Rolling Bees Wax Candles

I am not crafty or artistic.  Therefore, three years ago,I offered my services in organizing and spearheading the church bees wax candle making in order to contribute to the annual Christmas Bazaar.  Of course there was much to this project that I had not anticipated.  First, in August, I inventory the candles left over from the year before.  Then I order the sheets of candle wax.  About 200.  Once the wax arrives, I count the order to make sure we received the number and colors ordered.  I have help and advice every step of the way from friends and former organizers. Those church members who have expressed the least little interest in rolling candles are on file in my Outreach Express.  I notify them of the day and times we are rolling.  This year we have alternated weeks.  One week we roll candles on Monday mornings; one week we roll on Wednesday nights. Remember to click on any picture to enlarge it.

Cutting board with cardboard template



Sheet of wax ready to be cut





Wisk is laid on the long edge.



Press the wick into the wax as the wax is rolled.

Rune cuts the wicks off the template.

The candle rolling is simple.  First each sheet of wax is cut in half on the diagonal, in order to make the candle taper, using a cardboard template. Wicks are cut, also using a cardboard template, from a huge roll of white cord.

 One sheet of wax makes two candles.  To roll the candle lay the candle wick on the longest edge of the wax sheet.  Getting started to perhaps the hardest part of this craft.  The long edge of the wax must be pinched around the candle wick. 



Now we're rolling!



Many candles are tied together in two's with pretty ribbon.  Sets of advent candles are bundled together:  three purple, one pink, and one white.



Denise ties the bows.





Sometimes choir boys display their own candle rolling talents.