How To Make A Beautiful Beeswax Pine Cone Candle

Handmade candles make wonderful holiday gifts and decorations. Even if you’ve never made a candle before, there’s no need to be intimidated by the thought of pouring your own candles, nor to think you must start out with a simple shape like a tealight.

I’ve chosen one of my favorite molds for this project. The medium pine cone is such a beautiful candle. It compliments any holiday table and would make a perfect gift as well. Yet it is easy enough for a beginner’s first project. You’ll get confident in no time. With a little experience preparing your mold, melting wax, and pouring, you will be surprised at how simple it is. So, let’s gather a few supplies and jump right in!

Supplies needed

1. Double boiler (two pans, one that fits inside the other with water in the pan underneath). You can also use a bain-marie pot, which is what I prefer for heating small amounts of wax.
2. Beeswax- The amount you need is determined by the number of candles you wish to make. The weight of wax needed for each mold is listed in the catalogue. The medium pine cone mold requires about 2.75 oz of wax per candle. You can use blocks or pastilles. If starting with a block, use a hammer to break it into small pieces for easier melting. You can also grate the wax.
3. Wicking- the medium pine cone requires #2 wicking. Always determine the correct wick for your candles so they will burn nicely. A wick that’s too small can cause your little flame to go out.
4. Large bobby pin- This will hold your wick tautly in the mold to keep it centered during pouring.
5. Rubber bands- These keep your mold together during the pouring and cooling stages. You’ll need 3 or 4. Wide ones are better than thin ones.
6. Medium pine cone mold. We also offer other sizes of pine cone molds.
7. Newspaper to protect your work area.
8. A shallow pan to use for finishing the bottom of your candle. An old nonstick skillet from a thrift shop would be a good choice.

Step-by-step instructions for making your first candle.

Place the beeswax in the melting pot and slowly melt on a med/low heat setting. It should be heated very slowly. Beeswax will begin melting at 147 degrees F. It should not be heated past 185 degrees F. Don't leave the melting wax unattended. While the wax is melting, prepare your mold.

Preparing the candle mold

Step 1. Place the wick in the mold. Leave about ¾” extra at the top.

Step 2. At the top, attach the wick to a large bobby pin to hold it tight and in the center of the mold.

Step 3. Match the seam in the mold carefully. Place rubber bands around the mold, using 3 or 4 bands. They should be tight, but not so tight that they distort the mold.

Pouring and finishing your candle

Step 4. Pour the melted wax slowly into the mold until it is full; wait à few minutes, then add a bit more wax to bring it up to the top surface of the mold. Set the candle aside to cool for several hours or overnight.

Step 5. Remove the rubber bands and gently pull the mold apart to reveal this beautiful candle. Remove it carefully and trim the wick at the bottom of your candle.

Step 6. Heat your finishing pan on the med/low setting. Hold your candle with bottom lightly touching the pan to melt it slightly in order to make it even and flat on the bottom. This makes sure that the candle will stand straight.

Voilà! You just made your first holiday candle!

Now it’s time to plan your holiday tablescape or wrap it up for a treasured gift for someone special.

There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the art of beeswax candle making. Have fun experimenting with various molds, and even scents if you like. You’ll be so proud to say that your candles are hand poured by you.

I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed showing you how to make your first candles.

Wishing you all many blessings for a warm, wonderful, happy, healthy Holiday! As always, stay inspired!

Mel Sandbrook