Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Basket weaving is a rhythmic craft, like spinning, knitting, and weaving. The repetition can be relaxing, all
while you are creating something beautiful and useful.
(Photo courtesy of Steve Swayne)
Lip Balm
Soap is not the only hygiene product you can make from your garden. The wax that your bees have
been busily building is just right for a lip balm. I wouldn't recommend using it straight out of the
hive, though. It's sticky!
After you have harvested the wax, melt 1 tablespoon of the wax with 3 tablespoons of a carrier oil
(such as sweet almond, walnut, macadamia nut, sunflower, or avocado oil), plus any butters you'd
like (such as cocoa or mango butter). Mix your favorite essential oils into the melted mixture and
pour it into containers.
There are lipstick-style molds available from crafting supply stores that you can pour your balm
into. Or, an easier option, you can use molds that you have around the house. Consider reusing
small containers like metal mint tins, small plastic tubs, or glass vials. (Clean them out before use,
of course.)
Once cooled completely (time varies according to the size of the mold), you can store your lip balm
at room temperature. Try to resist the urge to eat it. It smells better than it tastes, I think.
