Beeswax wraps
I don't know about you, but as the weather gets colder, I find myself switching focus from the gardens and outdoor projects to more indoor projects. Something inside me wants to create and work with my hands. Can you relate?
Today I am sharing my beeswax wrap project with step-by-step instructions. I use beeswax wraps in our home to replace single use plastics. Beeswax wraps are a great substitute for cling wrap and sandwich bags. And bonus! They smell wonderful.
As you may already know, I try to reduce my plastic use for both health and ecological reasons. Do I still use plastics? Yep! But, when possible, I try to make substitutions. Beeswax wraps are a small and easy way we help to eliminate plastic in our home. If you want to read about our efforts to be more eco-friendly that you can check that out here.
In full transparency, I must say that Caleb does not feel as strongly as I do about reducing his amount of single use plastics. We both agree that everyone should reduce, reuse, and recycle, to the best of their ability. However, he doesn't want to be the odd one out and have the "hippie lunch" at work. I respect that. I use glass or reusable plastic containers and yes, even plastic baggies when packing his lunch. Contrary to popular belief, you can still get along even with differing opinions.
But now back to the beeswax wraps...
What you will need:
Cotton fabric
Ironing machine
Parchment paper
Beeswax pastilles ** I find the beeswax pastilles easier to work with and less of a mess. I buy mine from GloryBee. You can check out their website at www.glorybee.com. GloryBee has generously offered 15% off to my readers who create an account and use the code BFD15-GB20 at checkout.
Step one:
Choose a cotton fabric that you like. Then wash and dry your fabric to prevent shrinking.
Step two:
Prep your fabric. You may need to iron out some wrinkles, then cut to the size you would like. I recommend measuring your largest mixing bowl and cutting a square that will fit over the top. (If you're feeling extra fancy, you can hem the edges of your fabric, but this is not necessary.)
Step three:
Plug in an ironing machine and allow to heat. While iron is heating, place a layer of parchment paper on an old tray or towel.
Step four:
Place a thin layer of beeswax pastilles over the fabric then cover with a layer of parchment paper. The fabric and beeswax should be sandwiched between the parchment paper.
Step five:
Carefully place the iron onto the parchment paper and slowly move it until all the beeswax has melted and has coated all the fabric.
Step six:
Once the wrap is cool enough to handle, gently remove the parchment paper from the fabric and allow it to cool completely. Use to wrap sandwiches or cover dishes.
Beeswax wraps can be gently wiped cleaned. You can use mild soap and cool water (hot water will melt the wax) if necessary. I would not recommend wrapping raw meats, eggs, or dairy products with your beeswax wraps.
So, there you have it - DIY beeswax wraps. I hope you enjoy this project! Let me know your thoughts on this post in the comments.
Thanks for reading,
Abby
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