Beeswax candles have a soft, creamy color and subtle sweet smell. A few simple additives can enhance the hue and aroma of your candles if you desire. Add a few drops of almond extract or peppermint oil, or perhaps a handful of old coffee beans for more scent. Add blue food coloring to make Hanukkah candles or red, black and green for Kwanzaa.
MATERIALS
• 1 pound beeswax
• 1 package wicking string
• 4 to 6 small glass jars, labels removed
• 4 to 6 pencils or spoons
• 1 large old cooking pot
• 1 metal funnel
1. Arrange jars on a foil-covered tray.
2. Cut wicks about two inches longer than height of jar.
3. Twist wicking string around pencils, spoons or other objects to securely center the wick over jar.
4. Place beeswax block into a large old pot over high heat for about 10 minutes or until the wax melts.
5. Add a few drops of scented oils/cooking extracts or food coloring, if desired.
6. Pour hot liquid beeswax through funnel into prepared jars. Leave about 1/2 inch of space at the top of the jar.
7. Allow jars to cool overnight in a safe place where they will be undisturbed by pets or children.
8. Untwist wicks and cut to 1/2 inch above the wax before lighting.
The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.