How to Make Cute Mini Mason Jar Candles - DIY Tutorial

Making Mini Mason Jar Candles

Mini mason jar candles have become a popular DIY craft and gift idea. Their small size makes them perfect for displaying around the home, giving as gifts, or enhancing tablescapes. Making these cute candles is also a satisfying hands-on project that allows for creativity and customization. With some basic supplies, you can easily make beautiful mini mason jar candles in your own home.

Supplies Needed

To make mini mason jar candles you will need:

- Mini mason jars (2-4 oz size) - Make sure they are heat-safe

- Soy or paraffin wax - Use candle/soap making wax with a melt point of 130-150°F

- Fragrance oil - Choose from floral, bakery, fruity, or spicy scents

- Dyes - Use candle or soap dyes to color the wax

- Wicks - Pre-tabbed or regular wicks sized for mini jars

- Double boiler or makeshift alternative - For melting wax

- Thermometer - To monitor wax temperature

- Spoon - For stirring wax

- Heat resistant container - For pouring

- Pencil or chopstick - For centering wicks

Preparing Jars and Wicks

Before making the candles, prep the jars and wicks. Make sure jars are clean and dry. Place a wick in each jar, using a pencil or chopstick to center it. The wick should stand straight up and be anchored to the bottom of the jar.

Trim wicks to 1⁄2 inch length to reduce soot when burned. It’s easier to trim wicks before pouring wax.

Melting and Preparing Wax

Set up a double boiler to melt the wax. Add wax chunks and heat until fully melted. To help the wax melt evenly, chop or break wax into smaller pieces before adding to double boiler. The ideal temp for soy wax is 180-190°F.

Once wax is melted, you can add color and fragrance as desired. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. Add liquid dye a couple drops at a time, stirring to distribute color evenly. Add fragrance oil as well, following manufacturer’s guidelines for how much to use.

Stir well to fully incorporate dye and fragrance. Make sure wax remains in the proper temperature range as you add additives.

Pouring Wax into Jars

When wax is ready, carefully pour it into a heat-safe container for pouring. Then, pour wax into each mini mason jar, filling 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 full. As you pour, maintain the wax at the target temperature range.

Go slowly to prevent splash back or bubbles. Leave a small headspace at the top of each jar. If wax gets on the sides, you can use a heat gun to gently warm and smooth it.

Cooling and Curing Candles

After pouring, let candles sit undisturbed until a wax disk forms on top. This helps center the wick as the candle firms up. Then move candles to a cooling area, taking care not to disturb wicks.

It takes 1-2 hours for candles to fully set up. Cool candles away from drafts so they harden properly.

Finally, allow candles to cure for 24-48 hours before burning. This completes the chemical processes in the wax and makes for better burn quality.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips for making great mini mason jar candles:

- Test wick size by pouring a small tester candle first.

- Use seamless mini jars for a smoother finish.

- Avoid bubbles by pouring at proper temperature and not too high.

- Add a second wick to jars over 3 oz for better melting.

- If pouring multiple candles, work in small batches before wax cools.

- Adhere wick stickers before pouring to secure wicks in place.

- Allow adequate cure time for smooth, soot-free burns.

- Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before each burn for best results.

Customizing Your Mini Mason Jar Candles

The great thing about making mini mason jar candles is all the room for creativity. You can customize them to suit your style, needs, or gift recipients. Some fun ways to personalize mini mason jar candles include:

Color

Add dye to create candles in any hue. Make ombre candles by layering wax colors. Or leave uncolored for a clean, crisp white.

Scent

Choose fragrance oils that set a mood. Invigorating citrus or mint scents for energy, lavender or chamomile for relaxation, or bakery scents like vanilla for cozy vibes.

Jars

Look for mini mason jars with interesting shapes or distressed finishes. Or reuse jars from jams, sauces, etc. Clean thoroughly before using.

Toppers

After candles are poured and dry, embellish with items like twine, raffia, dried flowers, pine cones, sea glass, or other decor. Affix with hot glue.

Labels

Design custom labels listing the candle scent. Print on sticker paper, cut out, and adhere to finished candles. Or use printable round labels.

Gifting

Make these candles extra special for gift giving. Add to gift bags or boxes, tie on ribbons or raffia, attach a gift tag, or pair with other small treats.

Safely Burning Mini Mason Jar Candles

When used properly, mini mason jar candles are a safe way to add warmth and ambiance to any space. Here are some tips for safely burning mini candles:

- Never leave a burning candle unattended.

- Place on a stable, heat resistant surface away from drafts.

- Keep a minimum of 6 inches between multiple candles.

- Keep out of reach of children and pets.

- Extinguish before candles get within 1⁄2 inch of the bottom.

- Always trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting.

- Allow wax pool to fully melt across before each burn.

- Avoid burning for more than 4 hours at a time.

- Keep away from flammable materials like curtains or holiday decorations.

- Don’t burn on or near wood surfaces.

- Have a candle snuffer on hand to properly extinguish candles.

- Never blow candles out forcefully or leave burning overnight.

Following basic safety rules will allow you to enjoy these cute mini mason jar candles without worry. Make sure to monitor them and extinguish properly. With some simple precautions, you can safely add a beautiful glow to any space with these handmade candles.

FAQs

What type of wax should I use?

For mini mason jar candles, use a wax with a low melt point like soy, paraffin, or a soy-paraffin blend. The wax should melt between 130-150°F. Soy wax is a popular choice for its great scent throw and easy use.

How full should I fill the jars?

Fill mini mason jars 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 full with wax. Leave a little headspace at the top for the wax to pool as it melts. Too little wax won’t burn properly, while overfilling can be a fire hazard.

What size wick do I need?

Use candle wicks sized specifically for mini jars, usually 24-28 standard wicks or CD 4-6 pre-tabbed wicks. Test different wick sizes first in a small tester candle to find the best fit for your wax and jars.

How long should I let the candles cure?

It's important to allow candles to fully cure for 24-48 hours before use. This gives the wax time to completely harden and stabilize. Properly cured candles will burn slower and cleaner.

Can I reuse old jars for candles?

Yes, you can reuse jars from food products to make candles if thoroughly cleaned. Make sure they are heat-safe and check that the opening is wide enough to easily pour wax into.