Beeswax Lantern

Stretch a balloon by inflating and then deflating. Fill the balloon with water to get a nice shape. Remove the air from the balloon before tying a knot so it is completely, or as close to completely full of water as you can get it.

Place the beeswax pellets into a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the beeswax in 30-60 second increments until it is completely melted. Keep a close eye on the wax so it doesn’t burn and be very careful when touching the bowl as it will get extremely hot. Stir the wax to make sure it is completely melted and runny. Supervision is recommended when using the microwave and handling hot, melted wax.

Take the water filled balloon and dip into the melted wax. Roll the balloon around if needed, to get the wax up the side of the balloon as well. Continue to dip the balloon in and out of the wax allowing it to slightly cool each time, until you have built up a firm wax coating. You want the lantern to be sturdy enough to stand, but also thin enough to get a nice effect with the light coming through.

When dipping, be sure not to get any wax above the ‘tide line’ if you haven’t been able to remove all the air from your balloon. The water works to absorb the heat from the wax, however if the hot wax touches the balloon with just air it may burst.

When you have built up enough layers, place your balloon down on some baking paper. The weight of the balloon should create a flat bottom so it stands. Allow to cool and set.

Once the wax has completely dried, place the balloon into a bowl and carefully cut the top off, making sure to hold the balloon so water doesn’t go everywhere! Drain the balloon of water and remove it from the wax. Supervision is recommended when using scissors.

Place an LED candle inside the lantern and turn off the lights for a beautiful glow!

This lantern is only suitable for LED tealights. Do not use a naked flame within the lantern.