Beeswax wraps are a great eco-friendly way to cover food in situations you might be tempted to grab single use plastics such as plastic wrap or sandwich bags. Not only can beeswax wraps be used up to 100 times but they can also be either composted once they are worn or they can be used as a natural fire starter material. Choose to use beeswax wraps to add an elegance that makes your day feel more homely.
Beeswax Wraps DIY
Many shops now carry beeswax wraps but you can make your own if you have the time, energy and sense of adventure. This is also a project that you can enjoy making with your older children or teenagers. To make beeswax wraps you will need a few ingredients such as 100 percent cotton fabric, pine resin, beeswax pastilles or grated beeswax, jojoba oil, a large popsicle stick or other compostable stirrer, parchment paper, and a dedicated paint brush. Many of these supplies can be found online or at various candle making shops. Don't worry at Seek Bamboo we have you covered on how to use beeswax wraps and even how to clean beeswax wraps! Help make your home more sustainable today for tomorrow!
Preparing Your Fabric:
First you need to prepare your fabric, you should choose a 100% cotton fabric, and when choosing you might want to look for interesting patterns and designs that will brighten up your space when you use your wraps. Next wash and completely dry the fabric you are going to use, and cut your fabric into your desired shapes and sizes. Consider which containers or types of food you will be covering most often to get an idea what shapes and sizes you need. What would work if you are covering fresh loaves of bread might be different than if you will be wrapping small quantities of cheese or vegetables or an oddly shaped decorative bowl.
Preparing You Beeswax Coating:
Place pine resin, beeswax, and jojoba oil in a double boiler. If you do not have a double boiler simply place two saucepans inside each other or even try using a glass measuring cup placed above the saucepan. Double boilers work by using the steam from the hot water in the bottom pot to heat the top pot.
Add water to the saucepan and allow the ingredients to melt and meld together, this will take about 20 to 25 minutes on medium-high heat. Make sure you keep an eye on the mixture, mixing it occasionally so it does not scorch. While this is occurring, preheat the oven to 300° F.
Putting You Beeswax Wraps Together:
Cover a large cookie sheet with a sheet of parchment paper larger than your biggest piece of fabric you are planning to use. Next spread a fabric piece (or pieces, depending on size) flat on parchment paper. Brush the beeswax coating from your double boiler lightly onto fabric. Note It’s easy to oversaturate, it’s easier to add more than take the excess away. Put the cookie sheet in the oven for 2 minutes, or until the fabric looks wet.
At this point remove the cookie sheet from the oven and look for any dry spots. Brush mixture over these uncovered areas, applying more coating as needed. If you notice unevenness after adding more, you can place it back in the oven for a few minutes to smooth.
Place the next wrap(s) you are going to make on top of the finished fabric to soak up any excess coating mixture. Work quickly, because you don’t want the wax to begin to solidify. Once you’ve pressed any excess onto the new cloth, peel apart and hang your completed wrap(s) to dry. Drying only takes a few minutes.
Once dry your beeswax wraps are ready to use to cover your food and keep it fresh as long as possible. When your wrap has worn thin and soft and has trouble sticking to itself it is time to compost them. (This is one of the reasons these wraps are made from 100% cotton fabric.)
While it may take a bit of time and effort to make beeswax wraps you end up with a product that you will be able to use again and again. Beeswax wraps also make great gifts for family and friends because they know the time and effort that went into them and who doesn't love a sustainable household. Finally these wraps are able to make your life and your kitchen a little bit more elegant. Wrapping part of a fresh loaf of bread and some cheese, veggies, and herbs, can transport your senses to a lovely mediterranean holiday with fresh sea breezes and fresh food you picked up from the farmers market.
