Banish Plastic Wrap Forever and 9 Other Creative Uses for Beeswax

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I've been experimenting with a variety of natural materials over the past year. Of all of them, I like beeswax best for its versatility. You can get a pound of beeswax for around $10, and there are so many possible uses for it, like these 10.

1. Candles

Melt beeswax and pour into a container with a wick to make candles. I love these primitive hand-dipped beeswax candles made with hemp cords. You'll melt the wax in a double boiler, dip, and keep dipping until you reach your desired thickness.

2. Lotion Bars

Skip store-bought lotions that contain lots of chemicals and make your own. These DIY lotion cubes are made with beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils. Melt the main ingredients together in a double boiler before adding the scents. Then pour into molds and let set.

3. Ornaments

Get into the holiday spirit a bit early this year with these DIY ornaments. I made so many of these guys last year. Just melt your beeswax in a double boiler and pour into chilled molds. You can insert ribbon or hemp to hang when the wax is warm or wait to poke a hole after it has set.

4. Lip Balm

Beeswax also creates a mean lip balm. To make, you'll use many of the same ingredients you melted together in the lotion bars. I suggest using flavor oils versus essentials oils in the last step (they don't actually taste like anything but are safe for regular application). Then pour into empty lip balm tubes.

5. Deodorant

If you have sensitive skin, making your own deodorant can transform your personal care routine. It's easy, too. You'll mix together melted beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, arrowroot powder, baking soda, and essential oils. Pour everything into empty deodorant containers.

6. Boot Polish

Shine up your shoes with this awesomely natural boot polish. Simply combine melted beeswax with olive oil and pour into a container. Then use a washcloth to buff this mixture into your leather boots and shoes.

7. Paper Crafts

Try dipping paper into beeswax to make unique arts and crafts. And here's a cool tip: Instead of using a double boiler, melt your wax in a Crock-Pot. You can use your creation in scrapbooking, card-making, or in altered book projects. Try coating sheet music, newspaper, or vintage prints for extra flair.

8. Waterproofing

Revitalize and protect your shoes by waterproofing them with beeswax. Just rub the beeswax all over the cloth upper. Then use a blow dryer to melt and let set for around five minutes before wearing. Bonus: Your shoes will stiffen up if they've been droopy.

9. Wood Polish

Your wooden spoons, bowls, and coffee table will love a good rub with some DIY beeswax polish. Melt together beeswax and olive oil, then pour this mixture into a glass container. Consider adding a few drops of pine or cedar wood essential oils for scent. Scoop out with a rag and gently rub onto your wooden items.

10. Food Wraps

Looking for a more sustainable, zero-plastic way to keep your foods fresh? Try making these wax-dipped fabric wraps. Grab some cotton fabric and cut to size. Then lay them on a baking sheet lined with foil. Sprinkle with beeswax and bake at 150 degrees Fahrenheit for around 10 minutes. I'm off to make some of these wraps now!

How do you put beeswax to wonderful use?

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