Since wedding planning I have been looking for more ways to use mason jars. Centerpieces from the reception have now found themselves a home throughout our apartment. I want to show you another way to dress up a mason jar! These adorable candle holders were used at our the rehearsal dinner and then given as gifts to those involved (leftovers are also sitting around our apartment!).

Of course I can’t explain how to craft them without the supplies!

• Mason jar (any size)
• Page of an old book (I used a hymnal)
• Homemade mod podge (recipe below)
• Votive candle
• Hot glue gun
• Raffia
• Epsom salt
• Food coloring (of your choice)

Alright let’s get started! First thing to do is fit the page to the jar (figure 1). I ended up being able to use only one page per jar. Depending on the size of jar and book you are using this may differ. Cut the page to the correct size and voila! Step one done.

I went back to elementary school by folding the sheet of paper and cutting half of a heart (figure 2). Of course, you can use any shape you would like that is symmetrical. I chose a heart because it was wedding related.

Time to mod podge! You can use store bought mod podge but homemade works just as well. It is super easy and much cheaper. I actually made it on the spot:

• Elmer’s glue
• Water

Just mix equal amounts together and you have a mod podge like substance. Remember to store it in an air tight container. Now, use an old paint brush to paint a layer of mod podge onto the jar (figure 3).

Place one of the cut pages onto the jar and move it into position. Paint another layer of mod podge on top of the pages to harden them (figure 4). This layer will also help to insure the placement. Let it dry.

Once the mod podge is fully dried, tie a few pieces of rafia in a bow around the neck of the jar (figure 5). I think it adds a nice comfortable touch!

You are now ready to fill the jar. Warm up a hot glue gun and use it to secure a votive candle in the center of the jar. While the glue is hardening you can decide what to do with your Epsom salt. Some of my jars have a red candle and white salt while others have a white candle and red salt. If you choose to color your salt all you need is food coloring. Add drops and mix until you like the color.

As soon as you fill salt around the candle, you have a finished project!

This project has so many simple alterations to make it more personal. You can choose a favorite song sheet, poem, or book. Because I gave mine as gifts, I used a heart I cut out and glued it to the bottom with our initial and date of marriage.

I would love to hear below how you would make it!

Mackenzie Grace

Mackenzie Grace

Mackenzie is a member of the GE Creative Team and is the youngest of the trio of sisters. As a recent graduate in Family Studies, she uses her degree as the wife of a youth pastor and mentors teen girls. She’s a Nebraska girl living through North Dakota winters mostly by crocheting and sipping chai tea.

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