Container candles are a category of poured candles. This type of candle covers a broad spectrum of candles — molded and cast, as well as container. The definition of a container candle is that it is not removed from the mold (container) in which it is poured. It is produced simply by pouring hot wax into a container — and then it is burned in its container.

Many containers can be reused indefinitely, especially those of heavy glass or metal (such as food tins). Since container candles are the simplest and easiest type of candle to make, we will begin our exploration of the art of pouring candles with them.

All About Containers

Container depth is important. Generally speaking, due to the need of the wick for adequate oxygen to burn the candle properly, it's a good idea to select containers no more than 5 or 6 inches tall. Shorter ones — even very small ones — are ideal as they burn well and can be made in quantity and set around different areas of your rooms to give a candlelit feeling to the entire space. For example, baby food jars or other votive-candle size containers can be utilized this way.

Not only jams and jellies, but all sorts of foods come in glass jars suitable for making container candles. These often come in interesting shapes. For example, I ordered by mail some sample all-fruit jam, made in France. The little jars in which the preserves came make adorable containers. Made of heavy glass, they are l½″ in diameter and 2″ tall, and have a charming flared, fluted bottom. (Leave it to the French!)

As you can see, the possibilities are almost endless. Once you become aware of them, you'll notice jars of food that will make excellent and attractive containers, so save them up and you'll have plenty of interesting-looking and original candle containers on hand! The following are some guidelines.