Homemade mason jar candles are charming gifts and attractive home accents. With a bit of creativity you can personalize them for any season or occasion, choosing scents, colors, and decorations to suit your style.
These candles add a warm, cozy glow to any room and work beautifully as centerpieces or party favors. They’re also an affordable, social DIY—perfect for crafting with friends or family.
I recently made a batch for an event and they were a hit: elegant, simple, and easy to personalize. Below is a clear, practical guide to making your own mason jar candles along with safety tips and customization ideas.
DIY Mason Jar Candles
For a basic project you’ll need about 1 pound of wax (soy wax is a popular choice), several mason jars, cotton or wooden wicks, and either essential oils or fragrance oils for scent. Optional supplies include dried herbs or flowers, twine, ribbon, and other decorative accents.
Start by washing and thoroughly drying your jars so there’s no dust or residue. Secure the wick to the center of the jar with a wick sticker or a small dab of hot glue so it stays in place while you pour the wax.
Melt the wax in a double boiler or an electric wax melter, heating slowly until fully liquid. If you add fragrance, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations—typically up to 10% fragrance by weight—and stir gently to blend.
If you’d like to include dried flowers or herbs, add a few pieces to the bottom of each jar before pouring. These add visual interest but keep in mind they are flammable, so use sparingly and avoid placing them where the flame can reach them directly.
Carefully pour the melted wax into each jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Use a clothespin, pencil, or a wick holder to keep the wick centered while the wax cools and sets.
Let the candles harden for several hours or overnight. For added decoration, press a few dried petals or herbs onto the surface just before the wax fully solidifies. Once set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch for a clean, even burn and tie twine or ribbon around the jar for a rustic finish.
Safety Warning: Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep candles away from flammable materials, drafts, pets, and children. Use caution with dried botanicals, and always monitor the candle while it’s lit.
Substitutions & Customizations
- Wax Options: Swap soy wax for beeswax or paraffin depending on the finish and burn characteristics you prefer.
- Fragrance-Free: Omit fragrance oils if you want unscented candles; essential oils can be used but may have a weaker scent throw.
- Wick Alternatives: Wooden wicks give a gentle crackle, while cotton wicks are classic and reliable.
- Color: Use candle dye or natural colorants such as turmeric or beetroot powder to tint the wax.
Watch The Video Tutorial
Mason Jar Candles FAQ
Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?
Yes. Essential oils work, but many don’t retain scent as strongly in wax. Choose robust oils like lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus for better scent performance.
How long should I wait before burning my candles?
Allow candles to cure at least 24 hours before the first burn for a better scent throw and a more even melt pool.
Why is my candle tunneling?
Tunneling happens when a candle burns down the center but leaves wax on the sides. Prevent this by allowing the first burn to last long enough to melt the entire surface evenly; this forms a full melt pool and reduces tunneling on subsequent burns.
Are dried flowers safe to use in candles?
Dried flowers add charm but are flammable. Use them mainly as embedded décor below the wax surface or sparingly on top, and never leave the candle unattended while burning.
Related:
- How To Make Beeswax Candles
- DIY Coffee Candles
- How To Make Soy Wax Candles
- DIY Soy Wax Melts
How To Make Mason Jar Candles
Whether you’re making them for gifts, events, or your own home, these mason jar candles are simple to make and look lovely.
- Author: Tiffany Pelkey
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes + cooling time
Ingredients
- 1 lb soy wax
- Mason jars
- Cotton or wooden wicks
- Scents or fragrance oils (optional)
- Dried herbs or flowers (optional)
- Twine or other decorative materials (optional)
Instructions
- Clean jars and secure the wicks to the center using wick stickers or a small amount of hot glue.
- Melt the wax in a double boiler or wax melter. Once melted, add fragrance according to the product instructions (generally up to 10% by weight) and stir gently.
- If using dried botanicals, place a few into the jar before pouring the wax.
- Carefully pour the melted wax into each jar, leaving about 1 inch from the top.
- Keep the wick centered with a clothespin or wick holder and allow the candles to set for several hours.
- Optionally press a few decorative herbs or petals onto the surface before the wax fully hardens.
- Once set, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch and add twine or ribbon for a finished look.
Notes
For best results, let candles cure at least 24 hours before burning and always follow basic candle safety practices.