Making Candle Holders

Most people buy their candle holders from a shop owner or perhaps on the internet, unaware that you can make your own at home with ease. Though it may seem like an impossible task, making your own candle holders is quite easy. All it takes is a little creative thinking and a few odds and ends that you may already have around the house. Here, we take two everyday objects that many (particularly those with children) may already have in their house – an apple and an empty baby food jar. Each of these takes just minutes to transform into lovely candle holders for your own home or to give as a gift to someone you love.

What You Will Need

Baby Food Candle Holder

• One empty baby food jar with label peeled off
• Ribbon of your choice
• One votive candle

Apple Candle Holder

• One medium apple of your choice
• Small paring knife
• One long taper candle

Making the Baby Food Candle Holder

• Empty out and sanitise the baby food jar, being sure to remove the label
• Let the jar dry
• Wrap a ribbon around the neck of the jar, making a bow tie
• Place the votive candle inside and enjoy

Making the Apple Candle Holder

• Wash the apple of your choice
• Polish the apple with a dry cloth
• Using your paring knife, cut out a circle from the top of the apple surrounding the stem, making it roughly the circumference of the candle
• Place the taper candle in the opening and enjoy

Tips, Tricks and Cautions

• Never leave candles burning unattended
• Make sure candles are burning in holder at all times and that the candle holders are on a heat-proof surface
• If you have trouble getting the taper candle to stick, a small amount of candle putty on the bottom will help. This is easy to find at any craft or specialty store.
• When burning the taper in the apple holder, make sure to only let it burn down to the top of the apple, then remove the candle and discard the apple
• The apple is not safe to eat after the candle has burned in it.
• To avoid unsightly discoloration, make the apple holder right before you plan on using it
• Always be careful when using a paring knife, being sure not to get your hands or fingers in harm's way.
• To further decorate the baby food jar holder, you can glue stickers, felt, leaves or anything else you wish to the outside of the jar. Make sure not to glue anything to the inside or the candle itself so that nothing will catch fire.
• Never touch the glass baby food jar right after a candle has been burning in it so that you won't burn your hand.
• If you have trouble getting the label off of the baby food jar, try soaking it in warm, soapy water for up to 20 minutes then rub off with a rag. If the label is persistent, try rubbing it with a cotton ball soaked in acetone to remove any further residue.
• Use scented candles to make the mood more festive. Use smells that suit the season. Floral smells in spring, spicier smells in the fall.