Recipes & Tutorials Crafting Library
You are here: Home / Candles / Container Candles / Jelly Jar Candle Tutorial

Jelly Jar Candle Tutorial

By

by Rustic Escentuals

This is a great project to learn how to make candles. Container candles are the easiest to start learning with and are always pleasant to have around, especially for test burning! You can make these for yourself or gifts because you have the ability to customize the scents and colors. Experiment and have fun learning how to make a candle!

how to make jelly jar candles

 
Materials List:
7 oz of Container Wax
Suggestions:
• Golden Brands 415
• Golden Brands 464
• KY PureSoy 100% Soy Wax
• KY Soy 115
8oz Smooth Jelly Jar with Lid
Candle Fragrance Oil
Candle Dye
Wick Stickers
51-32-18C Pre-Tabbed Cotton Wick
Wick Bar
Digital Scale
Pour Pot
Thermometer
Presto Pot or Double Boiler to melt wax
Metal Spoon to stir wax
Safety goggles

Apron to protect clothing
Wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil

supplies needed to make jelly jar candles

 
Step 1
Prepare work surface. Cover counter with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier.
 
Step 2
Prepare the jelly jar by using a wick sticker by attaching the wick onto the bottom center of the inside of the jelly jar. Use some pressure to ensure a good adhesion. Use the wick bar to keep the wick straight and centered in the jar.

attach wick sticker to tab

 
Step 3
Melt the soy candle wax in a double boiler or Presto Pot with a thermometer to ensure temperature control. Melt the wax to approximately 170°-175°F. Occasionally stir wax to ensure it completely melts.
 
Step 4
Place the pour pot on digital scale and tare. Once wax is completely melted, transfer 7 ounces of wax to the pour pot using a ladle.

 
Step 5
Add .70 oz of fragrance oil to the wax. Stir until fragrance oil is completely mixed into the wax – about 2 minutes. Add drop(s) of candle colorant until desired color is achieved and stir.

Step 6
At Let wax cool to approximately 160 degrees. The wax will have a thick, slushy appearance. Fill pre-wicked jar to the fill line, approximately 6.2 oz. Place off to the side to cool.

pour wax into wicked jars

 

set aside and let cool

 
Step 7
When the candle is completely cooled, trim the wick to approximately 1/4” and attach the lid to the jar. Do not add lid to jar until candle has completely cooled, otherwise condensation will form.

finished basic jelly jar candle

 
Tip: Soy wax needs time to cure before burning in order to have good scent release. Let completed candle cure for 7-14 days before burning. Remember: “The longer it sits, the stronger it gets!”
 
SOME SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

  • Cover counter with wax paper, old newspapers or aluminum foil to make clean up easier.
  • Be sure to wear safety goggles for eye protection. You do not want to be splashed in the eye with hot wax! Remember with wax – safety first.
  • Waxes used in making candles are very similar to cooking oils – they are flammable and they are poured at high temperatures, but with certain precautions, accidents may be avoided. NEVER HEAT WAX ABOVE 210°F.
  • For safety, wax should be melted in a double boiler. Wax should NEVER be heated directly over an open flame or burner. Direct heating can cause wax to explode and result in serious injury.
  • Use of a thermometer is advised to ensure proper wax pouring temperature.
  • Never leave hot wax unattended. Keep children and pets away from the area where wax is being melted and poured.
  • Never pour water in a wax fire. Water will cause the fire to spread. To extinguish a fire in a pan, cover the pan with its lid. Use a dry chemical fire extinguisher.
  • Never pour melted wax into the sink or other drains.