This time of year the darkness sets in so early that candles can be a really fun activity that can represent “lighting the way to a new year”.

Shopping List:

• Candle Wicks  (available at craft and hobby stores)
• Beeswax (available at Amazon- might be available locally too)
• Other needs:
• Small sized coffee cans
• Newspaper
• Lots of pot holders
• A large pot
• Sturdy twigs

1) The beeswax comes as a big block; chop this up into small pieces that will fit into coffee cans.

2) Fill a pot with water and place cans of beeswax into the pot. Don’t let the cans float (remove some water if they do).

3) Allow the wax to melt in the cans. (Adding fresh chunks as the wax melts).

…….While the wax is melting.

4) Cut 12 inch wicks. Tie one end of each wick to a twig.

5) Remember to check on your melting wax! When the cans have 6-8 inches of  melted wax, remove from the heat and place on a newspaper-covered area. (Note: use newspaper it’s a mess otherwise).

6) Dip the wick into the wax while holding onto the stick. “Dip it down; pick it up.”

7) Allow the wax to harden on the wick then re-dip… over and over and over again. Till the candle is large enough to fit in a candle holder. (To flatten the bottom of the candle, use wax paper and with each dip tap the candle on the wax paper- it will make the candle a tad easier to use in a candle holder).

Once you’re done, save the cans for next year (you can remelt the wax that’s left inside) and keep the newspaper for a fire in the wood stove (the wax on the paper will help the fire ignite).

Add some education to the process? Make honey cakes, use beeswax and talk about the gifts from the honey bees!

For more information or for guidance on making candles in a classroom setting, read Earthwaysby Carol Petrash.

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