It is not easy to find “organic beeswax” in Gainesville. After driving to many different stores that you’d think would carry organic beeswax, I returned home to the search the Web. And found Cross Creek Honey Company, a local provider in Cross Creek.
I had associated Cross Creek with Marjorie Kinnan-Rawlings, the author of “The Yearling“, but now I would have a new association.
From the web I learned Cross Creek Honey co. would be at the local farmer’s market. And so in quest of “organic beeswax” I went. Nancy Gentry of Cross Creek Honey had some of the sought-after beeswax to use as mouthpieces for didgeridoos. Perfect!
After my important purchase, I couldn’t resist a sample of the glistening golden Tupelo honey on the table beside the beeswax candles. After a trying a few different samples, it was the more popular “Gallberry” honey that I purchased. I’d never heard of Gallberry before, but won’t forget it now.
From the local harvest site, I read,
“Gallberry honey is sourced from a small evergreen holly bush (also known as inkberry) that grows along the South Atlantic and Gulf Coast and produces a unique honey that is popular throughout the piney woods and swamps of southeast Florida. It is desirable for its rich, elegant taste and thick, wine-like quality. High in pollen and enzymes, it is also known locally for its medicinal properties and as a preventative measure against allergies.”
What I wanted to know from Nancy was how did the bees know to visit only the “Gallberry” bush to make their honey?
She told me the beekeepers find an area where the gallberry is the predominantly flowering bush and they place the bees nearby. While the bees may sample other flowers, the gallberry is their main destination.
After putting my natural beeswax out in the sunshine (to warm up for shaping and cutting), I indulged in a hot cup of tea with Gallberry honey. Exquisite!
Don’t confuse the photo (left) of my wonderful tea with Gallberry honey with my previous photo of shellac. Although I like to take photos with blue sky and golden sun streaming through liquids, the shellac and tea are two very different concoctions!
And as to how to make an organic beeswax mouthpiece for your didgeridoo, I’ll write a post about that later when the wax has softened!
Judy Robinson Designs & Art 
Thanks for sharing another interesting search and for sharing the thoughtful ways you combine materials to make art and music!
LikeLike
Kay, I loved the link you sent. How very interesting. A very informative page. I remember the “candle” songs well from my youth. They were among my favorite because they always had symbolic actions with them. I imagine you will soon be able to teach your newest family addition the candle song!!
You’re so right about the scent of the beeswax, too. I love practicing on that particular didgeridoo now. The honey is absolutely addictive. I’ve not thought about bees, honey, wax, candles for years… and suddenly it all comes rushing back. Thanks for your comment and for the great link for more exploring and reading!
LikeLike
I love the scents of beeswax, so I can imagine how these didgeridoo mouthpieces will add to the joy of playing the instrument. When I first read of your search for beeswax, I was going to try to put you in touch with some of my Moravian candlemaker friends, knowing that some of them buy beeswax in bulk. Here’s a bit about Moravians’ use of beeswax for candles: http://www.moravian.org/faith-a-congregations/the-beeswax-candle/
LikeLike