Yesterday was a rainy and blustery Sunday. Just the kind of Sunday we need when there is lots of work to do inside. 
I am two thirds of the way through decanting all the honey from the empty hives. Now I really have an awful of wax. I thought that on Thursday the home schooled children and I can make candles. We have such a busy week ahead.
But before we even think of making candles we need to heat and strain the wax, and make the candle wicks. I will do the wax today on the woodstove. I have a special pot for cooking down wax. Yesterday I started the wicks. 
We are going to make dipped candles. So I cut pure cotton strings to lengths for two candles, plus extra for either end. These were folded and covered in a borax and salt solution. They will soak for two days.
Here is the Candle Wick Soaking Solution
- 4tbsp borax
- 2 tablespoons salt
- cup and half hot water
At the end of the second day hang the strings to dry. Either in the sun, or for me, above the fire in the loft. Dry for a further two or three days. The string has to be absolutely dry.
The morning that we make the candles I will show you how to attach each wick to the holders and thinly coat in wax then thoroughly dry again for the final curing. Then we will be ready for the Candle Making.
But today we are going to get Charlotte ready for her ride to the Swine herd’s place tomorrow. Do you think she may need a manicure and maybe a wee facial. I shall ask her. She is very good at walking into the trailer for her feed. Though Sheila has already decided that she would rather eat in her usual spot. So separating them tomorrow will be not be a problem at all.
The wind is howling a gale outside. Time to get to work. There is a fair amount to do. We are getting short of wood for the fire so we are off on a scavenge through the hedge apple hedge on the big farm. There is always dry wood hanging about in there. I wish there were bales of dry hay hanging about in there too. It is going to be a close thing.
Have a lovely day.
celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
52 responses to “Making Wicks for Candles and Winter Honey”
I’ve made dipped candles before . . . it took LOTS of patience. My mom used tin candle molds for faster results.
Either way, what great fun for you and the grandkids.
oh they are not my grandkids, they are borrowed children. we are going to hang the candles up when we need a break. My arms get tired! I would love to get some of those moulds but they are so expensive. We will have fun though and I have piles of patience there is no hurry.
I love this! It brings back memories of reading about candle making in “Farmer Boy”.
I had no idea of the work involved in making a wick. I feel as if I have stepped back in time and that you are helping keep a dying knowledge alive.
I had to laugh at the idea of Charlotte having a manicure and a facial ready for her date! The candle-making looks intriguing, and I’m sure the children will love it. It will smell good too.
The candle preparations look wonderful, Celi. We’re blustery here, too….
I’ll be thinking of Charlotte and her anxious mama tomorrow….can’t wait to see the candle making process….
I can’t imagine that I’m ever going to make a candle, but I shall listen attentively. I’m already in the dark, which means I could do with a candle, as I have no idea of the nature of Borax. We live with trade names, so each country can stay unaware in the true spirit of Babel. Maybe Borax is the real name of some chemical compound – I don’t know. I shall be following the unfolding story avidly.
I have never made candles or wicks before, but it looks fairly easy and like lots of fun! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Goodluck Cecilia! I’m excited to see the final outcome. I’m definitely sure this will be a whole lot of fun for you and the kids.