How to Make Candles in Baby Food Jars

Candles in baby food jars

The first time I made candles (for my Adventures in Homesteading series), it was fun, but the molds I bought weren't cheap. This method skips the molds entirely by reusing empty baby food jars. It's cheaper, simpler, and honestly cuter.

Supplies for jar candles

Supplies

Soy candle wax flakes. About 1 pound fills five stage-2 baby food jars.
Clean, dry baby food jars with labels removed
Pre-tabbed wicks sized for soy wax (this matters!)
Wick stickers or tacky wax to hold the wicks in place
Fragrance oil and candle dye (optional)
Decorations like ribbon, washi tape, lace, stickers, or Mod Podge (optional)

Craft stores sell all of this. Watch for their weekly percentage-off coupons to cut the cost of the wax.

Step 1: Set the Wicks

Wicks attached to the bottom of jars

Stick a wick to the center of each jar's bottom with a dab of tacky wax or a wick sticker. If you're using soy wax, make sure your wicks are made for soy. Other wicks can burn poorly or tunnel.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

Soy wax flakes

Soy wax is the easiest wax for beginners because it melts quickly and cleans up with soap and water. You can melt it in a double boiler on the stove or in the microwave.

Melted soy wax

I used the microwave: heat in a microwave-safe container for 30 to 60 seconds at a time, stirring after each round, until the wax is fully melted and clear. Stir in fragrance now if you're using it. I added lavender.

Step 3: Pour

Pouring wax into baby food jars

Carefully pour the hot wax into the jars. My wicks wanted to lean, so I propped them upright between two butter knives laid across the jar's rim, and left them there until the wax set.

Candles cooling

Let the candles cool completely. Mine were nearly set after about an hour, though a full cure overnight is best before burning.

Cooled candles ready to decorate

Step 4: Decorate

This is the fun part!

Decorative tape and stickers

Patterned washi tape wraps neatly around the jars, and stickers or ribbon add personality. For more custom looks, brush on Mod Podge to attach fabric, paper labels, or lace.

Decorated baby food jar candles