It has been eons since candles were used as functional light sources, yet our attraction to them remains. The lighting of candles signifies ritual, hospitality, celebration and warmth. It is no wonder that placing a simple pair of slim tapers on the table turns a Tuesday supper into something special.

How do you find the exact color, shape, and style of candle that you prefer? Instead of spending hours combing specialty shops and boutiques, purchase a few materials and supplies and make them yourself--any size, style or shape you like. Scent them or not, whichever you prefer.

While you're at it, pick up Alison Jenkins' new book, The Handmade Candle.(Storey Books, Pownal, Vermont, 2001. $22.95) This colorful stylish book features instructions for making your own boutique full of wax beauties. Learn to make your own latex molds so that you can make any shape or size candles you like. Jenkins also details techniques for creating innovative surface treatments that can turn a ho-hum candle into a sophisticated decorative object.

But there's much to be said for the simple approach. These rolled beeswax candles couldn't be easier to make, and yet it would be hard to find anything more elegant. Make them triangular or round, short or tall, slender or plump. As Jenkins says, "Beeswax has a wonderful honeylike fragrance and, at room temperature, is soft, pliable, and extremely easy to work with. No heating or gluing is required."

Materials

Purchased candlewick 1" longer than the height of candle you want to make
4 beeswax sheets
metal ruler

Preparing the wick: Cut a length of wick about 3/4 inch longer than the height of the finished candle and prime it. To prime wick, dip it into molten wax that you have melted in a double boiler. Lay it out flat on a piece of wax paper. The wax will quickly set, and the wick will become hard and stiff. It is now ready to use. Press the wick firmly onto the short side of one beeswax sheet.

Rolling: Carefully curl the edge of the beeswax sheet tightly around the wick, and then begin rolling up the whole sheet. When you reach the end, gently press the edge of the sheet into the rolled surface underneath.

Shaping: Lay the candle along the length of a metal ruler. Press the ruler against the candle to make a flat side and repeat, making another flat side at roughly a 60-degree angle to the first. Repeat once more, again at approximately a 60-degree angle, to create a softly rounded triangular shape. Press firmly along the length of all three sides with your fingers to make sure that there are no gaps and that the sides are fairly smooth.

Building up: Lay another sheet of beeswax right up to the edge of the first sheet and press the two edges together firmly. Continue to roll up the sheet as before, following the triangular shape. Make sure that you roll evenly, so that all the edges remain at the same height. Reshape the candles using the ruler as necessary.

Finishing: Add on the two remaining sheets in the same way until the candle is complete. If you want to make a candle that is larger in diameter, simply add on more sheets. To make a more squat shape, use three sheets cut in half lengthways, thus creating six sheets in all.

Tip: Average room temperature is sufficient to keep the wax pliable, but if you do experience any problems, simply warm up the sheets a little using a hairdryer.