Maddie James
Candles are a great way to set the mood, add a burst of scent to your home, or even enhance a romantic evening. While you could buy one at the store, making your own jar candles is a simple, inexpensive DIY project. You get to pick your own fragrance, colour, and jar, and you can even add unique touches like shells or glitter. In this guide, we will focus on making candles in mason jars, but you can use almost any vessel that can withstand heat, such as teacups, jelly jars, or egg cups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jar type | Mason jars, teacups, jelly jars, egg cups, or any heat-resistant vessel |
| Wax type | Soy wax, beeswax, gel wax, or old candle wax |
| Wax colour | Natural off-white, coloured with wax dye, liquid dye, or crayons |
| Scent | Essential oils or candle fragrances |
| Wick type | Cotton, pre-waxed, or old wicks |
| Wick length | Trimmed to 1/2 inch from the top of the candle |
| Add-ins | Shells, glitter, flowers, or other decorations |
| Clean-up | Newspaper, paper towels, or hot water |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right jar
When choosing a mason jar, consider the size of the jar and the amount of wax you will need. A larger jar will require more wax, so it is essential to measure the jar's volume to determine the appropriate amount of wax flakes or beads. You can fill the jar with water and pour it into a measuring cup to find out the volume.
The shape of the jar is also important. Straight-sided jars are easier to work with as they allow for easier pouring of wax and placement of the wick. Additionally, the jar should have a wide enough mouth to fit your pouring pot or container.
It is also essential to ensure that the jar is clean and free of any residue or labels. If you are reusing an old jar, soak it in hot water to remove any labels, and wash it thoroughly like any other dish.
Finally, consider the colour and scent of your candle when choosing the jar. If you want a coloured candle, a clear jar will showcase the colour. If you plan to add accessories such as flowers or shells, a clear jar will also display these additions.
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Preparing the workspace
Firstly, choose a suitable workspace. It is ideal to select an area that is well-ventilated and has enough space for you to work comfortably. Make sure you have a heat-resistant surface to work on, such as a heat-proof mat or a trivet, to protect your work area from hot pots and wax spills. Cover your work surface with newspaper or paper towels to catch any drips or spills, making cleanup easier.
Next, gather all the tools and materials you will need for the project. This includes items such as a heat-proof container for melting wax (a pouring pot or a double boiler), a heat source (a stovetop or an electric hot plate), measuring cups and spoons, a thermometer, a glue gun or glue dots, scissors, chopsticks or pencils for securing wicks, and, of course, your choice of jar(s). You can use mason jars, recycled glass jars, or any other heat-resistant container. Ensure you have the correct amount of wax for your jar size, as well as wicks, colour dye or crayons, and any essential oils or fragrances you wish to add.
Before you begin melting wax, it is important to prepare your jars. If you are using recycled jars, remove any old labels by soaking the jars in hot water. Clean the jars thoroughly, removing any residual wax, and dry them completely. Measure the width of your jar to ensure you have the correct size wick for an even burn. Trim the wick to the appropriate length, leaving it a few inches taller than the jar. You can use a wick holder or secure the wick between two chopsticks or pencils to keep it centred during the candle-making process.
Now your workspace is prepared, and you can begin the candle-making process by melting your wax and adding colours and fragrances. Remember always to practice candle-making in a well-ventilated area and take care when working with hot wax.
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Melting the wax
The amount of wax you will need depends on the size of your jar. A good rule of thumb is to fill your jar with wax flakes twice and then pour the contents into your candle-pouring pot. For a 125ml round jar, use 100g of soy wax flakes. If you are using a larger jar, the general rule is to use 100g of soy wax per 100ml of liquid for the jar. For a 10 oz candle, you will need 2 1/2 cups (20 oz) of soy wax flakes.
There are different methods for melting the wax. One method is to use a heat-proof bowl placed over a pan of boiling water. Heat the wax gently until it is fully melted and clear. Another method is to use a microwave. Place the wax in a microwave-safe container and heat it for one minute, then stir with a fork. Repeat the heating and stirring process until all the wax is melted. If you want to add colour to your candle, heat the wax to between 180-190 degrees to melt the wax dye chips.
Once the wax is melted, you can add your chosen scent. Choose your favourite essential oil and add two to three drops. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to add too much. You can also add coloured dye at this stage to make your candles stand out. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.
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Adding scent and colour
Once you've chosen your jar, you can start thinking about adding scent and colour to your candle.
Adding Scent
To add scent to your candle, you will need to add essential oils or candle fragrances. You will need to add 5ml of fragrance per 100g of wax. When adding the scent, make sure the wax is still hot, but off the heat. Stir the oil thoroughly into the wax using a wooden spoon. A little goes a long way when it comes to scent, so be careful not to add too much.
Adding Colour
There are two main types of dye you can use to colour your candle: wax and liquid. You can purchase these from your local craft store, or use old crayons. Add a few drops or shavings of dye to produce a vibrant colour. Remember that the wax will dry significantly lighter than the liquid dye appears, so don't be afraid to add a little extra dye to get your desired shade.
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Pouring and setting the wax
When you're ready to pour your wax, ensure your wick is centred and secured in the middle of your jar. You can use a wick holder, or simply secure the wick between two pencils or chopsticks.
Slowly pour your liquid wax into the jar, holding the wick in place as you go. Fill the jar until the wax is about one inch below the brim.
Leave your candle to cool at room temperature for at least 24 hours. It will take about four hours for your candle to completely solidify.
Once the candle has set, cut the wick, leaving about half an inch above the top of the candle. If the flame is still too big, trim the wick further.
If the top of the candle has cracked or has a sinkhole, reheat some wax and pour a thin layer over the top to fill in any imperfections.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a jar, wax, a wick, a pouring pot, a heat source, and any desired scents or dyes.
Soy wax is a popular choice for jar candles as it is natural, easy to work with, and easy to clean up. Beeswax is another option for a natural candle with no dye, and gel wax is the best choice for transparent candles with accessories.
Measure out the desired amount of wax flakes and place them in a candle pouring pot over low heat. Stir the flakes until they turn completely liquid. If you are using dye, heat the wax to between 180-190 degrees Fahrenheit before adding it.
Trim the wick so that it is a few inches taller than the jar. Secure the wick in the centre of the jar with glue or by placing a wick holder on top.
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