Oil lamps just like candles in jars, are simple, affordable and fun projects to make that can serve as a thoughtful gift to your loved ones. They are also a creative way to add warmth and ambience to your home, especially in winter.
You can either use glass jars for candle making or, more precisely, 500ml glass bottles with lids. Aside from adding an ambient glow, they are also considered emergency lights, especially for outdoor events. When essential oils are added, they can be used as decor or even to enhance the fragrance of the room.
This guide walks you through how to easily make oil lamps using jars and bottles even if you are a beginner.
What You Will Need for Oil Lamps with Glass Jars for Candle Making
● Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil: Olive oil is particularly readily available, safer, and has clean burning.
● Glass Jars for Candle Making: Choose durable and heat-resistant glass jars with wide mouths which are easier to fill and clean.
● Floating Wicks: These are the best kind of wicks to use because they rest on the oil to ensure an even burning.
● Essential Oils for Fragrance: You can choose from a profile or fragrance such as rosemary, sweet orange, or cinnamon.
How to Make Oil Lamps with Glass Jars for Candle Making
● Clean the glass jars thoroughly and dry them.
● Fill the glass jars for candle making with the vegetable or preferably olive oil. If you are adding some plants like cinnamon sticks or dried lemon to enhance the scent, add them before adding the olive oil. Ensure you don’t stuff the jar with too many plants.
● Add a few drops of your desired essential oil.
● Insert the wick by placing it on the surface of the oil.
● Seal the storage jar with the lid to lock in the fragrance until you are ready to use it and to keep the oil clean and prevent spillage
What You Will Need for Oil Lamps with Glass Bottles with Lids
● 500ml Glass Bottles with Lids: You should choose bottles that are durable, heat resistant, and stylish. The 500ml glass bottles with lids are a more suitable option.
● Nail and Hammer: Preferably, use a small nail and hammer to help burrow a clean, centred opening in the lid for the wick.
● Olive Oil: Olive oil ensures a clean burn compared to other vegetable oils.
● 100% Cotton Cord or Lamp Wicks: This ensures consistent burning for a longer period.
● A Pair of Scissors: For trimming the wick to the desired length.
How to Make Oil Lamps with 500ml Glass Bottles with Lids
● Wash and dry the 500ml glass bottles with lids to remove any dirt or residue especially if you are reusing the glass bottles.
● Using the nail and hammer, create a wick opening on the bottle’s cap by carefully burrowing a hole in the centre of the cap.
● Insert the wick into the hole of the bottle’s cap and insert the dangling wick into the glass bottle.
● Fill the glass bottle with the olive oil and add a few drops of essential oils if needed.
● Screw the glass bottle tightly with the lid and voila! Your glass bottle oil lamp is ready for use.
Pro Tips for Making Oil Lamps with Glass Jars and Bottles
Here are some tips to help ensure you are on the right track when making oil lamps with bottles or jars.
● Avoid using plastic jars or bottles for oil lamps because the heat can make them melt, posing a disaster to the environment.
● Use high-quality, heat-resistant glass jars and bottles to avoid breakage.
● Adding water to the oil lamp can extend its burn time by causing the oil to rise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to drill a hole in a glass bottle to make a lamp?
You can drill a hole by using a nail and a hammer to create an opening at the centre of the bottle’s cap carefully. Ensure you remove the cap from the bottle before drilling it to avoid breaking the bottle.
What is the best oil for a homemade oil lamp?
Olive oil is the best oil for homemade oil lamps. It has a clean burn, produces minimal soot, and is safe to use indoors compared to vegetable oil.