DIY Cranberry Candles

These beautiful, scented DIY Cranberry Candles are the perfect thing to put you in the holiday spirit. They look stunning in your home and also make terrific DIY gifts. Spread the Christmas cheer with the holiday scents inspired by YOU!

I love making Christmas crafts! The holiday season always has me bursting with new ideas for fun and amazing things that I can make by myself or with the kids!

Last year, I shared how to make my DIY Scented Pinecones. Mmmmm, the smell of cinnamon is ultra comforting and makes me want to curl up with a mug of homemade eggnog in front of a roaring fire!

If you love Christmas season crafting, make sure you also check out my DIY Christmas Tree Craft: Paper Straw Ornament, Sparkling Snowflake Soap, and Adorable DIY Rudolph Wood Slice Ornaments. 

Homemade items like these make amazing and personal Thoughtful But Inexpensive Christmas Gifts!

Ingredients Needed For DIY Cranberry Candles Recipe

• Clean, dry glass jars – I recycled by using empty jelly & salsa jars!
• Empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls – save them and have them on hand when you are ready to work on your DIY project
• Wax paper
• Candle wax
• Candle wicks – find them at your local craft store or online
• Essential oil or natural extracts to scent the candles – your choice
• Ribbon, twine, or cord
• Seasonal craft or natural decor – I used tree boughs & cranberries

How To Make DIY Cranberry Candles

If you’ve never made candles before, this is the process. It’s super simple – basically a melt and pour process!

Step 1

Using the empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls, cut them to fit the inside of your jar, level to the top.

Step 2

Wrap each roll with waxed paper and then place them in each jar.

Step 3

Now add the decorations to the inside of the jar on the outside of the paper tube.

Step 4

Next, melt the candle wax as per the instructions on the package.

Step 5

Stir the essential oils or your chosen method of scents directly into the wax.

Step 6

Place one wick into the center of the tube. (It will be best to use some of the skewers to hold the wick into place until the wax sets up.)

Step 7

Once the wax is at the correct temperature, pour carefully into the paper roll all the way up to the top.

Step 8

Allow the candles to cool for a few hours.

Step 9

Trim the wick and light your cranberry candles!

Cranberry Candles Recipe Notes And Tips

• Wax melting and the process will vary depending on type/brand of wax used – follow package directions for best results 

• Use the twine, ribbon or cord to decorate the outside of the jar.

• The wax paper wrapped around the paper roll will help to keep the wax from bleeding and leaking out of the tube so that your decorations on the outside of the tube will stay in tact.

• If you keep the wick trimmed at about 1/4″, the candle will burn more evenly and last longer.

• It is important to remember to NOT use glitter while making these candles. They could be flammable and potentially spark a fire.

Variations Of DIY Cranberry Candles To Try

• You can decorate your candles for any season or holiday simply by changing up the decorations you use. For example, use pink and red flowers and hearts for Valentines, Red, White and Blue Stars for 4th of July or pumpkins, bats or spiders for Halloween.

• Add a combination of oils to create unique scents that represent the things you love. For example, if you love eggnog, use vanilla and nutmeg essential oils to create that delicious eggnog scent. Or if you love the smell of gingerbread, add a combination of ginger, cinnamon bark, clove and nutmeg. Can you say HEAVENLY?

FAQs

Here are some common questions I see readers ask about these DIY Cranberry Candles. If you don’t see your question below, please leave it in the comments so I can answer it!

How much essential oil or natural extract to I add to the wax for the Cranberry Candles?

That would be totally up to you and your preference. If you like stronger-smelling candles, add a few extra drops. If you prefer a weaker scent, use only a few drops.

You may have to experiment with the amounts to find the perfect amount for your taste.

How long will these Cranberry Candles burn?

This will depend on how big of a glass jar you use and how much wax is poured into the jar.

A good rule of thumb to remember would be that a candle with approximately 1 ounce of wax will burn for about 7 – 9 hours.

How long should I wait before I light my DIY Cranberry Candles?

I would recommend waiting at least 24 hours for a paraffin-based candle. You will want to make sure it is set up and solid all the way through from the top to the bottom.

More Fun, Family Friendly DIY Crafts To Try

• DIY Nutella Edible Playdough
• DIY Glow-In-The-Dark Bath Bombs
• Easy Pet Rock Craft
• 5-Minute Non-Toxic Easy Homemade Playdough