DIY Rustic Jar Candles

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With the long evenings drawing in, lighting candles is a nightly tradition in our house. And while I’ve always kept a stock of small white tea lights around to brighten up the evenings, lately I’ve been experimenting with creating my own candles with the colors and scents that I prefer instead of having to put up with Blood-orange, Passion fruit, Doughnut or some odd combination just because I like the color of that particular candle. The easiest candles to tackle are also the ones that most people prefer in their homes, container candles. If you’re in the mood to create some candles for your winter nights, here are the basics of container candle making to get you started.

Things you need:
Candle wax
Canning jar
Candle dye
Candle scent
Wicks
Double Boiler (or a pot of water and an empty coffee can
3-4 skewers
Glue dots or hot glue gun and sticks
Rustic jar lid (which fits your jar)
Raffia Ribbon
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Things to do:
1. Break the candle wax into small chunks, drop them into your double boiler and set it on a medium high burner to melt.
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2. Set your oven to the Keep Warm setting or at it’s lowest temperature and place your clean jars on the center rack. Preheating the jars will help prevent glass cracks and wax pulling away from the sides.
3. Once the wax is completely liquid, meaning no solid chunks remain, add a small amount of colorant to your wax. Wax dye is very VERY concentrated so start with a tiny amount and then test a dot of wax on paper to determine what the color will be when dry and adjust accordingly. Stir well with a skewer.
4. When you have achieved the color you want, add a few drops of scent, again, start small, it’s very concentrated.
5. Carefully remove the hot jars from the oven and apply a glue dot or a drop of hot glue to the bottom of the wick, press onto the bottom of the jar, using a skewer to adjust the spot if necessary.
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6. Using pot holders or tongs, pour the wax into the jar, avoiding gatting any on the sides. Be sure to hold back about 10% of your wax, you’ll need that later.
7. Set two skewers on either side of the wick to help keep it centered as the wax cools.
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8. Once the wax has set completely, you’ll notice a well has formed in the center. This is normal as wax shrinks as it cools. Reheat the leftover wax to a slightly hotter temperature than before and pour again to fill the crater. Allow the candle to cool compltly before trimming the wick to 1/4 inch.
9. Top the jar with a rustic lid to cap the candle, tie with raffia and a tag and pass on to a special someone to light their nights!

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