I've always heard that beeswax candles were easy to make, but had never
actually made them before. This project is quick, easy, and most
children will be able to make these candles either for their own family or
as a gift. An adult should be available to help children as they learn
how to make beeswax candles. Once you know how to make them, check the
ideas for fancy candles.
Children love making gifts for their parents and other adults who
are important to them. But what can they make that will delight the
person they are giving the gift to?
Here's how you can quickly and easily get lots of simple, high quality
gift ideas that you children can make. Guaranteed to be fun the
children making the gift, and a delight for the person receiving it.
1. Decide the height and shape you want for your candles. Cut a
piece of wick that is the height you want for your candle.
2. If your beeswax is too long, use scissors to cut it to the
height.
3. Set the blow dryer to the heat setting. Turn it on and
warm one end of the beeswax sheet. Start with the edge that will form
the inside of the candle and warm the entire length that will be the
height.
4. As the wax warms, you should see a color change. For some
colors it maybe be harder to notice. In that case, watch to see a
softening of the wax.
5. Turn the blow dryer off, and lay the wick along the warm
end. The wax should be soft enough to start rolling it. It's
like rolling up cinnamon rolls.
6. When you get to the wax that is warm, stop. Turn the blow
dryer on and warm the next section. Start rolling. Continue
until the candle is almost finished.
7. Make sure the last strip of wax is very warm (almost melting),
as you finish rolling the candle. These edge creates the outside
seam. You want to be smooth and well stuck together. Gently run
your fingers along the edge to press the seam in place.
Hints:
If you are having trouble getting the wax to roll at the beginning,
slightly mold the first edge to create a bit of a ridge. Put the
wick right along the ridge and then start rolling.
Shorter candles are easier to make when you are just starting out.
A tightly rolled candle will be narrower than a loosely rolled candle
made from the same size sheet of wax.
A common width for candles would be a sheet that was 8 inches (or 20
cm ) wide. If you want a candle that is 10 inches (or 25 cm) tall,
use a sheet of wax that is 8" x 10" (or 20 x 25cm).
You can find an easy to print version of this craft and lots of other
ideas in the Gifts
Kids Can Make ebook from Creative Kids at Home.
Send us a note if you have any questions.
Children love making gifts for their parents and other adults who
are important to them. But what can they make that will delight the
person they are giving the gift to?
Here's how you can quickly and easily get lots of simple, high quality
gift ideas that you children can make. Guaranteed to be fun the
children making the gift, and a delight for the person receiving it.
3. Set the blow dryer to the heat setting. Turn it on and
warm one end of the beeswax sheet. Start with the edge that will form
the inside of the candle and warm the entire length that will be the
height. 
5. Turn the blow dryer off, and lay the wick along the warm
end. The wax should be soft enough to start rolling it. It's
like rolling up cinnamon rolls.
7. Make sure the last strip of wax is very warm (almost melting),
as you finish rolling the candle. These edge creates the outside
seam. You want to be smooth and well stuck together. Gently run
your fingers along the edge to press the seam in place.