Brooke Martin
Oil lamps are one of the oldest forms of light sources, with stone oil lamps dating back 10,000 to 15,000 years. Today, we will be discussing how to make a mason jar oil candle, a perfect DIY lighting option and a great way to repurpose old mason jars. These candles are easy to make, cost-effective, and make for great gifts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to make | 2 minutes |
| Safety | Safer than candles as the flame will be extinguished if knocked over |
| Burn time | 1 tablespoon of oil can last 2 hours |
| Wick | Large floating wicks |
| Oil | Vegetable oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, infused olive oil |
| Add-ins | Herbs, spices, essential oils, flowers, pine cones, pebbles, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, cedar |
| Decoration | Twine, rusty bells, greenery, pinecones, shells, glitter |
| Extinguishing | Put the lid on the jar |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right oil
The type of oil you use for your mason jar oil candle is important, as it will determine the fragrance, appearance, and safety of your candle. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right oil:
Type of Oil
Vegetable oil is a popular choice for mason jar oil candles. It is readily available, affordable, and burns cleanly. Light olive oil and sunflower seed oil are also good options that burn cleanly and produce minimal smoke. You can also use clear lamp oil, which is designed specifically for oil lamps and candles.
Fragrance
If you want to add a pleasant fragrance to your candle, you can infuse your oil with herbs, spices, or essential oils. Popular choices include rosemary, sweet orange, cinnamon, and lavender. You can also use fragrance oils specifically designed for candle making, such as vanilla fragrance oil.
Appearance
Consider the colour and clarity of the oil you choose. If you want a clear, unobstructed view of the contents of your mason jar, choose a clear oil like vegetable oil or clear lamp oil. If you want to add a special effect, you can use coloured oil or add food colouring to your chosen oil.
Safety
Some oils may have potential safety concerns. For example, using fresh flowers or plants in your candle can be dangerous if they contain toxic substances. Oleander, for instance, produces poisonous smoke when burned. It is important to research the safety of any additional materials you plan to use with your chosen oil.
Wick Compatibility
Ensure that the oil you choose is compatible with the type of wick you plan to use. Floating wicks are a popular choice for mason jar oil candles and work well with vegetable oil and other types of cooking oils. If you are using a different type of wick, such as a pre-waxed wick, check that it is suitable for use with your chosen oil.
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Selecting a wick
When selecting a wick for your mason jar oil candle, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the size of the wick is important. If you are using a larger mason jar, you will need a larger wick. The wick should be trimmed to be a few inches taller than the jar. This is to ensure that the flame is contained within the jar and does not come into contact with any surrounding materials.
Another important consideration is the type of wick. There are two main types of wicks that can be used for mason jar oil candles: floating wicks and pre-waxed wicks. Floating wicks are designed to float on the surface of the oil and are typically used for oil candles. They come in a variety of sizes, including large and small, to accommodate different jar sizes. Pre-waxed wicks, on the other hand, are already coated in wax and can be used as a replacement when the original wick burns up. These wicks can be cut into small pieces and inserted into the centre hole of a floating wick disc.
In addition to size and type, you may also want to consider the material of the wick. Cotton wicks, for example, can be covered in aluminium foil and used as a floating wick. This is a simple and effective method if you do not have access to store-bought floating wicks.
Finally, it is important to secure the wick in place to ensure it stays centred while the candle dries. This can be done using a hot glue gun or glue tab to attach the wick to the centre of the bottom of the jar. Alternatively, you can use a wick holder, or create your own by securing the wick between two chopsticks or pencils.
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$26.83 $28.47
Adding decorations
There are many ways to decorate your mason jar oil candle. You can fill your jar with flowers, pine cones, pebbles, faux veggies, or other treasures. You can also add food colouring to the water for a special effect. If you're using a floating wick, you can hold down flowers or other floating decorations with small rocks or glass beads.
You can also decorate the outside of the jar. Try wrapping twine around the neck of the jar and tying it in a bow, then add a piece of greenery or pinecones. You can also tie a rusty bell to the twine for a decorative touch.
If you're using wax in your candle, you can add spices to the wax as it cools to add fragrance and a unique look to your candle. Cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and other spices can be added to the wax or sprinkled on top.
You can also decorate your candle with a custom label that includes a description and instructions.
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Using colour
When making a mason jar oil candle, you can add colour in a few different ways. Firstly, you can fill the jar with colourful natural elements, such as dried orange slices, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and greenery. You can also add essential oils to enhance the colour, such as rosemary, sweet orange, or cinnamon oil. If you want to use artificial flowers or other materials, you can fill the jar with water first and then add oil to the top for burning.
Another way to add colour to your mason jar oil candle is to use coloured wax. You can purchase coloured wax beads, chips, or blocks to achieve the desired colour. If you're using a colour wheel, refer to the instructions on the packaging to determine the correct ratio of colours. You can also experiment by adding a little bit of colour at a time until you achieve the desired shade. Keep in mind that the liquid wax will look much darker than the final colour of the candle once it has cooled. You can test the colour by putting a small dab of wax on a piece of paper, which will quickly cool and show the true colour.
When colouring your wax, it's important to wait until the wax has cooled down before adding the dye or fragrance. The typical fragrance ratio is 1 ounce of scent to 1 pound of wax. You should also let the candle cool undisturbed in a place with low airflow for at least 4 hours before removing the wick holder and trimming the wick.
You can also customise your mason jar oil candle by tying a gift tag or label to the jar with twine or ribbon in your favourite colour. These candles make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or any other celebration.
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Safety precautions
Making your own candles is a fun and easy project, but it's important to follow some basic safety precautions to ensure that your candle-making experience is a safe one. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind when creating mason jar oil candles:
Choose the Right Materials
Select a mason jar made of heat-resistant glass that can withstand high temperatures without shattering. Avoid using thin-walled or decorative jars not intended for high temperatures. Look for ASTM certification, which ensures the glass meets specific heat resistance standards. Choose non-combustible and non-porous materials to prevent fire risks and ensure easier maintenance. Prioritise glass or ceramic containers specifically labelled as non-combustible.
Prepare Your Workspace
Always place your mason jar candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface to protect against fire hazards. Keep the candle away from any flammable objects such as curtains, bedding, or other combustible materials. Ensure that your workspace is clear of any potential hazards, and never leave a lit candle unattended.
Handle with Care
When lighting and using your mason jar oil candle, take extra care. Keep the candle out of the reach of children and pets, and never leave it unattended. To extinguish the flame, simply put the lid on the jar. Do not attempt to move a lit candle, and always allow it to cool down before handling.
Avoid Toxic Ingredients
Be cautious when adding fragrances or decorative elements to your candle. Avoid using toxic materials such as oleander, as burning its smoke can be poisonous. Opt for natural fragrances like essential oils, spices, or herbs to infuse your oil safely. Always research the ingredients you plan to use and their potential effects when burned.
Practice Common Sense
Use your best judgment and follow general candle safety guidelines. Keep candles away from drafts, and do not place them near flammable liquids or gases. Always burn candles within sight, and ensure they are placed on a level surface. Do not leave a burning candle unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
By following these safety precautions, you can confidently create and enjoy your mason jar oil candles while maintaining a safe environment for yourself and those around you.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a large floating wick, vegetable oil, and a mason jar. You can also add water, flowers, pine cones, pebbles, or other decorative elements.
First, fill the jar with your chosen decorative elements. Then, pour in enough vegetable oil to form a layer about a quarter of an inch thick. Insert the floating wick and light it.
One tablespoon of oil should last for about two hours.
