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Friday, January 7

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.

10 comments:

  1. (Amazingly) I even have most of the supplies, and even some of those little tin stars - very cute! Since all the Christmas decorations are put away, I find our house looks very 'dull'... this would help brighten things up again. Thank you so very much! Happy New Year! -Tammy

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  2. Mary, I love your little jar lamps! I never thought of putting stuff in the oil. can't wait to try my hand at them. Diana

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  3. mary you are so industrious doing your spring cleaing already! i tend to do a fall cleaning since the window sils get so dirty from our walnut trees. love your little lamp! so pretty! jill

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  4. Ingenious! Mary, I just adore it and will have to give it a try. Tammy is right, the house needs a little pick me up right about now and this is perfect.

    ~Andrea~

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  5. I love the oil lamp jar--it’s so cute and I am sure it makes a room extra cozy. I’ve never put the rose hips and things in the oil like that-didn’t know you could. Does it make a good smell too? I may try this--it seems like something I could possibly do--not too complicated :)

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  6. I love this project ~ Thank you!
    I've always been scared to use my old lamps for fear they might tip or break somehow... This one looks very stable and, used in a hurricane as you suggested, extra safe. AND it's adorable!
    hugs,
    Leslie

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  7. Thanks ladies for all your thoughtful comments...I'm so glad you like the jar lamp!

    Amy...no, adding goodies inside doesn't change the fragrance. However; I did make some new lamps with other items inside you might want to try. One has mini Indian corn and nuts left over from fall, and another jar has dried apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Let me know what you're putting inside your jars...I'd love to hear (and see) how they're turning out!

    -Mary

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  8. I do believe I have everything I need to make one of these today.

    Thanks for the inspiration:-)

    Rhonda

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  9. I am so excited to try this. I have burned candles in a jar but it makes such a mess to clean out. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Hi, so glad I happened upon your blog! It is very nice, I love all your ideas but especially the mason jar candle. I am going to make one for myself asap. I only need the glass wick holder. Where do you order your candle supplies from? Thanks so much for sharing, I will follow you to see what else you come up with. Did I read you will be sharing your ideas on fridays? Thanks again! Blessing, Marla

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