How to Make Hand Dipped Beeswax Taper Candles

Learn how to make beautiful hand dipped beeswax taper candles that provide light and warmth to your home during cozy season.

I’ve always enjoyed having a candle burning in my home, especially during the cooler months of the year. There’s just something about a flickering flame that brings extra coziness and light to the home. I enjoy lighting a candle at night and working on my various projects like sewing or crochet to just add a little something extra to the moment. In the last few years, I’ve started to collect candlesticks, especially brass candlesticks, and have been filling them with different colored taper candles, depending on the season. It’s just a little difference in the decor, but the extra pop of color they provide gives a little nod to the season.

I generally try to stay away from burning paraffin wax candles or candles that have a lot of scent. Most taper candles I come across are made of paraffin wax, so I wanted an alternative that I felt more comfortable burning in my home. That’s where beeswax comes in! Beeswax is a natural wax that burns cleaner than other types of candle waxes and offers a nice honey-like scent when it’s burned, making it perfect for cozy nights in.

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FAQs

What type of beeswax should I use to make hand dipped beeswax taper candles?

I prefer to use yellow beeswax pellets. I like the look of the yellow was as it is a bit more authentic since beeswax naturally has a yellow hue. I also like to use the pellets because they tend to melt a bit faster. However, you can absolutely use white beeswax or beeswax that you get online or from a local beekeeper. Just make sure you use filtered beeswax versus raw, unless you want to filter it yourself. Filtered beeswax has all organic materials removed from it, which is what you want when making candles.

What wick should I use for beeswax taper candles?

Because taper candles are made a bit differently than your standard jarred candle, using spooled wick is the better choice. This type of candle wick comes in a long strand, often around 200 feet in length, that’s wound, similar to a spool of yarn. This allows you use cut and use the exact length of wick needed for the size candle you’ll be making. Because you typically make two taper candles at a time, using a long strand helps tremendously.

When it comes to the material that is used to make the wick, I try to opt for a more natural material like hemp or cotton. Hemp and cotton burn cleaner and are free from lead, which is better for your indoor air quality. Many of the natural candle wicks are also coated with beeswax.

Are there benefits to burning beeswax candles versus other types of wax?

Beeswax is naturally non-toxic and don’t emit toxic fumes when burned. The beeswax also has a natural scent, which means you don’t have to add any fragrances if you choose. In terms of burn time, beeswax often burns longer than other natural wax candles like soy and coconut wax.

On the flip side, beeswax is often more expensive than other types of candle wax, which can be a barrier.

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How to Make Hand Dipped Beeswax Taper Candles

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• 2 quart sized mason jars or tall heat proof vessels
• Large pot
• Scissors or a knife
• Tape measure
• Popsicle sticks (optional)

MATERIALS

• 1.5 lbs beeswax pellets
• Natural wick
• Hex nuts

DIRECTIONS

Preparing the Beeswax

Determine the length of taper candle you want to make, then find a vessel that is at least a few inches taller than that length. I’d like my taper candles to be about 8 inches long, so a quart sized mason jar will work great.

Fill the mason jar completely with beeswax pellets.

Place a large pot on the stovetop, add a towel or trivet to the bottom, then place the wax filled jar on top.

Fill the pot with water until it reaches about half way up the jar, then turn the burner onto medium-high heat.

Allow the beeswax pellets to fully melt. Add more pellets in as the wax melts down. This process will take some time, so be patient.

Preparing the Candle Wicks

Cut the wick to be twice the desired length, plus 6 inches. For example, I’d like my hand dipped beeswax taper candles to be 8 inches each. Therefore, I cut my wick at 22 inches.

Tie a hex nut to each end of the wick by feeding the wick through the opening, then up around one side, then twisting the wick in place.

Dip each end of the wick into and out of the beeswax, then let it dry to secure the nut.

Dipping the Wicks

Remove the jar of beeswax from the pot, then add cold water to a similar or same size vessel. Then dip the wicks, either one at a time or at the same time, into the melted beeswax in one slow motion.

Either air dry the wax or dip the wicks into the cold water, gently shaking off excess water as needed.

Continue to dip the wicks into the beeswax, then the water until you’ve reached the desired width.

Hang the hand dipped beeswax taper candles allow them to cool for 5 minutes.

Using an old pair of scissors or a knife, cut the bottom part of the candle off, leaving the end of the wick, then tie the remaining wick in a knot.

Press the end of the candles into a candlestick to ensure it fits (optional).

Allow the beeswax candles to harden overnight.

How to Use Beeswax Taper Candles

Cut the candles apart from each other, then trim the wick to about an inch.

Place the candle in a candlestick, light it and enjoy.

Store the remaining candles in a cool, dry place indefinitely.

NOTES

• Cutting the wick twice the desired length plus six inches gives enough room for wick at the top and accounts for tying the hex nut at the bottom. You can determine what works best for you.
• I prefer to use yellow beeswax to give the taper candles a true authentic look, but you can also use white beeswax pellets.
• The candles will appear white at first as they cool, then will turn yellow after.
• This recipe makes approximately 10-12 beeswax taper candles.
• Use any remaining wax to make candles in jars, like half pint mason jars.
• Remove the hex nut from the excess beeswax and re-melt the wax.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE HANDMADE DECOR PROJECTS?

Looking for more functional handmade home decor projects like these hand dipped beeswax taper candles? Check these out!

• How to Make Cinnamon Pine Cones
• Dried Orange Garland with Bows
• Fire Starters with Soy Wax
• DIY Pleated Lampshade

Did you enjoy making beeswax taper candles? If you did, tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation!