Simple DIY Beeswax Candles

Simple DIY Beeswax Candlesare easy to make, smell wonderful, and make great gifts. You only need a couple simple supplies and your hands and you can make up a few in no time!

Beeswax candles start with sheets of thin molded beeswax that have a beautiful honeycomb pattern pressed into them. You have a lot of flexibility when it comes to materials, colors, and sizes of candles, but no matter what you choose the actual candle making is very simple.

Seven Simple DIY Beeswax Candles in a star shape on a white counter.

Why You’ll Love This Project

They areeasy and beautiful giftsthat you can make.
Great projectfor younger kids.
All ingredients arenon-toxic.
Budget-friendly– candles cost about $2 each.
Perfectno-fail craftfor non-crafty people.

Project Supplies

Sheets of beeswax:Look for sheets that are either 8×8 or 8×16 and cut them in half.
#1/0 candle wicks:These are a cotton square braid.
Or, get aDIY beeswax candle kit:It comes in a ton of colors. I used the natural kit here. It makes about 20 8-inch candles.

A collage of four pictures showing the steps to make Simple DIY Beeswax Candles.

How to Make Simple DIY Beeswax Candles

Step #1.Cut the beeswax sheet in half with a small knife if you are using a sheet that’s 8 x 16 inches so that you end up with about an 8 inch square.
Step #2.Cut a piece of wick that’s 9 to 10 inches (or an inch or two longer than the candle).
Step #3.Lay the wick very close to one end of the candle and use your finger to press it into the wax so that it stays where you push it.
Step #4.Fold over the beeswax sheet so that it is covering the wick.
Step #5.Gently but firmly start to roll the beeswax up. Press firmly but not so hard that you crush the honeycomb design. Roll the candle all the way up.
Step #6.Where the beeswax sheet ended, use your thumb to gently press the edge of the sheet into the candle. The heat from your hand will help to adhere the beeswax to itself.
Step #7.Trim the wick to about ¼ to ½ inch before burning.

Project FAQs

Can I use colored beeswax?

Yes. The DIY beeswax candle kit I used comes in a ton of colors. Or, you can get kits that come in many different colors. I loved this kit of muted bright colors and this pastel beeswax kit would also be beautiful.

What size are DIY beeswax candles?

It will depend on the size of the sheet of beeswax and how tightly you roll the candles. The ones I made here are 8 inches tall and about an inch wide.

Can I use beeswax candles for birthday candles?

Yes! You can also use DIY beeswax candles as Hanukkah candles. I’d recommend using a smaller sheet of beeswax. You can either cut a bigger sheet down or get a beeswax candle kit that’s intended for making birthday and Hanukkah candles.

Three Simple DIY Beeswax Candles tied with a white ribbon on a white countertop.

Expert Tips

The tighter you roll the candle, the slower and longer it will burn.
You canskip the cutting stepby using a square beeswax sheet that is 8 x 8 inches.
If the beeswax tearswhen you start rolling your candles, it’s ok because it won’t matter in the end.
Be sure that the beeswax is at room temperaturebecause it will be too brittle to roll if the beeswax is cold. If your house is chilly, set it in a warm area to warm up for a minute or two before making your candles.
You canchange the height of your candle by cutting the beeswaxsheet however tall you want it and then roll it up on the side that is 8 inches long (so that the thickness is consistent).