Introduction:
The Holidays are a splendid time to spend indoors with family and friends. Candlelight can enhance the mood and add meaning to many holiday occasions. Candlemaking can be a complex process or a very simple process, depending on the materials used. Rolling candles out of beeswax sheets is a wonderful way to safely introduce children to the world of candle making and they make great holiday gifts.

Materials:

• Jacquard brand beeswax candle kits (available in a variety of styles) or Colored beeswax sheets
• Wick
• Small metal charms
• Butter knife
• Metal cookie cutters
• Hairdryer optional

Directions:
1. To make a taper candle: Cut the beeswax sheet (if necessary) to the size of candle you would like. Cut a length of wick at least 1 inch longer than you want your candle to be. Lay the beeswax sheet with the textured side down. Lay the wick lengthwise on top of the beeswax sheet at one edge. Press charms into the beeswax. Now, starting at the end that has the wick, crimp the beeswax sheet tightly over the wick and continue rolling until the candle is finished. If it proves difficult to roll, use a hairdryer to warm it up and it will become more pliable.

2. Try pressing layers of beeswax sheets together with the wick in the center of these layers. Then use metal cookie cutters to cut out interesting candle shapes.

3. You can also use a sheet of beeswax to cover the outside of a regular candle to add character or cut shapes out of the beeswax sheets and then collage them onto candles you have already rolled. Save your cut scraps for decorating other candles.

4. Roll your beeswax sheet starting at a corner for a spiral taper. Roll 2 or 3 different colored sheets at once for a layered look.

References:
Constable, David. Candlemaking; Creative Designs and Techniques. Search Press Ltd., Kent, UK. 1992.

Marko, Paul and Debbie Davis. Candlecraft. Chartwell Books, New Jersey. 1998.

Spear, Sue. Creative Candles. Chartwell Books, New Jersey. 1996.

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