CAMBP Class on Beeswax and Candles

Registration is underway for an all-day UC Davis class for those who want to learn "the fascinating world of beeswax, from how honey bees produce it to how beekeepers can collect, process, and transform it into beautiful and useful products."

The California Master Beekeeper Program (CAMBP) annual class,  "Wax Working, Honey and Hive Products," is set from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7 in the E. L. Niño Bee Lab at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility, located at 1 Bee Biology Road, UC Davis. Space is limited; registration is advised by Oct. 23.

"It promises to be a full day of hands-on learning, creativity, and discovery," said Wendy Mather, co-program manager of CAMBP. Catherine Hounshell, certified California master beekeeper and educator, will facilitate the class along with bee scientist Elina Niño and her lab team "to bring and blend the best in science-based information and creativity."

Niño, founder and director of CAMBP, is the professor of UC Cooperation Extension, apiculture; a member of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology faculty, and director of the UC Davis Bee Haven.

"This class is perfect for the hobby and sideline beekeeper interested in learning the basics of working with wax," Mather said. "Throughout the day, participants will learn how bees make wax and how it functions within the colony, how beekeepers collect wax from the hive, how to safely clean and process beeswax, and how to turn beeswax into handcrafted products that one can make again at home."

"Participants will roll up their sleeves and create their own molded beeswax candles, poured candles, and beeswax lip balm," Mather said. "Materials including wax, wicks, candle containers, shea butter, coconut oil, fragrance, and other supplies will be provided. Best of all, participants will make and take home two of each item."

The $200 registration fee includes all workshop materials and supplies, along with snacks and refreshments. Participants should bring their own bag lunch.

"Come with friends, play, create, and enjoy learning together," Mather commented. During the half-hour lunch break, the participants are invited to lunch in  "the beauty and serenity of the UC Davis Bee Haven Garden." The half-acre pollinator garden, part of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, is open to the public from dawn to dusk (free admission).

"And what you learn does not end when the workshop is over," Mather shared. "You will leave with the skills and confidence to continue experimenting with beeswax at home and explore other creative projects such as lotions, salves, dipped candles, wax seals, beeswax food wraps, flower preservation, and more. With the holidays just around the corner, the timing could not be better. Your handmade candles and lip balms can become thoughtful gifts, while the skills you take home may inspire many more handcrafted creations throughout the year."

Register at https://cambp.ucdavis.edu/classes/class-catalog/wax-working-honey-and-hive-products