I met once a sweet old lady with a big mustache that earned a special place in my heart by saying in a heavy Cretan accent "When I have a lot of work to do, I go for a nap". Since I go through an incredibly overwhelming and demanding period, I will talk to you about something irrelevant, sending away my anxiety and heavy thoughts and I am going to write about candles as if nothing has changed in my life.
I have already shared here my passion about beeswax dipped candles, a very slow procedure full of surprises, that are not always pleasant :) This is an issue in general with slow handcrafted techniques, mistakes hurt more! But that's what makes all these products unique. You put your intention on it, your energy and a lot of time.
These twisted candles are my favorite, the way they burn is so beautiful. They have two wicks as they are made by two dipped candles that are hand twisted and dipped again as many times needed. Usually twisted candles have one wick cause they are made in mold. Nothing wrong with that, just different! I would like to experiment with molds one day, but that's my style and I always have to start with the most difficult ones, what mostly triggers my mind :)
How to make them step by step:
The most important thing is to find high quality wax. I buy mine from local bee keepers. It is expensive compared to other waxes as soya, not to mention paraffin, but the benefits for me totally worth it. Beeswax purifies the air, has an amazing smell and creates a very sweet bright light due to its chemical substance. I find all these just magic!
And let the dipping begin :)
Now just one at the time so that they get warm and flexible for some sculpturing.
And let the twisting begin!
One more time, and this time let's start with a kiss :)
After all, they are super romantic candles!
Some more dipping, repeated a few times depending on the result you want.
I would love to hear what you think about them.
I feel the need to apologize for not being around that much these last weeks, but I am doing my best to stay in touch even though I am not that visible :)
Wishing you all the best! I hope you are doing what your heart loves most!
If you would like to know more about me this is my introduction post.
I love them! Gorgeous. And such an ancient craft.
Now you have beeswax for furniture varnishing! Let's see those shelves.
And i know what you mean about napping. When I'm overwhelmed that's what I do.
I'm sorry you've been struggling babe. Hope you are coming out into the light as Spring bounces back into your lives x
So glad to have your feedback @riverflows! I love them and I wanted to make sure it's not just because of my excitement, haha!
Always plenty of beeswax in this house :)
Mixed feelings here! Partly exhausted and stressed, partly excited and can't wait:) I just wish I could control stress more, and this is a great opportunity to work on it, so work in progress like everything right now in my life :) And spring does help a lot!
Thank you so much!!!
I'm not very good at controlling stress either. If you find the secret tell me!!! Breath, breath, and compartmentalize. Not everything needs to be done in same hour. Lists and more lists! Xx
Yes, yes, yes! Oh my, endless lists :))
Thanks ❤️
"When I have a lot of work to do, I go for a nap." just awesome! Completely been there lol.
Where some see candles on this post, I see emotional transmutation.
Beautifully done.
Wise words by this wise lady, haha!
Thanks so much for your beautiful feedback @michaeldavid! Really glad you felt the emotions and not just the process :)
Thank you so much for your support :)
I love how they look! Simple, but exquisitely simple! :) That's their beauty...
Thanks so much @ackhoo for the super kind comment! Glad you love them, I appreciate your feedback! And your support :)
Oooh, these are divinely beautiful, dear @traisto ! Bravissima! I'd LOVE to be making my own candles, and will ask Piera at the market, who sells stupendo local honey, if I can acquire wax through her... Mmmmmmmmm - such a glorious light, yes!
Thank you so much @clareartista! I am sure you will love making them. Ask Piera and let me know if you need any help!!! Yes, such a glorious light!
😍
Thanks for sharing the process of making the twisted candles. They look gorgeous.
Glad you like them @diyhub ! Thank you so much for your feedback!
You're welcome. Keep up the great work.
I love the way these look! I think twisting 2 gives a much nicer product. And t hey do smell so much nicer…
Thank you for the feedback dear @goldenoakfarm! Much appreciated :)
A sweet old what?!?
Lady of course :)
Almost :))
Not gonna lie.. you got me with that one. And then the thumbnail, I thought "what the hell is she doing with spagheti?" 🤣
Ahahaha! Spaghetti? 🤣
I hope you are better! 👍
Going to x-ray today 🤢
I'm curious to see how they burn and the colour of the flame.
They look like they have a very pleasing scent. I might try this although I'm not sure I can get real beeswax around here.
Have you ever tried it with any other type of wax? And how long does it take to make?
Thanks for sharing this with us!🤗
Thank you for stopping by @zitalove! The flame is bright and the light is sweet :)
No, I haven't. This kind of method is a bit difficult with other waxes as they melt in lower temperature than beeswax. It is highly possible that when you dip them, the wax will melt at the pot and you will end up holding just the wick :)
I am not sure if these are totally accurate but soya for example melts at around 45°C and beeswax at over 70°C. Which is also the reason why beeswax candles last longer. If you ever try it with another kind of wax, I would really love to hear about it!
I haven't really timed it tbh :) It is several hours to get the wax at the right temperature and then it is dozens of dipping till you end up with a decent size, while you have to wait between each dipping till the wax gets cold, which varies from 10 minutes to more if the weather is hot.
I hope I made it clear for you :)
Gran trabajo quedo especial es un proceso que requiere habilidades y equipos necesarios... gracias por compartir tu trabajo
Muchísimas gracias @leidys01! Es verdad que es un gran trabajo que necesita paciencia, pero no es necesario tener equipos especiales. Puedes empezar con cosas simples de tu cocina, lo que es necesario es tener cera de abeja autentica. Y paciencia :))
So great to see your post. What cool candles. I love how they intertwine. I just read @fotostef's post about your move. Wow.
Wow, yes! Big change, but a nice one :)
I hope you are well! And really happy you liked the candles, they are my favorite, I love making them!
I know the feeling!
Your candles are just so damn cool, and it's super satisfying to watch you making them! Special shout out to @fotostef for the awesome pics!
Thanks so much for your feedback! It's super satisfying making them too :)
Wooow what a tutorial and great photos @fotostef! I love beeswax candles but I never tried to make them on my own. My girlfriend and I are using old wax leftovers to melt and pour into molds once a year (usually around christmas) but I defintely want to try out dipping for sure. I hope that will not stay an idea and I will actually do it some day :D Thx for sharing!
Beeswax candles fans, awesome! If you decide to try it, let me know if you need any help or more details! It feels great making them and even better burning them :)
Thanks so much!!!