Learn how to make these beautiful floral mason jar oil lamps for spring. They are easy and inexpensive to create and make great gifts.
One of my most popular posts is a Christmas gift I made a few years ago. It was a mason jar oil candle lamp filled with oil, and natural materials such as pine cones, cedar and cinnamon sticks.
One of the many comments from readers questioned the use of artificial flowers and berries, so I decided to try it out.
This time they are a little different because I'm using water with just a little oil because I don't think I need to worry about bacteria growth the same way as I did with the natural materials.
For the most part it turned out great.
How to Make Floral Mason Jar Oil Lamps with Artificial Materials
Start with a mason jar, preferably without the markings. You can use any kind of jar really. It's just nice to be able to see well through the jar. That's why I mentioned one without markings.
Stuff your artificial materials into the jar.
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Use a wooden skewer or pencil to move the flowers into place, leaving some extra room at the top.
Add water to the base of the rim.
Then add a little bit of olive oil, about 2 tablespoons, or enough to cover the top. I used a light olive oil as it is inexpensive and doesn't have a strong scent.
People have asked me about using lamp oils but I haven't tried them. Honestly, that's because olive oil is readily available at my home and it's combustible but not flammable.
Candle Safety Note:
Candles need to be handled properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, many candles have started home fires. Never leave the candle burning unattended. Make sure the candle is set on a sturdy surface away from anything that can catch fire. Keep them out of children’s reach.
See NFPA’s candle safety tips page for more details.
Add a floating wick to the top and you're set to go. This wick should burn for about 6 hours with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Keep a lid on the oil lamp when not in use. This galvanized lid
is has a nice farmhouse look if you don't like the lids that come with the jars.
Do All Artificial Materials Work In This Oil Candle?
No, just look at the mess these cute little pears turned into in only a few days. However, it has been a few weeks for the other jars I made and they haven't changed a bit.
I even tried it with some rocks and shells. These were rocks and shells that I purchased at a craft store. If they are collected rocks and/or shells I would suggest that you thoroughly clean them first, or you may have a bacterial growth issue.
So pretty as candlelight.
Floral mason jar oil lamps are so easy and fun to make. You could pick some faux flowers up at the dollar store or your favorite craft store. Or repurpose some from your stash. I know you have some.
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Easy Floral Mason Jar Oil Lamps
Equipment
- wooden skewer or pencil
Materials
- 16 oz. Pint mason jars
- Assorted artificial flowers
- Light olive oil
- Floating wick
Instructions
- Place your flowers and leaves in a 16 oz mason jar.
- Use a wooden skewer or pencil to move the flowers around and pack them in the jar.
- Make sure to leave space at the top.
- Fill the jar with water, just to the bottom ring.
- Add light olive oil to cover the top about 2 tablespoons.
- Drop a floating wick on top.
- Cover with a lid when not in use.
Wendy Coates
Hi, can you use real flowers in the Mason jar candles?
Patti Estep
Wendy, I haven't tried real flowers. I don't think they would hold up well in this project. Any bacteria on them could make the water cloudy. The flowers may also immediately wilt and break down. That being said you may find some that are firm enough to handle the water for a short interval, say an evening, and that may be all you need.
Karen Howard
Oh I love this Blue Floral Mason Jar Candle ! I'm going out later on to buy some floating wicks, while shopping for other essentials. I had made some Homemade Citronella in an Empty Speghetti Sauce Jar w/Rosemary, Basil, Thyme & Sliced Lemon, Distilled Water & several drops of Lemon Verbania Oil & Orange Oil & added a tealight to the top w/ tin still on it. I'd rather have a floating wick though. 1st time - so still learning. I've made reg. colored & plain candles before & sand candles too. This one smells Divine & Nothing Like the ones bought at the stores! If you havent done any of these yet- Do Try It. 😊
Patti Estep
Karen, they sound wonderful. I will try them. Thanks for sharing.
Bessie
How do you keep everything in place when giving as a gift ? You did a great job explaning things. Thank you.
Patti Estep
Bessie, when I gave some as gifts during the holidays I taped the floating wick to the top of the lid. If you pack the flowers in good they should stay in place. Of course, you'll have to be a little careful transporting them.
Carole West
What a fun project - I really like the shell with rocks so peaceful. Something like this would be fun outdoors in the garden too. Great idea!
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole, it certainly would be great on a patio or in the garden.