Jessie Taylor
Candles are a great way to create a cosy ambiance and scent in your home. Making your own candles is a simple and therapeutic beginner-level DIY project that can be easily done at home. You can make candles with or without jars, using common household materials such as lard, vegetable shortening, glass jars, and yarn. If you're using a jar, you can recycle old candle jars or use glass yogurt jars. This guide will teach you how to make candles without a jar, including the important steps to ensure the safety and longevity of your handmade candles.
How to Make a Candle Without a Jar
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Wax (beeswax or soy wax flakes/pellets), wick, essential or fragrance oil (optional) |
| Equipment | Small cooking pot/saucepan, wax melting pot (e.g. glass mixing bowl), clothespin or mechanical pencil, washcloths or small towels, stove-top or slow cooker |
| Method | 1. Make a double boiler by filling a saucepan with water and placing a heat-safe bowl on top. |
| 2. Add wax to the bowl and heat until melted. | |
| 3. Dip the metal part of the wick in the hot wax. | |
| 4. Pour the melted wax into containers. | |
| 5. Secure the wick upright with a pencil or clothespin. | |
| 6. Add fragrance, if desired. | |
| 7. Let the wax cool and solidify. | |
| Burning | Burn on stovetops, fire-resistant granite countertops, or wooden tables/shelves. Avoid flammable materials and uneven surfaces. Ensure several feet of clearance above the candle. |
| Tips | For the first burn, burn for a duration equal to the diameter of the candle to prevent tunnelling. After blowing out, push the wax inward to create a small lip to prevent wax spillage. |
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What You'll Learn
Use lard or vegetable shortening, glass jars, and yarn
Making candles at home without wax is easy, inexpensive, and perfect for emergencies or blackouts. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make candles using lard or vegetable shortening, glass jars, and yarn:
Prepare the Materials
For this project, you will need lard or vegetable shortening, glass jars (such as mason jars, glass jam jars, or any heat-resistant jar), and yarn. You can find these supplies at your local craft store or online.
Melt the Lard or Vegetable Shortening
Start by preparing the wax substitute. In a small saucepan or double boiler, melt the lard or vegetable shortening over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it is fully liquefied. This will serve as the wax for your candle.
Prepare the Jar and Wick
While the lard or vegetable shortening is melting, prepare your jar by cleaning and drying it thoroughly. Ensure the jar is heat-safe. Then, cut a piece of yarn that is about 2 inches longer than the height of your jar. This will be your wick. Dip the yarn into the melted lard or vegetable shortening, ensuring it is fully coated, and place it in the centre of your jar. You can use a clothespin or pencil to hold the wick upright and centred.
Pour and Set
Once your wax substitute is melted, carefully pour it into your prepared jar, leaving a small gap at the top. Allow the mixture to cool and solidify. This may take a few hours.
Trim the Wick
Once the candle has set, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the surface of the candle. Your candle is now ready to be lit!
Care and Maintenance
When burning your candle, ensure the wick is vertical, especially if a layer of molten fat develops near the wick. This will make it easier to relight. Maintain the wick by trimming it regularly, as you would with a regular candle.
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Melt wax using a double boiler
Melting wax using a double boiler is an efficient and economical way to melt wax for candle-making. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to melt wax using a double boiler:
Firstly, gather your equipment. You will need a large saucepan, a smaller saucepan or pot, and a heat-safe bowl or pitcher. The large saucepan will be used for boiling water, while the smaller saucepan or pot will be placed inside it, containing the wax. The heat-safe bowl or pitcher will be used to melt the wax and can be placed inside the larger saucepan or on top of the smaller one.
Next, fill the large saucepan about halfway with water and place it on the stove to heat. You can also use a stove-top to heat the water. Place the smaller pot or saucepan inside the larger one, ensuring it is stable. If you are using a bowl or pitcher, place it inside the smaller saucepan or on top of it. Fill the smaller saucepan or pot with wax flakes or pellets. Soy wax and beeswax are commonly used.
Now, turn the heat to medium-high, bringing the water to a lively simmer. Allow the wax to melt completely, which should take around 15 minutes, depending on the type of wax used. Soy wax melts faster, while beeswax takes longer. Occasionally stir the unmelted wax to encourage melting, but do not stir aggressively as this can introduce air into the blend, impacting the final candle quality.
Once the wax is melted, carefully remove the smaller saucepan or pot, or the bowl/pitcher, from the larger saucepan, using a potholder or oven mitt, as it will be hot. Be cautious not to tip it. You can now add colour and fragrance to the melted wax if desired. Typically, 3-5 drops of liquid dye are added, ensuring it is oil-soluble. Most wax should be heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit before adding fragrance, but always check with your wax supplier for instructions. Stir the blend for about two minutes to ensure the colour and fragrance are well-dispersed.
Finally, pour the wax blend into your chosen container at a steady rate. Try to avoid introducing too much air into the blend while pouring. If making multiple candles, pour roughly 75% of the wax into each container and then top them off in the same order.
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Secure the wick upright with a pencil or clothespin
Securing the wick is an important step in candle-making. A wick that is not straight can cause the candle to tunnel, damage the container, or create a burn risk. There are several ways to secure a wick, some of which are more suitable for beginners.
One common method is to use little glue tabs or dots. These are easy to use, especially for those just starting with candle-making. However, they can become unstuck when the candle gets to the bottom of the jar, causing the wick to float. They can also be difficult to adjust if the centre of the jar is misplaced, and they raise the wick's height slightly, making it hard to burn.
Another popular method is to use a glue gun to stick the wicks down. This works well in the heat, but it can be time-consuming when making a large batch of candles.
Some candle-makers use a pencil or clothespin to secure the wick. This method is simple and effective. First, pull the wick back as close to the centre as possible. Then, secure it in place with a clothespin or pencil. Allow the wick to stay in place until the wax has started hardening. As the wax hardens, gently pull the wick straight up, and the semi-solid candle wax will hold the wick in place.
You can also use a wick bar, which can be placed in the melting pot to clean it with hot water. Alternatively, you can use hot glue, although this can be messy and dangerous.
If you are using a jar, you can also use a used biro pen case. Take out the middle, place the candle wick inside, and dab a tiny bit of silicone on the wick holder. Place it in the centre of your jar, and you will have a secure wick.
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Add fragrance if desired
Adding a fragrance to your candle is a great way to make it unique and appealing. Here is a detailed guide to help you add fragrance correctly and safely:
Firstly, it is important to select the right type of fragrance. Fragrance oils designed specifically for candle-making are widely available and are the recommended option. Avoid using fragrance oils meant for soap or other products, as they may not be compatible with candle wax. Essential oils can also be used, but be cautious as some essential oils can be harmful to certain individuals. Always check the ingredients and warnings on the product label.
Secondly, timing is crucial. Add your chosen fragrance oil or essential oil when the melted wax cools down to the appropriate temperature. The ideal temperature range for adding fragrance is between 180-205°F (82-96°C), depending on the type of wax. Soy and paraffin wax typically require a temperature of 180-185°F, while palm wax needs a higher temperature of 200-205°F. Ensure you monitor the temperature with a thermometer to achieve the best results and avoid scorching the wax.
Next, stir the mixture thoroughly for several minutes. Inadequate stirring can cause the oil to settle at the bottom of the wax, resulting in a weak scent. A well-stirred mixture helps the fragrance bind effectively to the wax, enhancing the scent's strength and longevity.
Lastly, be mindful of the amount of fragrance you use. While it may be tempting to add more fragrance for a stronger scent, excessive fragrance oil can lead to separation from the wax, creating an uneven and potentially hazardous mixture. Each type of wax has a recommended fragrance load, so be sure to research and follow these guidelines.
Remember, always exercise caution when working with fragrances and open flames. Enjoy creating your beautifully scented candles!
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Burn on stovetops, granite countertops, or treated wooden tables to avoid wax spillage
When burning candles without a jar, it is important to place them on a heat-resistant surface to avoid wax spillage. Stovetops, granite countertops, and treated wooden tables are all good options. These surfaces are less likely to be damaged by hot wax and are not flammable, making them safer choices.
Stovetops are designed to withstand heat and are typically made from materials like metal or ceramic, which can handle the heat of a candle flame without issue. Granite countertops are another safe option for burning candles. Granite is a durable stone that can withstand heat and won't catch fire, making it ideal for candlelit dinners or ambient lighting in the kitchen.
Treated wooden tables are also a good choice for burning candles. While wood is naturally flammable, treated wood has been processed to be fire-resistant, reducing the risk of it catching fire from a candle. Look for tables made from fire-resistant or treated wood, which will be labelled as such.
To further prevent wax spillage, you can place your candle on a plate or tray, especially if you're unsure about the heat resistance of the surface. Ceramic or glass plates or trays are ideal because they can help disperse the heat from the candle and catch any wax drips.
Additionally, always keep an eye on your burning candle and ensure it is not left unattended. If you notice the wax starting to melt too quickly or the flame growing too large, blow out the candle and let the wax cool before relocating it to a heat-resistant surface. Remember to trim the wick before relighting to prevent excessive wax melting and potential spillage.
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Frequently asked questions
You can make a candle without a jar by using a plate or tray made of ceramic or glass. Burning a pillar candle on a plate can help protect the surface from hot wax.
Plates or trays made from ceramic or glass are ideal, as they will help disperse the heat from the candle as it burns.
Avoid placing your candle on flammable materials like birch bark or coconut shell. Also, avoid uneven surfaces, as the candle could spill hot wax or fall over and become a fire hazard.
The first time you burn a candle, it’s recommended to let it burn for a number of hours equal to the diameter of the candle. For example, a 4” diameter candle should burn for 4 hours.
After the first burn, gently put your hands around the top edges of the candle and push the wax inward to create a small lip. Doing this ensures that the walls don’t break down and spill wax.
