Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
When the power goes out, having a reliable light source is essential. Flashlights are great when you’re searching for something or going from room to room, but most of the time I prefer good old fashioned candlelight, which is why this video caught my eye.
This “Forever Candle” is a simple DIY project that uses just one main ingredient and can burn for up to 72 days when used for 8 hours a day. It’s perfect for blackouts, camping, or off-grid living. Best of all, you can customize it with colors, fragrances, and decorative jars to make it a great gift.
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I found this tutorial on the YouTube channel Survival HT, and it’s too good not to share. You can watch the video below, but I also typed up the instructions.
What You’ll Need
- Vegetable shortening (Crisco or store brand)
- Wide-mouth mason jar (any size works, but larger jars burn longer)
- Wick source (buy a wick or use a small taper candle from the dollar store)
- Microwave-safe container (for melting the shortening)
- Scissors (to trim the wick)
- Optional: Essential oils, candle fragrance oils, vanilla extract, or lamp oils for scent
- Optional: Food coloring or cake dye for color
- Optional: Decorative jar labels or ribbons (for gifts)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Shortening
Scoop vegetable shortening into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals (20–30 seconds at a time) until melted. You don’t have to melt it completely, just enough so it pours easily into the jar.
Step 2: Fill the Jar
Carefully pour the melted shortening into your mason jar. Fill it to just below the jar’s neck.
Step 3: Add Color and Scent (Optional)
If you’re making this as a gift or want it to smell nice, you can add a few drops of essential oils or candle fragrance oils. You can also use vanilla extract or scented lamp oils. For color, stir in food coloring or cake dye.
Step 4: Let It Set
Place the jar in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes so the shortening firms up. It doesn’t need to be rock hard, just solid enough to hold the wick upright.
Step 5: Insert the Wick
Take your small candle or wick and trim it so the wick sticks up about 1 inch above the jar’s surface. Gently push the candle straight down into the center of the shortening.
Step 6: Store and Use
- To store, put the lid on the jar to keep dust out and preserve any fragrance.
- Use for no more than 8 hours a day for maximum lifespan.
- When extinguishing, place the lid on the jar to smother the flame. This traps heat, creates a mild vacuum seal, and keeps the scent fresh.
Burn Time Estimates
- One mason jar candle: ~24 days of light at 8 hours/day.
- One large can of shortening: Enough to make multiple candles totaling 72 days of light.
Why It Lasts So Long
Shortening is essentially solid cooking oil, which burns slowly when used with a wick. In this design, you’re combining elements of both a traditional candle and an oil lamp, which explains the extremely long burn time. If you want to be prepared for a blackout, this is a great thing to have on hand.
Don’t forgot to check out Survival HT for more DIY projects.
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