Yes, you can use glass jam jars to make homemade candles — and it'll be much easier than you'd expect. The best part? You probably already have most of these items at home. It's important to remember that each wick is different, so when figuring out how many wicks you need per jar, make sure to test a few before making any final decisions. You'll also want to keep in mind how big each candle is so that you can calculate how much wax you need for the project. Once your wax has melted, remove the glass jar from the saucepan and let it cool for about two minutes before pouring the wax into the bottom of the jar. Next, place your wick into the wax at the center of the jar and secure it using a clothespin or a similar object. Once your wax is completely cooled, trim down your wick so that it's even with the top of your candle
Yes, you can use glass jam jars to make homemade candles — and it'll be much easier than you'd expect.
You can use glass jam jars to make homemade candles. It's easy to do, and it's an affordable activity that requires just a few supplies: wax, wicks, a lid for the jar, candle fragrance oils (optional), and a heat source (like a double boiler). So there are no special tools necessary! The kit we recommend includes everything except the wax and fragrances — which means all you need is one trip to Wal-Mart or Home Depot.
The best part about this project is that once your candles are done they're ready for display in your home or give away as gifts! Plus you get two great benefits from doing this craft: making something really useful out of recycled materials AND using up an item that would otherwise become trash in your home.
You don't always have an immediate use for all of those small containers around the house after opening them up — but now that we've shown how easy these little guys are to turn into something pretty cool...you might even find yourself reaching towards them first when looking around at what needs cleaning out next time!
The best part? You probably already have most of these items at home.
That's right, you can get everything you need to make your own glass jar candles for less than $5!
You'll need:
- A glass jar (preferably one you already have on hand)
- Wax flakes or wax beads
- Wick (approximately 4” long)
- A heat source like a double boiler or an old saucepan in a pot of water
- A funnel will also come in handy if you're using small containers
It's important to remember that each wick is different, so when figuring out how many wicks you need per jar, make sure to test a few before making any final decisions.
For example, if you have a wide-mouthed jar of jelly with a smaller opening, you will want a shorter wick than if it were an old pickle jar with a larger opening: The wider the mouth and thinner the sides of your container, the shorter your wick needs to be in order to prevent it from becoming visible in your finished product.
You'll also want to keep in mind how big each candle is so that you can calculate how much wax you need for the project.
You'll want to make sure that your wicks are long enough to dip into the melted wax and pull out enough thread so that they don't hang lower than the bottom of a jar or bottle.
For example, let's say our glass jam jar is 10 inches tall and we're making two-inch wide candles. We'd need 6 inches of wick per candle because 1 inch will be inside each glass container (on both sides) and 5 inches will be sticking out above it once we pour in all the melted wax!
Once your wax has melted, remove the glass jar from the saucepan and let it cool for about two minutes before pouring the wax into the bottom of the jar.
Make sure you use tongs to remove very hot glass jars from a pan of boiling water.
Next, using a spoon or something similar (like a knife), scrape as much of your wax out as possible. You'll want to get all of that wax because otherwise it'll ruin your candle!
If any bits remain in there, you can try scooping them out with another tool or just leave them be—they won't affect how well this project turns out.
Next, place your wick into the wax at the center of the jar and secure it using a clothespin or a similar object.
Make sure that you align the wick with the top of your candle and don’t let it fall below that point. This step is important because if you don't trim your wicks after they have cooled, they will burn unevenly.
Once your wax is completely cooled, trim down your wick so that it's even with the top of your candle.
Don't make the wick too long, or it will burn down the side of the jar. Don't make it too short, or it will burn the top of the jar. If your wick is too short, you can always add another one!
Making your own homemade candles is surprisingly easy!
If you like to do crafts, it's a fun way to spend some time, and if you don't, it's still a great way to recycle jars. You'll need some supplies:
- Wax (you can buy this in large blocks or as pellets)
- A wick and holder (these come together)
- An essential oil that smells good to you (optional)
The good news is that making your own homemade candles doesn't have to be complicated. All it takes is a few items found around the house, some time and patience — and of course, some knowledge on how to do it right! The best part? You'll get to enjoy the fruits of your labor when everything's done.
