Tiki Tabletop Oil Lamp

The winter nights are drawing in and it's time to bring out the candles. We think this tiki tabletop mason jar creation by Hester van Overbeek is absolutely lovely. Pop it on your window ledge to give off a warming glow, but make sure you fill it with lamp oil to make it safe for indoor use. 

How to make a tiki tabletop torch by Hester van Overbeek

This tiki torch oil lamp makes a great addition to your outdoor table, adding extra light when the sun goes down or bringing atmosphere to a garden party. Even if you have limited table space, there is always a spot for this Mason jar. It creates the perfect centerpiece and brings a welcoming ambience to your backyard and patio. If you don’t have a garden, you can fill the torch with a lamp oil which is safe for indoor use.

You will need

Mason preserving jar, or similar

Drill

Metal cutters

Copper reducing coupling piece (available from the plumbing department of a DIY store)

Copper spray paint

Length of wick, the same thickness as your coupling piece (mine is 1cm)

Lamp oil

To make the lamp 

1. Drill a hole in the lid of the jar large enough fo r the narrow end of the coupling piece to fit through. If you don’t have a large enough drill bit, use metal cutters to make the hole bigger.

2.  Spray paint the lid copper. These jars often co me with a two-part lid, so spray each piece separately. Let dry.

3. Push the narrow end of the coupling piece through the top of the lid.

4. Cut a 20-cm length of wick and push it through the coupling piece. The wick needs to be long enough to lie on the base of the jar and soak up the oil.

5. Fill the jar a quarter full with the lamp oil. Place the wick in the jar and screw the lid closed.

SAFETY TIPS

Don’t place the torch under trees or overhanging branches or near flammable fabrics. Never leave a lit torch unattended, and make sure it is out of the reach of children and pets. Use a candle snuffer to extinguish the flame. Store the jar upright so that the oil does not spill out.

This project is taken from Crafting with Mason Jars and other Glass Containers by Hester van Overbeek

If you make this tiki tabletop oil lamp, then be sure to share it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using tag #MAKEetc - we'd love to see how you get on!