Making Reusable Beeswax Paper
Little by little we've been trying to reduce the amount of waste we make. We're definitely far from perfect, but it's something we want to work towards. Usually we store prepped or left over foods in our food containers, but now that we have a cat who loves wet food, we've been using a normal plate (so she can reach her food) and using plastic wrap/ tin foil to seal it when it goes in the fridge.
A big trendy DIY right now is making beeswax papers with jojoba oil and pine resin! I decided to try it with just the beeswax and jojoba oil. The pine resin is very helpful in making the paper extra sticky, but I'm on a tight budget! I love beeswax candles because they're extremely safe for humans and pets and they clean the air, so it made sense to me that it would be safe as an alternative to plastic wrap, especially to wrap my kitten's food.
How do I clean beeswax paper? Spot clean with lukewarm-cold soapy water! Why use Jojoba oil? Jojoba oil helps soften the beeswax and serves as an anti-bacterial agent. It also has a long shelf life!
STEPS
1.
Notes: Use washed cotton.
Pinking shears prevent the fabric from fraying.
2.
Notes: I bought the beeswax on Amazon and the jojoba oil at my local Superstore.
3.
Notes: On the cutting board, layer an old towel with a sheet of parchment paper on top before grating the beeswax onto the fabric.
4.
Notes: Evenly distribute the wax around the fabric.
Do multiple drops of the jojoba oil all around.
5.
Notes: On my cutting mat in order:
- Old towel
- Parchment paper
- Fabric
- Parchment paper
Have the iron at the highest setting (cotton/linen).
When the beeswax has melted evenly across the fabric, separate the parchment from the fabric and gently wave it in the air to dry (which is almost instantly).
Final
Here is a SUPER informative and helpful video that inspired me! :