Mason jar oil lamps...

Some days, there's just the need to be creative.
Now, if I admit to you that even though it's only January and I've been spring cleaning this week, you'll think I've gone mad.

A friend recently said, "It just doesn't seem right to be spring cleaning when there's snow outside!" And while she's right, when March does come, there's just so much to do outside, I can't find enough time for spring cleaning inside! That's why I take advantage of the quiet months of January and February to
jump-start my to-do list.

However; back to that creative tug. I've put my cleaning supplies away for the day and made a little Mason jar oil lamp. While the frosty days are here, I love lighting candles in the evening...they just seem to make our home so warm & cozy, and this oil lamp couldn't be easier to make!

The supplies you'll need are simple:

hammer and awl
canning jar lid and ring
wick
glass wick insert (found on-line or with candle making supplies)
rosehips, pine cones, or cinnamon sticks.
glass canning jar
clear lamp oil (not kerosene)

Use a hammer to tap the awl in the center of the jar lid. Make a hole large enough to fit the wick insert. Slip the wick through the glass wick insert and place it, wick first, into the hole. The lip on the insert will keep it secure on top of the lid.

Arrange rosehips, pine cones, or cinnamon sticks inside the jar, then fill to within 1/4-inch of the top with lamp oil. Secure the lid and ring. Trim the wick to 1/4-inch, trimming more if needed to keep the flame at a safe height.

I'll often place the jar inside a glass hurricane...it's not only pretty, but keeps little fingers away from the flame.

I hope you'll try making one...it's an easy, simple country pleasure for these wintry days.