Discover how to make beeswax candles and bring the warmth of natural light into your home with this simple, earth-honoring craft. Our easy guide will help you create pure, air-purifying candles infused with intention, adding a touch of magick and serenity to your sacred space.

There’s something sacred about the gentle glow of a candle, a beacon of warmth and intention. From ancient rituals to modern-day homes, candles have long been a source of light, comfort, and magick. Yet, many commercial candles contain artificial fragrances and paraffin wax, releasing toxins into the air. If you seek a more natural, harmonious alternative, beeswax candles are a perfect choice.
Handmade beeswax candles not only burn cleaner and longer, but they also carry the rich, honeyed scent of nature. Whether poured into amber jars or dipped by hand into elegant tapers, creating your own candles is a beautiful way to weave tradition and intention into your home. Let’s explore the magic of beeswax candles and how you can craft your own with love and purpose.
Why Choose Beeswax Candles?
100% Natural and Non-Toxic. Unlike paraffin candles, which are derived from petroleum byproducts, beeswax is completely natural. It’s produced by honeybees and doesn’t require chemical processing.
Air-Purifying Properties. Beeswax emits negative ions when burned, helping to neutralize airborne toxins and allergens. This makes them ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Long-Lasting and Clean Burning. Beeswax candles burn longer than paraffin or soy candles, with little to no soot. This means a cleaner home and a healthier environment.
A Warm, Natural Glow. The golden hue of beeswax candles mimics natural sunlight, making them perfect for cozy evenings and seasonal celebrations.
Materials You’ll Need to Make Beeswax Candles
- Beeswax (pellets or blocks)
- Cotton wicks (pre-waxed for best results)
- Essential oils (optional) for a subtle scent
- Double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water)
- Candle molds or jars
- Thermometer (to monitor wax temperature)
- Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or chopstick)
How to Make Poured Beeswax Candles

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area
Cover your workspace with newspaper or parchment paper to catch any spills. Gather all your materials.
Step 2: Melt the Beeswax
Using a double boiler, slowly melt the beeswax over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting. Keep an eye on the temperature, ensuring it stays around 170-180°F (77-82°C) to prevent scorching.
Step 3: Prepare the Wick
Cut your wick to the desired length, allowing a bit of extra room to secure it. Dip it into the melted beeswax and let it cool straight. Then, adhere the wick to the bottom of your container using a wick sticker or hot glue.
Step 4: Add Essential Oils (Optional)
For a naturally scented candle, add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender, cinnamon, or orange) to the melted beeswax. Stir gently to incorporate.
Step 5: Pour the Wax
Carefully pour the melted wax into your prepared container, leaving a bit of space at the top. Hold the wick in place using a skewer or clothespin across the top of the jar.
Step 6: Let It Cool
Allow the candle to set completely at room temperature. This can take several hours.
Step 7: Trim the Wick & Enjoy!

Once hardened, trim the wick to about ¼ inch. Light your candle and bask in the warm, honeyed glow.
How to Make Hand-Dipped Beeswax Taper Candles

For a traditional, old-world candle-making experience, hand-dipping beeswax tapers is a rewarding process. Here’s how:
Materials for Taper Candles:
- Beeswax (1-2 lbs for multiple tapers)
- Cotton wick (cut into 12-16 inch lengths)
- Tall heatproof container (for dipping, like a metal can or tall glass)
- Wooden dowel or stick (to secure multiple wicks for dipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Wick
Cut the wick into long strips, about twice the length of your desired candles. Tie them to a wooden dowel, spacing them a few inches apart for even dipping.
Step 2: Melt the Beeswax
Melt the beeswax in a tall, heatproof container placed in a double boiler. Keep the temperature steady at 160-170°F (71-77°C).
Step 3: Begin Dipping
Lower the wicks into the melted beeswax, then quickly lift them out and allow them to cool for 30-60 seconds. Repeat the dipping process 10-15 times until the candles reach the desired thickness.
Step 4: Smooth and Shape
Once the candles have thickened, you can gently roll them on a smooth surface to create an even shape.
Step 5: Let Them Cure
Hang or lay the candles flat to cool completely. Trim the wicks, and they’re ready to use!
Crafting your own beeswax candles is more than just a fun project—it’s a way to bring warmth, intention, and natural beauty into your home. Whether poured into amber jars or dipped by hand into elegant tapers, these candles provide a cleaner, healthier way to enjoy candlelight.
As you light your homemade beeswax candles, let them serve as a reminder of simple joys, mindful living, and the beauty of natural craftsmanship.
Have you made your own beeswax candles? Share your experience in the comments below! And for more natural living inspiration, follow me on Facebook at The Rustic Elk and Instagram @TheRusticElk. Let’s celebrate the art of slow living together!
📖 Recipe

Homemade Beeswax Candles
These easy DIY beeswax candles will have you making beautiful candles for your home and friends with ease and without the toxic chemical risk of artificially scented candles at the store.
Materials
Ingredients for Poured Beeswax Candles
- 1 lb beeswax (pellets or blocks)
- 2–3 cotton wicks (pre-waxed for best results)
- 10–15 drops essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Ingredients for Hand-Dipped Beeswax Taper Candles
- 1 lb beeswax (pellets or blocks)
- 4–6 cotton wicks (cut into 12–16 inch lengths)
Tools
- Double boiler (or heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water)
- Candle Jars of Molds
- Thermometer (to monitor wax temperature)
- Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or chopstick)
- Wick stickers or hot glue (to secure wicks)
- Skewers or clothespins (to hold wicks in place)
- Scissors (to trim wicks)
Instructions
Instructions for Poured Beeswax Candles
- Prepare Your Work Area: Cover your workspace with newspaper or parchment paper to catch any spills. Gather all materials.
- Melt the Beeswax: Using a double boiler, slowly melt the beeswax over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even melting. Keep the temperature between 170-180°F (77-82°C) to avoid scorching.
- Prepare the Wick: Cut the wicks to the desired length. Dip each wick in melted beeswax, let it cool straight, then adhere it to the bottom of the jar using a wick sticker or hot glue.
- Add Essential Oils (Optional): Add a few drops of essential oil to the melted wax and stir gently.
- Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the melted beeswax into your prepared jars, leaving some space at the top. Use a skewer or clothespin to keep the wick centered.
- Let It Cool: Allow the candle to set completely at room temperature (2–4 hours).
- Trim the Wick & Enjoy! Once hardened, trim the wick to about ¼ inch. Light and enjoy your handmade candle.
Instructions for Hand-Dipped Beeswax Taper Candles
- Prepare the Wick: Cut the wick into long strips, about twice the length of your desired candles. Tie them to a wooden dowel, spacing them a few inches apart for even dipping.
- Melt the Beeswax: Melt the beeswax in a tall, heatproof container placed in a double boiler. Keep the temperature steady at 160-170°F (71-77°C).
- Begin Dipping: Lower the wicks into the melted beeswax, then quickly lift them out and allow them to cool for 30-60 seconds. Repeat the dipping process 10-15 times until the candles reach the desired thickness.
- Smooth and Shape: Once the candles have thickened, gently roll them on a smooth surface to create an even shape.
- Let Them Cure: Hang or lay the candles flat to cool completely for 2–3 hours.
- Trim & Enjoy: Trim the wicks to about ¼ inch, and your hand-dipped tapers are ready to use!
Notes
kelly says
Hi...I am new to all this and I may be missing something ! Will the coconut oil scent the candle ? If not, can I add scented oils ? Thanks SO much for the inspiration ! (see...you've inspired another person !!!) Kelly
Danielle McCoy says
Hi, Kelly! No, the coconut oil does not scent the candle at all. It simply makes it burn more evenly. Beeswax has a tendency to tunnel, which isn't a bit deal at all, you can always just remelt the wax, this just makes it less likely to tunnel and allows it to burn more evenly. It also makes the melt point a tad bit lower (beeswax burns really hot).
I don't personally recommend adding oils.... It's kind of up in the air whether or not you should. If you add synthetic oils (like candle scents you buy at the store) you may be defeating the purpose of using beeswax (because they're synthetic). If you're talking about adding essential oils, there are arguments that the heat changes the molecular chemistry of the oils and they could potentially be toxic (essential oils don't like heat). Plus, adding essential oils... the wax burns so hot you probably won't smell them anyway.
The candles smell lightly honey scented when burning. It's a nice, clean scent but not very strong by any stretch of the imagination. If you want scents, we personally use essential oils in a diffuser.
I'm glad I've inspired you! I hope this helps and isn't too involved lol. Have a great day and feel free to ask any and all questions you might have, that's what I'm here for!!
Bonnie V says
Looks really easy. So many things can be made with beeswax. Really makes me want my own hives. LOL
Thanks for sharing on the Homestead Blog Hop.
Danielle McCoy says
I'd love to have my own hives! We have a local beekeeper that we've found, so it's not too hard to source it for us. I love working with beeswax, it is definitely versatile!
Hazel says
Can I put flower petals or peppermint leaves in the waxed jar for decoration?
Danielle McCoy says
I don't see why not.