The Easy & Affordable Way To Turn Mason Jars Into Tiki Torches

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Is your backyard feeling a bit lackluster and in need of a refresh? While you can run out and purchase new furniture or make landscaping updates, these types of projects can add up quickly when it comes to the price tag. Instead of having to save up all year to create a peaceful oasis in your yard, there's an affordable DIY that allows you to create glowing tiki torches right from Mason jars. This simple jar upcycle requires crafters to fill the jars with torch fuel and a wick before adding a lid to keep the wick secure.

Much of the simplicity of this Mason jar repurposing project lies in the fact that it only takes a few affordable materials to put these tiki torches together. First, you'll need as many Mason jars as you want tiki torches. You can absolutely reuse ones you have on hand, but stores like Dollar Tree carry Clear Glass Canning Jars with Lids for $1.25 each. Need to make a lot of tiki torches and don't want the hassle of packing them up and taking them home? Amazon carries Accguan Mason Jars with Airtight Lids at $25.99 per case of 15, or roughly $1.73 per jar. The rest of the materials needed include a drill (or screwdriver), torch fluid, wicks, and lids if your upcycle jars are missing theirs.

The first step to this creative project you can DIY in a weekend is to gather the supplies and wash the Mason jars. Next, you'll need to take each jar lid and use a drill to create a small opening for the wick in the top of the jar. It can be helpful to start small and slowly make the opening bigger until you reach the perfect size for the wick to sit snug. Thread the wick through the lid so roughly one inch of the material is exposed. The opposite end of the wick should sit at the bottom of the jar. Fill the jar with citronella torch fluid, roughly two-thirds full, and let the wick soak up some of the liquid before lighting. Attach the lid, and your mini Mason jar tiki torches are ready to illuminate your outdoor space while keeping those pesky bugs away.

If you're looking for ways to customize this DIY or need to get creative with finding replacement lids, there is a simple option. Amazon has a two-pack of Mason Jar Lifestyle Oil Lamp Torch Lids for $19.99, which is not the most affordable option, but does help make the project easier than DIYing the lids. Regardless of how you choose to decorate your outdoor space, having your own tiki torches made from Mason jars allows for endless customization and affordability when it comes to initial materials and refills.