handdipped

beeswax & tallow

candles
by Stephanie of Homestead on Purpose

INGREDIENTS & SUPPLIES

Beeswax sheets or pellets
Tallow (rendered animal fat) or another type of
oil (e.g., coconut oil)
Candle wick
Essential oils (optional, for fragrance)
Double boiler or a makeshift one (a heatproof
bowl placed over a pot of simmering water)
Stirring utensil
Clothespins, hanger (somewhere to hang
candles in between dipping)
Wax paper or parchment paper
Cutting board and knife

METHOD
Prepare your work area by covering in wax or
1
parchment paper, this makes clean up much
easier!
Cut the candle wick to the desired length,
2 allowing some extra length for handling.

Melt the beeswax and tallow in a double

3 boiler, or wax melting pot. You can adjust the
ratio, but a good place to begin is 3:1 ratio of
beeswax to tallow. (see notes)

If you choose to add essential oils, this is when

4 you would add them. Stir to combine evenly.

Using a small nut, washer, or metal wick base

5 that often comes with the wick, knot one on
each end of your wick to weigh down the wick
when dipping.
Dip the wick into the melted wax mixture,
6 making sure it’s fully coated. Allow any wax to
drip back into the pot.

Allow the wax to cool (about 10-15 seconds).

7 Repeat the dipping process, allowing each
layer to harden between dips. The more you
dip, the thicker your candle becomes.

When you reach the desired thickness, trim

8 and shape the bottom with a knife (if
ncessesary). Dip one last time to smooth it
out.

9 Trim the wick, light your candle, and enjoy!

TIPS & LINKS

HOMESTEAD ON PURPOSE.COM | @HOMESTEADONPURPOSE
 handdipped
beeswax & tallow
candles
TIPS:
Use a double boiler, or melting pot that you’re okay with designating for wax, it’s very difficult
the clean the melted wax off.
You’ll want to choose a wax melting vessel deep enough for the length of candles you desire to
make.
When determining your preferred ratio of beeswax to tallow, keep in mind: more beeswax will
make the candle harder, more tallow will make them softer. I use a 3 part beeswax : 1 part tallow
ratio.
While dipping your candles, try to keep your beeswax at a temperature just above melting. Too
hot and your previously dipped wax will melt off the wick, and your candle will not build in
thickness. Too cool ( you’ll know it’s too cool because it will begin to harden along the edges) and
you’ll get clumpy candles.

LINKS TO ITEMS USED:

Organic beeswax pellets
100% cotton wick
Melting pour pot

I render my own tallow, here are my recipe reels:

PART ONE
PART TWO

You can also find the method in more detail and printable recipe format
in The Holistic Pantry e-book, HERE

and as part of The Holistic Health Bundle, available January 1 - 10, HERE

If you like this printable recipe, you’ll love The Holistic

Pantry, where you can find more non-tox and home
remedy recipes for every day use in your home!
Join my mailing list to be notified of the next time
it’s available!

HOMESTEAD ON PURPOSE.COM | @HOMESTEADONPURPOSE