How to Make Your Own Jar Oil Lamp

Mason jars can be used to create unique, working jar oil lamps. These lamps can provide reading light, and may burn for up to 8 hours. Construction of a jar oil lamp can be completed in about 1 hour. Jars can easily be customized to add a charming look to any room.

Things You'll Need

• Mason jar
• Nail
• Hammer
• Old cotton sock
• Scissors
• Potpourri
• Paraffin oil

Instructions

1. Ensure the lid is tightly screwed onto the Mason jar. Place a nail in the center of the lid, and use a hammer to punch it through. Remove the nail and unscrew the lid from the jar.

2. Cut a small, wick-size strip from the cotton sock using a pair of scissors. Pull the sock wick up through the underside of the lid until about 1/4 inch is protruding through the hole in the lid.

3. Cut the end of the sock wick off so it dangles just above the bottom of the jar when the lid is secured. Remove the lid, and hover it above the opening of the jar so that the wick is still dangling inside.

4. Fill the jar 3/4 of the way full with potpourri while hovering the wicked lid above the opening. This will ensure that the wick is on the bottom of the jar and not sitting on top of the potpourri.

5. Fill the jar with paraffin oil. Allow the jar oil lamp to sit over night. This will allow the oil to absorb the aroma of the potpourri, and also allow the sock wick to absorb the oil. Once the oil lamp is lit, it will burn for 6 to 8 hours, or until it runs out of oil.

Tips & Warnings

• Other decorations such as leaves and pine cones can be used instead of potpourri. Change the decorations with foliage from the season to make a unique look year round.

• Ensure the sock is 100 percent cotton. Any other materials will cause the sock wick to produce smoke that is potentially noxious.