July 1, 2026
Winning At Honey with Stephanie: Creating Award-Winning Beeswax Exhibits
In this Bonus Short episode of Beekeeping Today, Stephanie Slater returns with another installment of Winning at Honey with Stephanie, sharing updates from a busy start to summer and offering practical guidance for preparing beeswax entries for honey show competition.
Stephanie begins with highlights from the Heartland Apicultural Society Conference at Michigan State University, where attendees enjoyed presentations, vendors, social events, and hands-on apiary experiences. She also recaps teaching a youth beekeeping summer camp for fifth through eighth graders, where the students learned honey bee biology, made lip balm, tasted honey, and practiced simulated mite checks.
The main focus of this episode is beeswax competition preparation. Stephanie explains what judges look for in beeswax exhibits, including cleanliness, appearance, aroma, texture, craftsmanship, proper weight, and compliance with show rules. She covers safety when melting beeswax, why lower heat and slower cooling produce better results, and which tools and materials help create cleaner, more polished entries.
Stephanie also offers advice on candle molds, cotton wicking, primed wicks, centered wicks, flat bases, consistent candle pairs or sets, and how to avoid common defects such as cracks, debris, uneven surfaces, off aromas, and overheating. She emphasizes using clean cappings wax, checking weights carefully, reading the rules for each show, and practicing with new molds before entering competition.
Websites mentioned:
- American Honey Judges Association – https://honeyshowusa.com
- Larimer County Fair Honey Show - https://honeyshowusa.com/portal/event/info/?reset=1&id=57
- South Carolina Beekeepers Association Honey Show - https://honeyshowusa.com/portal/event/info/?reset=1&id=52
______________
Brought to you by Betterbee – your partners in better beekeeping.
Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com
_______________
We hope you enjoy this podcast and welcome your questions and comments in the show notes of this episode or: questions@beekeepingtodaypodcast.com
Thank you for listening!
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Beekeeping Today Podcast is an audio production of Growing Planet Media, LLC
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Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
WEBVTT
00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:04.160
Three, two, one.
00:00:04.160 --> 00:00:05.600
Hello everyone.
00:00:05.600 --> 00:00:08.880
Welcome to Winning at Honey with Stephanie.
00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:14.800
This Beekeeping Today podcast short focuses on bite-sized moments.
00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:20.119
Where we dive into honey shows, judging tips, and the art of exhibiting.
00:00:20.119 --> 00:00:24.680
My name is Stephanie Slater, and I'm excited to be here again.
00:00:24.680 --> 00:00:27.480
Wow, June was a busy month!
00:00:27.220 --> 00:00:34.500
The last weekend in May, I visited Michigan State University for the Heartland Apicultural Society Conference.
00:00:34.500 --> 00:00:41.620
The HAS Committee, along with Megan Milbrath, Anna Heck, and other MSU staff,
00:00:40.720 --> 00:00:44.640
ran an excellent, well-organized to beekeeping conference.
00:00:44.640 --> 00:00:55.280
There was a nice variety of vendors and presentation topics, fun social opportunities, and, my favorite, API experiences.
00:00:54.920 --> 00:00:59.160
That's the magic of events like HAS and EAS.
00:00:59.160 --> 00:01:07.960
Colonies are relocated to campus so beekeepers can experience hands-on application of what they are learning during the conference.
00:01:08.120 --> 00:01:15.160
Right after HAS, I led a beekeeping summer camp for fifth through eighth graders at a local college.
00:01:15.160 --> 00:01:21.640
This was my third year teaching the camp, and it was definitely the most challenging weather we've faced.
00:01:21.620 --> 00:01:29.060
Every day seemed to come with a chance of rain, and the temperatures were unusually hot for early June.
00:01:29.060 --> 00:01:30.180
In fact,
00:01:29.960 --> 00:01:37.320
On the last day, the college closed due to severe weather, just as the kids were heading to lunch.
00:01:37.760 --> 00:01:46.320
Since I'm not an educator by trade, I found myself wondering, what am I gonna do with all these kids if we can't go out to the apiary?
00:01:46.420 --> 00:01:56.659
Fortunately, I was able to adjust our schedule each day, moving outdoor activities to the cooler morning hours and squeezing them in between rain showers.
00:01:56.740 --> 00:02:01.700
Despite the forecast, we managed to visit the apiary every day.
00:02:01.700 --> 00:02:09.140
Although, if I'm being honest, the kids probably would have been happier staying inside where the air conditioning was.
00:02:09.320 --> 00:02:21.960
Along with learning the basics of honey bee biology and anatomy, the campers made lip balms, participated in a honey tasting, and practiced mite checks using simulated samples
00:02:21.840 --> 00:02:26.480
It was a busy week and I think everyone learned something new.
00:02:26.480 --> 00:02:34.960
One thing I didn't anticipate was that many of the campers had already watched The Secrets of Bees before coming to class.
00:02:34.940 --> 00:02:44.780
They arrived feeling pretty confident in their bee knowledge, and one student even informed me that I wasn't teaching them anything they didn't already know.
00:02:44.920 --> 00:02:48.200
As you can imagine, that put a little pressure on me.
00:02:48.200 --> 00:02:53.640
It was a good reminder that I'll need to keep updating and expanding the curriculum each year.
00:02:53.820 --> 00:03:01.580
I may not have convinced them that they didn't know everything about bees, but I think they still learned a few new things
00:03:01.920 --> 00:03:12.480
Last month, I told you about the Blackjar Honey Tasting Contest that I facilitate during the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association summer meetings.
00:03:12.340 --> 00:03:16.820
It was a great turnout this year with a lot of participation.
00:03:16.820 --> 00:03:21.780
I was excited to see that some of our youth beekeepers contributed honey as well.
00:03:22.220 --> 00:03:25.900
You won't believe this, but I forgot the crackers again.
00:03:25.900 --> 00:03:33.019
Like a ninja, I snuck out of the meeting, found a local convenience store, and I don't think anyone even noticed.
00:03:33.220 --> 00:03:46.340
At the time of recording this episode, I'm packing up the car to head to Tennessee for the American Honey Judges Association, Honey Judge Academy, and I'll tell you all about it in my next episode
00:03:46.620 --> 00:03:59.580
This week I did work on the rules for the Midwest Honey Bee Expo, and they are in the review and approval process, so hopefully they can be published very soon, and I'll be sure to let you know when they're available
00:03:59.920 --> 00:04:05.840
July is shaping up to be even busier, so I've started a checklist.
00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:10.080
I need to mail my Honey for Good black jar entry.
00:04:10.240 --> 00:04:15.520
Honey for Good is the new name for the Center for Honey Bee Research.
00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:21.440
I also need to start preparing entries for the Eastern Apicultural Society Honey Show
00:04:21.720 --> 00:04:27.560
This will be my first time attending EAS, and I am really looking forward to it.
00:04:27.560 --> 00:04:32.120
But before I can do all that, I need to actually extract some honey.
00:04:32.320 --> 00:04:37.840
I bet you can guess what I'll be doing during the long 4th of July weekend.
00:04:37.840 --> 00:04:42.160
I also get to judge a few county fair honey shows in July.
00:04:42.139 --> 00:04:51.900
These are always so much fun and I love how more accounting fairs in my area are hiring honey judges, as that wasn't always done in the past.
00:04:52.460 --> 00:05:03.500
At the WHPA summer meeting, I gave a presentation on beeswax, and afterward, several people asked questions about preparing beeswax for competition.
00:05:03.620 --> 00:05:09.699
So this month, let's talk about how to create beeswax entries that judges will love.
00:05:09.699 --> 00:05:14.659
When judges evaluate beeswax exhibits, they're looking for clean,
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well prepared entries that are free of debris and defects.
00:05:19.360 --> 00:05:29.360
They'll evaluate appearance, texture, aroma, craftsmanship, proper weight, and compliance with the show rules.
00:05:28.920 --> 00:05:36.520
For candles, details like centered wicks, flat bottoms, and overall finish are especially important.
00:05:37.120 --> 00:05:42.000
Now before we talk about making exhibits, let's talk safety.
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Beeswax is highly flammable and melts at about 147 degrees
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Always use a double boiler over an electric heat source and never leave melting wax unattended.
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Pro tip alert When it comes to beeswax, less heat is better.
00:06:03.120 --> 00:06:07.360
Heat it slowly and let it cool slowly.
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Excessive heat can damage the color and aroma, while rapid cooling often leads to cracks, shrinking, and uneven surfaces.
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A few basic tools will make your life much easier.
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A double boiler, good straining material.
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Pouring pots, molds, cotton wicking, wick centering tools, a level, scissors, and an accurate scale
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Some of the straining materials that work well include sheer nylon curtains.
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I get mine at Goodwill.
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Pantyhose doubled over a couple of times.
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or the paper cone strainers that are meant for paint sprayers.
00:06:54.960 --> 00:07:00.320
You can melt in one pot and pour through strainers into a second pot.
00:07:00.320 --> 00:07:07.040
Silicone molds are generally the easiest to work with because candles and blocks release easily.
00:07:07.040 --> 00:07:13.360
More intricate molds may benefit from a small amount of mold release, but don't overdo it.
00:07:13.340 --> 00:07:18.540
Judges expect beeswax to smell like beeswax, not chemicals.
00:07:18.540 --> 00:07:23.260
Our friends at Betterbee carry a large assortment of silicone molds.
00:07:23.260 --> 00:07:28.620
I like purchasing molds from beekeeping suppliers because they are of a high quality.
00:07:28.620 --> 00:07:34.460
For beeswax blocks, don't assume the entry must be square or rectangular.
00:07:34.539 --> 00:07:39.900
Many shows allow round blocks as long as they meet the weight requirements.
00:07:39.900 --> 00:07:47.580
And if you're struggling to remove a finished piece from a mold, try putting it in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
00:07:47.720 --> 00:07:49.880
Wicking Matters.
00:07:49.880 --> 00:07:54.280
Use cotton wicks sized appropriately for your mold.
00:07:54.280 --> 00:07:57.880
Manufacturers usually provide recommendations.
00:07:58.120 --> 00:08:01.720
I also suggest doing a few test burns.
00:08:01.720 --> 00:08:08.680
Many honey show judges will actually light one of the candles during judging to evaluate performance
00:08:08.660 --> 00:08:11.060
So proper wicking is critical.
00:08:11.060 --> 00:08:14.900
Make sure your wicks are centered while the wax cools.
00:08:14.900 --> 00:08:17.540
There are many tools available for this.
00:08:17.460 --> 00:08:25.699
I like the bowtie style holders, but clothespins, bobby pins, skewers, and other homemade solutions can work just as well.
00:08:26.020 --> 00:08:32.260
Once the candles are finished, trim the wicks to the length required by the shoal rules.
00:08:32.260 --> 00:08:38.100
Many competitions require wicks to be primed and trimmed to one half inch
00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:45.740
A primed wick has been pre-coated by soaking it in melted beeswax before it is placed in the mold.
00:08:45.740 --> 00:08:50.060
This helps the wick stay straight and can improve candle performance.
00:08:50.320 --> 00:08:55.200
Pro tip alert, always use a level before pouring.
00:08:55.200 --> 00:09:00.080
A candle that's slightly uneven can be surprisingly noticeable to a judge
00:09:00.620 --> 00:09:08.779
Judges are looking for candles with flat, stable bases, centered wicks, and a uniform appearance.
00:09:08.759 --> 00:09:13.800
When judging candle exhibits, consistency is extremely important.
00:09:13.800 --> 00:09:20.839
Most shows require two or three identical candles, and judges will compare them closely.
00:09:21.040 --> 00:09:28.240
Your candles should match in height, diameter, weight, color, finish, and overall appearance.
00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:35.680
Any casting flaws, surface defects, or differences between the candles can cost valuable points.
00:09:36.360 --> 00:09:40.840
Color is another area judges evaluate carefully.
00:09:40.840 --> 00:09:47.960
The ideal beeswax candle displays a vibrant, natural beeswax color ranging from white.
00:09:48.060 --> 00:09:51.180
through the various natural shades of yellow.
00:09:51.180 --> 00:10:02.860
Dark grey, brown, or dull looking wax may indicate overheating, contamination, or poor wax handling, and can be penalized during judging.
00:10:02.640 --> 00:10:06.800
It's best to use your cappingswax for competition.
00:10:06.800 --> 00:10:09.280
Aroma also matters.
00:10:09.280 --> 00:10:17.200
Judges expect beeswax candles to smell like natural beeswax with pleasant honey and floral notes.
00:10:17.320 --> 00:10:31.880
Off aromas such as smoke, burnt sugar, caramelized wax, chemicals, or other unusual odors can indicate excessive heat or contamination and may result in point deductions.
00:10:31.320 --> 00:10:35.720
The wax itself should be clean and free of debris or impurities.
00:10:35.720 --> 00:10:42.520
One of my favorite tricks is shining a high lumen flashlight through finished beeswax exhibits before entering them.
00:10:42.459 --> 00:10:47.899
You'll often spot tiny particles or imperfections that aren't visible under normal lighting.
00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:54.459
If you are pouring molded taper candles, you want some sort of form to hold the molds upright and straight.
00:10:54.360 --> 00:11:00.600
I've seen contraptions made from PVC pipe as well as custom racks made from wood.
00:11:00.600 --> 00:11:07.240
Make sure you use a scale to weigh your beeswax entries so they meet the minimum weight requirements
00:11:07.440 --> 00:11:11.360
Also make sure that your scale is weighing accurately.
00:11:11.360 --> 00:11:18.320
I felt really bad for a friend last fall that had some wax entries disqualified because they were underweight.
00:11:18.440 --> 00:11:21.240
He didn't realize that his scale was off.
00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:23.080
Pro tip alert.
00:11:23.080 --> 00:11:27.160
Perform practice pores whenever you get a new mold.
00:11:27.040 --> 00:11:33.519
You'll be able to get used to how it performs and be able to identify any flaws in the mold.
00:11:33.519 --> 00:11:36.480
Now let's talk about some common mistakes
00:11:36.740 --> 00:11:39.780
Don't use a crock pot or microwave.
00:11:39.780 --> 00:11:44.340
Use a double boiler so you can better control the temperature.
00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:49.700
Don't add scents or colors unless the rules specifically allow it.
00:11:49.820 --> 00:11:53.980
Judges want to see and smell natural beeswax.
00:11:53.980 --> 00:12:02.540
There may be a few artistic beeswax categories that allow for dyed wax, but it will specifically state that in the rules
00:12:02.839 --> 00:12:10.279
Beeswax figurines and flowers made from beeswax are examples of when dyed beeswax can be used.
00:12:10.279 --> 00:12:15.880
I dyed my wax green, pink, and brown for the flowers made from beeswax exhibit
00:12:15.660 --> 00:12:20.940
that I entered in the twenty twenty six North American Honey and Beeswax Championship.
00:12:20.940 --> 00:12:24.220
Don't stir melted wax unnecessarily.
00:12:24.220 --> 00:12:30.140
Debris settles to the bottom, and stirring can redistribute it throughout the wax.
00:12:29.940 --> 00:12:32.820
Don't pour in a drafty area.
00:12:32.820 --> 00:12:36.740
Air movement can create ripples and surface defects.
00:12:36.740 --> 00:12:39.540
Don't cool beeswax too quickly.
00:12:39.540 --> 00:12:45.620
Rapid cooling often causes high shoulders, cracks, and sunken surfaces.
00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:48.019
And don't splash while pouring.
00:12:48.019 --> 00:12:52.339
A smooth, steady pour produces a smoother, finished product
00:12:52.620 --> 00:12:55.740
Finally, don't adulterate your wax.
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Competition beeswax should be 100% beeswax with no added waxes, extenders, bleaching agents, or other contaminants.
00:13:05.240 --> 00:13:07.560
Some final finishing touches.
00:13:07.560 --> 00:13:10.920
Polish your beeswax before submitting them for judging.
00:13:10.920 --> 00:13:16.520
Use a silk or nylon cloth to smooth sharp edges and remove fingerprints
00:13:17.020 --> 00:13:22.060
Bloom can easily be removed with light use of a hairdryer or a heat gun.
00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:25.500
Just be careful not to overdo it and cause damage.
00:13:25.820 --> 00:13:29.980
Before entering any competition, read the rules carefully.
00:13:29.980 --> 00:13:32.780
Requirements vary from show to show.
00:13:32.780 --> 00:13:35.260
Check things like minimum weight.
00:13:35.220 --> 00:13:47.780
dimensions, candle styles such as molded, dipped, loading, or rolled, the number of items per entry, the display requirements, and whether candles may be lit during judging
00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:51.760
Beeswax categories aren't easy.
00:13:51.760 --> 00:13:56.000
I've been working to improve my beeswax exhibits for years.
00:13:56.000 --> 00:14:00.320
Looking back, my biggest mistake was using too much heat
00:14:00.560 --> 00:14:06.720
Once I learned to slow down and be patient, my results improved dramatically.
00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:15.280
Even now, I'm always experimenting with ways to slow the cooling process and improve my finished products.
00:14:14.620 --> 00:14:24.700
Molded tapers are still my least favorite category, but I've gotten pretty good at dipped tapers, even though they do take a lot of time and patience.
00:14:24.740 --> 00:14:30.420
If you're thinking about entering beeswax exhibits for the first time, don't be intimidated.
00:14:30.420 --> 00:14:34.900
Start simple, follow the rules, and keep practicing.
00:14:34.900 --> 00:14:37.620
Every batch teaches you something new
00:14:38.140 --> 00:14:41.740
Now let's move on to our featured honey show segment.
00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:44.940
This month I've got two to talk to you about.
00:14:44.940 --> 00:14:51.500
If you're looking for a summer honey show opportunity, consider entering the 2026 Larimer.
00:14:51.339 --> 00:14:54.699
County Fair Honey Show in Loveland, Colorado.
00:14:54.699 --> 00:15:00.860
Entries are accepted on July 28th, and best of all, there's no fee to enter.
00:15:00.860 --> 00:15:09.100
The fair runs July 31st through August 4th, giving exhibitors plenty of time for the public to view the entries after judging.
00:15:09.140 --> 00:15:14.580
Entries remain on display through the close of the fair and pickup is on August 5th.
00:15:14.580 --> 00:15:20.820
If you'd like to showcase your honey and hive products in a fair setting, this is a great opportunity to participate.
00:15:20.660 --> 00:15:26.820
There are 21 categories, including some novice categories for those of you new to competing.
00:15:26.820 --> 00:15:30.740
They also have a few cash prizes to go along with some of the ribbons.
00:15:30.740 --> 00:15:38.980
Another upcoming opportunity for exhibitors is the 2026 South Carolina Beekeepers Association Summer Honey Show
00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:45.580
and it takes place on July 16th through the 19th in Greenville, South Carolina.
00:15:45.580 --> 00:15:52.300
If you're attending the conference or looking for a Midsummer Honey Show, be sure to check out this opportunity.
00:15:52.060 --> 00:15:58.780
There are 28 categories with cash prizes for best in show and sweepstakes winners.
00:15:58.780 --> 00:16:04.620
For more information on these honey shows, you can visit the website honeyshowusa.
00:16:04.620 --> 00:16:04.940
com
00:16:05.420 --> 00:16:12.300
If your state or region has a honey show that you'd like me to talk about, feel free to send me the information.
00:16:12.300 --> 00:16:17.100
If you have honey show related questions, send those my way also.
00:16:17.100 --> 00:16:19.899
So until next month, blue skies.
00:16:20.180 --> 00:16:23.540
And blue ribbons, I'll catch you next time.
00:00:00.560 --> 00:00:04.160
Three, two, one.
00:00:04.160 --> 00:00:05.600
Hello everyone.
00:00:05.600 --> 00:00:08.880
Welcome to Winning at Honey with Stephanie.
00:00:08.880 --> 00:00:14.800
This Beekeeping Today podcast short focuses on bite-sized moments.
00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:20.119
Where we dive into honey shows, judging tips, and the art of exhibiting.
00:00:20.119 --> 00:00:24.680
My name is Stephanie Slater, and I'm excited to be here again.
00:00:24.680 --> 00:00:27.480
Wow, June was a busy month!
00:00:27.220 --> 00:00:34.500
The last weekend in May, I visited Michigan State University for the Heartland Apicultural Society Conference.
00:00:34.500 --> 00:00:41.620
The HAS Committee, along with Megan Milbrath, Anna Heck, and other MSU staff,
00:00:40.720 --> 00:00:44.640
ran an excellent, well-organized to beekeeping conference.
00:00:44.640 --> 00:00:55.280
There was a nice variety of vendors and presentation topics, fun social opportunities, and, my favorite, API experiences.
00:00:54.920 --> 00:00:59.160
That's the magic of events like HAS and EAS.
00:00:59.160 --> 00:01:07.960
Colonies are relocated to campus so beekeepers can experience hands-on application of what they are learning during the conference.
00:01:08.120 --> 00:01:15.160
Right after HAS, I led a beekeeping summer camp for fifth through eighth graders at a local college.
00:01:15.160 --> 00:01:21.640
This was my third year teaching the camp, and it was definitely the most challenging weather we've faced.
00:01:21.620 --> 00:01:29.060
Every day seemed to come with a chance of rain, and the temperatures were unusually hot for early June.
00:01:29.060 --> 00:01:30.180
In fact,
00:01:29.960 --> 00:01:37.320
On the last day, the college closed due to severe weather, just as the kids were heading to lunch.
00:01:37.760 --> 00:01:46.320
Since I'm not an educator by trade, I found myself wondering, what am I gonna do with all these kids if we can't go out to the apiary?
00:01:46.420 --> 00:01:56.659
Fortunately, I was able to adjust our schedule each day, moving outdoor activities to the cooler morning hours and squeezing them in between rain showers.
00:01:56.740 --> 00:02:01.700
Despite the forecast, we managed to visit the apiary every day.
00:02:01.700 --> 00:02:09.140
Although, if I'm being honest, the kids probably would have been happier staying inside where the air conditioning was.
00:02:09.320 --> 00:02:21.960
Along with learning the basics of honey bee biology and anatomy, the campers made lip balms, participated in a honey tasting, and practiced mite checks using simulated samples
00:02:21.840 --> 00:02:26.480
It was a busy week and I think everyone learned something new.
00:02:26.480 --> 00:02:34.960
One thing I didn't anticipate was that many of the campers had already watched The Secrets of Bees before coming to class.
00:02:34.940 --> 00:02:44.780
They arrived feeling pretty confident in their bee knowledge, and one student even informed me that I wasn't teaching them anything they didn't already know.
00:02:44.920 --> 00:02:48.200
As you can imagine, that put a little pressure on me.
00:02:48.200 --> 00:02:53.640
It was a good reminder that I'll need to keep updating and expanding the curriculum each year.
00:02:53.820 --> 00:03:01.580
I may not have convinced them that they didn't know everything about bees, but I think they still learned a few new things
00:03:01.920 --> 00:03:12.480
Last month, I told you about the Blackjar Honey Tasting Contest that I facilitate during the Wisconsin Honey Producers Association summer meetings.
00:03:12.340 --> 00:03:16.820
It was a great turnout this year with a lot of participation.
00:03:16.820 --> 00:03:21.780
I was excited to see that some of our youth beekeepers contributed honey as well.
00:03:22.220 --> 00:03:25.900
You won't believe this, but I forgot the crackers again.
00:03:25.900 --> 00:03:33.019
Like a ninja, I snuck out of the meeting, found a local convenience store, and I don't think anyone even noticed.
00:03:33.220 --> 00:03:46.340
At the time of recording this episode, I'm packing up the car to head to Tennessee for the American Honey Judges Association, Honey Judge Academy, and I'll tell you all about it in my next episode
00:03:46.620 --> 00:03:59.580
This week I did work on the rules for the Midwest Honey Bee Expo, and they are in the review and approval process, so hopefully they can be published very soon, and I'll be sure to let you know when they're available
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July is shaping up to be even busier, so I've started a checklist.
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I need to mail my Honey for Good black jar entry.
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Honey for Good is the new name for the Center for Honey Bee Research.
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I also need to start preparing entries for the Eastern Apicultural Society Honey Show
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This will be my first time attending EAS, and I am really looking forward to it.
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But before I can do all that, I need to actually extract some honey.
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I bet you can guess what I'll be doing during the long 4th of July weekend.
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I also get to judge a few county fair honey shows in July.
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These are always so much fun and I love how more accounting fairs in my area are hiring honey judges, as that wasn't always done in the past.
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At the WHPA summer meeting, I gave a presentation on beeswax, and afterward, several people asked questions about preparing beeswax for competition.
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So this month, let's talk about how to create beeswax entries that judges will love.
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When judges evaluate beeswax exhibits, they're looking for clean,
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well prepared entries that are free of debris and defects.
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They'll evaluate appearance, texture, aroma, craftsmanship, proper weight, and compliance with the show rules.
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For candles, details like centered wicks, flat bottoms, and overall finish are especially important.
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Now before we talk about making exhibits, let's talk safety.
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Beeswax is highly flammable and melts at about 147 degrees
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Always use a double boiler over an electric heat source and never leave melting wax unattended.
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Pro tip alert When it comes to beeswax, less heat is better.
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Heat it slowly and let it cool slowly.
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Excessive heat can damage the color and aroma, while rapid cooling often leads to cracks, shrinking, and uneven surfaces.
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A few basic tools will make your life much easier.
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A double boiler, good straining material.
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Pouring pots, molds, cotton wicking, wick centering tools, a level, scissors, and an accurate scale
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Some of the straining materials that work well include sheer nylon curtains.
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I get mine at Goodwill.
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Pantyhose doubled over a couple of times.
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or the paper cone strainers that are meant for paint sprayers.
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You can melt in one pot and pour through strainers into a second pot.
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Silicone molds are generally the easiest to work with because candles and blocks release easily.
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More intricate molds may benefit from a small amount of mold release, but don't overdo it.
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Judges expect beeswax to smell like beeswax, not chemicals.
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Our friends at Betterbee carry a large assortment of silicone molds.
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I like purchasing molds from beekeeping suppliers because they are of a high quality.
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For beeswax blocks, don't assume the entry must be square or rectangular.
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Many shows allow round blocks as long as they meet the weight requirements.
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And if you're struggling to remove a finished piece from a mold, try putting it in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
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Wicking Matters.
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Use cotton wicks sized appropriately for your mold.
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Manufacturers usually provide recommendations.
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I also suggest doing a few test burns.
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Many honey show judges will actually light one of the candles during judging to evaluate performance
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So proper wicking is critical.
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Make sure your wicks are centered while the wax cools.
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There are many tools available for this.
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I like the bowtie style holders, but clothespins, bobby pins, skewers, and other homemade solutions can work just as well.
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Once the candles are finished, trim the wicks to the length required by the shoal rules.
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Many competitions require wicks to be primed and trimmed to one half inch
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A primed wick has been pre-coated by soaking it in melted beeswax before it is placed in the mold.
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This helps the wick stay straight and can improve candle performance.
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Pro tip alert, always use a level before pouring.
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A candle that's slightly uneven can be surprisingly noticeable to a judge
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Judges are looking for candles with flat, stable bases, centered wicks, and a uniform appearance.
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When judging candle exhibits, consistency is extremely important.
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Most shows require two or three identical candles, and judges will compare them closely.
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Your candles should match in height, diameter, weight, color, finish, and overall appearance.
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Any casting flaws, surface defects, or differences between the candles can cost valuable points.
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Color is another area judges evaluate carefully.
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The ideal beeswax candle displays a vibrant, natural beeswax color ranging from white.
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through the various natural shades of yellow.
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Dark grey, brown, or dull looking wax may indicate overheating, contamination, or poor wax handling, and can be penalized during judging.
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It's best to use your cappingswax for competition.
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Aroma also matters.
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Judges expect beeswax candles to smell like natural beeswax with pleasant honey and floral notes.
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Off aromas such as smoke, burnt sugar, caramelized wax, chemicals, or other unusual odors can indicate excessive heat or contamination and may result in point deductions.
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The wax itself should be clean and free of debris or impurities.
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One of my favorite tricks is shining a high lumen flashlight through finished beeswax exhibits before entering them.
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You'll often spot tiny particles or imperfections that aren't visible under normal lighting.
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If you are pouring molded taper candles, you want some sort of form to hold the molds upright and straight.
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I've seen contraptions made from PVC pipe as well as custom racks made from wood.
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Make sure you use a scale to weigh your beeswax entries so they meet the minimum weight requirements
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Also make sure that your scale is weighing accurately.
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I felt really bad for a friend last fall that had some wax entries disqualified because they were underweight.
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He didn't realize that his scale was off.
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Pro tip alert.
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Perform practice pores whenever you get a new mold.
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You'll be able to get used to how it performs and be able to identify any flaws in the mold.
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Now let's talk about some common mistakes
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Don't use a crock pot or microwave.
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Use a double boiler so you can better control the temperature.
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Don't add scents or colors unless the rules specifically allow it.
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Judges want to see and smell natural beeswax.
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There may be a few artistic beeswax categories that allow for dyed wax, but it will specifically state that in the rules
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Beeswax figurines and flowers made from beeswax are examples of when dyed beeswax can be used.
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I dyed my wax green, pink, and brown for the flowers made from beeswax exhibit
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that I entered in the twenty twenty six North American Honey and Beeswax Championship.
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Don't stir melted wax unnecessarily.
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Debris settles to the bottom, and stirring can redistribute it throughout the wax.
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Don't pour in a drafty area.
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Air movement can create ripples and surface defects.
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Don't cool beeswax too quickly.
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Rapid cooling often causes high shoulders, cracks, and sunken surfaces.
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And don't splash while pouring.
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A smooth, steady pour produces a smoother, finished product
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Finally, don't adulterate your wax.
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Competition beeswax should be 100% beeswax with no added waxes, extenders, bleaching agents, or other contaminants.
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Some final finishing touches.
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Polish your beeswax before submitting them for judging.
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Use a silk or nylon cloth to smooth sharp edges and remove fingerprints
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Bloom can easily be removed with light use of a hairdryer or a heat gun.
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Just be careful not to overdo it and cause damage.
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Before entering any competition, read the rules carefully.
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Requirements vary from show to show.
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Check things like minimum weight.
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dimensions, candle styles such as molded, dipped, loading, or rolled, the number of items per entry, the display requirements, and whether candles may be lit during judging
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Beeswax categories aren't easy.
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I've been working to improve my beeswax exhibits for years.
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Looking back, my biggest mistake was using too much heat
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Once I learned to slow down and be patient, my results improved dramatically.
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Even now, I'm always experimenting with ways to slow the cooling process and improve my finished products.
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Molded tapers are still my least favorite category, but I've gotten pretty good at dipped tapers, even though they do take a lot of time and patience.
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If you're thinking about entering beeswax exhibits for the first time, don't be intimidated.
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Start simple, follow the rules, and keep practicing.
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Every batch teaches you something new
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Now let's move on to our featured honey show segment.
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This month I've got two to talk to you about.
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If you're looking for a summer honey show opportunity, consider entering the 2026 Larimer.
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County Fair Honey Show in Loveland, Colorado.
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Entries are accepted on July 28th, and best of all, there's no fee to enter.
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The fair runs July 31st through August 4th, giving exhibitors plenty of time for the public to view the entries after judging.
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Entries remain on display through the close of the fair and pickup is on August 5th.
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If you'd like to showcase your honey and hive products in a fair setting, this is a great opportunity to participate.
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There are 21 categories, including some novice categories for those of you new to competing.
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They also have a few cash prizes to go along with some of the ribbons.
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Another upcoming opportunity for exhibitors is the 2026 South Carolina Beekeepers Association Summer Honey Show
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and it takes place on July 16th through the 19th in Greenville, South Carolina.
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If you're attending the conference or looking for a Midsummer Honey Show, be sure to check out this opportunity.
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There are 28 categories with cash prizes for best in show and sweepstakes winners.
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For more information on these honey shows, you can visit the website honeyshowusa.
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com
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If your state or region has a honey show that you'd like me to talk about, feel free to send me the information.
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If you have honey show related questions, send those my way also.
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So until next month, blue skies.
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And blue ribbons, I'll catch you next time.