This simple craft is perfect for summertime and can make for pretty outdoor centerpieces for a backyard get-together. I first discovered this idea on Nest of Posies blog and knew I had to try it. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at my local grocery stores, plus I used fresh herbs from my garden!
Summer Citronella Candles
• Mason jars
• Floating candles
• Lemons and limes
• Citronella essential oil (I found mine at Whole Foods)
• Fresh herbs
• Twine or ribbon
To assemble my candles, I first sliced up the lemons and limes. The fruit will float in the jar, so I recommend adding them in last. Place your fresh herbs in each jar (I used rosemary, lemon thyme, lavender and chamomile from my garden). Fill the jar about half way with water and add about 10 drops of citronella oil to the herb and water mixture. Next, add in the sliced citrus and fill the jar the rest of the way up with water. Finally I added the floating candle and tied a piece of twine around each jar.
Place one or two candles at each table of your next outdoor party!
So in love with this! Super creative. -xo
Thanks Joanna!
Where did you get the awesome mason jars?
Hi Gen! I found the green mason jars at my local Fred Meyer. I’ve also seen them at Michael’s. You can order them online through our Amazon store too! http://astore.amazon.com/adveinmaki-20/detail/B00H40COY4
Thanks,
Rachel
These are very pretty but do they actually keep the bugs away? Would a few drops of Citronella oil in a jar of water do the same thing? Curious about what the fruit & herbs do (besides look nice). Thanks!
Hi Kala,
Yes, from my experience these candles do help keep the bugs away! Although mosquitos LOVE me, so I will usually put the citronella oil on my skin as well just to be safe. The candle floating in the water helps to warm the oil and make it more fragrant. Plus, bugs dislike citrus, and herbs like peppermint, lavender, and lemon balm. Check out this post for more info: http://gerson.org/gerpress/6-herbs-that-naturally-repel-mosquitoes-and-fleas/
These are the prettiest citronella candles ever! I would love to link to your project in an upcoming Daily DIY if you didn’t mind!
Yes we would love that! Thanks so much Rachel
Hey hey, I love these and want to try for gifts over the summer. Im just wondering though, how long do they keep with the fruit and herbs??
Thanks
Hi Dani, because the fruit is fresh, it’s best to use the candles right away. You could maybe put it together as a kit for someone to make themselves?