Add 3 pounds of beeswax to your melting pot, then fill a larger pot with water and place the melting pot inside (creating a double boiler). The rest of the wax will be used to top off the melting pot as you dip the candles and the wax level decreases.

Melt the wax over medium heat. This process can take up to an hour, so be prepared to wait. Monitor the water level in the large pot, adding more as needed to prevent it from running dry.

While the wax melts, measure your wick to the desired length. Since both ends will be dipped evenly to make a pair of tapers, the wick needs to be double the length of one candle. If you have a favorite set of tapers, use them as a guide. Add two extra inches to the wick to allow for tying washers to each end and for holding the wick with your fingers during dipping.

After cutting the wick, tie a metal washer to each end. These washers will act as weights, keeping the wick straight and ensuring it submerges evenly into the wax.

Once the wax has melted, use a thermometer to check the temperature. The wax should be at 165ºF (74ºC). If it overheats, turn off the heat temporarily, but reheat it if it starts to cool too much.

Hold the wick in the middle and dip both ends into the wax, being careful not to dip your fingertips. Hang the freshly dipped wicks on your drying rack.

Repeat the dipping process about four times, allowing the wax to dry between dips. Add more wax as needed to keep the level high enough to fully submerge the candles.

Once you reach your desired thickness, you can either leave the ends with a natural “drip” look or trim them with scissors while the wax is still warm. Use your fingers to smooth and shape the bottom if you prefer a rounded finish.

Let the candles air-dry for 12 to 24 hours before burning, storing, or gifting.