Learn About Candle Making Jars
Making Candles Using Candle Making Jars
Making your own candles is great fun; and there are practically no limits to what smells you can create, designs you can make and concepts you can invent. However, a popular trend presently is to place candles into jars. Candle making jars are nothing specialized either; any normal jar will do, though delicate glass is not recommended.
Candle making jars also allow the joy of candles to be greater; being sturdier, and not open to being knocked or falling over too often. Glass is also non flammable of course; extremely heat resistant, and reusable again, and again.
Ideally, it is best for jars to have a well fitting lid; particularly if you intend not to use the candle on a regular basis. Dust accumulates quite quickly atop a candle; and is incredibly hard to clean off. If left, it gives off an awful aroma when burning too.
The most popular candle making jars trend to be the traditional glass type; similar to what homemade jam comes in, and can be seen in rural kitchens.
Apothecary jars are also a popular choice. A wonderful shape, complete with beautiful lids, they may be a little more expensive but a well worth it for the finished product’s success.
For a more modern twist; frosted glass can be excellent, and helps to create a slightly more subdued effect; ideal for those romantic nights in, or for that evening of pampering yourself in the bathroom with your favorite book and a box of chocolates.
When making candles using jars, it is always best to “proof”, or “season” them. Whilst they do not need to be sterilized or anything as complicated as that; it is a good idea to heat them in the oven to about 150 degrees, just prior to pouring your wax in.
This allows them to be as moisture free as possible, which helps the wax adhere to the glass more effectively, and makes it easier for the wax to settle.
Before adding the wax, ensure your wick is well centered in the middle of the candle making jars. The easiest way to do this is to take a small piece of warm wax dropped into the center, and firmly push the metal base of the wick into it. Allow this to set and cool before adding the wax.
If you are adding colors and scents; be sure not to use food coloring which is water based and will cause problems as the candle burns. Add instead wax balls, and stir them in to the warmed wax. For effective swirled effects; store color into to the warm wax as you pour into the jars.
Another excellent effect can be achieved with different colors and smells in the same candle. A more lengthy process of course, it can look stunning.
Once your candle making jars have been filled, ensure the wick is still well centered. Allow them to cool overnight ideally, or at least for 6 hours. Once completely set, the wick can be trimmed, (about a quarter of an inch should be fine), the lid placed on, and you are good to store them or wrap them as gifts.
