Glowing Beeswax Luminaries

Glowing Beeswax Luminaries

Jan 31, 2018 By Pat Cattermole
beeswax uses













By Dana Gallinger 

Supplies:
 
9” Balloons 
2 lbs Beeswax (leaves plenty left for other projects) 
Double boiler, slow cooker or stainless pot 
Parchment paper 

Process

Gather materials

beeswax crafts










Fill balloon with warm water. Fill them to the size that you want your luminary to be. They should be full enough that they are plump and taut.


Heat your beeswax to 160 – 170F.  You can use a cooking pot on low heat or a double boiler out of two pots. Be prepared to donate the wax pot to wax forever more as it is a headache to clean it out.

Melt the wax on high, and then turn it to low before you set to work. No thermometer? No worries here are some common issues that relate to temperature: 
  • Is the wax sticking smoothly to your balloon?  Then the temperature is just right. 
  • Is the wax lumpy?  Too cool
  • Is the wax melting the previous layer off when you re-dip?  Too hot! 
Dip your balloon repeatedly making sure not to dip beyond the water/air line. Every six dips or so gently place the balloon on a piece of parchment paper to flatten the bottom. Allow for 5-10 seconds for the wax to cool before dipping it into the wax again.

beeswax uses                       










After around 20-30 dips, gently place your balloon on the parchment and allow it to cool. The aim is to make the walls of the luminary thick enough to hold up to use but thin enough to allow light through. Experiment!  

beeswax crafts

Once the wax feels firm to the touch, but still warm take the balloon over to the sink and pop it and discard the broken balloon. While the luminary is still warm trim the edge with sharp knife.

crafts using beeswax
                                                                  
Place a tealight or votive (in a cup) inside and enjoy the warmth and ambiance.

beeswax candles
Published By Pat Cattermole
I had the good fortune to be hired at Honey Candles in the fall of 2004. Experience managing a small rural printing business and 15 years as an elected public school trustee has been a benefit as Honey Candles moves through the need for flexibility and the demands of rapidly changing natural products marketing. I am the Sales Manager and most likely to be the one answering the phone when you call. Social Media and blogging for Honey Candles has been a recent addition to my list of skills.

1 comment

  • Jeannette Hemmings

    Rather than put the tea light in a cup, I put about 2 tablespoons of sea salt in the luminary and sit the tea light on top. This helps to disipate the heat and the luminary does not melt. Works for me.

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