Candles are a great addition to any home. Candle light itself adds warmth, but in addition the candles themselves are a decorative item even when they’re not lit. I’ve found some ideas for ways to decorate candles at Candle Making Crafts. Here’s an idea you can use to turn plain votive candles into decorative items.
There are several good things about this project. For one, it is highly adaptable. By changing the type of decorations you use you can create candles appropriate for any season or occasion.
For another, is very economical. You’re going to use votive candles in canning jars, so there’s no big investment and materials. Canning jars are very affordable even if you buy them new. But you probably won’t have to buy them.
Commercially sold jam often comes in very attractive jars that you can use for this project. You can also find jars for next to nothing at flea markets and yard sales.
The other part of the project is a votive candle and a plain glass holder for it that you can purchase inexpensively at a discount store.
The basic idea with this project is to partially fill the canning jar with decorative material and then placing a votive candle within it. You can also decorate the outside of the jar. For example, you could glue on decorations, use paint to create patterns or simply wrap it with a bow.
Any number of materials can be used to fill the bottom of the canning jar. Some ideas include sand, marbles, hard candy, potpourri, river stones, polished coins…. In addition to being attractive, it adds the scent of the potpourri as well.
Since you may be using somewhat flammable material in the bottom of the canning jar, it is essential that the votive is inside its own glass holder. Do not use a votive candle or a tea candle without a glass holder.
It is a good idea to not let the decorative material come up above the bottom of the votive holder and to extinguish the candle before it burns completely to the bottom. And as always, never leave the room with a candle burning.
As you’ve noticed, this project uses purchased candles. You’ll undoubtedly want to craft your own candles sooner rather than later. A good place to get basic instructions is: How to Make Your Own Candles. Not only will you find great instructions right on that page but you can sign up for a free candle making mini course that’s very informative and helpful.
And if your wondering what equipment might be involved in the hobby of candle making, you’ll find answers at Candle Making Equipment.
I’m sure you’ll find candle making to be a fun and rewarding hobby. I encourage you to give it a try.
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