DIY Mason Jar Citronella Lavender Candle- A Cultivated Nest

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I love being outdoors. However, I don’t love bugs. But for some reason, the bugs love me! I can be standing with a group of people, and I’ll be the only one swatting the mosquitoes away! So with summer starting to really heat up, I decided I had to do something different this year. I considered buying some commercial citronella candles, but I always wonder how much of those are actually citronella and how much are unnecessary added chemicals. So to play it safe, save money, plus get some cute looking candles, I made my own! Here’s how to make your own DIY Mason Jar Citronella Lavender Candle!

The scent of these DIY Mason jar citronella candles is light and pleasant. Although my hubby doesn’t like citronella, he likes this candle! It’s probably because the other essential oils help even out the scent. So not only can you make a pretty DIY Mason jar citronella candle, but it also will smell better than anything you can get in a store (while still being effective)!

DIY Mason Jar Citronella Lavender Candle

Makes 2 candles

Materials

5 cups soy wax flakes or beeswax pellets (beeswax is the healthiest candle wax, but I chose to use up a bag of soy wax flaxes that I had)
2 pint size Mason jars
(2) 8” waxed wicks
Hot glue gun
2 clothespins
Purple candle coloring (I actually used a purple soap colorant I had left over from another DIY, but it worked fine for my candles)
15-20 drops of citronella essential oil
15-20 drops lavender essential oil
15-20 drops peppermint essential oil
15-20 drops lemongrass essential oil

Instructions

1. Place a drop of glue on the end of your wick and place in the center of the bottom of the mason jar. You may need to use a chop stick or the end of a wooden spoon to press it down.

2. Thread the wick through the metal hole in the middle of the clothespin.

3. Using a microwave safe bowl or glass measuring cup, melt one cup of wax in your microwave at 45 second intervals two times. Add second cup of wax and continue to melt at 45 second intervals until completely melted.

3. Add the essential oils to the wax.

4. Add the coloring and stir to combine. Add more coloring until you achieve the shade of purple you want.

5. Gently pour the wax evenly into each of the Mason jars. Allow to harden overnight.

6. Clip your wick, leaving enough to light your candle.

7. You can decorate your DIY Mason jar citronella candle with a pretty ribbon, twine, or even a decorative printable!

To be safe, only burn this candle outdoors. Some people feel that you can burn homemade citronella candles inside, but even though it’s natural and non-toxic, that doesn’t mean citronlla is 100% safe. In particular, you’re not supposed to directly inhale citronella oil (it can damage your lungs). Plus, many citronella oils contain at least a little methyleugenol, which is thought to be a carcinogen. So to be on the safe side, I always treat my DIY citronella candles like commercial candles and say “for outdoor use only!”