Candle making is a fun and rewarding hobby that has become increasingly popular in recent years. One of the best things about candle making is that it allows you to be creative and make something unique and personalized. If you’re looking to get started with candle making, or you’re just looking for some new ideas and inspiration, then you’re in the right place!
In this roundup of candle making tutorials, we will be focusing on the use of Mason jars as the mold or vessel for candles. Mason jars are an excellent choice for candle making because they are strong, durable, and readily available. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose the perfect one for your project. Plus, using Mason jars for candle making is an excellent way to upcycle and repurpose old jars.
One of the things I love about using Mason jars for candle making is that they have a heavy base, which means they can withstand the heat of a candle. If you’re using upcycled jars or jars in general, it’s important to make sure that the glass is not too thin. Thin glass can crack or break when exposed to the heat of a candle, which can be dangerous.
In addition to using Mason jars as candle vessels, you can also repurpose the lids to create oil lamps. Mason jar lids that contain wicks for oil lamp burners can be purchased online or at your local craft store. Simply fill the jar with oil, attach the lid, and light the wick for a beautiful and functional oil lamp.
Mason jars have been around for over a century and have remained popular for canning and preserving food, especially during World War II. Today, they continue to be a favorite among the canning community, and their versatility has made them a staple in many households. They truly stand the test of time and are perfect for a wide variety of DIY projects, including candle making.
When upcycling mason jars for candle making, one of the first steps is to remove any labels or residue from the jar. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove these labels:
Materials needed:
- Upcycled mason jar
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Scrub brush or sponge
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by peeling off as much of the label as you can by hand. The more you can remove before soaking, the easier the rest will be.
- Fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add a squirt of dish soap. Submerge the jar in the soapy water and let it soak for about 30 minutes. This will help to loosen the label adhesive.
- After soaking, remove the jar from the water and use a scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub off the remaining label and adhesive. If the label is stubborn, you can try using a plastic scraper or credit card to help lift it off.
- If there is still residue left on the jar, mix together a paste of equal parts baking soda and white vinegar. Apply the paste to the residue and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub with the brush or sponge to remove the remaining adhesive.
- Rinse the jar thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap or paste.
- If there is still residue left on the jar, you can try using rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball or paper towel in rubbing alcohol and rub the residue until it comes off.
- Once the label and residue have been removed, rinse the jar thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap or paste.
- Allow the jar to air dry completely before using it for candle making.
Removing labels and residue from upcycled mason jars can take some time and effort, but it’s an important step to ensure that the jar is clean and ready for candle making. With a little patience and elbow grease, you can easily repurpose your old jars into beautiful and functional candle holders.
Edited to add: The Mason jar lids that contain wicks for oil lamp burners can be bought here.
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