While I love candles, I've got to admit, making them can be a bit of a pain. More than one of my favorite mixing bowls has been ruined by using it to melt wax. (How do you clean them after?!)
But these beeswax candles are made in the oven; they are SO easy I had to share. I know it's only May, but guess everyone on my Christmas list is getting this year?
And if you're using a glass jar, I suppose you could use the microwave as well (just insert the wick after the wax is melted because the base is metal). But by 'baking' the candles in the oven you get to enjoy the pleasant beeswax scent a lot longer.
The easiest DIY beeswax candles
Supplies needed
- Glass jars (I used wide mouth canning jars. But any oven proof glass container will work.)
- Beeswax (big, big fan of beeswax pastilles - much easier to use than chopping up a big block of beeswax)
- Wicks
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Instructions
1. Place the wicks in the jar and fill with beeswax. If you're totally lazy (like me) don't even bother gluing down the wick. Add more beeswax than you think you need - go all the way to the top. Once the wax melts it will fill in all of the tiny air spaces, and it won't end up as full.
2. Heat oven to 200 degree F. Place the jars on a cookie sheet and stick them in the oven. See how you can make a bunch of candles all at once? I could have fit at least 9 candles on this one sheet pan!
3. Remove candles when all of the wax has melted. This may take 45 minutes to an hour. And it smells amazing!
4. Position wick upright if needed by rolling the end around a pencil. Let cool until wax has hardened. Then trim the wick.
The best part? Zero clean up. Zero ruined mixing bowls. Total win.
Oven Beeswax Candles
Equipment
- Glass jars (I used wide mouth canning jars. But any oven proof glass container will work.)
- Beeswax (big, big fan of beeswax pastilles – much easier to use than chopping up a big block of beeswax)
- Wicks
- Baking sheet
- Oven
Instructions
- Place the wicks in the jar and fill with beeswax. If you’re totally lazy, don’t even bother gluing down the wick. Add more beeswax than you think you need – go all the way to the top. Once the wax melts it will fill in all of the tiny air spaces, and it won’t end up as full.
- Heat oven to 200 degree F. Place the jars on a cookie sheet and stick them in the oven. You can fit about 9 candles on one sheet pan.
- Remove candles when all of the wax has melted. This may take 45 minutes to an hour.
- Position wick upright if needed by rolling the end around a pencil. Let cool until wax has hardened. Then trim the wick.
Deb heisel says
Can you do this in a gas oven too?
Saba says
Love it!!
How would you go about adding coconut oil...would you add it at the end or could you add it when you add the pellets to the jar?
Thank You!!!
Nancywall says
A friend gave me some beeswax from his beehive. Will this method work with the oven method?
Starla Waclawski says
Is there a easy way to shave a round of bees wax to make the oven melt candle?
Starla Waclawski says
How do you or is there easy wayshave a round of beeswax?
Danielle says
If I were to use a different size jar would it affect the time needed to cook? Does the wick size need to change if you go with a bigger jar? Thank you! I love this no mess idea for making candles!!
Criz says
Would it work with my favourite cologne's? (Ie; davidoff cool water)
Pennie says
Hello!
This is such a fantastic candle making method. If I wanted to add essential oils to the candles with this method, is it possible to do? When could I do this?
Stephanie Gerber says
Yes, definitely! You can add essential oils when the candles come out of the oven & the wax is still liquid.
Molly M says
The wick stands up on it's own while it is in the oven? I'd be afraid it would fall over into the wax...
Stephanie Gerber says
Nope, it won't fall over (well, I guess it could if you cut it really short) but just straightened them after melting & hold in place with a pencil (if needed) until the wax hardens.
Rebekah O'Brien says
My wick started floating! Ugh... nothing ever works for me
Amy says
Never realised candles would be so simple to make at home! And they look so cute xx
Mariana Rivera says
Can you add a scent to this candles? If yes which one you recommend?
Mark Gerber says
Sure, you can add fragrance oils or essential oils for additional scent, but the light beeswax smell is so pleasant that I didn't add any to mine.
Tracy says
If I want to add crayons for color do I just put same-sized chunks in with the pastilles, then melt? Will I be able to stir in oils for fragrance around the wick after the beeswax comes out of the oven?
Shannon M says
Awesome idea!
Can I ask how many of those jars were you able to make with the bag of beeswax pellets?
Mant thanks
Mark Gerber says
I think my bag made 4 candles.
Caja says
I have a question. I tried to make stearine (stearic acid) candles (oh the mess!) a year or so ago and still have quite a lot left. Is it possible to use the same technique but with stearine instead of beeswax?
Julie says
Love this idea. I've done the whole beeswax block thing & its so tough to chop up!! A trick I tried for the bowl cleaning is just leave boiling water in it, the wax melts & floats to the top and when the water goes cold the wax on top can be just thrown away. Any stubborn bits can be removed by chucking the bowl n the freezer and then the wax will just crack off. So love the smell of beeswax :)