DIY Beeswax Food Wrap

Beeswax wraps are the best alternative to plastic wrap and aluminum foil around!  I did this DIY before I had a blog, and therefore did not document it. However, I wanted an extra large wrap, and had some leftover cotton cloth from before, so I had some friends over for a "make and take," and we got to make some for ourselves and as gifts!

Supplies

Beeswax

I grate mine, but you could also get pellets (about 0.5 oz. per wrap depending on size). This time I was able to use wax from a friend's hive. The first time I did this I used wax that came unpackaged at Natural Grocers. You can also find beeswax from tons of small honey shops all over the place (like from here or here)!

100% Organic Cotton Fabric

I recommend organic because you will be wrapping and re-wrapping food, and its very easily accessible online or at your local fabric store. GOTS approved is best!

I use a variety of sizes: 8x8 in., 12×12 in., 22×22 in., it all depends on your needs, but definitely cut before you craft!

Cookie Sheet

Fair warning, this sheet will no longer be good for cookies, so use an old one or pop over to Goodwill and grab one just for beeswax purposes.

Paintbrush

Will no longer be good for painting! Only beeswax-related activities. You can get small ones at most hardware stores for a dollar or two.

Cheese Grater

You could fudge the line with this one, but I'd also recommend just using this for beeswax.  I got my super old one at Goodwill for $0.99.

Yarn, Twine, or String

Make a makeshift clothesline to dry the cloths on.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 185F.  This low heat melts the wax without burning it, DO NOT put the oven higher, or on broil!
2. Place your organic cotton fabric on cookie sheet.
3. Sprinckle your grated beeswax over the fabric.  
4. Place cookie sheet in the preheated oven for about 5 min.
5. Once the beeswax has melted, remove from oven.
6. Brush the paintbrush over the fabric to evenly coat it, and to get any non-coated places. If needed, sprinkle a little more beeswax on a "bald spot" and put back in the oven for a few min.
7. Hang on your makeshift clothesline to cool/dry (will only take a min or two)

Use and Care

Wrap around your food and seal by folding, with the heat from your hands, rubber bands, or spare string!

Wash in cool water with a mild soap. Liquid castille (like Dr. Bronner's) is fine, but don't use harsh dishwashing detergents.

These wraps can last months to years depending on your use of them! Once they've worn out a bit, you can repeat the waxing process to extend their lives!

My beeswax wrap covering my sourdough starter.

notes

There are some DIY's which include Pine Gum Resin and Jojoba Oil in their recipes. This gives the wrap a more sticky grip. However, these often come packaged in plastic, and I have found just plain old beeswax to work just fine! But if you want to give them a try Mommypotamus has a great tutorial!

If you want beeswax wraps, but don't feel like making them. Never fear! Beeswrap is a great brand and there are also some awesome options on Etsy!

The first time I did this project I used the instructions from My Healthy Green Family's DIY!

DIY Sea Salt Spray for Beachy Waves

My hair sort of occupies the nexus between straight and curly. I only get real curls in humid places, but even here in dry, dry Colorado, it still won't lay straight unless blow-dried or straightened (which I don't do, since I don't own a hairdryer, or a straightener).

But my favorite version of my hair is my beach hair. The humid sea air, the salty water, the sun, there's nothing more glorious! I mean don't you want to look like this all the time:

Luckily I can come close to replicating the beach wave here in land-locked CO.  I've been making just a salt spray for a long time, its very simply: just water and salt.  However, I recently discovered that adding some oil to the spray definitely helps it hold!  I use coconut in the summer when its warm enough to stay in liquid form. However, I think I'll switch to a liquid oil in the winter since a bunch of solid coconut oil floating on top of the spray wouldn't do to much!

DIY Sea Salt Sprays for Beachy Waves

Ingredients 

1 tablespoon of sea salt

1 tablespoon coconut oil (or oil of choice)

1 cup of warm water

*5-10 drops of essential oils 

* Optional, I have jasmine and lemon in mine currently. Mint, rose, rosemary, or other refreshing scents would also probably be very nice!

Instructions:

1. Warm up the water in a small saucepan on the stove over low-med heat.
2. Add the salt and stir until salt completely dissolves. Turn off heat.
3. Add the coconut oil and stir until it melts. 
4. Wait until water cools to add few drops of your preferred essential oils. 
5. Pour into small spray bottle.
6. Shake before use to mix the oils up, then spray onto your towel-dried hair. Scrunch hair if you are going for those beach curls! 

Easy DIY Lip Balm

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Living in high and dry Colorado can really do a number on lips and skin.  I tend to use a lot of lip balm and have been able to get by with what I already had on hand up until recently, I've just started to run low so have started making my own, and its super easy!

Ingredients

1. 1 part grated beeswax
2. 2 parts coconut oil
3. 2 parts shea or coco butter
4. 15-20 drops of essential oil of choice (optional)
   • I used lavender
5. 1 pinch dried flowers of choice (optional)
   • these are really more for aesthetics than anything else but they should continue 

Instructions

1. pour about an inch of water into a pan
2. place a small glass jar into the pan and set stove heat to medium
3. once warm, add beeswax, coconut oil, and shea/coco butter
4. once all components are melted add in the essential oil
5. Pour into reusable jars and let cool completely (1-2 hours) before using

And that's it! Enjoy your new, non-toxic, homemade lip balm!