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Making colored candles from beeswax. How to make your own wax candles? Decoupage candles with paper napkins

Beeswax has long been considered a valuable material, it was not easy to get it. It was originally used to make candles, which were quite expensive. With the wide development of beekeeping, everything has become much more accessible. However, real wax is still common only in narrow circles of beekeepers. But if you yourself or your relatives are engaged in beekeeping, it will not be difficult for you to get material to create wax candles with your own hands, which will serve as interesting decorative elements or excellent gifts for loved ones.

Natural beeswax has many advantages over paraffin or, for example, gel. Wax candles do not form soot when burned, do not emit carcinogens. They also contain propolis and natural essential oils, which have a beneficial effect on our body when burned.

Among other advantages, it is worth noting that with the spread of industry and industry, urban life, people began to lose touch with nature and therefore appreciate even small news from the green world more. Natural candles beeswax have every right to be considered a link between urbanization and handicraft origins.

Rules for working with wax

To avoid force majeure that can overtake you when working with wax, remember a few simple rules:

Always use an apron. It is desirable that it be made of dense canvas fabric.

Do not wear revealing clothing while waxing. It is better if you wear a sweater or long-sleeved shirt, so as not to get burned if hot wax gets on your body.
Wax starts to melt at 65o, care must be taken that the wax does not overheat, otherwise it may ignite. This can be easily prevented by heating the material in a water bath when the condition of the wax can be constantly monitored.
When heating wax, you need to constantly be nearby, you can not leave.
If wax ignites, it should never be extinguished with water, otherwise an explosion may occur. In this case, you should always have baking soda on hand.

Candles are silent witnesses of secrets, quiet friendly conversations, intimate confessions. They illuminate not only the house, but also the mind, allowing you to feel the chords of pleasure and comfort. But only natural bee wax candles can become not only a stylish decor element that reflects our taste even in daylight. Wax candles have unique healing properties!

Candle: biography

The first candles began to be made in ancient Egypt, more than 3 thousand years ago. years ago, from animal fat and oily fish. These were small containers of liquid fat, where the wick fell.

The Romans dipped rolled papyrus in fat, which solidified and allowed the material to burn longer. The Chinese and Japanese used rice paper for the wick, and American Indians Candles were made from pine resin.

Beeswax candles appeared in the Middle Ages. Unlike fat, wax did not give soot and bad smell, burned brightly and evenly. But beeswax was difficult to obtain, it was expensive and was used only for the aristocracy and the church. In 1850, paraffin was invented from oil and shale. Candles have become available for any wallet. However, the use of paraffin candles turned out to be unsafe for human health.

Why are paraffin candles harmful?

Carcinogenic and toxic, they release benzene and toluene when burned. Benzene has a strong allergic effect. The poison of general toxic action - toluene - causes poisoning, endocrine disorders, reduces efficiency, accumulates in the cells of the central nervous system. The diethyl phthalate contained in such suppositories causes dizziness, disturbance of the rhythm of breathing, headache, nausea. And with frequent exposure, it affects the nervous and respiratory systems and contributes to the formation of cancer. These substances are especially dangerous for pregnant women and children.

Paraffin candles have many other disadvantages:

When extinguished, they are smoked with a heavy strong odor, unpleasant and greasy to the touch, they burn quickly, dimly, they cannot be lit often and used as an air freshener.

The best alternative to many modern paraffin candles are real beeswax candles. They are not only safe, but also useful!

What is beeswax?

Bees produce wax with special wax glands to build honeycombs. In cells made of wax, insects grow their babies and store honey. The highest quality wax is obtained from zabrus - wax caps that seal the cells with mature honey. Before pumping out the honey, the beekeeper cuts off these caps. This wax is beautiful yellow color and smells like honey.

Beeswax contains over 300 different compounds. It contains minerals, propolis, resins, an admixture of pollen, vitamin A, betacarotene, etc.

Wax occurs from light yellow to yellow-brown in color and has a characteristic, very pleasant smell. On a cut or on a break, it is matte with a fine-grained structure.

Beeswax hardens at room temperature, and at 38-40 ° C it becomes soft and able to take any shape. At 70-73°C the wax becomes liquid.

Why do we need wax candles?

1. Natural candles are good for health! Wax candles are a completely natural, environmentally friendly product. They have the healing power of nature. When burning, the wax releases antimicrobial enzymes, therapeutic ether carriers - the air in the house is purified. This is especially useful during an outbreak of viral influenza. The components of the candle destroy pathogenic microbes and increase immunity. The action of a wax candle during natural "inhalation":

antimicrobial,
anti-inflammatory,
soothing,
warming
painkiller,
adsorbent.

2. Apiary wax candles are durable! Wax is impervious to moisture and can be stored without the slightest change for a very long time without losing its quality. When heated and cooled, the wax layer does not crack. Such candles burn evenly, without fumes and unpleasant odors, do not splatter and do not smoke. There is no greasiness left on the hands. They can be used longer than similar paraffin products.

3. You enjoy natural aromatherapy! Wax candles do not need to be scented artificially with the help of chemicals. The aroma of candles has a positive effect on our nervous system. You get deep peace and relaxation, get rid of negative emotions, calm down and relax. Delicate, sweet smell of honey and pollen evokes good associations and memories of summer. Natural aromatherapy activates creative activity, unloads the subconscious, helps to cope with the tasks of the situation that require analysis and intuition.

4. Natural candle - an exclusive gift! He will certainly bring long-awaited happiness, peace and prosperity to every family! The fire of such a candle is able to burn the accumulated negativity, tension and other "energy debris".

1. A little about the benefits
2. Possible types of processing
3. What you need to know about wax and safety
4. Tools and everything you need
5. How to make the first candle

Together with honey, bees bring a little turmoil and pleasant troubles into our lives. Still, the apiary is work, time and attention. Often the presence of an apiary is so exciting that any creative beekeeper also becomes an artisan. Beeswax candles - what could be nicer on a chilly winter evening. They will make life brighter, saturate the air with summer aromas and warmth, and handmade ones will not only be an excellent gift for loved ones, but also a good reserve for the budget.

A little about the benefits

To convince the beekeeper of the benefits of his own products is perhaps unnecessary. However, not everyone knows why beeswax candles are preferable to, for example, paraffin ones. Last when burning:

release carcinogens into the air;
contribute to the formation of soot;
due to industrial non-natural wicks, they can emit toxic fumes;
when using dyes and flavors become a source of health problems.

Is it possible to compare all these side effects, which can cause not only allergies, but also more serious diseases, such as lungs and mucous membranes, with opportunities from the use of wax.

After all, when burning wax:

soot is not formed;
in the absence of additives, the candle burns for a long time and burns out completely, without residue;
more than 50 essential compounds and substances are released into the air;
we must not forget about the impurities of propolis in the composition of the crude wax: in this way it directly enters the lungs.

In addition, natural raw materials are a guarantee of interest from urban residents. Megacities and urbanization contribute to a huge interest in the origins. And such a craft has existed for as long as beekeeping.

Possible types of processing

In fact, there are several ways to make candles. Each of them is good in its own way and resonates with potential users:

the lightest and practically does not require additional processing: a wax sheet is simply rolled around the wick. There are not so many opportunities for creativity, but this method is one of the oldest;
to use the second, minimal heat treatment is required: the wick is dipped into a container with liquid wax, increasing the volume of the candle over and over again. It is clear that the conformity of the form modern requirements there is no question - this is a purely utilitarian thing;
casting into molds. Perhaps this method provides a lot of opportunities for the realization of ideas. Even if you pour the wax into a simple cylindrical shape and then cut out the designs, it will still be a molded candle.

Casting in molds has a huge reserve for a creative person: you can buy them any of your choice, or you can create them yourself.

What you need to know about wax and safety

Before embarking on the execution of the plan for your candle factory, you should familiarize yourself with physical properties wax:

melts construction material from bee hives with an increase in temperature up to 60-70 degrees.
At 100 degrees, you will understand whether there was water in the feedstock - it boils and forms a kind of foam.
Wax foundation will begin to soar or smoke already at 120 degrees.
At 204 degrees, you need to be extremely careful: its vapors ignite.

These are characteristics common to each type of raw material. Meanwhile, it is also different:

technical or industrial. Actually, this is a mixture of wax with additions, sometimes they are paraffin, such raw materials have already undergone industrial processing;
raw or bee has the most natural origin. It is obtained directly from honeycombs in wax melters or melting pots. It can be conditioned, provided that the bees did not have any diseases and excessive chemical treatments, or vice versa - substandard;
bleached. This is a natural, natural building material of bees, only without the inevitable impurities in the composition. Otherwise, it is called cosmetic.

When working with him, there are rules that must be followed:

The slower the wax heats up, the easier it is to work with. When heating, it is recommended to use a water bath. This is the easiest way to regulate the temperature. The process needs constant monitoring: it is impossible to leave.
It is necessary to completely exclude contact with water: it is dangerous. Hot wax will cause rapid evaporation and splashing of boiling water.
Inflammable raw materials must be extinguished using dry methods: limiting air access.
When working, avoid contact with open fire: an accidental drop is fraught with fire.

It will not be superfluous to recall that children and animals are not allowed to enter the working area. So you create the risk of injury for them with your own hands.

Tools and everything you need

In addition to wax, you need to stock up on some inventory. At first, the usual utensils and utensils found in the house are enough, and then, perhaps, you will need your own workplace. So, you need:

gloves, sleeves and an apron - it is unlikely that you will never be able to drip on clothes;
a table, constant access to water, a stove for heating and a hair dryer for leveling surfaces;
cutting board, hammer, knives and chisel for grinding wax, wick scissors;
two containers for a water bath: a large diameter for water, pebbles are laid out on its bottom, or a metal stand for hot, and a saucepan of a smaller diameter is placed on top for melting wax. It must be either enameled or ceramic: otherwise the wax darkens;
napkins. Preferably paper, not textile, there should be a lot of them. At first, without skill, they help out well;
nylon for filtering;
natural wick: 1 to 4 mm. The choice is proportional to the diameter of the future candle;
wire for fixing the wick.

And most importantly: forms. They are aluminum, polycarbonate and polyurethane. The first two materials provide reusable use, heat resistance, but are inelastic, which means they do not leave much room for creativity. The latter suggests safe use at temperature regime up to 80 degrees, then it becomes toxic.

The most common are silicone. They include accessibility and huge selection, high temperature of use (up to 200 degrees), elasticity and even under the condition of fragility will help to make up to 200 candles. In the future, it can even be made by hand. There is a trick to using any detachable form - you need elastic bands: while the wax hardens, the halves must be tightly fixed.

How to make your first candle

You must immediately warn: the first may not become a candle in the truest sense of the word. You may not have enough patience or skill, but you need to prepare for the fact that you will have to redo it and not give up if you fail.

The process can be represented as several stages. Their sequence in the future depends on your experience:

Preparing the mold and filling the wick. For this, there is a hole in the bottom - the future wick is filled into it. If it is much smaller in diameter, then you can use a small piece of a toothpick - so there will definitely not be a leak of wax. Then the form is tightly fixed in several places with rubber bands. And the end of the wick is brought out right in the center of the form and fixed there with a loop of wire.
Preparation of wax: it must be crushed. If the volume of the mold, for example, is 1 cup, then approximately 250 g of wax will be needed. It is easy to determine - it is enough to first measure the volume of the form with water, its ratio to wax is almost the same. The required volume of wax can be immediately placed in a water bath and started heating, or you can add it as it melts.
When the water in the lower pan boils, you can begin the process of casting into molds. True, if the wax is unrefined, then it can first be drained through nylon into a separate container and only pour molds from it. If filtration is required, the process must be fast so that the wax does not clump.
When the forms are filled along the edges, after 10-15 minutes it is necessary to make several control punctures to the bottom of the form with a knitting needle or a wooden stick and these voids are filled additionally.

Wax cools quickly, but you should not rush the process. Soft and plastic, it may simply not take shape. Therefore, it will be possible to get candles from beeswax after 2-6 hours, depending on the volume of the workpiece.

DIY wax candles

Actually, the bulk of the work has been completed, it remains only to bring the candle to an acceptable form:

It is carefully removed, separating the halves of the form in different directions. To do this, remove the rubber bands and wire.
Completely cut off the wick from the base.
Align the base above the hair dryer or at the bottom of the water bath.
Leave the wick itself on top about 1 cm long. For convenience and beauty, it can be dipped in wax.

That's the whole process of making a great gift with your own hands. Who knows, maybe this is the beginning new era in the life of a beekeeper, a candle factory will appear next to some apiary.

Beekeepers love to experiment and can make candles from natural beeswax with their own hands. This substance has unique properties. Candles from it turn out to be golden in color and, unlike artificial ones, smell pleasantly of honey and flowers. Candles made from beeswax burn for a long time, unlike paraffin candles. The product can be classified as natural, environmentally friendly and flavored, which does not contain various additives. You can do it with your own hands different types candles.

Comparison of natural wax candles with paraffin

Paraffin has been popular for a long time. But they are very harmful when they burn, emit such carcinogenic substances as benzene, toluene, form soot. Because of this, a person often suffers from an allergic reaction, the respiratory tract is irritated. In industrial products, the wick has a lead stem, when it burns, a large amount of toxic vapor is released. The disadvantage is chemical additives, which are also harmful to health.

It is better to give preference to a natural wax product, they can be made in different ways, using a foundation sheet, it must be rolled out. You can also do it by lowering the wick into wax, which melts until the desired shape comes out. The most commonly used method is pouring into molds.

Compliance with safety regulations in the manufacture of candles

The wax needs to be melted, the optimum temperature is 70 degrees, if it is exceeded, foam may begin to form. This indicates that the wax is dehydrated. This produces high-quality candles that burn perfectly and do not crack. If the temperature is higher than 120 degrees, the wax may smoke. Higher than 200 degrees starts to burn. It is important in this situation to keep the temperature under control.
You need to melt the product only on low heat, constantly stir it.
Do not add water to finished product, it will start to splatter.
In case of fire, use a fire extinguisher.
Before working with the product, you need to carefully prepare, prepare all the means in case a fire suddenly occurs.
It is best to melt in a water bath, heat it in an electric, gas stove must be constantly monitored.
The inner and outer vessels should not touch, for this it is necessary to put river stones on the bottom, then add water when it begins to boil away.
The room should be maintained at an optimal temperature, constantly ventilate it.

For work, you will need special equipment - a staff, clothes, gloves. You can’t rush when working, you can smear everything with wax. After you have used the dishes, do not wash them under the tap, the product may cause clogged drains.

When you have already prepared the substance, you need to put it in safe place, it is forbidden to put next to appliances, curtains, windows.

Preparing to make beeswax candles

Choose a large table, cover with newspaper on top, remove the carpets from the floor.
Prepare special sticks on which you can put molds, essential oils, dishes, tools.
You need to crumble the product on the old cutting board, here you can put the molten product.
To melt the substance, you can use a slow cooker, a wax melter.
There should be water nearby, because you will need to constantly add it. Some will need to be refrigerated. In the table you can see the forms for candles.

Table "Varieties of molds for making candles"

Tools and materials for making beeswax candles

To grind the product you will need a hammer or screwdriver, a sharp knife.
You need to cut the wick with scissors, also stock up on pieces.
To level the base, you must use a turbo lighter.

To make beeswax candles you will need the following materials:

bee product.
It is important to choose a quality wick. It should be environmentally friendly, it should not include metal cores, twisted cotton threads.
The thickness of the wick must be selected depending on what diameter your candle will have. If the candle has a large diameter, you need to choose a thick wick.
Before pouring candles, the wick is impregnated with wax and dried thoroughly. It must be soaked in boric acid, a saline solution, so that a colored flame can be obtained.

Steps for making beeswax candles

It is necessary to filter the wax, for this, take a piece of fabric from nylon. After the procedure, the filter will have to be thrown away, because it is clogged with wax, it is recommended to use a paper funnel that has a paint filter.
Manufacture of wick clips.
You can fix the wick in different ways, using clothespins, hair clips. It is necessary to take the wire, finely cut it up to 10 cm, then bend the pieces. The wick is placed in the middle, twisted with wire and stretched.
Preparing silicone molds for wax filling.
Often the forms are already sold with slots, it is necessary to place a wick there, this must be done with extreme caution, it is impossible for the form to be divided in half. In the photo you can see how to do it right.
The photo shows how the forms are fastened with rubber bands, this is necessary to protect the wax from flowing out. The seams on the walls of the form are not specially smeared, because the wax has a high viscosity and density. In the section of the form, the walls are combined. After you have fully assembled, you need to fasten the wick with a clip from the wire, pre-twist it, adjust the tension.
We grind the wax. To do this, you need a hammer, a chisel, you need to carefully break everything so that the substance melts faster.
Wax melting. It is important to ensure that the vessel with the water bath and the bottom does not interact. To do this, you need to pour wax into a thermal kettle, put pots of boiling water on top. When the wax melts, it will begin to settle, add water, just make sure that it does not get into the wax.
Filter the wax, for this you can use plastic bottle with nylon fabric.
Pour the wax into the molds to the brim. When the form is large, you need to pierce several holes in it, so there will be no void inside. Wait for the wax to cool for about 6 hours, do not cool it in a cold place, this can lead to cracks in the candles.
We take out the candles from the molds. First, the clip that was intended for the wick is removed. After you need to clean and trim the wick. After the candle has cooled, you need to remove the rubber bands and get the candle. See the photo for how to do it right.

Benefits and uses of beeswax ear candles

Ear candles contain natural wax, essential oils. With an inflammatory process in the nasopharynx, throat, nose, it is necessary to use ear candles. They will also help to get rid of tinnitus, increased irritability and headache. Due to beeswax, sulfur plug can be removed.

It is advised to use ear candles at home, they can be used when high temperature they have no side effects on the body. It is allowed to use ear candles only for adult children. You must first read the instructions.

Ear candles are one of the healing remedies, with the help of which you can relieve inflammation, pain, calm down, improve hearing. There must be ear candles at home.

The composition of the drug includes coniferous oils, beeswax.

It is important to use ear candles correctly:

It is necessary to take 250 ml of water, 2 candles, ear sticks, a piece of polyethylene.
Lie on your side, cover your hair with a towel.
Apply tape to ear.
Insert the medicine vertically into the ear.
Carefully set fire to the candle, when it burns down to a certain mark, you need to remove it from the ear area.
Take a cotton swab and clean the ear of everything that has accumulated in it, the ears should be warm after the procedure, put on a hat.
Similarly, the procedure is performed for the second ear.

It is easy to make beeswax candles on your own with your own hands, they will be distinguished by their safety and reliability. Beeswax ear candles are the best remedy to relieve the inflammatory process.

In recent years, the manufacture of candles from mass production has slowly migrated to the home workshops of needlewomen, turning into a creative activity.

Candles, which some century ago were not only the main source of light, but also a kind of indicator of family well-being, used in wealthy homes instead of a smoking torch, have long lost their original meaning. Today, it is important to make candles with your own hands at home in order to use them in a completely different way - as an element of exquisite decor and an invariable attribute of creating a romantic mood.

Making decorative candles as a hobby

Thanks to the simple technology of creation and a large selection of materials for work and decoration, now every craftswoman can open a miniature "candle factory" at home, which will not only bring pleasure from creativity, but can also become an additional source of profit.

The advantage of this type of hobby is that the activity is simple, not boring, and a beautiful result can be obtained quite quickly. For these reasons, making candles at home will appeal to needlewomen of all ages, both venerable and not yet very experienced.

What is needed for creativity

The best part is that you need a minimum set of materials to get started:

candle gel, wax or paraffin;
wick or cotton threads without synthetic impurities for its manufacture;
form for pouring a candle;
elements for decoration.

Wax or paraffin can be used from ordinary household candles, but it will not be difficult to remove the finished wick from them. Candle gel is also easy to make with your own hands. Instead of an expensive form, you can take any suitable refractory container - a beautiful cup, jar, tin box. In a word, starting a new hobby will not be very expensive. We can say that this is one of the.

Based on the main material used to make candles, two basic technologies are distinguished - wax and gel, which are similar in many respects, but, nevertheless, have their own nuances in work.

The secrets of making candles from wax or paraffin

In the process of creating a product from wax, the most important moment is the melting of the material. Here you will need good skill and speed of action, since melted wax or paraffin cools quickly, besides, it is very hot and can easily burn.

Also, before making a candle with your own hands, it is important to choose the right thickness of the wick: if you make it too thick, the candle will melt and smoke too much, and a very thin one will constantly go out. The twisting density of the wick also plays an important role - for wax and paraffin candles, the threads should be twisted slightly loosely so that the flame does not go out.

There is no universal advice here - the optimal thickness and density of twisting threads for the wick will have to be displayed only on personal experience, the method of trials and experiments. Each master eventually develops his own formula and the secret of successful work.

DIY gel candles

To make beautiful transparent candles that do not emit any smell or smoke, you can use ready-made gel wax, or you can cook consumable on one's own. In the latter case, you need to purchase ingredients such as glycerin, tannin, gelatin, distilled water and mix them, boil over low heat until the liquid has completely evaporated.

This technology is somewhat more complicated than wax, but the result is worth the effort - the products are very elegant and unique. During cooking, the mixture may become cloudy, but this is a temporary phenomenon that disappears immediately after the gel cools down.

The gel opens up a lot of different possibilities for decorating. For example, shells, pebbles, starfish, dried citrus fruits or flowers filled with transparent wax look very beautiful. Women who are looking for can make candles with their own hands at home in this way, since no harmful substances are released during work.

Making scented candles at home

Separately, it is worth mentioning aroma candles - they are also easy to make at home. The advantage of home-made scented candles is that you can be 100% sure that the aromatic components are environmentally friendly and harmless.

Why learn to make candles

Designers and decorators often use beautiful interior candles to create false fireplaces in houses and apartments. They can also become a good gift or a romantic souvenir, therefore, if you learn how to make a high-quality and original product, then it’s quite possible to make good money on your favorite hobby.

Especially if on the eve of major generally recognized holidays, products with thematic design are made. Handmade products can also be offered to restaurant owners, who often use candles to create an intimate atmosphere in the restaurant in the evening or to give a special festive atmosphere.

Step-by-step master classes with photos

To help those who are just trying their hand at creating "home fires", we have prepared unique master classes with step by step photos. Detailed Instructions will help you to delve into the intricacies of craftsmanship and master difficult moments.