Back to Basics

Why beeswax candles are so much better for us and the environment

With the coming of Autumn, I am always more inclined to return to the basics. Whether that is baking, quilting, or candlemaking. The darkening days and “slower pace” give permission to pursue other tasks that go by the wayside during the spring and summer.

I “blame” Back to Basics for my love of quilting and candlemaking. When I was little, this book was a staple in our house. I spent many hours pouring over its pages, fascinated by how things used to be done—things I’d only read about in Little House on the Prairie or Farmer Boy.

“Used to be done” is how I thought of it; no one did these things anymore. It wasn’t until I was older that I realized that the way we did things growing up was a dying art form, and for many things, it was the best way to do them.

I started quilting 17 years ago, candlemaking soon after, and cooking and baking have always been a way of life for us. I make quilts because they’re beautiful and it gives me a creative outlet, but it takes forever; I cook and bake because it is better for us and very often much cheaper; but candle making is one of the few things I do simply because I enjoy it. The fact that it’s better for us is a bonus.

Why Beeswax Candles?

I grew up with the heavily fragranced candles from Yankee Candle or Bath and Body Works. Many of us wondered way back then why we got headaches every time we went to their stores.

Fast forward 20 or 30 years and we now know it’s because of all the chemicals used in their candles to give that fragrance. The very thing we were breathing in. Many large candle manufacturers STILL use those chemicals, choosing to ignore the research that shows how horrible they are for us.

BUT, what God provides is always better!

The sweet honey smell of a beeswax candle is unlike any other candle. They burn cleaner and longer, and not only are they not poisoning us with chemicals, but they purify the air as they burn. It’s a win-win!

Years ago, I sold my beeswax candles on Etsy and at craft shows, but the market became flooded with cheap knockoffs and there was no way to compete; so I threw in the towel, only making candles for our home and gifts.

In September, I re-opened the doors to my Etsy shop: White House Emporium!