There is nothing quite like the scent of real beeswax...and you can bring that scent into your home with more than just candles. For centuries, beeswax has been used to make ornaments - that are perfect for a candle maker's Christmas tree. This craft dates back to the 16th century and German bakers who saved bits of beeswax, melted it and poured it in their cookie and candy molds. They then used the decorations on their Christmas trees. German immigrants brought these beeswax ornaments to the United States (eastern Pennsylvania) in the late seventeenth century. You're not limited by just candy and cookie molds, you can use your soap (as long as they can withstand the heat of the melted beeswax) and candle molds too. And you've probably already got all of the ingredients and equipment in your craft closet.

Victorian Snow Day
Put together a mixed media portrait using crafting scraps and this tutorial from Margot Potter.

Cookies in a Jar
Fun article with recipes and gift tags for making cookies in a jar.

Christmas Crackers
Make your own Christmas crackers this year (don't forget to add your favorite terrible joke for an authentic touch)!

Striped Stocking
A stocking knit in tow colors on large needles is a quick and easy way to hold gifts for the holiday. Use traditional Christmas colors or make one with stripes of the colors of your favorite sports team.

Crocheted Wire Necklace
If you can string stone nuggets onto wire, and if you can crochet a simple chain stitch, then you can make this pretty necklace. Visit Beading Arts for the instructions!

Stained Glass Votives
Here's a great easy project that's perfect for kids and fun for adults! We spend lots of time making great votive candles, why not dress them up even more with hand made votive holders?

Skating Penguin Cartoon
Add a cute penguin to your holiday cards with this step-by-step drawing tutorial from Helen South.

Lampwork Snowman Earrings
Use a few wire techniques to turn two lampwork snowmen beads into some holiday jewelry. These literally take minutes to make.

Greeting Card Album
Recycle a greeting card and create a holiday album using materials you already have around the house.

Cut Paper Trees
These three dimensional stand up cut paper trees can be used for table decorations or winter scenes. They're cut just like snowflakes from regular paper.

Christmas Tree Seed Bead Earrings
If you're in a pinch for some holiday cheer upon your ears, then these simple seed bead earrings are just the holiday miracle you've been looking for. With just a little wire and a handful of beads, these can be made in just minutes.

Gingerbread Ornaments
When you don't have the fragrance of a real Christmas tree, fake scents just don't do it. Make a batch of these ornaments every few years and hang them from your tree, the scent will last for two or three years!

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Christmas is one of the many festivals of light celebrated all over the world, and the light of candles has always played a special part in all of them. I remember several candles and candle holders as a child - and they were always among the first to be brought out at Christmas time.
And while we light them all year around, there's just something about winter...and Christmas time...the flame...the scent...that brings warmth and peace and harmony to our homes. So what are your Christmas candle memories? What special candles and/or candle holders have you treasured over the years? Share Your Memories with us!
Photo: Medioimages/Photodisc / Getty Images

This time of year, whether it's for holiday parties, or just to add some warmth and light to your everyday life at home, it's fun to use and make creative candles as well as creative candleholders. Here's one that takes beeswax sheets (which are great for making simple candles themselves) and wraps them around a votive candle to make a nifty hybrid candle/candleholder. And if you're in a beeswax mood, check out more beeswax candle projects and my making candles with beeswax video.