Anyone have a source for cheap candle wax?

[Pokeberry Mary]

I'm wondering if anyone knows where to get bulk candle wax at low prices. I'd like to make candles--haven't done so in years. My eyes popped when I found the supplies at store--tiny little wax blocks for tons of $.:eek:

[ScrubbieLady]

You might try asking for old candles on freecycle or craigslist. They can be melted down to reuse the wax.

[Dame]

Depending on where you live and how much work/travel you want/are able to do, look for a local apiarist and get some unrendered wax. Or ask where they send the was for rendering and then contact for direct bulk purchase.

Rendering your own takes some time, however it is not dificult, just messy.

[Aamylf]

I know this isn't exactly what you meant, but around here the answer is yard sales. I buy entire shoe boxes of candles for $1 on a regular basis -- some are crooked, some are broken, some are partially used, but I just melt them down into blocks (solar melting here!) and then remelt into candles. I keep like colors together usually and like fragrances. Very inexpensive.

[NCLee]

I know what you mean about the prices of wax at crafts stores. I remember when a 10 lb block was $5. Every grocery store had canning wax for something like 49 cents a box. Remember that makes it even more painful when I see those prices today.

Next time you head to a major crafts store, go on line and check for their coupons. 40% off an an item can make those big blocks of wax a little more affordable. Recently used a 20% off entire purchase at one store, which really helped out.

Big Ditto on re-using old wax. Flea markets and thrift stores are good sources, too. Oh, and don't forget jar candles at dollar stores. Put some type of trivet in the bottom of a pot. Anything that'll hold the glass off the bottom of the pot. Even small stones, canning lid rings, a brick, etc. will work for that. Set the jar on the trivet and add water until it's surrounding at least 1/2 the height of the wax in the jar. Gently heat it to melt the wax and pour out of the jar. Heat again to help remove the wax residue.

Lee