Welcome back to How It’s Made - a series sharing the materials and handcrafted techniques behind each of our candle styles. This time, we're taking a closer look at our beeswax pillars and the thoughtful process that transforms pure beeswax into a beautiful source of warmth and light.
The Integrity of Our Ingredients
It begins, as it always does, with the bees.
Our beeswax is thoughtfully sourced through long-standing relationships with beekeepers across primarily Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. These partnerships have been built over time, rooted in trust, consistency, and a shared respect for the bees. We prioritize apiaries that focus their pollination on crops grown with minimal or no pesticides, helping to ensure the wax remains as pure and unaltered as possible. The result is beeswax in its most honest form - naturally aromatic and reflective of the landscape from which it came.
From there, we turn to the core of every candle: the wick. We use only pure cotton wicks, free from metal cores and synthetic blends. A cotton wick burns cleanly and evenly, allowing the beeswax to perform as intended, with minimal soot and a steady, beautiful flame.
Our dyes are eco-conscious and adhere to REACH standards, meeting rigorous European guidelines for environmental and human safety.
The Process
We begin by slowly melting the beeswax to approximately 160–170°F. Careful temperature control ensures the wax fully liquefies while preserving the natural qualities that make it the cleanest burning wax available.
If color is being added, it is weighed and blended according to our custom formulations. Each batch is adjusted with precision, balancing consistency with the subtle variations that are inherent to a handcrafted process.
Next, the pillar molds are prepared. A thin metal wick pin is positioned within each mold, creating the channel that will later hold the wick. Once the molds are ready, the melted beeswax is poured by hand in small batches. Each pouring pitcher weighs approximately four pounds when full, requiring a steady hand and complete focus. Precision is critical, even slight shaking or hesitation during the pour can create imperfections in the finished candle. Throughout the process, our makers continually evaluate temperature, timing, and environmental conditions. Even subtle seasonal shifts can influence how beeswax behaves, making every batch a reflection of both craftsmanship and experience.
As the pillars cool, the wax provides visual cues that guide the next step: removing the metal wick pins. Timing is everything. If the pins are pulled too early, the channel can close as the wax settles. Too late, and the pins become locked in place. Knowing exactly when to remove them comes from years of experience and a close understanding of how beeswax changes as it cools.
After cooling overnight, the pillars are removed from their molds. A cotton wick is then threaded through the channel and secured by hand.
Inspection
Each pillar undergoes a thorough inspection. We examine wick placement, color consistency, surface finish, and overall appearance. Every detail is considered before a candle is approved to move forward.
The finished candles are then labeled and carefully packaged by hand. From the first pour to the final inspection, each step reflects our commitment to creating candles of exceptional quality - objects designed not only to be burned, but to become part of the rituals, gatherings, and everyday moments feel special.
And then, they are ready to make their journey to you!
Shop our full line of hand poured beeswax pillars, here!