Beeswax modeling is practiced in Waldorf education from preschool up through the grades, and has become an increasingly popular artistic activity at home among Waldorf families and homeschoolers, and has even gained widespread appeal in classrooms and homes beyond the Waldorf community.
After receiving multiple phone calls at Bella Luna Toys from customers complaining that the beeswax is “too hard” and was unusable, I realized that a video tutorial was in order!
The trick with using modeling beeswax is that it needs to be warmed up first to soften it.
In the video, I demonstrate several ways to do this:
- In one’s hands
- By putting it in a bowl full of warm water
- By tucking it under your arm
Once the beeswax is warm, it becomes pliable and mold-able. The warmth and pleasant aroma of the beeswax is nourishing to a young child’s senses.
But the best thing about modeling beeswax is that it never dries out (like clay or play dough), and can be used over and over again.
So click on the link above to watch the video! If you’re new to beeswax modeling, I hope you’ll discover the joy of working with this unique medium. And if you’re a seasoned user of beeswax, I hope you’ll gain some new inspiration and insights into how and why it is used in Waldorf education.
Stockmar Modeling Beeswax
You can the products demonstrated in the video at Bella Luna Toys.
- Stockmar Modeling Beeswax, box of 6 sticks
- Stockmar Modeling Beeswax, box of 12 sticks
- Artemis Plant-Dyed Modeling Beeswax
May you and your children enjoy this precious gift from the bees!
Have a question? Something to add? Your comments and questions are always welcome! Please feel free to share photos of your family’s beeswax creations with me on Facebook or Instagram, and I may post them here!
5 Comments
Thank you for this great tutorial, Sarah!
My children just love modelling with beeswax. We usually go with the Stockmar, but will be trying the Artemis wax this year for homeschool.
One question…..
Do you have a favorite verse, song or poem for modelling or working with beeswax?
Angie, did you hear the verse that I opened the video with? It goes:
From the bees, this gift of gold
Is here for us to warm and hold.
Fragrant beeswax in our hand
Is full of goodness from the land.
Here is a variation I found on the blog “The Mystical Kingdom:”
Little bees give their gift of gold
For you my little dears to warm and hold.
Story time is here to tell
Come listen to the fairy’s spell
Create with your gift of gold
Something kind, true and bold.
No, the sound on my computer was malfunctioning at first – I will go back and listen – sorry for the dumb question! Thanks!
I just wanted to say thanks for all the great videos & ideas. I love them. Having posted things online for blogs, Facebook, etc. I know it’s hard, for me at least, because you’re opening yourself up to criticism or misunderstanding, or people just not being interested in a particular topic or something. There’s an element of vulnerability required, and some days I just don’t want to mess with it! So thank you for continuing to speak and share your heart with those of us out here! 🙂 I appreciate it.
Thank you for this tutorial! How do you suggest storing the bees wax?