Mason Jar Luminaries

The other day, I picked up a box of canning jars and turned them into charming Mason Jar Luminaries. I added a few drops of citronella, lavender, and cinnamon oils to make them double as insect repellents. With a bit of water in the jar and a floating candle on top, they make the perfect outdoor summer candle.

Decoupage the outside of the jar with some adorable dried flowers, and you’ve transformed them into delightful candles. It’s a simple craft that anyone can make, and when you add the oils, you have a pretty insect repellent for your outdoors.

When summer arrives, we love spending evenings dining on our back patio, enjoying the warm weather and fresh air. However, the bugs and critters have been more abundant this year.

To make our outdoor dinners more enjoyable, I decided to create these fun Mason jar luminaries that add a charming touch to our table and help keep the flies at bay while we eat. They’re practical, easy to make, and add a delightful ambiance to our summer nights!

This fun decoupage craft is so simple to create. And I’ve created a few candle tutorials. Check them out here!

• Gel Wax Candle Making
• DIY Glass Candle Holder Decoration
• Cement Pumpkins DIY (with Candleholders)

Supplies You’ll Need

• Mason Jars – These serve as the base for your luminaries, providing a sturdy and stylish container.
• Mod Podge – This adhesive is perfect for attaching dried flowers to the jars, giving them a smooth, sealed finish.
• Brush – Use a brush to apply the Mod Podge evenly, ensuring a neat and polished look.
• Dried Flowers – These add a decorative touch to the jars, bringing a natural and rustic charm to your luminaries.
• Floating Candles – These candles float on water inside the jar, creating a soft, ambient glow.
• Citronella Oil – This oil acts as a natural insect repellent, making your luminaries both functional and fragrant.
• Lavender Oil – Add a calming scent to your luminaries with a few drops.
• Food Coloring Dye – Use this to tint the water inside the jars, adding a pop of color to your luminaries.
• Water – Fill the jars with water to float the candles and help disperse the essential oils.

Directions to Making Your Candle Holders

Step 1 – Clean Mason Jar
Start by thoroughly cleaning your Mason jars to remove any dust, dirt, or residue. Ensure they are completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2 – Apply Mod Podge
Using a brush, apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge on the outside of the Mason jar where you want to place the dried flowers.

Step 3 – Add Dried Flowers
Carefully place the dried flowers into the Mod Podge-coated jar. Press them down gently to ensure they stick well, and then apply another layer of Mod Podge over the flowers to seal them in place.

Step 4 – Allow to Dry
Let the jar sit for a few hours for the Mod Podge to dry completely. This will ensure the flowers are securely attached and the jar has a smooth finish.

Step 5 – Add Water and Oils
Fill the jar with water, leaving some space at the top. Add a few drops of insect-repellent essential oils, such as citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus.

Step 6 – Add Food Coloring (Optional)
If you want to add a touch of color to your luminary, mix in a few drops of food coloring into the water and stir gently.

Step 7 – Insert Floating Candle
Carefully place a floating candle on top of the water. Make sure it is centered and stable.

Step 8 – Light the Candle
Once everything is set up, light the floating candle and enjoy the warm glow and insect-repelling benefits of your beautiful Mason jar luminary.

A few tips

• Wet Mod Podge: Try not to get it wet, but if it doesn’t, wipe it and allow it to dry.
• Gloss or Matte Mod Podge: I used the Matte Mod Podge because I wanted a frosty look. If you want it clear, use the Gloss Mod Podge.
• Experiment with Flower Placement: Before applying Mod Podge, arrange the dried flowers on the jar to find the most visually appealing design.
• Translucent Flowers: If you want your flowers vibrant, don’t drown them in Mod Podge. I did that to one of my jars, and the petals became translucent.
• Use a Soft Brush: A soft brush helps apply the Mod Podge evenly and reduces the chance of damaging the delicate dried flowers.
• Layer the Mod Podge: Applying two or three layers of Mod Podge over the flowers ensures they are well-sealed and protected.
• Customize the Scent: Mix different essential oils to create a custom scent that’s both pleasant and effective against insects.
• Choosing Floating Candles: Make sure the candle will fit your size jar.

Oils You Can Add to Your Luminaries

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• Citronella Oil – A well-known natural insect repellent, especially effective against mosquitoes.
• Lavender Oil – Not only does it have a calming scent, but it also repels flies, mosquitoes, and other pests.
• Eucalyptus Oil – This oil has a strong, fresh scent that helps keep mosquitoes and other insects at bay.
• Peppermint Oil – The refreshing aroma of peppermint oil is great for repelling ants, spiders, and mosquitoes.
• Tea Tree Oil – Known for its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil also helps deter mosquitoes and other biting insects.
• Lemongrass Oil – With its citrusy fragrance, lemongrass oil effectively repels mosquitoes and bugs.
• Cedarwood Oil – This oil has a warm, woody scent that naturally repels mosquitoes, moths, and other insects.
• Rosemary Oil – Rosemary’s strong herbal scent is great for repelling mosquitoes and other flying insects.

Create a few of these Mason jar luminaries to charm your outdoor table. They’re beautiful and great at keeping those summer bugs at bay!

Happy Crafting!

Cheers,

Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com