Today, I’m popping in to share How To Make Rolled Beeswax Candles. Of all the candle-making methods out there, this one is BY FAR, the EASIEST and most fun – no pot, no stove, and no mess. Just simple, handmade goodness.
Trust me, this is the most SATISFYING way to make candles at home.
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SUPPLIES NEEDED
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Beeswax sheets (you can find them in a wide range of colours)
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Wicks (Note: use pre-waxed ones like these or these for a clean, soot-free burn – make sure to get the right length for your project)
*I used this candle making kit for this tutorial. It comes with BOTH beeswax sheets and pre-coated wicks. (Note: While the kit says ‘brown’ this is actually more ‘terracotta’ than brown).
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Self-healing cutting mat and rotary cutter. There are also kits that contain both. (Or simply use a cutting board, ruler, and utility knife)
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Scissors
HOW TO MAKE ROLLED BEESWAX CANDLES
THE STEPS
Step 1 – Prepare Wick & Beeswax Sheet
Place one wick on a beeswax sheet. Line up along the edge, as pictured below (about 1/8″ from the edge).
Gently coax the edge of the sheet up towards the wick.
These sheets are quite pliable (see below), so you’ll need to go along the entire edge, bit by bit to push the entire edge up.
Once the entire edge is facing up, fold it over your wick. Press – or crimp – the edge firmly over the wick.
Step 2 – Start Rolling the Sheet Forward
At first, the wax sheet may not roll evenly on its own since the sheets are quite pliable. Use your fingers to gently guide the roll up, section by section, starting with the center (as pictured below).
Then roll along one side.
Then roll along the other.
This helps the sheet begin to take shape as a single, solid roll.
After a few times rolling this way, the entire roll will soon begin behaving as one solid piece (so you can roll much more easily).
Tips:
1. Make sure you roll tightly. Rolling slow and steady will help you achieve that.
2. As you roll, keep an eye on the edge of the wax sheet, making sure the edges are aligned and that you are rolling straight.
Continue rolling this way until you reach the end of your sheet.
Step 3 – Finishing Your Candle
When you reach the end, your candle should look something like this.
For a smoother finish, press the edge of the beeswax sheet gently into the rolled candle using your thumb. Just a little nudge is all it takes.
The entire process should take no more than 1-2 minutes – truly! Make as many rolled candles as you’d like. And remember, before using them, cut the wick down to 1/4″ so that the candles burn evenly.
*Tips for Adjusting Size & Thickness:
1. Thinning Out Your Candle
If you find the candle to be too thick for the candle holders you’re using, you can easily unravel the beeswax sheet.
Then cut the excess off using a utility knife or rotary cutter.
Then roll back as before.
2. Building Up the Diameter of Your Candle & Adjusting the Height
If you want to create short and stout candles – like a pillar candle – a) cut each sheet to the height required and b) add more sheets as you build up the diameter. Simply align a new beeswax sheet at the seam where the first one ends, making sure the edges line up neatly. Then continue rolling as before. Repeat this process – one sheet at a time – until your candle is as thick as you want it to be.
Display & Enjoy!
And that’s it! Now that you know how to make rolled beeswax candles, it’s your turn. Grab your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy creating your own cozy, handmade versions. You’ll be hooked after the first one!
Happy crafting,
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