax, fold the bottom edge over it, and seal. If stiff, soften with a hair dryer on low for 30 seconds.

6. Step 6.

   Roll the beeswax triangle tightly around the wick, keeping the right side aligned as you roll to create a twisting pattern.

7. Step 7.

   For pillar candles: Place one beeswax sheet with a long side toward you. Draw a horizontal line dividing the sheet into two 16-by-4-inch rectangles and cut. If the sheet is wider than 8 inches, trim to get two 4-inch strips.

8. Step 8.

   Cut a 5-inch piece of wicking. Turn one rectangle so a short side is toward you. Lay the wick parallel to that short side, ¼ inch from the bottom, with ½ inch overhang. Press and fold the bottom edge over the wick to seal. If stiff, soften with a hair dryer on low for 30 seconds.

9. Step 9.

   Roll the beeswax sheet tightly around the wick, keeping ends aligned, until about 2 inches remain. Place the second rectangle over the end of the first, overlapping by ½ inch, and continue rolling to the end of the second sheet.

10. Step 10.

    To finish all candles: Use your thumb to gently press the exposed edge of the beeswax sheet into the layer below, sealing the seam along the entire length. For twisted candles, seal only the lower portion where it's sturdier. Trim the wick to ¼ inch on both ends. Choose the top end; at the other end, press the wick into the wax, then stand the candle on a firm surface and press down gently to flatten the bottom.