People are always interested in the beeswax process. When I need beeswax, I source it from local beekeepers – straight from the hive. Well, not actually the hive, I get it straight from the beekeeper, but that still counts, right? My point is, the beeswax has not been altered in any way before I get it. It comes as a mixture of sticky honey, wax, dirt and bee parts (eww gross, I know). It is quite messy, and time consuming, but makes the house smell SO GOOD!
Here it is:
I have a double boiler sort of system, with the pot of hot water on the bottom, and the big bowl of beeswax on top. It slowly melts into liquid form that can then be filtered through a variety of things (I use nylons). The melted wax is poured through the nylons (to catch all the gunk), and into clean milk or juice cardboard cartons.
As everything cools, the honey sinks to the bottom, and the wax stays on the top and hardens. Then the cardboard can be ripped away to begin the next step.
It’s pretty, right?? There are a couple of more steps in the process before I can use either the honey or the wax, which will follow in another post. Stay tuned …