“Provides an excellent introduction and solid technique instruction to make candles, lotions, and soaps with beeswax. Strongly recommended.” —Library Journal
Featuring over forty DIY projects that illustrate how to transform one of the world’s most natural ingredients into tangible creations, Beeswax Alchemy is the perfect amalgamation of recipe craft book and beekeepers’ guide.
Considered the miracle of the beehive and used by humans for 8,000 years, beeswax remains a vital ingredient and is still used as the foundation for many household products in the twenty-first century. Learn from apiarist and entrepreneur Petra Ahnert about the history of beeswax, as well as tips and techniques on how to mold it into beautiful, reusable creations.
You’ll also find an explanation of the different types of beeswax, as well as insider tips on working with beeswax, followed by step-by-step instructions for making candles, balms, salves, creams, scrubs, soaps, ornaments, art, and more out of beeswax (either your own or store-bought). Color photos illustrate the processes. Among the useful and beautiful things you’ll learn to make out of beeswax:Hand-Dipped Birthday CandlesLip Balm with Cocoa ButterRosebud SalveSolid Natural PerfumesHoney, Oats, and Beeswax SoapBeeswax Luminaries
Whether you are an expert beekeeper or experimental crafter, Beeswax Alchemy is the best guide for anyone aspiring to make wellness-boosting treasures to keep or gift to friends and family.
“This is the book I’ve been waiting for. Excellent instructions. Bountiful information. Beautifully done.” —Kim Flottum, author of The Backyard Beekeeper and editor of Bee Culture magazine
Petra Ahnert is the creative force behind Beehive Alchemy (beehivealchemy.com), an artisan soap, body care, and home goods business. After a serendipitous meeting with a beekeeper at the library in 2002, Petra soon had a couple hives of her own and extra honey to sell. Since that time, she has sought out ways to make good use of the extra wax, too, often replacing items in her home with ones she can create herself. Eventually, these beeswax-based items made their way into the product line-up for Beehive Alchemy and the projects featured in her book, Beeswax Alchemy.