How To Make Beeswax Luminaries
Learn how to make beeswax luminaries—an easy, natural DIY craft using beeswax and botanicals.
Beeswax luminaries create a warm, inviting glow that's beautiful both indoors and outdoors. You can use them with tea lights or LED lights. They provide the same ambiance as a candle but are more visually appealing and can last for years with proper care.
If you enjoy making natural crafts, this DIY is a fun project for all ages and makes a wonderful holiday gift.
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How To Make Beeswax Luminaries
What You Need:
1-2 lbs of beeswax
Dipping container (e.g., a wax melter)
Double boiler
Thick latex balloons
Cold water
Parchment paper
Heat gun (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Wax: Fill a pot halfway with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the dipping container filled with beeswax into the pot to melt. Heat the wax to 170-175°F.
Prepare the Balloons: While the wax melts, fill latex balloons with cold water, making sure they are small enough to fit within the opening of your wax container.
Dip the Balloons: When the wax reaches 170°F, remove the pot from heat and check the temperature.
Carefully dip each balloon into the wax, slowly repeating this process 15-20 times until the wax forms a layer about 1/4 inch thick on the balloon.
Place each dipped balloon upright on parchment paper and let it cool.
Keep the wax temperature between 165-175°F to prevent drips from forming on the balloon's sides.
Decorate: If desired, use a heat gun to gently warm the luminary's surface. Press dried flowers or botanicals onto the softened wax, smoothing them out with the back of a spoon. A light pass of the heat gun over the flowers will help them adhere.
Remove the Balloon: Carefully pop the balloon over a sink and cut the top, avoiding any water splashes on the luminary sides.
Use a knife or heat gun to smooth rough edges for a more finished look if desired.
Add Lighting: Place an LED light or small tea light inside the luminary. If using a candle, ensure it doesn't melt the wax sides, and never leave a candle unattended.
Downloadable recipe PDF & video tutorial below!
About The Herbal Crafter
My name is Tiffany, and I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and three kids. I have been blogging about food and natural living for over 14 years. I spend me free time studying herbalism and aromatherapy.
I'm currently enrolled in The Herbal Academy's Intermediate Herbal Course and hope to take the Advanced course in 2025.
I created this substack to share my herbal recipes, plant-based creations, and foraging finds.
Oooh! I really want to try this.