Making candle's using canning jars..

**brenda67** · 08-24-2011, 12:38 AM

I found it on youtube and it looks real easy and of coarse I'm to scared to try it..but... I think I'm going to face my fears and go for it..the youtube name is survivalistboards..please check it out and tell me what you think of it..are you willing to make them with me? then show some pictures of the finished project? Think Christmas or some for your own use...

**sinopa27** · 08-24-2011, 08:55 AM

good luck. I may check this out!! Having candles is essential and may be fun to teach myself and my children.

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-24-2011, 10:25 AM

It looks like it would be fun and easy, but since I'd have to go buy everything from the wax to the canning jars I suspect it would be pretty expensive. I estimate $30+ for 6 candles. I'd rather just pick up candles from the dollar store.

**imagine** · 08-24-2011, 10:53 AM

Don't be scared. I made candles with my mom when I was a tween. just remember the wax is very hot

My SIL made some for Christmas presents about 14 years ago. I think making one in a pretty tea cup would be a fun Christmas idea.

The ones she made were in small terra cotta pots. she painted them first put a penny over the hole in the bottom of the pot and pour her candle. She used bees wax.

I remember using tall paper milk cartons like heavy cream comes it as molds when I was a child. after cooled you peel the milk carton away and you have a square pillar candle.

I have never used the metal things she was at the bottom to hold the wick I just wrap the wick around a pencil like she did at the end and then let wick hang down in the center until it nearly reaches the bottom. I do it before I pour though. I do not like to mess with the hot stuff after I pour.

I remember using old ends of taper candles. I also remember a potato peeler Not sure what that was for, I guess to get rid of the color on the taper candles and show the candle white candle underneath.

**Syn D** · 08-24-2011, 09:58 PM

I've made candles in cupcake paper (apparently they made good floating candles

). I made them in tea cups, Christmas coffee cups, candy dishes, small tins, mini foil baking pans, etc. all for gifts.. I look for these at thrift stores and yard sales..

A way to make candles cheaper is get used candles from thrift stores, yard sale, etc.. If your a first time maker, that is the way to go anyway.. Try to find the same scents or scents that go together (I've done two layer candles also), if you find tapered candles you can add scent essentials..

**brenda67** · 08-24-2011, 10:06 PM

Contrary housewife..I totally understand the initial expense seems to alway's be and investment..I already have the canning jars which I paid 1/2 price for a case a couple of month's ago that average .45 each per quart jar..I think when I added up the minimum for everything was around $45.00 not sure how many candles it will make..it's more of and accomplishment/self satisfaction for me..It's like building up my pantry a little at a time..kwim?

Imagine..thanks for sharing your info!

**Spirit Deer** · 08-24-2011, 10:17 PM

If you have the time and patience to wait, then pick up old candles wherever you can find them. I've gotten quite a few out of free boxes at garage sales.

When you melt them down, then you can re-use the wicks if the candles are long enough.

I'm not sure what you're afraid of. The only thing I'd be worried about is if a jar would crack when the hot wax is poured in. Therefore, I would set it in something else, like an old coffee can or something so if a jar did crack, the hot wax couldn't escape.

Be sure you put down a thick layer of newspapers on any counters and floors in your work area. Wax is a real pain to clean up.

**brenda67** · 08-24-2011, 10:25 PM

Originally Posted by Spirit Deer

If you have the time and patience to wait, then pick up old candles wherever you can find them. I've gotten quite a few out of free boxes at garage sales.

When you melt them down, then you can re-use the wicks if the candles are long enough.

I'm not sure what you're afraid of. The only thing I'd be worried about is if a jar would crack when the hot wax is poured in. Therefore, I would set it in something else, like an old coffee can or something so if a jar did crack, the hot wax couldn't escape.

Be sure you put down a thick layer of newspapers on any counters and floors in your work area. Wax is a real pain to clean up.

Thanks for the tip's..I'm afraid because I have trouble learning new things ..I'm afraid of screwing it up (I'm learning to more confident in myself)..I really would like to make tea light's first...

**Spirit Deer** · 08-24-2011, 11:19 PM

The more you do, the more confidence you'll have for new things.

It's pretty simple. Just remember to keep the heat very low when you melt the wax, and never, never, ever leave it unattended on the stove.

**frugalfranny** · 08-24-2011, 11:59 PM

I would try with some thrift shop candles first also..........and maybe even other containers.........

Temp. low..........pour slowly and don't let it cool too fast or it sinks in the middle................but..........if that happens, remelt and start over...........can't go wrong with candles. Can even 'rescue' the wick when you remelt.

Have fun and enjoy!!