In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and creativity, DIY projects that involve upcycling have become more popular than ever. Upcycling allows you to take everyday objects that might otherwise be discarded and transform them into something new, functional, and beautiful. One of the most versatile items for upcycling is the mason jar. These simple, timeless containers are not only budget-friendly and widely available but also perfect for a wide range of DIY projects.

Among the most popular ways to upcycle mason jars is by turning them into candle holders. These DIY upcycled candle holders add a warm, cozy ambiance to any space, whether you’re using them to light up a living room, decorate for a wedding, or create a thoughtful, handmade gift. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create your own stunning mason jar candle holders, offering you ideas for personalization, candle selection, and even tips for repurposing your creations when the candles have burned down. Whether you’re a crafting novice or an experienced DIY enthusiast, making mason jar candle holders is a fun, rewarding project that lets your creativity shine while embracing eco-friendly practices.

What Are DIY Upcycled Candle Holders?

In recent years, the world has embraced the trend of upcycling, a creative and eco-friendly way to repurpose old or unused materials into something new and functional. Upcycling helps to reduce waste and gives everyday items a second life, often with a more personal and creative touch. One of the easiest and most versatile materials for upcycling is the humble mason jar. Originally designed for preserving food, mason jars have become the darling of the DIY world, and for a good reason—they’re incredibly versatile, stylish, and readily available. One particularly popular project is turning mason jars into DIY upcycled candle holders.

So, what exactly are DIY upcycled candle holders made from mason jars?

At their core, these candle holders are a perfect fusion of practicality and creativity. Whether you’re looking for a chic centerpiece for a dinner party, a charming wedding decoration, or simply a cozy addition to your home, mason jar candle holders offer endless possibilities. The process is simple—taking old mason jars and transforming them into candle holders with a few additional materials and a bit of imagination. With some creativity, you can create candle holders that reflect your personal style while reducing your environmental impact by repurposing items that would otherwise be discarded.

The Benefits of Upcycling Mason Jars

Upcycling mason jars into candle holders is not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about embracing sustainability. Every time you upcycle an old mason jar, you’re helping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Plus, mason jars are made of glass, a material that can be safely reused and recycled without losing quality. By turning mason jars into candle holders, you’re contributing to a circular economy where items are reused rather than discarded.

Moreover, DIY projects like this allow you to customize your home décor in a way that’s affordable and fun. Instead of buying new, mass-produced candle holders from a store, you can create personalized pieces that match your aesthetic. Whether you’re into rustic, vintage, modern, or bohemian styles, there’s a way to upcycle a mason jar that will suit your taste.

Why Mason Jars Are Perfect for Candle Holders

Mason jars have a timeless charm, with their simple, sturdy design and vintage aesthetic. Originally used for canning and preserving food, they are now a staple in homes, bars, and restaurants worldwide. But what makes them particularly well-suited for candle holders?

1. Heat Resistance: Glass is naturally heat-resistant, making mason jars an ideal container for candles. You don’t have to worry about the jar cracking or breaking under the heat of a flame, as long as you’re using proper candle-making techniques and following basic safety guidelines.
2. Size and Shape Variety: Mason jars come in different sizes and shapes, offering flexibility for your candle holder design. Whether you want a small tea light holder or a larger jar for a pillar candle, mason jars provide plenty of options.
3. Versatility: Mason jars are a blank canvas, making them highly versatile for different DIY projects. You can paint them, wrap them in twine or lace, fill them with decorative elements like pebbles or shells, and even use them as lanterns with the addition of handles.
4. Budget-Friendly: One of the best things about mason jars is that they are inexpensive, especially if you already have a few lying around. Even if you need to purchase them, they are far more affordable than buying pre-made candle holders, making them the perfect option for DIY enthusiasts on a budget.

How to Make Mason Jar Candle Holders Step by Step

Now that you understand why mason jars are perfect for upcycling, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making your own DIY mason jar candle holders. This guide will help you create beautiful, functional candle holders with just a few simple materials and tools.

Materials You Will Need:

• Mason jars (any size you prefer)
• Candles (tea lights, votive, or pillar candles)
• Decorative elements (such as paint, glitter, ribbons, lace, or twine)
• Sandpaper (optional, for distressing the jar)
• Glue (hot glue or super glue)
• Scissors
• Spray paint or acrylic paint (optional)
• Paintbrush (if using acrylic paint)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Choose Your Mason Jars

The first step in creating your DIY candle holders is selecting the mason jars you want to use. You can repurpose old jars that have been sitting around the house or purchase new ones from a craft store or online. If you’re going for a more rustic, vintage look, consider using jars with slight imperfections or discolorations. You can even mix and match different jar sizes to create an eclectic set of candle holders.

Step 2: Prepare the Jars

Before decorating your mason jars, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly. Wash each jar with soap and water to remove any dirt, grease, or residue. If you’re using old jars, you may need to scrub off labels or adhesive. Once the jars are clean and dry, you’re ready to move on to the fun part—decorating!

Step 3: Decorate the Mason Jars

This is where you can let your creativity shine. There are countless ways to decorate mason jars to turn them into candle holders that reflect your style and match your décor.

• Paint: If you want to give your candle holders a pop of color, consider spray-painting the jars or using acrylic paint to create designs. You can paint the entire jar, or use stencils to add patterns. A popular choice is to paint the jar white or pastel shades for a shabby-chic look.
• Distress: For a rustic, vintage effect, try distressing the jar. After painting, lightly sand certain areas to give the jar a worn, weathered look.
• Twine and Lace: Wrapping twine or lace around the neck of the jar adds a charming, handcrafted touch. You can tie a small bow or glue on decorative beads or buttons for extra flair.
• Glitter and Beads: For a more glamorous design, you can apply glue to the outside of the jar and sprinkle glitter or add small beads. This creates a sparkly, elegant effect that’s perfect for holiday décor or special occasions.

Step 4: Insert the Candles

Once your mason jars are decorated and dry, it’s time to place the candles inside. Depending on the size of your jar, you can use tea lights, votive candles, or even larger pillar candles. Ensure the candle fits securely inside the jar, and for an extra touch, you can add decorative stones, sand, or seashells around the base of the candle.

Step 5: Display and Enjoy

Your DIY mason jar candle holders are now ready to light up your space. Whether you use them as centerpieces for a dinner party, wedding decorations, or simple home décor, these candle holders will add a warm, personal touch to any setting.

By upcycling mason jars into candle holders, you not only create something beautiful but also make a positive impact on the environment.

Best Types of Candles to Use in Mason Jars

Now that you’ve beautifully crafted your mason jar candle holders, the next step is selecting the right type of candle. The charm of a DIY mason jar candle holder lies not just in the jar itself but also in the candles you choose. With the right candle, you can set the perfect ambiance—whether it’s for a cozy night in, a romantic dinner, or a festive occasion. But what type of candle works best for mason jars?

Here’s a guide to the best types of candles to use in mason jars:

1. Tea Lights

Tea lights are one of the most popular options for mason jar candle holders. Small and easy to use, tea lights fit perfectly in almost any mason jar, making them an ideal choice for both small and large holders. Their compact size allows you to fill the jar with decorative elements like pebbles or sand without overpowering the design.

• Pros: Affordable, easy to replace, and available in a variety of scents and colors.
• Cons: Short burn time, typically lasting 2-4 hours, meaning they’ll need frequent replacement for long events.

2. Votive Candles

Votive candles are slightly larger than tea lights and offer a longer burn time. They are cylindrical and burn more slowly, providing a soft, steady glow that works well for evening events or everyday home décor. These candles also come in a wide range of colors and scents, making it easy to match them with your mason jar decorations.

• Pros: Longer burn time (around 6-10 hours), ideal for longer-lasting displays.
• Cons: Requires a bit more space in the mason jar, and it’s best to place them on a heat-resistant surface inside the jar.

3. Pillar Candles

If you’re using larger mason jars, pillar candles are a great choice. These candles are tall, sturdy, and have an extended burn time, often lasting several days if used intermittently. They work particularly well for larger jars that can accommodate their height, and they create a bold, dramatic effect when lit.

• Pros: Long-lasting burn time, bold appearance, and suitable for outdoor settings.
• Cons: Only suitable for larger jars and may require more frequent maintenance, like trimming the wick.

4. LED Flameless Candles

If safety is a top priority, especially for outdoor events or homes with children or pets, LED flameless candles are an excellent alternative. These battery-operated candles mimic the look of a real flame without the risk of fire or heat damage. Plus, they come in different sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your mason jar.

• Pros: Safe, reusable, and perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Cons: Lacks the warmth and scent of real candles.

5. Floating Candles

For a unique twist, consider using floating candles inside your mason jars. By filling the jar with water and placing a floating candle on top, you can create a beautiful, serene display. This design works particularly well for weddings, outdoor garden parties, or holiday décor.

• Pros: Creates a peaceful, glowing effect, and can be paired with flowers, pebbles, or other floating decorations.
• Cons: Requires careful handling to avoid spills and may not burn as long as other types of candles.

Decorating Mason Jar Candle Holders for Different Occasions

One of the best things about mason jar candle holders is their versatility. With a few simple decorations, you can tailor these candle holders to fit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, celebrating a holiday, or just looking to spruce up your home, mason jar candle holders are the perfect DIY project. Let’s explore some decoration ideas for specific occasions:

1. Weddings

Mason jar candle holders are incredibly popular for weddings due to their rustic, romantic charm. They can be used as centerpieces, aisle decorations, or hanging lanterns. Here’s how you can personalize them for a wedding:

• Use lace and ribbon: Wrap the mason jars in lace, ribbon, or burlap to create a delicate, vintage look that complements a wedding theme.
• Add flowers or greenery: For an elegant touch, fill the jars with small flowers or sprigs of greenery before placing the candle inside. Baby’s breath, lavender, or eucalyptus work particularly well.
• Monogrammed initials: If you want to add a personal touch, consider stenciling the couple’s initials or wedding date on the jar with paint or adhesive vinyl.

2. Holiday Décor

Mason jar candle holders are a great addition to your holiday decorations, adding a warm and festive glow to any room. Each holiday offers its own unique decorating possibilities:

• Christmas: Paint the jars with frosted glass spray for a wintry effect, and tie red and green ribbons around the top. You can also fill the jars with small ornaments, pine cones, or faux snow before placing the candle.
• Halloween: For Halloween, paint the mason jars in spooky colors like black and orange, or create silhouettes of bats, pumpkins, or witches using stencils.
• Thanksgiving: Wrap the jars in burlap or twine, and fill them with fall-themed items like acorns, leaves, or miniature pumpkins.

3. Everyday Home Décor

Mason jar candle holders aren’t just for special occasions—they make great everyday decorations too. You can customize them to match your home’s style, whether it’s modern, farmhouse, or boho:

• Rustic farmhouse: For a rustic farmhouse look, wrap the jars in twine or burlap, and leave the glass unpainted for a natural, understated effect.
• Bohemian chic: Add some colorful beads, feathers, or macrame around the jar to create a boho vibe that adds texture and interest to any room.
• Minimalist modern: For a sleek, modern look, spray-paint the jars in metallic colors like silver or gold, and use simple, white candles.

How to Make Mason Jar Lantern Candle Holders

If you’re looking for a more practical and portable version of the mason jar candle holder, why not try making a mason jar lantern? These lanterns are perfect for outdoor events, backyard parties, or even as indoor décor. Here’s how to transform your candle holders into lanterns:

Materials You Will Need:

• Mason jars (preferably with handles or lids with holes for hanging)
• Wire or twine (for hanging)
• Candles (preferably LED flameless for outdoor use)
• Hammer and nail (if you’re creating holes in the lid)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Choose Your Mason Jars

Select mason jars with handles for easy hanging. If you don’t have jars with handles, you can create your own using wire or strong twine.

Step 2: Create Holes in the Lid (Optional)

If you’re using candles that produce real flames, it’s essential to allow for proper ventilation. Use a hammer and nail to carefully punch small holes in the mason jar lid, ensuring the candle gets enough oxygen to burn properly.

Step 3: Attach the Hanging Wire

Wrap the wire or twine securely around the neck of the mason jar. If you’re using wire, you can create a small loop or handle for hanging. Make sure the wire is strong enough to support the weight of the jar and candle.

Step 4: Insert the Candle

For safety reasons, especially if the lanterns will be hung outdoors, opt for LED flameless candles. Place the candle inside the jar and secure the lid.

Step 5: Hang and Enjoy

Your mason jar lantern is now ready to be hung from tree branches, shepherd’s hooks, or along fences to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

With just a few tweaks, your mason jar candle holders can become versatile lanterns, perfect for any occasion or setting. Whether you’re lighting up a backyard wedding or creating a cozy glow on your porch, mason jar lanterns are a charming and practical addition to your décor.

Upcycled Mason Jar Candle Holders as Gifts

One of the most delightful aspects of DIY upcycled mason jar candle holders is that they make excellent gifts. Whether for a birthday, holiday, housewarming, or special event, these personalized and handmade creations carry a unique charm that store-bought gifts simply can’t match. By upcycling materials, you also demonstrate thoughtfulness and care, showing that you’ve taken the time to craft something meaningful.

Here’s why mason jar candle holders make perfect gifts and how you can customize them for different recipients:

1. Personalized Touch

Handmade gifts are treasured because they carry a personal touch. With mason jar candle holders, the possibilities for personalization are endless. You can customize each jar according to the recipient’s preferences—be it their favorite color, scent, or style. For instance, if the person loves rustic décor, you could decorate the jar with twine, burlap, and wooden beads. If they enjoy modern, minimalist aesthetics, a sleek metallic spray paint finish could be the way to go.

• Tip: Adding a small, handwritten note or tag with the recipient’s name or a thoughtful message can make the gift even more special.

2. Customizing for Different Occasions

Tailoring your mason jar candle holder to match the occasion adds an extra layer of meaning to your gift. For example, for Christmas, you could fill the jar with festive elements like pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and holiday-themed candles. For Valentine’s Day, you could paint the jar in shades of pink and red and tie it with a ribbon or heart-shaped tag. The key is to match the design to the theme of the occasion while maintaining your personal flair.

3. Eco-Friendly Gifting

As more people become environmentally conscious, gifts that promote sustainability and eco-friendliness are increasingly appreciated. Mason jar candle holders fall squarely into this category since they repurpose old materials instead of relying on new, mass-produced items. Your upcycled candle holder gift sends a powerful message about the importance of reducing waste and embracing a more sustainable lifestyle.

4. Creating a Gift Set

To make your DIY candle holder even more special, consider turning it into a gift set. For example, you could pair the mason jar candle holder with a homemade candle, or add a selection of scented tea lights or votive candles. You could even include other complementary items like a small bottle of essential oils, a set of matches in a decorative case, or a small plant. A mason jar candle holder gift set not only looks impressive but also feels thoughtful and well-curated.

Creative Uses for Leftover Mason Jar Candle Holders

So, what can you do with your mason jar candle holders once the candles have burned down or the event is over? Fortunately, these versatile jars have a life beyond just being candle holders. Here are a few creative ways to repurpose your leftover mason jar candle holders and give them a new purpose in your home or office:

1. Turn Them into Storage Jars

Mason jars are fantastic for storage. Once your candle has burned down, you can clean out the wax and repurpose the jar to store small items. Whether it’s craft supplies, buttons, hair ties, or kitchen essentials like spices or coffee beans, your mason jar can help keep things organized.

• Tip: Paint the lid or add a label to the jar to indicate what’s inside. This works especially well if you plan to use multiple jars for storage.

2. Create a Mini Herb Garden

Mason jars make perfect containers for small plants, including herbs. With a little potting soil and seeds or small herb plants, you can turn your old candle holder into a mini indoor garden. Basil, parsley, mint, or rosemary can thrive in mason jars, bringing fresh flavors and aromas to your kitchen.

• Tip: Place pebbles or small stones at the bottom of the jar for drainage if you’re planting directly into the jar. Alternatively, you can use small pots inside the jar for easier care.

3. Use as Flower Vases

A simple yet elegant way to repurpose mason jar candle holders is to use them as flower vases. Whether filled with fresh blooms from your garden or faux flowers for a more permanent display, these jars add a rustic charm to any room. You can even group multiple jars together to create a centerpiece for your dining table or mantel.

4. Create Mason Jar Lanterns

As mentioned in the previous section, mason jar candle holders can easily be converted into lanterns. By adding a handle and using an LED candle, you can hang the jar outside on a porch or in a garden to create a cozy, ambient light for outdoor gatherings.

Where to Find Cheap Mason Jars for DIY Projects

Whether you’re just starting with DIY projects or you’re an experienced crafter, finding affordable mason jars is key to keeping your projects budget-friendly. Luckily, mason jars are widely available at a variety of stores, both online and offline. Here are some of the best places to find cheap mason jars for your DIY upcycled candle holders:

1. Thrift Stores and Secondhand Shops

Thrift stores are a treasure trove for inexpensive mason jars. Many people donate old jars, often in excellent condition, which you can pick up for a fraction of the price you’d pay for new ones. It’s also a great way to practice sustainability, as you’re giving these items a new life rather than purchasing something brand new.

• Tip: Keep an eye out for jars with unique shapes or vintage designs to add an extra touch of charm to your project.

2. Online Marketplaces

Websites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are excellent places to find mason jars at a discount. Many sellers offer bulk listings where you can purchase multiple jars at once, which is perfect if you’re planning on making several candle holders.

• Tip: Search for local listings to avoid high shipping costs, or look for sellers offering free or discounted shipping for larger orders.

3. Dollar Stores

Dollar stores often carry basic mason jars at a very affordable price. While the selection might be more limited compared to craft or home goods stores, it’s a budget-friendly option if you’re looking to buy a few jars for a small project.

• Tip: Check both the home goods and kitchen sections, as mason jars can often be found in either area.

4. Big-Box Stores and Craft Stores

Stores like Walmart, Target, and Michaels often stock mason jars in their home goods or crafting sections. While they may not always be the cheapest option, these stores frequently offer sales, coupons, or bulk discounts, making them a good place to buy in larger quantities.

• Tip: Sign up for email newsletters from these stores to receive updates on sales and discounts, especially around holidays.

5. Reuse Jars from Home

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Before buying new mason jars, take a look around your home for jars that can be upcycled. Many food products, like sauces, jams, and pickles, come in jars that can be cleaned and repurposed for your DIY candle holder project. This not only saves you money but also contributes to reducing waste.

Conclusion

Creating DIY upcycled candle holders from mason jars is a fun, creative, and eco-friendly project that allows you to transform simple, everyday items into beautiful, functional décor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, gifting them to loved ones, or simply decorating your home, these candle holders offer endless possibilities for personalization and style. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to practice sustainability by repurposing old jars and materials.

With a little imagination and effort, you can create stunning candle holders that not only brighten your space but also make a positive impact on the environment. So, gather your mason jars, light your candles, and let your creativity shine!