Honey-scented rolled beeswax candles are not
only easier to make than molded candles, but
they also burn longer. Use sheets of pliable
honeycomb-textured wax, available in natural
pale colors and in bright dyed hues. Supplies
are available at crafts shops.
To make the wax easier to work with,
heat it on a radiator or with a hair dryer until
it's pliable (a minute or two). Cut a piece of
wicking; it should be 3/4 inch longer than the
length of the candle. Place the wicking along one
long edge of the wax; fold the wax over the
wicking and press tightly to seal it in.
Carefully roll up the wax sheet with the
wicking inside. Make sure the top and bottom edges
remain even and that the wicking stays securely in
place.
When the candle is the diameter you want,
cut off the excess wax with a sharp utility knife.
Use a ruler as a straightedge to make sure that
you get a neat, clean edge.
Smooth the cut end by pressing a warmed
butter knife (hold it under running hot water
and dry it or warm it with a hair dryer) along the
seam. Don't press too hard; beeswax is delicate
and you can easily crush the candle. To prime the
end of the wick, press a tiny bit of wax around it
just before lighting it.
Vary the height
of your candles by cutting the beeswax into
strips of different heights before rolling the
candles in different widths as well. You can group
candles of varying widths and heights for an
elegant display.
To make a tapered candle, cut a right
triangle from a sheet of beeswax. Roll from one of
the equal sides. Make beehive-shape candles by
rolling a tapered candle, then adding layers of
sheet wax, each layer slightly shorter than the
last. For square candles, gently press the candle
against a hard, smooth surface after each quarter
turn.
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