by Valerie Wampler

Maryland beekeepers who are national champions in beeswax and a wide range of honey show entries are offering a first-for-Maryland Beeswax Workshop on March 8 in Cockeysville.

ENROLLMENT will appear at the bottom of this page starting Feb 16, 2025

Class Details:

• March 8, 2025, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Must be MSBA member, cost $50
• Limited to 25 students
• Maryland Agricultural Resource Center, 1114 Shawan Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
• Register at www.mdbeekeepers.org starting February 16.

The Beeswax Workshop will focus on how to create/enter winning fair entries for three types of beeswax products: single block; candles; and lotions/creams.

The instructors include Monica Schmitt (2025 National Honey Show 1^st place for beeswax 1-2 pound block); David Dobbs (MSBA Honey Show 1^st place for candles); and Valerie Wampler (2025 National Honey Show 3^rd place for beeswax block greater than 5 pounds, and 2024 MSBA Honey Show 2^nd place lip balm).

Students will be able to participate in lectures and hands on instruction covering:  

• Wax rendering and how to prepare beeswax to enter a winning beeswax block (1oz block and prepare for entry)
• Types of candles their wick sizes
• Preparing molds for candles
• Pickling wicks
• Practice making drip candles
• Pouring wax votive and drip candles (make/take home candle)
• All about carrier oils, butters, beeswax and essential oils for lip balm, hard lotion and face cream
• Hands on making hard lotion/cream and lip balm

Must be an MSBA member to register, and class is limited to 25 students. Cost per student is $50, and each will take home a 1oz beeswax block ready for fair entry, a votive candle and pickled wicks, a hard lotion bar, lip balm, and sample of face cream.

Snacks, water and pizza will be provided for lunch!