Big Dipper

The Buzz About Beeswax

Brent Roose was stargazing after a hike along the Olympic Peninsula when the Big Dipper constellation got him thinking about light and nature. Fast forward to today, and Brent says that night in 1993 was the inspiration for his artisanal candle venture, called Big Dipper Wax Works.

Big Dipper candles are made from 100% beeswax, which is superior to paraffin (a petroleum byproduct) on so many levels. Beeswax is all natural, nontoxic and non-allergenic. It burns for an exceptionally long time, and it’s naturally aromatic, infused with the sweet scent of honey. Plus it’s a renewable resource that helps clean the air when it’s burned, releasing negative ions that can reduce allergens and pollutants.

We’re featuring Brent’s superb spherical candles, which are hand-poured and cast from pure domestic beeswax (the wicks are cotton). You can choose the nature-inspired Artichoke sphere, the intricately detailed Tuscan design, or a set of three holiday ornament candles. Each displays the natural yellow color of beeswax, which can range from a deep golden hue to a pale yellow depending on which flowers the honeybees visited.

We heard about Big Dipper’s candles from Ronni Olitsky, who’s a fan of candles but not those made with petroleum byproducts. “I love the ambiance with beeswax candles and feel quite comfortable knowing I can breathe without worrying about inhaling carcinogens!” Ronni says. Big Dipper also looks out for the beekeepers and bees, donating 10% of its net profits to organizations that promote sustainable beekeeping. Great ambiance, sustainable resources, and a business that gives back…. now that’s the bee’s knees.

— Ann

• 100% Beeswax Candles
• Non-toxic
• Non-allergenic
• Ornament Candles burn for 40+ hours