How to make handmade candle Jar

Out of all the crafts I do, this is my most favorite craft. You recycle somthing that can be made into
unique gift or item to sell. Kids love to make also. Let them make gift for grandmother she will cherish it.
There are several techniques I will list a few and depending on what you like best they will all work quite nicely.

First of all if you want to make several tell your freinds to save their spagetti, mayonnaise, pickle etc jars for you. My freinds are great at doing that for me. I usually wait until I have several at a time and then make them.

Second: Cleaning The Jars
As you know the label is put on with glue. Sometimes
the jars are easy and sometimes they have thick glue.
The best way I have found is to soak jar in warm water.
Most of the time the label will remove easily but will
leave a thick spot of glue. Simply take your hand
dishwashing liquid and squirt directly on the glue spot.
With a steel pad (they usually come in gold or silver)
start scrubbing and run water at same time. If glue
still doesn't come off easy apply more dishwashing soap.
Once glue is off this is important* look at jar closely
and make sure no ink date is on the jar. It can be
removed easy with pad also. If you don't remove , the
ink date can bleed thru your paint especially if you
decide to use the spray method.
Now the hard part is done and the fun begins.

Third: Painting the Jar
If you want to handpaint jar you should give it at least 3
coats of flat house paint. You can apply glass medium
if you wish before starting. This is one way to base coat.

Painting the Jar
I prefer to spay paint. Put a plastic glove on and hold jar
out and paint in moving motion the first coat. Make sure
you do not hold in one spot too long because it will
cause the paint to run. I usually give 2 coats. Make sure
paint has dried before each coat. Spray paint will dry fast.
Now depending on what I am going to do most acrylic
paints work fine. For example handpaint first then
once dry I apply clear varnish 2 Coats decorate
and it is done. Spray paint in ventilated area.
If you are using a pattern simply use tracing paper
(graphite) and stylus to copy over to jar
If using stencil you can lightly tape to jar.
I love to decoupage my jars its easy and you have so
many things you can use such as borders, wall paper,
material, pictures, or apply ceramic pieces, etc.

HOW TO DECOUPAGE
Pick what you want to use material or border are my favorite. Cut as close to your design you want to add.
Most borders have glue on back so apply water and add to your jar. If using materical apply decoupage glue to front and back of material and apply to jar. When I decopauge I apply decopauge to all the jar it will dry clear. Once dry you can add your varnish.
Normally the decoupage can be coated again if you do not wish to varnish. After completely drying you can add ribbons and
star, buttons bows , lace etc.
Keep in mind the type of votive you use and don't let decoration be to close to votive.

DECORATING
All Jars mouths are different size. I never save lids. I find most of mine votives at Walmart. They have so many different sizes and price is reasonable.
You can either buy normal scented candles or you can pour your own candles. I do both depending on votive size if I can not find candle that fits. I use melting pot and wax and add scents. But thats up to you.
I apply ribbons around the top with glue gun.
Then let your imagination create your own unique design.

I hope this will help you if you decide to make Jar Candles
Or you can buy from our store if you don't have time to make.

Please never leave candles unattended.
Only clean with damp cloth