Making candles in mason jars

Mason jars make fantastic candle molds. Not only are they inexpensive, they're very sturdy, decorative, and they possess a special country charm and appeal. Mason jars are a great choice for making simple poured candles as well as fancier embellished candles.

To make a simple paraffin wax mason jar candle you will need a quart or pint-size mason jar, a double boiler, candle making dye, a pound of paraffin wax, waxed paper, measuring spoons, oil-based fragrance if desired, vybar (if using fragrance), stearic acid to help maintain color and consistency, wax dye, a heat resistant rubber spatula, scissors, a thermometer, a wick clip, a knife, a wick, and a wick rod. A wick rod can be a doll rod, a pencil, a skewer, a crochet hook, or anything similar that's sturdy enough to support the wick while the wax hardens.

When choosing the wick for your mason jar candle, keep in mind that the ply of the wick varies according to the size of the candle the wick is intended for. Mason jar candles require a wick that is 30 ply or greater. If the wick is too small for the candle there will be excessive dripping, and it won't be able to soak up the liquid wax quickly enough. In addition, a wick that is too small for the candle will form a crater inside the wax, therefore causing the flame to extinguish itself.

Candle wicks must be primed before using them. Prime your candle wicks by dipping them in prepared wax and allowing them to dry. Doing so will greatly improve the way the candle burns, and it will help prevent air bubbles from forming on the wick during the pouring process.

Prepare the mason jar in advance so the wax can be poured as soon as it has been melted. Be sure the jar is clean and completely dry. Cut a primed wick to the appropriate length, making sure to leave enough extra length so it can be tied to the wick rod. Attach the wick to a wick clip, and tie the other end to the wick rod. Be sure to wrap at least 2 inches of wick around the wick rod. Center the wick in the mason jar, and rest the wick rod on the rim of the jar. Be sure the wick is as straight as possible in the jar, and adjust the length of the wick if necessary. Set the jar on a sheet of waxed paper, and begin preparing the wax mixture.

Put approximately 3 tablespoons of stearic acid and wax dye of your choice into a clean, dry double boiler. Stir the mixture until it's completely melted, and then add one pound of paraffin wax. Stir the wax mixture until it is melted.

When the wax and additives are completely melted and thoroughly combined, it's time to add ½ teaspoon of vybar and ½ teaspoon of scented oil. Continue stiring the wax mixture and be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan. When the wax is completely melted and all the additives are thoroughly stired in, turn off the heat and remove the pan from the boiling water. Stir the wax often to keep it from forming a skin on top.

Begin making your mason jar candle by melting the paraffin wax in a double boiler. The temperature should reach approximately 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The double boiler method is the easiest and safest method of melting wax. Directly heating the wax can cause it to become too hot and possibly ignite.

Once the paraffin wax has reached a temperature of approximately 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it's time to pour it into a clean dry mason jar. Cover your work area with a sheet of waxed paper, and carefully pour the melted wax into the jar. Paraffin wax often shrinks as it hardens, so it may be necessary to add more during the hardening process to keep the jar full and the wax level. Allow the wax to cool and completely harden at room temperature.

As you burn your mason jar candle, keep the wick trimmed to a length of approximately 1/4 inch. It will burn more efficiently, and it will ultimately last longer.