How to Make Mesmerizing DIY Bubble Candle Holders

Introduction to Bubble Candle Holders

Bubble candle holders have become a popular DIY decor trend in recent years. These whimsical candle holders often feature glass vases or jars filled with a solution that creates bubbly pillars around a candle as it burns. The bubbles add visual interest and a feeling of movement to the candle display.

Bubble candle holders make great gifts as well as unique home decor items. They work for a variety of design styles from modern and minimalist to bohemian and eclectic. You can find inexpensive supplies to make these at craft stores like Hobby Lobby as well as at Dollar Tree.

Benefits of Making Your Own Bubble Candle Holders

Crafting your own bubble candle holders has many benefits over buying pre-made versions:

• Making them yourself is very affordable - most supplies cost just a few dollars
• You can customize the design, size, colors etc. to match your home's style
• It's a fun DIY project for all skill levels from beginners to experts
• You'll end up with unique candle holders that make great gifts
• The process allows for creativity - decorate jars, use different solutions etc.

Even if you've never tried a DIY project before, you'll find making bubble candle holders to be easy and enjoyable. And you'll love having these eye-catching candles providing ambient light in your home.

How to Make Bubble Candle Holders

Gather Your Supplies

Making bubble candle holders only requires a few inexpensive supplies. Here's what you'll need:

• Glass jar or vase
• Pillar or votive candle(s) to fit your jar
• Distilled water
• Glycerin soap/liquid - clear or white works best
• Food coloring (optional)
• Essential oils or fragrance (optional)

Try to choose glass jars or vases with straight sides rather than curved. Canning jars, apothecary jars and cylinder vases work very well. Make sure to pick unscented candles so their fragrance doesn't compete with any oils or soap fragrances you add.

Make the Bubble Solution

The solution that creates the magical bubbles is simple to prepare. You'll want enough to fill your jar or vase about halfway.

Combine distilled water, a few drops of glycerin soap/liquid and food coloring or essential oils if desired in a measuring cup or other container. Use approximately equal parts water and soap. Mix everything together thoroughly. For extra bubble production, let the solution sit for 1-2 days before using.

Assemble the Candle Holder

Once your bubble solution is prepped, you're ready to put everything together. This just takes a few quick steps:

1. Add your bubble solution into the glass jar/vase until it's about half full
2. Carefully place the candle in the center
3. Light the candle whenever you'd like to use your bubble candle holder

Be sure to keep the candle away from any flammable materials like curtains or wall hangings. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Tips for Best Results

Follow these tips when making your bubble candle holders to get the best bubble effect:

• Aim for a 1:1 ratio of distilled water and glycerin soap
• Make sure your candle fits well in the jar without tilting or tipping
• Don't fill the jar too full or bubbles will overflow
• Give your bubble solution 1-2 days to synergize before using
• Top up the solution as needed after each candle burning session

With the right supplies and some simple prep, you'll love the gorgeous results your DIY bubble candles provide. They make wonderfully unique home decor items and handmade gifts.

Creative Ways to Customize Bubble Candle Holders

One of the best things about making your own bubble candle holders is that you can customize them in all kinds of creative ways. Personalize them to match your home's style or suit the taste of a gift recipient.

Use Different Jar Shapes and Sizes

Play around with different shaped jars, vases and containers when making bubble candles. Tall apothecary jars, round bubble bowls and curved hurricane vases all make for pretty bubble pillar backdrops. Vary jar sizes to create a collection of candles for different areas of your home.

Color and Scent the Bubble Solution

Experiment with adding a few drops of food coloring or liquid watercolor to your bubble solution. Vibrant colors like red, turquoise or purple create a fun pop of color. For aromatherapy benefits, mix in several drops of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus or vanilla.

Decorate the Jars

Personalize basic glass jars by decorating the outside with ribbon, raffia, burlap or other embellishments. Paint designs on clear jars for a stained glass effect when the candle is lit inside. Affix photos, printed quotes or vinyl decals for sentimental bubble candles to give as gifts.

Layer materials Inside

Along with the bubble solution, place filler items like marbles, sea glass, sand or decorative stones inside jars. This adds interest when the candle illuminates the fillers. Sparkly gems or materials that float on bubbles also make fun additions.

With infinite room for creativity, you could make endless variations on the basic bubble candle design. Develop your own signature style for these beautiful DIY candle holders.

Displaying Bubble Candle Holders

Once you've created your bubble candle masterpieces, you'll want to display them properly so their beauty can shine.

Groupings and Vignettes

Display groups of varying heights, sizes and shapes of bubble candles together for visual impact. Arrange them artfully on mantels, shelves, side tables or countertops. Cluster them with other decorative objects like flower vases, trays, artwork or textiles to create an enticing vignette.

Outdoor Settings

Group bubble candles on an outdoor side table or lined up along a garden path to create magical ambiance on warm evenings. Use battery-operated flameless candles for safety and reliability outdoors.

Dining Tables

Circle or dot pillar and votive bubble candles down the center of your dining table for soft lighting and conversational focal points at dinner parties. Their gentle flickering makes an attractive backdrop without overpowering food and guests.

Bedside Tables

A bubble candle on a bedside table provides the perfect glow for reading before bedtime. Its hypnotic bubbles make it extra soothing for a restful sleep environment.

Display your gorgeous DIY bubble candles proudly as decorative accents and ambient lighting sources. They spark curiosity and delight wherever styled in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the bubbles last in my candle holder?

With the right solution ratios, bubbles should last through several rounds of candle burning, up to 20 hours or more. Top up the solution as needed whenever output declines.

What's the best candle to use in a bubble holder?

Straight-sided pillar candles and standard votives work best to keep your candle upright and centered. Look for unscented 100% beeswax or soy wax candles for cleanest burn.

Can I use these near flammable materials?

No, never position any burning candle extremely close to fabrics, papers or other flammables. Maintain at least 12 inch safe distance or use enclosed candle holders.

Is it safe to let my candle burn all the way down?

For safety, extinguish your candle once flame reaches bottom wax layer or if candle becomes tipped over at an angle in holder.

How do I clean and reuse my bubble candle holders?

Rinse well with hot water, replace bubble solution and candle. Wipe outer jar clean with a damp cloth as needed.

FAQs

What's the ratio for the bubble solution?

Use approximately 1 part glycerin soap to 1 part water. For example, 1 cup water to 1 cup soap. Adjust amounts as needed.

Can I use essential oils instead of fragrance oils?

Yes, essential oils work great too! Just use a few drops per cup of bubble solution so their scentcomes through.

Do I need to use distilled water?

Distilled water is recommended for best bubble production and clarity. However, tap water will also work if distilled is unavailable.

How close can candle flames be to the glass jar?

Make sure jars are wide enough that the flame remains centered and does not reach or touch the interior sides as it burns. Add water if needed.