DIY Beeswax wraps are a great alternative to using plastic wrap. They aid in eliminating chemicals from plastic and reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill. They are great for wrapping muffins, slices and sandwiches, and can be used to cover bowls of food. They are reusable and can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water.
Materials
100% cotton fabric
Pinking shears
Baking tray
Baking paper
Beeswax – this can be found at your local hardware store
Grater
Jojoba oil
Paint brush – this needs to be a brush you don’t intend on using for anything else as the wax will not come off it
Method
After washing and ironing your fabric, draw your chosen shapes and sizes with a pencil onto your fabric. We used containers and bowls to select sizes and shapes that will be suitable for us.
Cut out your shapes using pinking shears. These shears will limit frayed edges on your fabric and add a nice edge.
Preheat your oven to 160 degrees and line your baking tray with baking paper. Place one piece of fabric on top and grate a thick and even layer of beeswax over it. Add a few drops of oil – this will make the wrap more malleable.
Place the tray in the oven for just over one minute and watch carefully as the wax melts very fast.
Remove from the oven and use your paint brush to move the wax through your fabric. Flip the fabric over and continue to spread the wax. The wax will solidify quickly, if this happens, just put it back in the oven to melt. If your fabric doesn’t look like it is evenly covered in wax, grate a little more over those sections and repeat the process.
Once the fabric is evenly covered in wax, carefully pick it up and let it air dry. This will only take a minute or two. When your wrap is cool, it is ready to use!
