Oil candles offer a beautiful way to add the magic of candlelight to your home decor, and creating one yourself is easier than you may imagine. This type of candle is made using liquid paraffin oil as the fuel source instead of traditional solid wax. The most common oil candles are made using bottles or jars, but you can also use brass or ceramic containers. As long as your container is made of a fireproof material, you can be as creative as you like.
Make Your Own Oil Candle
These directions will help you make a basic oil candle using a wine bottle or glass bottle. If you'd like to make an even more attractive candle, try one of the decorating suggestions that follow. If you need help downloading the printable instructions in the image above, check out these helpful tips.
Supplies
- A recycled wine bottle or glass bottle with a similar style opening
- Liquid paraffin oil, scented or unscented
- Funnel, found in any kitchen wares department
- Ceramic wick holder for wine bottles (Includes appropriately-sized wick)
Directions
- Wash out the wine bottle a few days ahead of time so it will be completely dry when it's time to make your candle.
- Using the funnel, carefully pour your chosen oil into the wine bottle, pouring very slowly when the oil reaches the bottle neck. You want to fill the bottle to about 1/2 inch of the rim.
- Insert the wick holder assembly into the top of the bottle. The tip of the wick should rise about 1/4 inch above the top of the holder.
- Let the bottle sit for 15 to 20 minutes in order for the wick to soak oil up to its tip.
- Carefully light the wick, and enjoy the soft glow of light.
Decorative Touches
A plain oil candle looks rather romantic on its own, but you can add some decorations to the bottom of your bottle before adding your oil. Consider adding enough of the following items to fill about two inches of the bottom of the bottle.
- Glass beads: Clear or in your favorite color combinations
- Seashells: Select ones that are small enough to fit through the bottle opening.
- Assorted marbles: Choose a variety of colors.
- Decorative aquarium gravel: Wash and dry before adding.
- Thin spirals of lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit rind: These will also add a little scent to your oil if you let the peels cure in it for a day before lighting.
- Cinnamon sticks: These are another scent booster.
- Rose petals, or small flowers
- Nuts in the shell: Consider nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- Assorted buttons: These make for a more whimsical design.
- Small springs of dried herbs or dried lavender
Be Creative
Once you have learned the basic method of making an oil candle, you can branch out to making different designs. Think about using different shapes of containers, as well as different combinations of colored oils and decorative add-ins. You might even want to accent your bottles by painting designs on the outside.
Whichever type of design you choose, each oil candle you make becomes a beautiful creation that you can enjoy in your own home or give as a special gift.
