Colonists did not have electricity so they made their own candles to provide light.  They made candles by dipping fine thread from milkweed into the wax.  The wax came from cooking berries from the bayberry bush.  Below we explain how we made candles in our classroom.  This project requires adult supervision.            

Materials:

• 2 large cans (or small coffee cans)

• water

• a pan

• a hot plate or stove

• a pound of wax or old candles

• 1 package of candle wicks (available from craft stores)

Place the wax in one coffee can.  Then put the the coffee can in the pot and pour water in the pan.  Do not fill the pan so the water has room to come to a boil.  Place the pan on the stove or hotplate over medium heat. Fill the other large can with water.

When the wax melts, turn the burner off and place the pan on a trivet or towel near the coffee can containing the cold water.  Cut a piece of wick about 12 inches long, fold the wick in half and dip both ends into the wax. Be careful not to let the two ends touch each other.

Pull the wick out of the wax and dip it in the can of cold water.  

Repeat the dipping and cooling.  Stop when the candles are the size you want.  Keep candles in cold water until they have completely cooled.  Remove the candles and let them drip dry.