Homemade mason jar candles make wonderful gifts and stunning home decorations. With a little creativity, you can customize them to fit any season or occasion.
Whether you’re crafting them for gifts, home décor, or a special event, homemade mason jar candles allow you to customize scents, colors, and decorations to fit your personal taste. Plus, they add a warm and cozy ambiance to any space!
I recently made these for an event, and these candles were so stunning. They made beautiful centerpieces (and gifts to guests). If you’re looking for a budget-friendly DIY, this is a great one that’s fun to do with others!
DIY Mason Jar Candles
For this DIY, you will need one pound of wax (I used soy wax), mason jars, cotton wicks, essential oils or fragrance oils, dried herbs or flowers, twine, and other decorative materials.
Start by thoroughly cleaning your mason jars to ensure they are free from dust or debris. Next, attach the cotton wicks to the center of each jar using wick stickers or a small dab of hot glue. This will keep the wick in place when pouring in the wax.
Pour the soy wax into a double boiler or wax melter and slowly heat it until fully melted. If using a fragrance oil, add it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines—usually no more than 10% of the total wax volume. Stir gently to combine.
If you’re incorporating dried flowers or herbs, place them at the bottom of your mason jars before pouring in the wax. These natural elements add a beautiful touch to your candles but should be used with caution due to their flammability.
Carefully pour the melted wax into each mason jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Use a clothespin or wick holder to center the wick while the wax hardens.
Allow the candles to set for several hours until the wax is completely hardened. You can add additional dried herbs or flowers to the top of the candle just before it fully sets for extra decoration.
Once the candles are fully hardened, trim the wick to about ¼ inches for optimal burning. For a rustic, decorative finish, wrap twine or ribbons around the jars.
Safety Warning: Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it away from flammable materials.
Substitutions & Customizations
- Wax Options: Instead of soy wax, you can use beeswax or paraffin wax.
- Fragrance-Free: If you prefer unscented candles, simply omit the fragrance oils.
- Wick Alternatives: Wooden wicks can be used instead of cotton wicks for a crackling effect.
- Dyes: Add candle dye or natural colorants like turmeric or beetroot powder for a pop of color.
Watch The Video Tutorial
Mason Jar Candles FAQ
Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?
Yes, but essential oils may not hold their scent as well in candles. Stick to stronger scents like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus for the best results.
How long should I wait before burning my candles?
Let the candles cure for at least 24 hours for the best scent throw.
Why is my candle tunneling?
Tunneling occurs when a candle burns down the center, leaving wax on the sides. Prevent this by allowing the first burn to last long enough to melt the wax evenly across the top.
Are dried flowers safe to use in candles?
While they add a beautiful touch, dried flowers and herbs can be flammable. Use them sparingly and always supervise burning candles.
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How To Make Mason Jar Candles
Whether you’re making them for gifts, events, or for yourself, these homemade mason jar candles are easy to make and look beautiful!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes + Cooling time
Ingredients
- 1 lb soy wax
- mason jars
- cotton wicks
- Scents or fragrance oils
- Dried herbs or flowers (optional)
- Twin and other decorative materials (optional)
Instructions
- Clean your mason jars and glue the wicks to the center of each jar. I usually use wick stickers, but you can use a hot glue gun if you don’t have them.
- Next, pour the wax into a double boiler or wax melter. Once the wax has melted, add any fragrances, following the instructions for the fragrance you’re using. Do not add more than 10% fragrance to your wax.
- If you’re using dried flowers or herbs, you will place them into your mason jars before pouring the wax.
- Carefully pour the melted soy wax into your mason jars, leaving an inch between the wax and the top of the jar.
- Center the wick with a close pin or wick holder and let the candles set for a few hours.
- You can add herbs or dried flowers to the top of the candles before the wax sets if you want to decorate them.
- Once the candles are set, you can add twin and other decorative materials to the jars.
Notes
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