Crafting for Christmas!

As I get older I realize more and more that homemade presents have so much more meaning than store bought ones. As I was perusing Pinterest, I came across some really cool mason jar candles. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a tutorial. There was just a link to purchase them on Etsy. They looked simple enough though, so I took it upon myself to figure out just how to make them!

 

The ingredients!

The ingredients!

The items you can put into this candle are really endless. It’s all up to you! I wanted to make it look as much like a rustic Maine Christmas as I could. I chose to put in cranberries, pinecones, spruce bows, orange peels, spruce cones, and canola oil. The type of oil that you use is up to you, I just so happened to have this lying around! You will also need a sharp knife to cut a hole for the wick, wicks, ribbon, and mason jars. I used the half pint size, but depending on how big you want the candle you can use a smaller or larger jar. I found all of these things in walmart, and the great outdoors! If you would like yours to be scented then I suggest adding some essential oils.

 

Cutting a hole for the wicks.

Cutting a hole for the wicks.

To begin, you will need to cut a hole in the top of the mason jar to put the wick into. This is definitely better to do before you get the kids around to help! The easiest way I found to cut the hole was to flip the lid of the mason jar upside down, put it back on top of the jar, and carefully push the knife through the center.

 

Now to put the wick in! There really isn’t a perfect science to this. I basically just shoved it up through the hole using my hand and the knife. Just be really careful not to cut yourself with the knife!

 

Some of the goodies I added!

Some of the goodies I added!

The knife can now be safely put away and the kids can come and help! Before you put your decorations in, you have to make sure that the wick is in the jar. This is easier than it sounds. I put the wick in and just let the lid hang off to the side so there was room to put things in past it. When it comes to layering the decorations in, there’s not a right or wrong. Some of mine have more cones than berries, and some have more oranges than spruce. I found that it was really fun for Lily to take the different things and layer them in herself. I think my family will enjoy them more knowing that she helped!

 

After the jars are filled with decorations, it’s time for the oil! All there is to do in this step is to pour the oil in to just below the top and then put the cover on!

 

I burned this candle for about an hour, just to make sure it worked!

I burned this candle for about an hour, just to make sure it worked!

The last step is to tie a bow around the jar! If you are worried about the bow moving around, then you can hot glue it on. Now you’re done!

 

I found that this project was quite quick and easy. Start to finish for twelve of them it took Lily and I about 45 minutes. I would definitely recommend this project to anyone looking to make homemade Christmas gifts!

The final product!

The final product!

Tonya Lewis

About Tonya Lewis

I was born and raised in Oxford County, and that’s where I live, for now! (stay tuned for updates on that!) I am a part time veterinary assistant and a full time mom and wife. My husband of 4 years is a Marine, Police Officer, and Deputy Game Warden. That means that I am the primary care giver to our two adorable daughters! Lily is two and Madeline is seven months. It’s a crazy life, but I love it!