Beeswax taper candles are one of my favorite ways to add a cozy ambiance and style to my home. After spending way too much money on a set of tapers while on my honeymoon, I knew there must be a way to make them at home. These beeswax taper candles will not only cost less to make, but they have a subtle beeswax scent, and look gorgeous in brass or ceramic candlestick holders. Read on for lots of tips and tricks to make the perfect tapers.
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Where to get beeswax?
My church has a lot of leftover partially burned beeswax candles that I recycle to make my tapers. If you can get your hands on some leftover beeswax it’s a very frugal option. I have also used these beeswax pastilles which melt great.
How long will this process take?
When I make a big batch of beeswax taper candles, it takes a few hours. I would dedicate an afternoon to the project between the melting, mixing, pouring, cooling, and unmolding. It’s great on a rainy or cold weekend when you’re looking for a productive yet satisfying project.
Where to find candlestick holders?
Because I know y’all will ask, these gorgeous candlestick holders in my images are from Anthropologie. They don’t sell them anymore but they offer lots of other lovely options, especially brass.
Supplies you will need for beeswax taper candles
Beeswax
- Leftovers from candles that you can remelt or
- Beeswax pastilles
Coconut oil
- A few tablespoons help the consistency of the candle, drip, and burn time
Molds + Accessories
- For a traditional taper, these are my favorite molds
- For the twisted tapers, I love this silicone mold
- The above molds also come with wicks and popsicle sticks for keeping them in place but I would recommend using the wick linked below
Organic cotton slow-burn wick
- Using this kind of wick is the best way to ensure slow burning beeswax taper candles
Wax pouring pot
- Add this pouring pot to a pot of simmering water to melt the wax. You can also use an old scruffy pot to melt your wax but trust me, the pouring pot is far easier
Freezer
- Make sure there’s space in your freezer to place the molds after you pour them for faster cooling
How to make beeswax taper candles
Step one:
Melt your wax over medium heat, add a few tablespoons of coconut oil, and stir
Step two:
Prep your molds as the wax melts. Be sure to tape the silicone molds shut so wax does not come out. You will also want to thoroughly coat the plastic molds with coconut oil to keep the candles from sticking. Add the wicks according to the package instructions.
Step three:
Pour the melted beeswax into the molds and place them in the freezer until completely cooled
Step four:
Carefully remove candles from the molds. Repeat steps two through four until you have enough tapers
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