Kobey's Krafts: Jar Candles

How to Make Decorative Jar Candles

by Liz Anderson

This issue marks our first How-To Column after which local experts or I will offer a personal decorating hint each month. I've come across some really great decorating ideas you can create using materials found at Kobey's. The following project takes only 30 minutes to complete and is something the whole family can do together. Enjoy!

Old jars can make interesting decorative votive candle displays. It's simple. All you do is choose two jars, one which fits easily inside the other and fill the space between with different things as mentioned below. Glue two small jars together to achieve the desired height for your candle. For the country floral look we show here we used dried flowers, leaves and raffia, but there's no limit to the variety of looks you can achieve. Let your imagination run wild.

Materials You'll Need:

Jars of various sizes and shapes (I found mine in Kobey's garage sale area for 25¢ a piece.)
Decorations such as dried flowers, sea shells, potpourri, pasta or marbles (We bought our flowers at Enchantment)
Ribbon and/or raffia (found at Lace Patch)
AND: shears, rubber bands or glue gun and tea or votive candles

1. Choose two jars, one of which fits easily inside the other. In this case we let the smaller jar rest on the bottom of the larger one. Be aware that if the space between the two jars is too wide or too solidly filled with decorations, the light from the candle will not show through. According to the embellishments you use, you may want the candle to be closer to the top of the larger jar. In this case glue the small jar onto another one end to end to make a column which the embellishments fill around.

2. Take an elastic band and secure it around the smaller jar which will later be placed inside the larger one. Clip dried flowers of your choice and tuck them into the elastic band. (Instead of an elastic you may glue them to the jar with a glue gun.) Make sure the tops of the flowers do not stick too far over the rim of the jar as they could ignite when the candle is lit.

3. Tie or glue raffia or ribbon around the jar to cover the elastic band.

4. Cover the bottom of the larger jar with a sprinkle of small leaves, more dried flowers or sheet moss for extra decoration.

5. Place the decorated smaller jar carefully into the larger one. If you like, finish off your creation by tying ribbon or raffia around the top of the large jar to hide the threads.

6. Drop in your tea or votive candle, light and enjoy! Note: Remember, candles should never be left unattended.