How to Make Fun DIY Jello Candles - Creative Projects and Tips

The Whimsical World of Jello Candles

Jello candles are a fun and creative way to brighten up any space. These quirky candle holders are made by suspending a candle in molded jello, creating a wobbly yet mesmerizing glow when lit. Both beautiful and bizarre, jello candles offer vintage-inspired whimsy with a touch of science experiment chic.

The Origins of Jello Candle Making

The practice of making jello candles likely emerged as an offshoot of the gel candle craft. Gel candles suspend objects like seashells or glitter in clear gel for decorative effect. Home cooks and crafters discovered that flavored jello could be used in much the same way, albeit with delightfully wobbly results.

The earliest jello candles used conventional jello molds. But over time, enthusiasts developed specialized techniques allowing jello to be shaped into tall taper holders or a rainbow of colorful designs not possible with traditional jello recipes alone.

Why Make Jello Candles?

Jello candles have risen to popularity among DIYers and food crafters for several reasons:

• They are fun, creative projects perfect for anyone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen.
• Their unusual, squishy nature makes them more visually interesting than regular candles.
• Kids will delight in watching the dancing flames and colors of the jello.
• Jello candles make memorable gifts with a homemade touch.
• The process helps teach basic chemistry principles in an applied, engaging way.

While some buy jello candles from specialty Etsy sellers, many choose to make their own using a few affordable ingredients and materials at home.

How to Make Jello Candles

Choose Your Jello

For best results, use jello that comes as a powder. The premixed ready-to-eat jello cups don't have the right consistency for molding. Feel free to experiment with different jello colors and flavor combinations.

Prepare the Jello

Prepare the jello according to package directions. For tall taper candles, reduce the amount of water slightly so the final jello is thicker and more stable when hardened. Let the mixture fully cool and thicken before the next step.

Fill Candle Holders

Carefully pour the cooled jello into glasses, vases, or other candle holders you want to use. Avoid pouring too quickly to prevent the formation of large air bubbles. Let the jello further thicken and come to room temperature before putting candles into the jello itself.

Insert Candles

Place votive, taper, pillar, or other straight-sided candles in the center of the hardened jello. The candles should fit snugly with jello surrounding the sides. Refrigerate again to harden the jello completely before display.

Enjoy Your Jello Candles!

Now simply light the candle as you normally would and enjoy the flickering, wobbling light. The jello will dance with mesmerizing movements fueled by candle heat. Just be sure not to touch or disrupt the jello once the candle is lit.

Leave out as beautiful room decor or dessert table accent pieces. Just be sure to use fire safety! Never leave a lit jello candle unattended even for a short period to prevent accidental fires.

Jello Candle Design Inspiration

Start with the basics, then get creative with fun new shapes, styles, and decoration techniques!

Colorful Tapers

Line tall glasses with different colors of jello for a rainbow candle effect. Create ombre blends by layering colors.

Fruit & Herb Infusions

Mix real fruit like raspberries or mint leaves into the jello for nice pops of color and flavor as the candle burns.

Glitter & Confetti

Make traditional jello sparkle by mixing in edible glitter or confetti before pouring into molds.

Novelty Shapes

Use unique candle holders, vases, or silicone molds to shape jello into stars, flowers, trees, pumpkins, or other fun designs.

Layering Two Colors

Chill one color jello completely before carefully pouring a second jello layer on top for cool striped effects.

The possibilities are nearly endless for one-of-a-kind jello candle statements. Bring your wildest food science ideas to life!

Tips for Jello Candle Success

Like any project, mastering the art of jello candles takes some trial and error. Follow these top tips for best results:

Prevent Molding

Always use freshly-made jello and don't leave jello candles out of the fridge for more than a couple hours to inhibit mold growth.

Work Quickly

Pour jello into holders right after mixing, and insert candles into the molds once the jello is thickened but still a bit soft and flexible.

Use Sturdy Holders

Choose candle holders made from thick, heavy-duty glass to prevent tipping. Wider bases increase stability.

Beware Bubbles

Prevent bubbles by mixing gently, pouring slowly, and not moving jello after pouring before completely set.

Consider Stability

The softer the jello, the more dynamic the effect - but more risk of leaning candles. Firmer jello means straighter candles.

Part art, part science - mastering jello candle making is rewarding. With a few safety precautions and lots of creativity, you’ll be ready to throw the perfect squishy candle party!

FAQs

What is the best type of jello to use?

For optimum jello candle results, use jello powder that you prepare from a box, rather than pre-made jello cups or a ready-to-eat version. The consistency of jello made from powder suits molding and shaping better than the softer varieties.

How long do jello candles last?

Properly stored jello candles can last up to a week in the refrigerator before the jello starts to break down. Take your display down after a few hours at room temperature. Lit jello candles should not burn for more than a couple hours before replacing the burnt-down candle with a new one.

Can I reuse jello candle holders?

Absolutely! As long as you thoroughly clean the glass, vase or other holder first, you can reuse them for new jello candles again and again. Just make sure to wash off any jello residue or waxy buildup before pouring in fresh jello.

What's the best way to remove bubbles?

Prevent bubbles by mixing jello gently, pouring slowly into the holder, and not disturbing the cooling jello. If bubbles do form, let the jello fully harden then use a skewer, chopstick or long stirring stick to try carefully popping any surface bubbles.