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    Home » DIY Projects

    DIY Oil Candle - Gifts for the Holidays

    by Patti Estep · Dec 15, 2015

    Jump to How-to Card
    Mason jar oil candle with cinnamon sticks, cedar and other botanicals.
    Skewer moving orange slice around in mason jar over a mason jar oil candle.

    This mason jar oil lamp is created with beautiful pine cones, evergreens, and cinnamon sticks, combined with essential oils. It makes a lovely gift for the holidays and you can easily make several at one time.

    Mason Jar Oil Candle Lamps, pitcher of olive oil, cranberries, cedar, cinnamon sticks and orange slices.

    Every year I make a handmade gift for my friends, family, co-workers, and others we want to thank at Christmas time. In the past, I've made bayberry candles, simmering potpourri, and spice mixes. This year I decided to make a mason jar oil candle lamp, that looks pretty and smells nice too.

    I noticed that a lot of people were making oil candles for the summer with citronella oil, and several survivalists used cooking oils as an extra lighting source when the power goes out. One of the articles specifically talked about making an olive oil lamp, as it burns well without an unpleasant odor.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there’s no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Mason Jar Oil Candle Lamp materials of fresh cranberries, cinnamon stickes, pine cones and floating wicks.

    That's where I started. I wanted the oil candle lamp to smell nice so I used scented pine cones, and cinnamon sticks, and added some essential oils.

    Mason Jar Oil Lamp with cotton wicks

    Trouble with Mason Jar Oil Lamps

    The first few I made were so beautiful. I packed them with herbs and spices, drilled a hole in the lid, and added a cotton wick.

    Only they did not work.  😐

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    The wick would only stay lit for a minute or two, even after letting it soak overnight. I tried different kinds of wicking but still had problems. I did find one article that mentioned using a metal collar but I was looking for a simple solution. Especially since I was making many candles for gifts.

    Mason jar stuffed with cranberries, cinnamon sticks, pine cones and cedar.

    Also, I could have tried some type of lamp oil but I was worried about burning that type of oil in the home. Mainly I worried about combustion and toxic fumes. I'm no expert so maybe this is really not an issue. However, since I was giving these to others I wanted to make them as safe as possible.

    Oil Candle Floating Wick

    The Solution

    So after some research and experimentation, I found floating wicks. These are the same wicks used for Menorah candles at Hanukkah.

    They worked!  😛 

    I was so happy because I had already bought all the materials for many, many gifts. I did have to replace a few lids, and I no longer needed the cotton rope, but everything else was still viable.

    How to Make a Beautiful Mason Jar Oil Lamp

    Oil Candle Supplies

    Pint Mason Jars
    Olive Oil 
    Dried Orange Slices - How to Dry Orange Slices
    Cinnamon Sticks
    Small Pine Cones
    Floating Wicks
    Essential Oils (rosemary, sweet orange, cinnamon) You can use whatever you prefer. You can also use fragrance oils.

    Safety Caution: 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. 

    Mason jar filled with botanicals

    Start by filling the mason jar with botanicals. You can see I've used cranberries, dried orange slices, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and some fresh cedar from the yard. Don't stuff them too full. You need to leave some room for the floating wick.

    Use a Skewer to place items in mason jar

    Using a wooden skewer, an old pencil would work too, position the plant material where it looks best.

    Add some essential oils to your oil. I used light olive oil because it is the least scented, and cheaper than extra virgin. For essential oils, I used rosemary, sweet orange, and lemon. Cinnamon and peppermint oil would be great for a holiday candle too. Or you could use lavender essential oil or rose oil if you have a preference for a floral scent. And, you could also choose a good quality fragrance oil.

    Just know that adding essential oils probably won't compare to a scented wax candle.

    Mason jar oil candles with natural materials like cinnamon sticks and a floating wick.

    Fill the jar with oil, then add your floating wick.

    Mason Jar Oil Candle Tips:

    • Fill the jar well and use a skewer or old pencil to push the natural materials into place, leaving plenty of room at the top for the oil and the wick to burn.
    • As the oil burns, you can add some water, which will make the oil will rise, and allow you to burn the candle longer. However, if the candle goes unused for several days the water will turn and bacteria may start to grow making the candle cloudy. It's best to just add more oil to raise the level above the botanicals.
    • You can also use a piece of an old candle's wick for a replacement when the original one burns up.

    Can You Use Artificial Materials?

    One of my readers asked if they could use artificial materials. I really like using natural elements however, I recently tried making the oil candles with artificial flowers to make Spring Mason Jar Oil Lamps and they worked great. Since they are artificial you can fill them with water and add an inch of oil to the top for burning.

    Oil candle in a mason jar with natural elements like cinnamon stick cedar tips and pine cones suspended in olive oil with a floating wick.

    Free Printable Tags for Your Oil Candles

    Oil candle directions tags
    Merry Christmas Gift Tags

    I'm adding these tags to my gifts. Feel free to copy them. If you click on them you will get a pdf version that you can print.

    Another Tip: Since I would be traveling with many of them, I decided it was best to tape the floating wick to the top of the jar with a little washi tape, so it wouldn't get lost in the oil while traveling. This is what I'm referring to on the directions tag.

    I love the way they turned out.

    Once I figured out how to make them, it was pretty easy to put several together in one sitting.

    Patti signature

    More Handmade Gift Ideas

    • Herbal Bath Salts
    • Jewelry Dishes with Alcohol Inks
    • Family Recipe Tea Towels
    • Family Photo Coasters
    • Gnome Bottle Toppers
    • Floral Wax Sachets

    Check out my DIY/Projects Page,
    for more great handmade gifts and project ideas.

    A mason jar filled with cedar, pine cones, cinnamon sticks cranberries, orange slices with a floating wick.
    Print
    4.05 from 161 votes

    DIY Mason Jar Oil Lamps

    Learn how to make beautiful mason jar oil candles for Christmas gifts or just a pretty element to your own holiday decor. Filled with natural elements like dried orange slices, pine cones, and bits of cedar you will love this rustic natural look.
    Active Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Christmas Crafts
    Yield: 1
    Author: Patti Estep
    Cost: $10

    Equipment

    • Wooden skewer or pencil for stuffing and moving materials.
    • Printer for directions and gift tags

    Materials

    • Pint Mason Jars
    • Olive Oil
    • Dried Orange Slices
    • Cinnamon Sticks
    • Small Pine Cones
    • Floating Wicks
    • Ribbon or waxed twine for tags optional
    • Essential Oils - Optional rosemary, sweet orange, cinnamon You can use whatever you prefer. You can also use fragrance oils.

    Instructions

    • Fill a pint-sized mason jar with cinnamon sticks, pine cones, greenery, dried orange slices, and other ingredients.
    • Add light olive to fill the first rim of the jar.
    • Use a wooden skewer or pencil to move around the filler material and keep it in place.
    • Add a floating wick or tape the floating wick to the lid for a gift and screw on the lid.
    • Print out the directions tag and gift tag to tie on the candle.
    Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram
    « 2015 Christmas Home Tour
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Samantha

      November 22, 2023 at 9:29 pm

      Hi There, I just want to start by saying i I love this idea and thank you for sharing. I have an excess of Canola oil. Could i use that for these in place of the olive oil?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 23, 2023 at 8:07 am

        Samantha, I have not tried canola oil but I do think it may work.

        Reply
    2. Michelle

      October 28, 2023 at 8:34 am

      5 stars
      I'm arriving a bit late to the party here, and I can't wait to try these. I have smaller mason jars (meant for beverages, I think) and I'm planning to use an assortment of holiday greens, jars lined up in a row (think "flight" as in wine or beer tasting). But really, I'm chiming in here to say you deserve an award for the most gracious and patient blog host 🙂
      I've read through EVERY comment (to avoid DIY disaster- with which I am intimately familiar). Admittedly, some of the questions made me chuckle. Thank you, to you and others, who take the time to inform and guide lifelong crafters, and don't dismiss questions about the (seemingly) obvious.
      Merry Christmas (too early, you say? My crafting track record proves otherwise. LOL). Work schedule be damned, I'll get those WIPs done before Christmas!!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 28, 2023 at 11:02 am

        Thank you for the kind comment Michelle and have a great time making your oil candles.

        Reply
    3. Beth

      November 06, 2022 at 6:00 pm

      Hi,

      This is a great idea, I'm going to try to make them! Do you have a link for the printable tags?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 07, 2022 at 7:19 am

        I had them just as images you could save and print as you like but just added a link to a pdf so people can print them that way if they like. Just click on the image and it will take you to the pdf version that you can print. Enjoy!

        Reply
        • liz

          December 04, 2022 at 9:34 pm

          hi! these are beautiful! would they still.have much of a scent with just the natural materials, without EOs?

        • Patti Estep

          December 05, 2022 at 6:59 am

          Liz, not really. They are more decorative.

    4. AB

      December 16, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      Beautiful candles, my botanicals all floated no matter what I tried.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 16, 2020 at 1:16 pm

        AB, sorry that you are having trouble. I think filling the jar with lots of botanicals helps. Also, using a mix of large pieces with smaller ones may also keep them in place. For example the cedar pieces and some of the pine cones were pretty large.

        Reply
      • Gerri

        October 25, 2022 at 1:28 pm

        Would GRAPESEED oil work as well? it smells better and is cheaper.

        Reply
        • Patti Estep

          October 25, 2022 at 1:56 pm

          Gerri, I haven't tried grapeseed oil but I don't see why it wouldn't work. You could always test it out first.

        • Ali

          November 20, 2023 at 3:30 pm

          5 stars
          Geri- did you try the grape seed oil? I would like to use that as well and wondered how it turned out for you.

    5. Marissa

      October 22, 2020 at 11:04 pm

      Can these be shipped?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 23, 2020 at 6:42 am

        Marissa, I haven't shipped them however, I think it could be done. My thoughts are to leave the floating wick out of the jar. Maybe tape it gently to the top. Consider the best way of keeping the liquid from leaking. Wrap some painters tape around the lid where it meets the jar. Then cover it the entire jar with bubble wrap. 

        Reply
        • Amy Mcpeak

          November 21, 2023 at 3:45 pm

          can I substitute the orange slices for lemon?

        • Patti Estep

          November 21, 2023 at 4:45 pm

          Amy, you can use any dried citrus fruit you like.

    6. Liza

      February 24, 2020 at 6:23 pm

      Do you know how I would treat real fruit if I wanted to put them in the parrafin oil candle? I have seen some that actually have real fruit in them but need to know how they are preserved to stay looking so good. TIA!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 25, 2020 at 6:28 am

        Liza, I have never tried real fruit in olive oil or water. I suspect that it wouldn't last forever. Maybe a couple of weeks. That's just a guess though. I think you'll have to test it out. If you do let me know how it works.

        Reply
      • Carol

        October 15, 2024 at 4:07 pm

        Question…I see some of the lids have holes in the lid for the wick? How do you get a lid with a hole? Or perhaps my eyes are tricking me?
        Thanks

        Reply
        • Patti Estep

          October 16, 2024 at 7:25 am

          Originally I drilled holes into a standard mason jar lid and had a cotton wick but they wouldn't stay lit for me so I went with the floating wicks.

    7. LISA

      December 19, 2019 at 9:21 pm

      These are so beautiful. The oil really makes the colors pop! If you made a hole in the cover of the mason jar & stuck the wick through it so that the wick always stayed at the top, do you know if the wick would absorb the oil enough to stay lit even if I only had, say, an inch of oil in it?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 20, 2019 at 6:45 am

        Lisa, I had trouble getting the wick to stay lit when I tried to make a hole in the lid. I don't think using a floating wick in this way will make a difference but it wouldn't hurt to try. Let me know how it turns out.

        Reply
      • Angela ka

        October 15, 2022 at 4:20 am

        use a lantern wick works great mine is burning perfect been going strong for about 45 minutes

        Reply
      • Britt

        November 13, 2023 at 2:31 pm

        3 stars
        What brand of floating wicks do you recommend?
        I’m excited to try these out but curious about the wicks

        Reply
        • Patti Estep

          November 13, 2023 at 6:26 pm

          Britt, I don't have a particular brand to recommend. They all seem to do the trick.

    8. Caryn

      December 17, 2019 at 1:32 pm

      Is there a reason for not filing the entire candle up with oil?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 17, 2019 at 2:01 pm

        Caryn, you want to leave a little room for the floating wick but otherwise, you would fill it up close to the top.

        Reply
        • Leslie

          August 29, 2022 at 11:17 pm

          Does the greenery go bad? I was thinking of putting rosemary sprigs in the jar.

        • Patti Estep

          August 30, 2022 at 7:07 am

          Leslie, If you are using fresh items they don't last. The ones I made were good for a couple of weeks. However, you could try using artificial materials for a longer lasting candle.

    9. Sarah

      December 08, 2019 at 8:28 pm

      How long does the fruit last in the oil if not burned? I am considering buying the tea light insert for the lids off amazon which wouldn’t actually even burn the oil, I just don’t want it to get all nasty soon after gifting it! Would there be a better liquid that would preserve it longer?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 09, 2019 at 5:47 am

        Sarah, I really don't know. I've tried water and it definitely became cloudy after a week or so. The olive oil worked better but as you said it is not necessary if you are using a tea light. Maybe distilled water with artificial plant material would work but I haven't tried it. Let me know if you come up with a solution.

        Reply
    10. Rachel

      November 13, 2019 at 2:38 pm

      Do you have an estimated cost per candle?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 13, 2019 at 3:13 pm

        Rachel, it has been several years since I made these. However, I would guess that they cost between $5-10 to make. Mason jars are inexpensive and you can buy olive oil in bulk. The floating wick are also very inexpensive. It will depend on how much you decide to buy vs using materials in your backyard, how much essential oil you use etc..

        Reply
    11. Holly

      November 06, 2019 at 6:29 pm

      When the oil burns down and the botanicals start to stick out of the oil, is there a risk of them catching fire if the floating wick gets too close?I'd like to make gifts for friends, but I'm worried they pose more of a fire risk than regular candles.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 08, 2019 at 7:07 am

        Holly, yes you need to refill the jar with more oil to keep it above the botanicals. You could add water and it will sink to the bottom leaving the oil at the top but there is a good chance that the water will turn cloudy. 

        Reply
        • Luanne

          November 11, 2019 at 12:37 pm

          Would distilled water work in this candle?

        • Patti Estep

          November 11, 2019 at 1:39 pm

          You need some oil to burn on top about 1/2 inch but you could use some distilled water below. However, the plant materials may have some bacteria that may grow in the water causing it to become cloudy after a while. I haven't tried artificial plant material but that may also work.

    12. Lisa Smart

      September 26, 2019 at 3:49 pm

      I made these with fresh pine, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, dried oranges, added oils (cinnamon) and they are very beautiful. Bought the floating wicks they work perfect. My question is when lit I couldn’t smell a thing, so I’m wondering how far ahead of time did you make these? Did you give all the things time to infuse in the oil?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        September 27, 2019 at 6:22 am

        Lisa, I don't think time will help. These oil candles are more decorative than scented.

        Reply
        • Adrien

          November 17, 2024 at 9:31 pm

          Yes! I'm having the same issue. I can't smell any of the essential oils after even burning for an hour. Is it pointless to add in fragrant oils to begin with?

        • Patti Estep

          November 18, 2024 at 8:36 am

          ​Adrien, the scent does not throw like a wax candle. They are more decorative than scented. I have seen "fragrance lamp oils" on the market that might work better but I have not tried them.

    13. Chris

      September 13, 2019 at 4:00 pm

      I’ve just tried to make one of these oil candles but everything keeps floating to the top. What is the secret to keeping things in place?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        September 14, 2019 at 7:59 am

        Chris, try using some larger items and stuffing the jars more. Also, you can use a wooden skewer or pencil to push some items down.

        Reply
      • LISA

        December 19, 2019 at 9:11 pm

        You can glue them to the bottom & glue things that don't reach the bottom to other items in the jar at whatever height you want. You'd probably have to use a glue that stands up to water, like a two-part Gorilla glue or something.

        Reply
    14. Alice Clayton

      July 26, 2019 at 11:43 am

      alclayton62@gmail.com
      I would love to receive craft ideas from you. The mason jar candles are such a great gift idea, especially since reading the history of BALL JARS.
      Alice

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        July 26, 2019 at 11:52 am

        Hi Alice, I'm so glad you liked the candle post. You can receive all my posts, usually 3 a week, sent to your email. Just click on the Subscribe tab at the top of any page on my site. Of course, you can unsubscribe at any time as well.

        Reply
    15. Jacky

      March 24, 2019 at 3:29 am

      I love this idea! Do you have any other combinations of ingredients you have really liked? Any not Christmas-y smell?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 24, 2019 at 7:03 am

        Jacky, I have only made these at Christmas. However, I think you could try using faux flowers and berries, even faux fruit. If you want to use fresh ingredients, maybe something like a tough herb like rosemary or hot chili peppers. Let me know if you try it how it turns out.

        Reply
    16. Janice

      January 12, 2019 at 7:12 pm

      You should have used Lamp oil then they would have burned much longer. The idea is a good one. Lamp oil is sold in Walmart. It is usually found beside the old fashioned lamps . You can buy clear or a dark color. The hole drilled in the top could have had a small glass holder with a wick in it. I think it has to be a wick or it will not draw the lamp oil up . A wick will last for years if you keep it trimmed. the lower the wick is in the glass holder the smaller the flame.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        January 13, 2019 at 9:17 am

        Thanks for sharing Janice. I'll have to try lamp oil. I think another reader mentioned the inserts and that's also a great idea.

        Reply
    17. Jason

      January 01, 2019 at 2:50 am

      The wick should work though the lid just fine. If the wick keeps going out, your wick either isn't soaked clear though or isn't 100% cotton. Try soaking the entire wick in the oil before threading it through the lid. Make sure the hole in the lid is a tight fit for the wick and that wick is a quarter the length longer than its container. Also, I'd only fill the jars 3/4 of the way full and with just oil alone--Any oil should work, vegetable, canola, olive, coconut, etc.. Do not add water. One good place to get cheap 100% cotton wicks for this project is from a mop head. I love the idea of adding different scents and the Christmas winter theme.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        January 01, 2019 at 6:39 am

        Jason, I feel like I tried to do everything you mentioned but perhaps something was off, like the hole in the lid wasn't tight enough. Or maybe the cording wasn't 100% like I thought it was. Thanks for sharing. I'll have to try it again one day soon.

        Reply
    18. Nathalie

      December 19, 2018 at 8:50 pm

      Thank you for this post. I made a vegetable oil candles with artificial greens and berries and floating wicks (the ones used for Chanukah, bought them on amazon). Everything worked great. No issue whatsoever. Love these little oil lamps.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 20, 2018 at 7:01 am

        That's great Nathalie. I'm so glad you like them. Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    19. Barbara

      December 19, 2018 at 9:34 am

      Wonder how liquid potpourri would do

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 20, 2018 at 7:09 am

        Barbara, I have never tried it. Using it could be a safety issue but I really don't know what type of liquid or oil is used. It might be safe enough to add little to the olive oil for fragrance.

        Reply
    20. Glenda

      November 19, 2018 at 9:42 pm

      I love these candles. They are so pretty. Do you think filling them with the oil and maybe putting a small layer of wax with the wick through it might keep the items away from the fire and you could use scented wax or unscented and add essences oil to the wax.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 20, 2018 at 7:02 am

        That might work. I wonder if a floating candle that fits in the top would work? I think they are usually unscented but there may be some that are scented. Let me know if you try it how it works out.

        Reply
    21. Sheila

      November 19, 2018 at 11:43 am

      I have a couple questions: I have never used essential oils before - how much do you add? Do you dry the oranges yourself or do you buy them that way? Where did you find the candle wicks - on-line or like Michaels? These sound great to give as gifts!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 19, 2018 at 1:49 pm

        You can use as little or as much essential oil as you want. Or, leave them out completely. Try adding some and see if you like it. You can use one scent or several. Also, I did dry my own oranges but you can buy them already dried. There should be a link for buying some in the post. I bought the wicks from Amazon. There is a link in the post. They were made for menorahs so if you have a place near you that sells them, then you can get them there, but I don't think Michaels sells them. They did make nice gifts.

        Reply
    22. Shelly

      November 18, 2018 at 10:05 am

      How long do wicks last? Dont they burn down? I have seen some with a little metal disc on the bottom and wondered if they are the best, for 6 it costs $8.00, pretty pricey I think. Your directions say put the wick in last, but I assumed it would be first, then the decorations and lastly the oil. What do you think?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 18, 2018 at 10:26 am

        Shelly, I'm sorry the directions are not clear. This uses a floating wick. It sits on top so yes, it is placed last. The wick itself is only about an inch or so long. It's held up with a little metal holder. It should last several hours. You can easily replace it with a piece of wick from an old candle or purchase some. The long wicks with the metal on one end are meant for making wax candles and they do go in first.

        Hope that helps.

        Reply
    23. Kim

      November 14, 2018 at 6:02 pm

      On the essential oils. U r not mixing them together right. You are saying to use each one for each jar right.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 14, 2018 at 6:23 pm

        Kim, I did mix mine but you can do it any way you want.

        Reply
    24. Juliane

      November 12, 2018 at 9:52 pm

      OMG I am so happy to have come across this. I just made my first candle yesterday and I am very happy with it 🙂
      I just wanted everyone to know that I did use artificial decoration besides cinnamon and orange.
      And it works just great <3
      Going to make more soon 🙂
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 13, 2018 at 6:58 am

        That's good to know. Thanks for sharing Juliane!

        Reply
    25. Lexi

      November 11, 2018 at 12:20 pm

      Hi! So I had a question about the essential oils. I have all of those scents but I was wondering if you just did one scent per jar or if you mixed the scents in the jar? If you did mix the scents what was your favorite combination? Or should I just stick with doing one scent per jar. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 11, 2018 at 1:55 pm

        Lexi, I did mix them but you could certainly just use one. I'd suggest experimenting if you have the time.

        Reply
    26. Jen K.

      November 07, 2018 at 9:07 pm

      Hi there! These are beautiful! Any idea how long they burn for before needing to add more oil or water?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 08, 2018 at 6:07 am

        Jen, they should burn for many hours. I haven't measured. It seemed like I've burned my for days before adding more oil. However, I've read that 1 tablespoon of olive oil should burn for about 2 hours. So if you leave at least 1/4 cup of oil above the plant material in theory that should burn for around 8 hours.

        Reply
    27. Maggie

      November 01, 2018 at 9:55 pm

      Once done how long should these stay fresh without burning them right away? I am looking to make them for a craft fair that is the weekend before Thanksgiving and don't want them to spoil before then. If I make them this weekend is that too soon?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 02, 2018 at 6:31 am

        I think they should be fine. However, it all depends how on what you put in there. Especially when you use materials from outside. They could have mold spores or other issues. That being said the ones I made stayed nice looking for weeks. Good luck at the fair.

        Reply
    28. ann

      October 09, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      could you use potpourri

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 09, 2018 at 4:15 pm

        Thanks for sharing Ann. I think potpourri would work. I'd just be careful of the oil level especially if the potpourri has lots of little bits that want to float to the surface.

        Reply
    29. kym

      October 09, 2018 at 4:05 pm

      can you use lamp oil and not light olive oil

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 09, 2018 at 4:13 pm

        Kym, I have not tried it. Mostly because I always have olive oil and I know what's in it. I'm not sure what's in lamp oil but I think it's more of a chemical. That's not to say you couldn't use it. I just can't advise you on it. Perhaps you could contact a lamp oil manufacturer and ask them.

        Reply
    30. Christine L Whitman

      October 08, 2018 at 12:23 pm

      My question for you is... could a person put an old candle down the middle? or would the melted wax cause a problem?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 08, 2018 at 1:46 pm

        I honestly don't know. Are you suggesting a long taper candle? In that case you would be burning the candle not the oil. I think the flame would go out once it burned to the oil level. I have noticed some people using floating candles. I think those are using water not oil. The only problem with water is that it can get cloudy after a while. I don't think it would hurt to try experimenting on one. Let me know what you find.

        Reply
    31. cindy

      January 23, 2018 at 5:03 pm

      I am making a mason jar candle with lamp oil but i have one problem my floating wicks don't stay in the middle. What can i do?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        January 23, 2018 at 5:11 pm

        Hi Cindy,

        I'm sorry, I don't have a specific answer for you. The wicks do float a little but shouldn't be a big problem.

        Reply
    32. Camille

      December 18, 2017 at 10:26 pm

      Did you use fresh cranberries?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 19, 2017 at 6:39 am

        Yes I did.

        Reply
    33. Kristin Gebhart

      December 13, 2017 at 4:29 pm

      Is there any harm in using fresh oranges or fresh pine tree? I am considering drying them myself to avoid mold and such. Do you think they'd get moldy if I put fresh organic oranges in there instead of dried ones?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 14, 2017 at 7:25 am

        Hi Kristin,

        I cannot say for sure but I would be worried about it.

        One thing you can try is filling the jar with water and only using a couple of inches of oil at the top to float the wick.

        This way you can throw out the materials if and when they turn moldy etc... without using a lot of expensive oil.
        Hope that helps.

        Reply
    34. Kara

      December 11, 2017 at 8:55 pm

      Where did you find the floating wicks?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 12, 2017 at 6:49 am

        Hi Kara,

        I bought them from Amazon. There's a link in the post but here's my affiliate link for your reference.
        http://amzn.to/2nQLzDz

        I do get a very small commission if you purchase them through me but they don't cost you any additional money.

        They only cost a few dollars for 50 of them.

        I've also instructed my friends to reuse the metal piece and add a little bit of wick from another old candle or tealight once the original was used.

        Good luck and Merry Christmas!

        Reply
    35. Casey

      December 07, 2017 at 8:35 pm

      I bought artificial pine and berries and cut them to size ..will these work.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 08, 2017 at 7:47 am

        Hi Casey,

        I can't say for sure because I've never tried using artificial pine and berries but it seems like it could work. I don't know if the oil would react with the materials and cause fading etc. over time?? You should definitely try one first and see how it does.

        Reply
    36. Samantha

      December 02, 2017 at 10:13 am

      I'm having trouble with my pinecones floating to the top of the jar, I'm afraid it's going to catch fire? How did you get everything to stay down?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 02, 2017 at 10:52 am

        I used a wooden skewer to push them under the oil level and basically made sure I used enough materials to fill up the jar. I did not have a problem with them catching on fire, but you do need to add oil to keep the floating wick going. You can try water and it will lift the oil level but after a while the water starts to turn cloudy and doesn't look as nice.

        Reply
    37. Kay

      November 10, 2017 at 4:33 pm

      Can anyone tell me what kind of cranberries do i need to use? Do they need to be a dried version or what?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 10, 2017 at 4:48 pm

        I used fresh cranberries.

        Reply
    38. Ms.

      October 15, 2017 at 10:36 am

      Hello I just found this. English is not my first language so I am struggling to understand how to fill the mason jar with water and oil... So do you fill water up first all the way to the top but enough room for the floating wick then top it off with light olive oil then add the floating wick on the top? Correct me if I am wrong. Thank you in advance.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 15, 2017 at 1:02 pm

        The best thing to do is fill them all the way with oil. Then refill with oil when the level drops. Some people do add water to raise the level, but I found that using water can cause cloudiness. Hope that helps.

        Reply
    39. Kim

      October 12, 2017 at 11:08 pm

      Hi Patti

      I love this oil lamp. I was wondering if dried contents last longer than the fresh ones? Do you also have anymore recipes? Thank you

      Kim

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 13, 2017 at 6:56 am

        Hi Kim,

        I can't say if the dried contents lasted longer. There didn't see to be a difference. However, unless you think this is going to be used up quickly I would stick with add oil instead of water to raise the level. Water tended to turn cloudy after a couple of weeks. You can find more recipes like this under the diy/projects tab. There are several soaps, candles and potpourri items that may interest you. Enjoy!

        Reply
        • kim

          October 13, 2017 at 7:51 pm

          Thanks Patti

          I was also wondering if you've tried unscented mineral oil? As it is clear instead of yellow. Thank you

    40. Michele king

      July 11, 2017 at 4:53 am

      Hi Patti,
      I love the pine cone ones. Ive seen bags of mixed scented pine cones, tree trimming, xmas things. Im sure you know what i mean. But can i use that in the jars or does everything have to be freash? Can i pick stuff up out of back yard also? Also idk if you have directions you can email me, i would appreciate it. I was gonna make a bunch xmas gifts with mason jars. But my RA is preventing that. So this is a beautiful project i can do and everyone will love it. Thank you

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        July 11, 2017 at 6:47 am

        Hi Michele,

        You can use pine cones from your yard but I would bake them in the oven. ( you can find tutorials online) to make sure there are no bugs, or eggs, and dry them out. Water and bacteria may cause unwanted growth to appear like mold etc...

        Hope that helps,
        Patti

        Reply
    41. Alisha

      June 13, 2017 at 9:03 am

      Hi, I love this idea! Currently planning on giving it a try this holiday season. But I was just wondering, will all of the stuff in the jar still smell while it's burning if you don't put any essential oils in it?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        June 13, 2017 at 9:20 am

        Hi Alisha,

        Honestly, I don't think so. They are more for visual appeal. There may be some scent but not enough to scent a room. That being said, you could test one to see if you like it.
        Hope that helps,
        Patti

        Reply
    42. Kayleigh

      April 14, 2017 at 12:01 am

      Hi there, I was wondering if I would be able to put raspberries/strawberries/blueberries into the jars to make a berry candle? If so do I just put them in fresh or is there a specific route I have to take to make them? Thank you so much!!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        April 14, 2017 at 7:58 am

        Hi Kayleigh,

        I would be concerned with the water content in berries. Have you ever noticed how quickly raspberries tend to mold a day or two after you buy them from the grocery store? However, I have not tried it. I would certainly suggest trying one and waiting a week to see if it is a problem before making more.

        Hope that helps,
        Patti

        Reply
        • Jo

          November 22, 2018 at 9:34 pm

          Maybe dried in preservatives...

    43. Michele

      March 21, 2017 at 6:47 am

      This is a wonderful idea. TY. Im starting an looking for mason jar projects for this xmas. This will be perfect. I was wandering if vinegar would work too. I seen a piece on science show. The guy took xmas tree branches n vinegar put in pickle jar for 6 wks. Says it was scented like pine sole. And you can clean with it. Very strong. But idk if vinegar burns like oil. Wat do think?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 21, 2017 at 7:28 am

        Hi Michele,

        I don't think the vinegar will burn but you might want to try using vinegar and adding some oil on the top for burning. Definitely test it out on one first before buying to much for your gifts.
        Good luck and thanks for stopping by,
        Patti

        Reply
    44. Nicole

      December 19, 2016 at 3:28 am

      I love your lamps and really have to try this. Thanks Patti!!

      Reply
    45. Helen

      December 16, 2016 at 12:10 pm

      Hi Patti,
      Could you use lamp oil for this project?

      Thanks Helen

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 17, 2016 at 8:30 am

        Hi Helen,

        I have never used lamp oil so although it would seems ok, I cannot say for sure and would suggest you do some research on it.

        Patti

        Reply
    46. Aynslee

      December 14, 2016 at 9:46 pm

      Hello!

      I love the candle! Do you think canola oil or any other cheaper oil would work just as well as olive oil?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 15, 2016 at 6:18 am

        Hi Aynslee,

        I definitely think you can use a cheaper oil, though I have not tried it. Some won't last as long as others and will turn rancid faster. Olive oil is said to have a longer shelf life so that is why I used it. Here's an article listing the shelf life of oils. Hope it helps. https://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/library/storagevegetableoils.asp

        Patti

        Reply
    47. Amber Lynn

      December 08, 2016 at 8:51 pm

      I am making these for gifts this year! I love this idea! I have made one to try a test run and see how it turns out. But I'm running into one problem. All of my stuff (pinecone, dried orange, cedar branch, and cranberries) have all floated to the top so I cannot put a wick in it to float because my pincone is sticking out of the oil. Have you had this same problem or have any advice on how to get the stuff to not float?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 09, 2016 at 7:10 am

        Hi Amber,

        I do not remember having that problem. I did pack mine pretty good so maybe that's the problem. You don't need a lot of oil at the top but the pine cones should not be sticking out either. Try using an old pencil or skewer to push the material down and around to see if this helps. Add more materials too. Also, I don't know if this would work but I have seen other projects where people used small floating candles on top. The weight of the candle may help but I'm not sure.

        Hope this helps,
        Patti

        Reply
      • Shelley

        December 19, 2018 at 6:55 pm

        I am having the same problem. Did you find a solution?

        Reply
    48. Ana G

      December 06, 2016 at 1:27 pm

      These look absolutely fantastic!! I would like to make some for my mother and sister in law for Christmas. Would it be safe to ship them via USPS if packaged carefully? I live in California and they are in Colorado.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 06, 2016 at 2:00 pm

        Hi Ana,

        I'm sure there is a way to ship them however I have no experience. I would suggest you ask someone at the post office or USP/FedEx for advice.
        I'm sure your family will love them.
        Patti

        Reply
    49. Michele Young

      December 05, 2016 at 1:35 am

      Hello,
      Thank you so much for sharing this idea. I love it and I'm going to make them for coworkers and neighbors this year. I made a tester while I'm waiting for the rest of my supplies to come in and I'm wondering if there is a way to increase these scent throw as they burn? Are there oils that are better for this than others?

      I'm also wondering how long the floating candles wicks last?

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 05, 2016 at 7:00 am

        Hi Michele,

        Some oils are definitely stronger than others but the quantity could get pricey. I really relied on their beauty more than the scent. You could check out some candle making sites for more information on strong scents. Also, the wick holder should last a long while however the wick itself will not last that long. You could purchase some additional wicking and cut it up and add it to the gifts or simply tell or write in a message that any piece of wick from an old candle will work for a replacement.
        I'm sure your coworkers and neighbors will love your gift.
        Thanks for stopping by,
        Patti

        Reply
    50. Georgia

      November 30, 2016 at 9:39 pm

      Thanks for sharing. I want to try it.

      Reply
    51. Linsey

      November 28, 2016 at 5:15 pm

      These are so beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing. I don't know anything about essential oils, though. How much do you add? How do you add them?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 29, 2016 at 7:15 am

        Hi Linsey,

        You can use essential oils or fragrance oils. It's hard to give an exact amount as they all have different strengths. Especially with essential oils. Some you smell right away and then they dissipate. Others are stronger. The best way to do it is to try testing the scent to see if you like it and write down how much you used. I remember using a lot of orange, maybe 50 drops or about 1/2 teaspoon. I did not use near that amount of rosemary, maybe 15 drops. The pine cones were already scented with cinnamon when I bought them, and the oranges, cranberry and pine have their own natural scent. I will also say that this project is not like a scented candle. It's more for beauty and scent.
        Hope that helps,
        Patti

        Reply
    52. Hannah

      October 11, 2016 at 11:48 pm

      Do you fill the whole jar up with oil? If so wouldnt the other things in the jar burn when all the oil has burned up and theres nothing left? Or do you only add a small amount of oil on top of water that you already poured in the jar?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 12, 2016 at 6:49 am

        Hi Hannah,

        Two things you do need to leave some room at the tip for the oil so that your materials do not burn. Second after the oil burns and the level goes down you will have to add more oil. Originally I mentioned adding water. This works as the oil it lighter and the water will stay at the bottom. However, after a while the water got murky and it did not look pretty so I suggest more oil. One reader suggested vinegar and I think that may also work but I have not tried it.
        Thanks for stopping by,
        Patti

        Reply
    53. Cynthia Strecker

      August 26, 2016 at 12:34 am

      These are lovely! I definitely want to try them. What do you think about starting with a potpourri mixture? Especially in terms of lasting longer.
      Thanks again,
      Cynthia

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        August 26, 2016 at 7:18 am

        Hi Cynthia,

        I'm so glad you like the oil lamps. I don't see why the potpourri would not work.
        Try it!
        Thanks for stopping by,
        Patti

        Reply
    54. Allen

      June 29, 2016 at 11:13 am

      Is there any concern of the embeds burning, smoking, catching fire..... etc?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        June 29, 2016 at 12:12 pm

        Yes, to some degree, you always need to keep an eye on candles... That why I included the safety tips on my gift. Make sure there is plenty of room between the materials and the floating wick.

        Reply
    55. Peta

      June 09, 2016 at 12:54 am

      What a lovely, lovely idea. Middle of the year gives me time to make some of these.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        June 09, 2016 at 7:32 am

        Thanks Peta!

        Reply
    56. Joy

      February 19, 2016 at 8:00 pm

      I love your projects! You always inspire me to try make fun things, thank you!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 20, 2016 at 6:49 am

        Thanks Joy!
        That's so nice to hear.

        Reply
    57. masonjarcandles.org

      February 15, 2016 at 6:50 am

      Thank your for such great and detailed directions! Beautiful candles!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 15, 2016 at 7:12 am

        So glad you like them.

        Reply
    58. Monique Stam

      December 23, 2015 at 6:33 am

      Thank you! And I'm guessing the oil will preserve it. Probably start decomposing when you add water..Wonder if vinegar in the water would help? 🙂 Knowing they lasted 3 weeks is a great help.

      Reply
    59. Monique Stam

      December 22, 2015 at 10:42 pm

      These are stunning, wonderful gifts.
      Do you have an idea of how long the botanicals last in the oil?

      Reply
      • Patti

        December 23, 2015 at 6:28 am

        Hi Monique,

        I really cannot say. I made some about three weeks ago and they still look good. I also think it may depend on what you put inside whether they will last longer or not.

        Reply
    60. Mamacat04

      December 19, 2015 at 4:58 pm

      You don't mention what you did specifically with the jar lid and your photos don't show the lid on while the candle is burning? Did you cut a whole in the lid (disc) and then run the wick through it and screw the top back on and do you leave it that way while its burning? I'm thinking if you do it like in the photo with no lid and the wick burning the wick will eventually float down into the oil.

      Reply
      • Patti

        December 20, 2015 at 6:47 am

        Hi,

        Okay. Here's what happened. I wanted to make them with a wick through the lid. In fact, you can see in my post that this is how a made them at first. But they would not stay lit for me. 🙁 .... So I did some research and found "floating wicks." These are tiny discs with a inch piece of candle wick in the middle. They float on the top of the oil and burn nicely. The lid would only be used to cover the candle when it was not in use. As the oil burns and the wick can no longer float you can add some water which will raise the oil level or just add more light olive oil. Also, the little candle wick can be replaced with a little but of wick from an old candle/tealight etc...
        I hope that answers your question. Have a Merry Christmas!
        Patti

        Reply
        • Sandy Josephson

          November 18, 2018 at 3:22 am

          I have used clear, unscented lamp oil when I have made my mason jar lamps. When the oil level goes down, just add more of the lamp oil. Items in the jar are preserved in the oil, and I have never had to replace anything because it molds or dis-colors. When I made one, I also used a glass-wick holder that was placed in a drilled hole in the lid.

        • Patti Estep

          November 18, 2018 at 6:29 am

          That's good to know. Thanks for sharing Sandy.

        • Janet

          December 13, 2018 at 3:17 pm

          So if you use a floating wick you don’t need the hardware?

        • Patti Estep

          December 13, 2018 at 3:38 pm

          Janet, there is no hardware. The floating wick just floats on top of the oil as shown in the top pic.

    61. Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc.

      December 17, 2015 at 9:42 am

      These are so lovely!Thank-you for sharing! xo

      Reply
      • Patti

        December 17, 2015 at 2:36 pm

        Thank you Laurie!

        Reply
    62. Cecilia MyThriftStoreAddiction

      December 16, 2015 at 4:28 pm

      Hello, saw your link on Blogtalk. These are gorgeous! Pinning and FB sharing 😉 Merry Christmas!

      Reply
      • Patti

        December 16, 2015 at 5:01 pm

        Thanks Cecilia!

        Reply
    63. RandiG at FrugElegance

      December 16, 2015 at 10:24 am

      Beautiful! I have to give this a try!

      Reply
      • Patti

        December 16, 2015 at 10:54 am

        Thanks Randi!

        Reply
    64. Carole West @ Garden Up Green

      December 15, 2015 at 7:40 am

      This is Fantastic - I just finished all my giving for this season so this one I'll have to save for next year. Love it! These would also look amazing at the dinner table so I might have to think about trying this on a small scale. So pretty and I like that little touch of red, to simple..

      Reply
      • Patti

        December 15, 2015 at 8:36 am

        Thanks Carole,

        I hope everyone enjoys them as much as you. If you were a little closer...... ah but Texas is just out of my reach. 😉

        Reply
        • Kathy Larsen

          January 29, 2019 at 10:26 pm

          Can you use mineral oil instead of cooking oil?

        • Patti Estep

          January 30, 2019 at 6:48 am

          I'm not sure Kathy. I have never worked with mineral oil. I did a quick search and it looks like people use it for candles, so I guess it might be worth a try. Let me know how it works for you.

      • Scott

        October 31, 2018 at 10:08 pm

        Or make a new friend and give it to them.☺️

        Reply
      • Karly

        December 11, 2018 at 9:55 pm

        How long do these candles typically last if they're unopened? I would like to make them now, but I don't want the stuff inside to turn before Christmas. Planning to make them as gifts. Thx!

        Reply
        • Patti Estep

          December 12, 2018 at 6:08 am

          Karly, they should be more than fine for Christmas. I only noticed some cloudiness on mine after I had added water and even then it was a couple weeks.

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    Skewer moving orange slice around in mason jar over a mason jar oil candle.
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