General · Seasonal

How to make Mason Jar Citronella Torches

Summer should is here and what better than to light up those fabulous summer evenings with these brilliantly simple Mason jar citronella torches. They are a great way to add a decorative touch to your patio while keeping bugs at bay. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Materials:

  • Mason jar (any size)
  • Lid with ring
  • Citronella oil (or tiki torch fuel)
  • Wick (thicker wicks are better for outdoor use)
  • Hammer and nail (or drill)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the lid: You’ll need a hole in the lid for the wick. If you’re comfortable using a drill, that’s the easiest option. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the wick to create a clean hole in the center of the lid. Otherwise, you can use a hammer and nail to poke a hole through the center.
  2. Attach the wick: Thread the wick through the hole in the lid from the inside of the jar. You can pinch the wick to help it fit through the hole.
  3. Secure the wick: On the underside of the lid, bend the excess wick into a small hook shape. This will help keep the wick in place. Tighten the lid ring onto the jar to secure the wick.
  4. Fill the jar: Pour citronella oil or tiki torch fuel into the jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
  5. Adjust the wick: Let the wick soak up the oil for a few minutes. Light the wick carefully. You can adjust the length of the wick to control the flame size.

Tips:

  • Use a metal lid for better heat resistance.
  • Look for pre-made lids with holes specifically designed for mason jar torches.
  • Tiki torch fuel burns cleaner and lasts longer than citronella oil, but citronella oil might be more effective at repelling bugs.
  • Be sure to extinguish the flame properly before leaving the torch unattended.

Here are some additional resources that you might find helpful:

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