Tyler Brooks
Creating mason jar candles with crayons is a fun, creative, and budget-friendly DIY project that combines the charm of upcycled materials with the warmth of homemade decor. By melting crayons into wax and pouring it into mason jars, you can craft vibrant, colorful candles that double as unique gifts or stylish home accents. This simple process requires minimal supplies, such as crayons, wax, wicks, and jars, making it accessible for crafters of all skill levels. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color to your space or enjoy a hands-on activity, making mason jar candles with crayons is a delightful way to blend artistry with functionality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials Needed | Mason jars, crayons, candle wax (soy or paraffin), wick, wick stickers, wick holders, double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, thermometer, stirring utensil, scissors, pencil |
| Crayon Purpose | Adds color to the candle; 1-2 crayons per jar recommended |
| Wax Type | Soy or paraffin wax; soy is eco-friendly, paraffin is traditional |
| Wax Quantity | Fill mason jar with water to desired candle height, then measure equivalent wax |
| Melting Method | Double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth |
| Optimal Temperature | 185°F (85°C) for soy wax, 160°F (71°C) for paraffin |
| Wick Preparation | Attach wick sticker to jar bottom, thread wick through holder, and secure with pencil |
| Crayon Addition | Break crayons into small pieces, add to melted wax, stir until fully dissolved |
| Pouring Technique | Pour wax slowly into jar, leaving ¼ inch space at the top |
| Cooling Time | 4-6 hours or until wax is fully set and opaque |
| Trimming Wick | Trim wick to ¼ inch after wax is completely cooled |
| Burn Time | Varies by jar size and wax type; typically 20-40 hours |
| Safety Tips | Never leave melting wax unattended; use heat-resistant gloves |
| Customization | Layer colors by cooling partially, adding more wax, and repeating |
| Storage | Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight |
| Eco-Friendly Option | Use soy wax and non-toxic crayons for a greener alternative |
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What You'll Learn
- Gather Supplies: Jars, crayons, wicks, wax, thermometer, pot, stirring tool, scissors, and fragrance oil
- Melt Crayons: Break crayons, melt in double boiler, monitor temperature, and stir until smooth
- Prepare Jars: Secure wicks to jar bottoms, center them, and ensure they’re straight for even burning
- Pour Wax: Mix melted crayons with wax, add fragrance, pour into jars, and let cool
- Finishing Touches: Trim wicks, label jars, and let candles cure for 24 hours before use
Gather Supplies: Jars, crayons, wicks, wax, thermometer, pot, stirring tool, scissors, and fragrance oil
To begin your candle-making journey, the first step is to gather all the necessary supplies. The foundation of your project lies in selecting the right jars. Mason jars are a popular choice due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, but any heat-resistant glass container will work. Ensure the jars are clean and dry to allow the wax to adhere properly. Next, you’ll need crayons, which will add color to your candles. Choose crayons in the hues you desire, keeping in mind that lighter colors may require more crayons to achieve the desired shade. Opt for non-toxic crayons to ensure safety, especially if the candles will be burned in a shared space.
The wicks are another critical component, as they determine how well your candle burns. Cotton wicks are ideal for this project, and you’ll want to select the appropriate size based on the diameter of your jars. Pre-waxed wicks with a metal tab at the bottom are recommended, as they are easier to secure in place. Additionally, you’ll need wax as the base of your candle. Soy wax or paraffin wax are common choices, with soy being a more eco-friendly option. The amount of wax required will depend on the size of your jars, so measure accordingly.
A thermometer is essential for monitoring the temperature of the wax as it melts. Wax should be heated to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature to ensure it melts evenly without burning. You’ll also need a pot for melting the wax. A double boiler setup is ideal to prevent the wax from overheating, but a dedicated pot or heat-safe container can also be used. A stirring tool, such as a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, is necessary to mix the wax and crayons thoroughly.
Scissors are required for trimming the wicks to the appropriate length once the candles have set. Wicks should be about ¼ inch above the wax for optimal burning. Lastly, consider adding fragrance oil to give your candles a pleasant scent. Choose oils specifically designed for candle-making, and add them at the correct temperature to ensure the fragrance is evenly distributed. With all these supplies gathered, you’ll be well-prepared to create beautiful, colorful mason jar candles with crayons.
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Melt Crayons: Break crayons, melt in double boiler, monitor temperature, and stir until smooth
To begin the process of making mason jar candles with crayons, the first step is to prepare the crayons for melting. Break crayons into small, pea-sized pieces to ensure even melting. Removing the paper wrappers is essential, as they can burn and create unwanted debris in your wax. You can use a variety of crayon colors to achieve your desired candle hue, but keep in mind that mixing colors will result in a new shade. For instance, combining red and blue will yield purple. Breaking the crayons into uniform pieces will help them melt at a consistent rate, preventing clumps or unmelted bits.
Once the crayons are prepared, melt them in a double boiler. This method involves placing a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the crayons melt gently without burning. The indirect heat of a double boiler is crucial, as direct heat can scorch the wax and ruin the batch. Fill the bottom pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer before placing the crayon-filled bowl on top. This setup allows for precise temperature control, which is vital for achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Monitor the temperature closely during the melting process. Crayons typically melt between 120°F and 150°F (49°C to 65°C), but it’s best to keep the temperature below 140°F (60°C) to prevent overheating. Use a candy thermometer to keep track of the heat, as overheating can cause the wax to thin excessively or lose its color vibrancy. Stir occasionally to help distribute the heat evenly and speed up the melting process. If the water in the bottom pot begins to boil vigorously, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
As the crayons melt, stir until smooth to ensure a consistent texture. Use a heat-resistant spatula or spoon to gently mix the wax, breaking up any remaining lumps. The goal is to achieve a completely homogeneous mixture that will pour evenly into the mason jar. If you notice any unmelted pieces, continue stirring and applying low heat until they fully incorporate. This step is crucial for creating a professional-looking candle with no visible imperfections.
After the crayons have melted and the mixture is smooth, carefully remove the bowl from the double boiler. Allow the wax to cool slightly before pouring it into the mason jar, as pouring it too hot can cause air bubbles or uneven settling. This melted crayon wax will serve as the colorful base for your candle, ready to be combined with the wick and any additional wax or fragrance oils. By following these steps to melt crayons properly, you’ll set the foundation for a beautiful, unique mason jar candle.
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Prepare Jars: Secure wicks to jar bottoms, center them, and ensure they’re straight for even burning
To begin preparing your mason jars for candle-making, start by gathering your materials: mason jars, wicks, wick stickers or glue dots, and a pen or pencil. Clean the jars thoroughly to remove any dust or residue, as this can affect the adhesion of the wick and the overall burn quality. Once the jars are clean and dry, take a wick sticker or a small amount of glue dot and press it firmly onto the bottom center of the jar. This adhesive will secure the wick in place, ensuring it doesn’t shift during the pouring process. If using glue dots, make sure they are strong enough to hold the wick securely.
Next, take your wick and carefully press the metal tab (if your wick has one) onto the adhesive, ensuring it is centered. If your wick doesn’t have a tab, simply press the base of the wick directly onto the adhesive. Centering the wick is crucial for even burning, as an off-center wick can cause the candle to burn unevenly or create a tunnel in the wax. Use a pen or pencil to help guide the placement—lay it across the jar opening, with the wick positioned directly under the center point of the pen.
Once the wick is secured, gently pull it taut and ensure it stands straight up. A straight wick promotes even melting of the crayon wax and prevents the flame from leaning or causing uneven burning. If the wick feels loose or wobbly, adjust the adhesive or add a bit more glue to stabilize it. Double-check that the wick is perfectly vertical by viewing it from multiple angles.
For added stability, especially in larger jars, you can use a wick holder or a small piece of tape to keep the wick in place until the wax is poured. Wrap the tape around the wick and jar rim, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct the wick’s position. This step is optional but can be helpful if you’re working with thicker wicks or larger jars that require extra support.
Finally, before proceeding to the next step, give the wick a gentle tug to ensure it’s firmly attached. A securely centered and straight wick is the foundation for a well-burning mason jar candle. Once you’re confident the wick is in place, you’re ready to move on to melting the crayons and pouring the wax into the prepared jars.
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Pour Wax: Mix melted crayons with wax, add fragrance, pour into jars, and let cool
To begin the wax-pouring process for your mason jar candles, start by preparing your melted crayons and wax mixture. First, peel the paper off the crayons and break them into small pieces to ensure even melting. Use a double boiler or a heat-safe container placed in a pot of simmering water to melt the crayons gently. This method prevents overheating and ensures a smooth consistency. For every cup of wax, add about ¼ to ½ cup of melted crayons, depending on the desired color intensity. Stir the mixture continuously until the crayons are fully incorporated into the wax.
Once the crayons and wax are thoroughly combined, it’s time to add fragrance to your candle. Choose a high-quality candle fragrance oil and add ½ to 1 ounce per pound of wax, depending on the strength you prefer. Stir the fragrance into the wax mixture for about 2 minutes to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Be cautious not to overheat the wax during this step, as excessive heat can diminish the scent. Remove the mixture from the heat source once the fragrance is fully blended.
With your wax mixture ready, prepare your mason jars by placing the wick in the center. Use a wick sticker or a small amount of melted wax to secure the wick to the bottom of the jar. Center the wick using a wick holder or pencil laid across the jar’s opening to keep it straight. Slowly pour the wax and crayon mixture into the jars, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top. Pouring slowly helps prevent air bubbles and ensures a smooth finish on the candle’s surface.
After pouring, allow the candles to cool undisturbed at room temperature. This process can take several hours, depending on the size of the jars and the ambient temperature. Avoid moving the jars during this time to prevent uneven surfaces or sinking. As the wax cools, it may develop a slight dip around the wick, which is normal. If desired, you can top off the candle with additional wax once it has partially set to create a flat, even surface.
Finally, once the candles are completely cooled and solidified, trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the wax. This ensures a clean burn when the candle is lit. Your mason jar crayon candles are now ready to use or gift. Enjoy the vibrant colors and personalized scents you’ve created through this simple yet rewarding DIY project.
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Finishing Touches: Trim wicks, label jars, and let candles cure for 24 hours before use
Once your mason jar candles have cooled and set, it’s time to focus on the finishing touches that will ensure they are safe, functional, and ready for use. The first step is to trim the wicks to the appropriate length. Using a pair of scissors or wick trimmers, carefully cut the wick to about ¼ inch above the wax surface. This is crucial because a wick that is too long can cause excessive smoking, sooting, or an uneven burn. Trimming the wick ensures a clean, steady flame and prolongs the life of your candle. Be gentle when trimming to avoid disturbing the wax surface.
Next, label your jars to add a personal and professional touch. You can use adhesive labels, tags tied with twine, or even write directly on the jar with a permanent marker. Include details like the candle scent (if applicable), the date it was made, and any care instructions. Labeling not only makes your candles look polished but also helps you or the recipient remember what’s inside, especially if you’ve made multiple candles with different crayon colors or scents. This step is particularly useful if you plan to gift the candles or sell them.
After trimming the wicks and labeling the jars, it’s essential to let the candles cure for 24 hours before using them. Curing allows the wax to fully harden and the fragrance (if added) to bind with the wax molecules, resulting in a stronger scent throw when the candle is burned. Place the candles in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or heat sources during this curing period. While it may be tempting to light your candle immediately, patience during this step ensures the best possible burn quality and fragrance release.
During the curing process, avoid moving or disturbing the candles to prevent air bubbles or uneven surfaces from forming. Once the 24-hour curing period is complete, your mason jar candles are ready to be enjoyed or gifted. Remember to always follow candle safety guidelines, such as never leaving a burning candle unattended and keeping it away from flammable materials. With these finishing touches, your crayon mason jar candles will not only look beautiful but also burn efficiently and safely.
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Frequently asked questions
Use non-toxic, regular crayons for this project. Avoid crayons with glitter or metallic finishes, as they may not melt evenly or could release harmful fumes.
Typically, 4–6 crayons are sufficient for a standard 8-ounce mason jar. Adjust the amount based on the size of your jar and desired color intensity.
Yes, you can mix crayon wax with regular candle wax (like soy or paraffin) to improve burn quality and scent throw. Use a 1:1 ratio for best results.
Stir the melted crayon wax thoroughly while adding it to the jar and ensure it cools slowly. Adding a small amount of candle wax can also help bind the mixture.
