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Bayberries are coated with a wax that may be used to make candles. The colonists of America found that the berries warmed in water released the wax. The wax separates from the berries and rises to the surface of the water. It may be skimmed off when cooled. The wax was commonly used to make hand dipped candles. Five to eight pounds of berries yield one pound of wax. Bayberry wax is available from craft suppliers. The candles are long burning and rather brittle. To make your own bayberry candles you will need:Collected berries, sorted and rinsed Candle mold or container Wick or string dipped in hot wax and pulled taut to straighten Cheesecloth Small stick Tallow, beeswax or paraffin optional Remove the berries from the branches, carefully picking them over. Place them in a sieve and shake to remove dust. Put the collected berries in a container filled with water and place in a warm area, but not over direct heat. Let soak for 12-24 hours. Then set in a cool area until the wax has formed a solid block. Remove the wax block from the container and brush off any remaining sediment. Place the wax in a clean container, again in a warm area, such as a gas oven with the pilot light on until it melts. Pour the melted wax through a strainer into a cheesecloth lined bowl. Allow to harden once more. This time consuming process gives a pure wax. If you don't have the time, simply place the berries in a pot of boiling water, reduce the heat to simmer, and remove from the heat when the wax has floated to the top. Place the pot with its contents in a cool area and allow the wax to harden. Use the following instructions for both methods. Use pure bayberry wax or augment with tallow, paraffin, or beeswax. The mold may be an antique taper mold or any can, carton or tin that will hold hot wax. Put the wick in the center by wrapping the end around a small stick and placing the stick across the top of the mold. Melt the wax over low heat in the top of a double boiler. Carefully pour the wax into the mold. Place the mold upright in a cool spot until the candle has solidified. Remove the candle from the mold when the wax is completely hardened. If a disposable mold has been used, gently tear it away from the candle. If you are using a metal mold, run hot water briefly over the outside to loosen it. For a fine finish rub the candle with a soft cloth. A pure bayberry candle will not produce a light as bright as that of beeswax. Tapered candles may be made by dipping a long wick into a deep vessel of melted wax several times. Allow to dry between dips. The candle may be as thin or as thick as you like. Candles made from any kind of wax burn longer and better if refrigerated for several hours before use. |