The Rustic Cinnamon And Oil Candle You Can Make Yourself

If you're an adventurous, creative DIYer, you love sinking your hands into a handmade design project, large or small. Even though, perhaps, you shouldn't take on a big home renovation right now, your creative energy does need to be directed somewhere. So, channel your inner designer and create some decorative magic. We adore this homemade oil candle made with cinnamon and orange slices that looks festive floating in a large mason jar. It creates instant mood lighting for a rustic dinner party, holiday, or anniversary celebration.

This is an incredibly easy project that's relaxing to construct, looks absolutely stunning, and smells wonderful, but it accomplishes more than that. When we add beautiful things to our environment, they affect our mood. A piece of art or some aesthetically pleasing object can actually lower stress, create positive feelings, and improve our sense of well-being. Not a bad result for a project you can whip together in five to 10 minutes — once you've gathered your supplies.

To begin, we recommend getting 32-ounce size mason jars like these from Target. You'll need tap water, cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, pinecones, vegetable oil, an optional essential oil, and a floating wick. Fill your mason jar halfway with water then start adding a pinecone (or a large piece of one), orange slices, and cinnamon sticks. You want to find a balance — don't overcrowd the jar with ingredients but don't underdo it either. Add more water if needed, leaving a couple of inches of room at the top. Top off the water with a quarter inch layer of sunflower, canola, or light-colored olive oil. Adding five or six drops of an essential oil will make this even cozier. For this design, consider using cinnamon oil. Finally, place a floating wick in the oil (we like these on Amazon) and light it.

There are all kinds of oil candles you can create with these instructions. You might use whole mini tangerines or small limes with bunches of pine needles and scent it with orange essential oil. Or, you might fill one jar with only bright red holly berries and their distinctive pointy leaves and add the warmth and comfort of vanilla essential oil. Consider a jar with nothing but polished rose quartz crystals and rose essential oil. Or, you might keep a mason jar with miniature candy canes and peppermint essential oil to freshen the bathroom. The possibilities are seemingly endless.