At Crooked Pines Farm, we believe in living in harmony with nature and finding creative ways to utilize the bounty on our land. One of our most popular workshops takes this philosophy to the world of home decor – teaching participants how to craft their own artisanal beeswax candles using sustainably-sourced materials from the farm.
Beeswax Candle Basics
Beeswax is a remarkable natural substance produced by honeybees. It has a high melting point, a pleasant aroma, and a distinctive golden hue. These properties make beeswax an ideal material for crafting long-lasting, fragrant candles. Compared to paraffin or soy wax, beeswax burns cleaner and releases negative ions that can help purify indoor air.
To create our beeswax candles, we use a simple process of melting the wax and pouring it into molds. In addition to the beeswax, our candle-making kits include cotton wicks, essential oils for scenting, and various decorative elements like pressed flowers, herbs, and natural fibers. Participants leave our workshop with a beautifully customized set of candles to enjoy in their homes.
Crooked Pines Farm
Crooked Pines Farm is a 10-acre property nestled in the rolling hills of the Midwest. We pride ourselves on sustainable, regenerative farming practices that honor the land and its wildlife. In addition to cultivating fruits, vegetables, and herbs, we maintain several beehives that provide us with a bountiful honey harvest each year.
Our beeswax candle workshops are just one way we share our passion for natural living and connection with the earth. By learning to craft their own candles, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the versatility of this remarkable bee-made material.
Candle Craft Workshop
Our beeswax candle workshops are held monthly during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Each session lasts around 2 hours and accommodates up to 12 participants. We provide all the necessary supplies, including a selection of beeswax, wicks, molds, and decorative add-ins.
After a brief introduction to the history and benefits of beeswax candles, attendees have the opportunity to customize their creations. They can choose from a variety of essential oil scents, like lavender, citrus, or pine, to infuse their candles. Participants also get to incorporate dried flowers, herbs, or other natural elements into the wax for a truly unique final product.
The hands-on pouring and molding process is both relaxing and rewarding. Our workshop instructors are on hand to guide participants through each step, ensuring everyone leaves with a set of professional-quality candles. Many attendees report feeling a deep sense of connection to the land and the hardworking honeybees after completing their creations.
Beeswax Candle Customization
One of the best things about making your own beeswax candles is the ability to personalize them. In addition to selecting scents and decorative elements, participants can choose from a variety of mold shapes and sizes to suit their preferences and home decor.
We offer a range of options, from classic pillars and votives to more whimsical designs like mini spheres and rustic tea lights. Guests are encouraged to experiment and get creative with their candle-making, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind final product.
Candle Burning Safety
While beeswax candles are generally safer than their paraffin counterparts, there are still a few precautions to keep in mind. We emphasize the importance of trimming wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting to prevent sooting and uneven burning. Participants also learn how to manage burn times to maximize the life of their candles.
During the workshop, we discuss proper candle placement, keeping flames away from flammable materials, and monitoring candles while they’re lit. With these simple safety tips, our guests can enjoy their handcrafted beeswax creations worry-free.
Beeswax Candle Benefits
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, beeswax candles offer a host of practical benefits for the home. Beeswax is a naturally cleansing and deodorizing substance, releasing negative ions that can help purify the air and neutralize odors. The warm, honeyed aroma of beeswax is also a completely natural, non-toxic way to fragrance a space.
Compared to paraffin or soy wax, beeswax candles tend to have a longer burn time. This makes them an economical and environmentally-friendly choice for everyday use or special occasions. Guests leave our workshops with the knowledge and materials to continue enjoying the benefits of beeswax candles long after the class is over.
Candle-Making Techniques
The actual candle-making process is straightforward, but requires some attention to detail. We begin by melting the beeswax in a double boiler, being careful not to overheat it. Once the wax is in a liquid state, participants can add their chosen essential oils and decorative elements, stirring gently to incorporate.
Next, the wicks are carefully positioned in the desired molds, whether they’re simple straight-sided pillars or more intricate shapes. The melted wax is then slowly poured into the molds, leaving a small space at the top to account for shrinkage as the candles cool.
After an hour or so of cooling time, the candles are gently removed from their molds. A final trim of the wicks completes the process, and participants are left with a beautiful, customized set of beeswax candles to take home.
At Crooked Pines Farm, we’re passionate about sharing the joys of sustainable, creative living. Our beeswax candle workshops provide a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to connect with nature, learn a new skill, and enjoy the warm ambiance of these one-of-a-kind candles. We hope our guests leave inspired to continue exploring the many uses and benefits of this remarkable bee-made material.
