Candles are a great addition to any home. Candle light itself adds warmth, but in addition the candles themselves are a decorative item even when they’re not lit.  I’ve found some  ideas for candle projects at Candle Making Crafts. Here’s a project you can use to turn plain votive candles into decorative items.

This project has several things to recommend it. For one, you can make any number of variations. By changing the type of decorations you use you can create candles appropriate for any season or occasion.

Another good point is that it is inexpensive. You're going to use votive candles in canning jars, so there's no big investment and materials. Canning jars are very affordable even if you buy them new. But you probably won’t have to buy them.

Commercially sold jam often comes in very attractive jars that you can use for this project. Garage sales are another source of inexpensive canning jars.

The other part of the project is a votive candle and a plain glass holder for it that you can purchase inexpensively at a discount store.

To assemble the finished candle, partially fill the canning jar with decorative material, then place the votive candle holder on top of it. You can also decorate the outside of the jar. Here are some ideas, you can attach surface decorations, use paint to create patterns or simply wrap it with a bow.

You can use a variety of materials to fill the jar. A common one is to use potpourri. In addition to being attractive, it adds the scent of the potpourri as well.

If you use flammable material as decoration, it is essential that the votive is inside its own glass holder. Do not use a votive candle or a tea candle without a glass holder.

Also keep the decorative material underneath the candle holder and don’t let the candle burn all the way to the bottom. And always remember the general safety principle of never leaving the room where a candle is burning.

As you've noticed, this project uses purchased candles. I suspect you'll probably want to make your own candles at some point. You'll find excellent basic instructions at: How to Make Your Own Candles. Not only will you find great instructions right on that page but you can sign up for a free candle making mini course that's very informative and helpful.

And if your wondering what equipment might be involved in the hobby of candle making, you'll find answers at Candle Making Equipment.

I'm sure you'll find candle making to be a fun and rewarding hobby. I encourage you to give it a try.

 

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