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Sources for Beeswax

Ancient Egyptians used beeswax for embalming and to protect and preserve art in tombs. In World War II, beeswax was used as a protective coating for planes and weapons. Today, it has hundreds of uses, ranging from making candles, soaps and cosmetics to preserving bronze, finishing leather and seasoning stoneware. Many specialty businesses in the U.S. sell and ship beeswax, which can easily be ordered by phone or through their websites.

BIg Dipper Wax Works
- Big Dipper Wax Works (www.bigdipperwaxworks.com) is a small factory founded in Seattle in 1993. It provides bulk beeswax, candle making supplies and candles. Big Dipper hand blends locally manufactured wax. It is not organic, but it is from hives, treated with natural pesticides to ensure bees are healthy and hives maintained properly. Big Dipper has been designated a "Green America Approved Business." Its pure beeswax is available in 2 oz. bars, 1 lb. blocks, and 35 lb. blocks. According to the company's website, Big Dipper is community oriented, supporting environmental education, research and sustainability initiatives.
Jedwards International, Inc.
- Jedwards International (www.bulknaturaloils.com) is a New England based wholesale supplier of bulk beeswax primarily to large corporations and medium-size companies. It sells organic light yellow blocks and yellow-and-white granules or pellets of wax, suitable for use in personal care, food and beverage products and dietary supplements. The wax is sourced from Argentina, China and Turkey. Though Jedwards has better price points for bulk orders, you can order as little as 10 lbs.
Better Bee
- In 1979, beekeepers Bob and Margaret Stevens launched their company Better Bee (www.betterbee.com) based in Greenwich, New York. You can purchase as little as 1 lb. of beeswax, as well as bees, beehives, harvesting equipment and soap and candle-making equipment. Better Bee markets to other beekeepers, and even supplies them with labels and related packaging so they can market their own brand of beeswax based products.
Brushy Mountain Bee Farm
- Located in the rolling hills of Moravian Falls, North Carolina, Brush Mountain Beef Farm (www.brushymountainbeefarm.com) was founded by Steve and Sandy Forrest in 1977. You can order 1 lb. raw settled beeswax, beeswax craft sheets, cut honey comb and white beeswax pearls. The farm also supplies a complete line of products for professionals or hobbyists including starter candle kits and reference materials to help beginners create bee based products.

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