How to Make Liquid Candles

The versatility of liquid candles as decorative lighting is endless. You can use old bottles, vases, jars or any other heat resistant glass container. You can decorate the glass container as well by gluing decorative objects to the glass container. Liquid candles are a popular addition to events such as weddings and parties. They are made using a paraffin-based lamp oil.

Clean your glass container in hot soapy water. Allow the container to fully dry because you do not want water droplets in your oil. Choose a container that is heat safe; some containers cannot withstand an open flame and may shatter when exposed to the liquid candle's flame.

Fill the container with a paraffin-based lamp oil leaving about 1/2 inch to 1 inch of space between the oil and the top of the container. This will leave room for the wick to be exposed. If you would like to add some color to your liquid candle, you may put in a few drops of liquid candle dye. Stir it gently with a spoon so that it is evenly distributed throughout the oil.

Cut a piece of candle wick so that it is 3 inches longer than your container's depth. Tie a metal washer on one end of the wick so that it will sink to the bottom of the container and hold the wick steady. Drop the washer end of the wick into the container while holding on to the other end. Allow the wick to float freely at the top of the container so that it soaks up the oil. Wait five to 10 minutes before lighting the wick so that it has had time to absorb the fuel.

Decorate your liquid candle's glass container with any craft supplies you like. You should use a sturdy heat-safe glue so that your decorations do not come loose after using the candle.