From the page: Glass is a blank canvas

Idea 4

Rustic candle holder or lantern

Easy 30 min

A candle inside glass is one of the oldest lights in the home: before electricity, glass jars protected flames from the wind in houses and boats. Glass is ideal because it diffuses light softly and shields the flame from drafts — and there's also the simple physics that a wide jar keeps the flame steady as the candle consumes the oxygen inside. It's cozy-cabin atmosphere for almost nothing.

What you need

  • The glass jar
  • Candles (pillar or floating)
  • Jute twine, raffia, or leftover yarn
  • White glue or double-sided tape
  • Optional: pebbles or sand at the bottom

How to make it

  1. 1

    Clean and dry the jar very well — any grease makes candle soot stick and stain.

  2. 2

    If the jar is deep, add a layer of sand or pebbles: it keeps the flame away from the bottom and reflects the light too.

  3. 3

    Set the candle in the center, firmly, so it melts evenly.

  4. 4

    Wrap jute twine around the rim or body of the jar with a little glue, creating a rustic detail that contrasts with the transparency.

  5. 5

    Light it and never let it burn all the way down unattended.

Finishing touches

three jars of different heights on a piece of wood make a restaurant-quality centerpiece. A few coffee beans around the candle give off a subtle scent as they warm up.

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