How To Make A Match Jar With Striker For Decorative Candle Matches
Here’s how to make a match jar with striker for candle matches. These decorative matches in a bottle are convenient and adorable!
To say I’m a candle gal would be quite an understatement. I LOVE MAKING CANDLES. And not just to incorporate them into my decor, but into my routines, as well.
Beginning the day by lighting a candle at my coffee bar before starting my brew, is such a treat! And soaking in a milk bath when the moon rises, isn’t as satisfying without the glow of a candle on my bath tray.
But, almost every time I go to light a candle, I’m hunting for matches or a lighter. Who wants to go rummaging for matches through the kitchen drawers first thing in the morning? Or step out on the back porch in the dark, barefoot and naked, except for your bathrobe, to find the long lighter your husband left by the grill? While your steamy bath water begins to cool, of course.
In an effort to stop this nonsense and keep what I need to enjoy my candles handy, I learned how to make match jars. Now, you can, too!
Keep matches handy throughout your home to enjoy the glow of candlelight, filling your day with the perfect scents with these candle match jars.
Complete with a striker and printable label, they are the perfect solution!
I’ll show how easy it is to pair decorative matches in a bottle with a striker together with your candles. In addition to explaining what matches to use and where to find glass match jars.
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Safety Matches Vs Strike Anywhere Matches: Which Is Best?
When it comes to safety matches versus strike-anywhere matches for match jars there are a few important things to know –
Related To: Candle Containers To Avoid
What Is Best To Use For Match Jars?
I choose safety matches to make match jars. I feel they are safer to have in our home with little hands about. (Our daughter loves to play camping with her friends and I wouldn’t want her getting any ideas.)
However, if you are making match jars to take with you on a camping trip, then, opt for strike-anywhere matches. They are difficult to find, so try an outdoorsman or hardware store.
Safety matches, on the other hand, are easier to find and can bought in a rainbow of colors! Choosing a custom color offers a cute and colorful way to match your candles.
Just look at these options!
What Can I Use As A Striker For Match Jars?
These candle match jars wouldn’t be complete without a striker! What can you use as a striker for safety matches? All you need is match strike paper or better yet, match strike stickers!
(Can’t you strike a match on sandpaper? As I explained earlier, a match will only strike on the surface of sandpaper if it’s the strike-anywhere type.)
These match strike stickers are pre-cut in circles and strips. They are as easy to apply as a sticker, light easily, and last a long time! They work just like the stip on a matchbox.
You can find each in multiple sizes or grab a set that includes something to fit any match jar!
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Where Do I Find Glass Match Jars?
I’ll be honest figuring out what match type to use and something to strike a match on, wasn’t the hardest part of this project. To my surprise, it was finding glass jars that fit matches!
I returned so many jars. BAH! Every jar I found online didn’t include the height of the inside of the jar. They always included the total height with the lid on or the number of ounces it could hold. Neither of which was helpful, in this case.
After months of searching here’s what I found worked. Each of these will create decorative candle match jars, you’ll want out for all to see!
You could also reuse an empty candle jar into a match holder or fill a vintage glass apothecary bottle with matches!
Just save yourself some trouble, and bring the container you’re repurposing to a local hobby or decor store to ensure matches will fit inside.
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How Do You Make Match Jars To Pair With Candles?
If you’re a candle gal, I’m sure you’ll be, all too, happy to end the search for matches. Not to mention, if you’re a candle maker and especially if you make candles to sell then learning to make match jars is right up your alley!
A handmade match jar is the perfect companion to handmade candles. They add a charming appeal to the candlesticks on your dining room sideboard, the candle displayed on your kitchen island, and the candle resting on your coffee table.
Place one wherever you use your candles most often!
I love that you can refill these jars or swap out the color of the matches for each season. Think orange for autumn and teal for summer.
By selecting your match sticks and jar you can create stylish candle matches to compliment any style – modern, farmhouse, chic, or hip.
Take it even further, like I did, and a label! Watch me customize these match jar labels in Canva. You can change the colors, add your business name, or personalize for a gift.
They are way, way too adorable not to gift!
Cute on their own or paired with a candle you can’t ignore the cleverness. So, why not give this easy candle DIY project a try?
Related To: 15 Candle Gift Ideas
Easy DIY Match Jars
If you have trouble finding your matches, skip the clutter and the search by making DIY match jars. No more matchbooks stuffing your junk drawer or big matchboxes cluttering your decor. These homemade candle match jars store your matches right where you need them and double as a striker!
In a quick five minutes, you’ll have matches to last many candlelit baths, evenings, or dinner parties.
Honestly, they are functional home decor at its best!
Here’s What You’ll Need:
With your supplies ready, this video tutorial and follow along with steps below. (Can’t see a video? Try turning off your ad blocker or watching on YouTube.)
How To Make Match Jars With A Striker
1st Print Labels
Customize the printable match jar label with the steps shared in this video. Then insert one sheet of label paper into an inkjet printer. Open your file and select print. The labels come pre-cut, so you don’t have to cut anything.
(Need help? Don’t worry, I recorded a video for printing labels, too.)
2nd Fill Match Jars
Open each match jar. Handwash or wipe the glass clean as needed. Then fill six jars with fifty 2-inch safety matches, tips pointing upward. Screw the bamboo lids on the jars to securely hold the matches.
3rd Apply Striker Stickers
Flip the jars of matches over and peel one striker sticker at a time from the sheet. The adhesive will easily affix and stay put by pressing it into the bottom of a jar. Repeat until added to all six jars.
4th Apply Labels
Place a folded towel on a steady surface. Then lay a single jar on the towel, as seen in the video to apply a label without the jar rolling. Gently press and smooth the label across the jar for good adhesion. Repeat to complete all match jars.
Easy and quick to make with just a few supplies, these DIY match jars are considerably more affordable than those I’ve seen in boutiques. Curate the perfect gift with a handcrafted candle or candle care kit.
Watch for more, I’ll be making a dozen to try out some more styles!
A Word Of Caution:
- handle matches with care
- keep match jars closed and away from flames
- the strikers work the same as matchbox strike zones
- close the jar before striking a match
How To Make Match Jars
Keep matches handy throughout your home to enjoy the glow of candlelight, filling your day with the perfect scents with these DIY candle match jars.
Materials
- 6 round 1-inch striker stickers
- 6 glass jars with bamboo lids
- 300 2-inch safety matches
- 1 sheet of 2-inch round label paper
- Printable match jar labels
Instructions
- Customize the printable match jar label with the steps shared in this video. Then insert one sheet of label paper into an inkjet printer. Open your file and select print.
- Open each match jar. Handwash or wipe the glass clean as needed. Then fill six jars with fifty 2-inch safety 2-inch safety matchesatches, tips pointing upward. Screw the bamboo lids on the jars to securely hold the matches.
- Flip the jars of matches over and peel one striker sticker at a time from the sheet. The adhesive will easily affix and stay put by pressing it into the bottom of a jar. Repeat until added to all six jars.
- Place a folded towel on a steady surface. Then lay a single jar on the towel, as seen in the video to apply a label without the jar rolling. Gently press and smooth the label across the jar for good adhesion. Repeat to complete all match jars.
Notes
A Word Of Caution:
- handle matches with care
- keep match jars closed and away from flames
- the strikers work the same as matchbox strike zones
- close the jar before striking a match
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