Beehive Alchemy is every beekeeper’s (and bee lover’s) guide to transforming the bounty of bees into practical and beautiful products for health and home.



From crayons to cough drops, cookies to candles, Beehive Alchemy offers a comprehensive introduction to incorporating the miracle of bees into everyday life.

Beehive Alchemy is a continuation of Petra Ahnert's best-selling Beeswax Alchemy. With this new book, beekeepers (and bee lovers) will learn about the benefits and attributes of beeswax, honey, propolis, and more alongside a full range of projects and techniques to process and harness the amazing gifts of bees. Inside, you'll find instructions to make Ahnert's award-winning hand-dipped birthday candles, the classic French dessert canele bordelais, and much more, including:

Alchemy for the Body

• Liquid soap with honey
• Beard balm
• Olive and honey lotion

Alchemy of Light

• Taper candles
• Tea lights
• Pillars

Alchemy for the Home

• Furniture polish
• Waxed cotton food wraps
• Woodcutter incense

Alchemy in the Studio

• Beeswax crayons
• Encaustic
• Batik

Alchemy in the Kitchen

• Cookies and candies
• Beverages
• Fermentations

Whether you keep bees or just love them, Beehive Alchemy will become your go-to comprehensive guide for hive-to-home creations.