Fresh flowers should last up to 1 week in the jar.
You don’t have to use all 3 types of citrus fruit. You can use just 1 or 2 types of citrus fruit. For more color and fragrance, add some herbs, such as rosemary sprigs, star anise, cloves, or cinnamon sticks. Fresh herbs and fruit slices will last up to 1 week in the water. [4] X Research source
For an elegant scene, use sand, 1 to 2 shells, and a small aquarium plant or sprig of rosemary.
For some reason, waxed wicks and cotton wicks don’t seem to work very well for this type of candle. Stick with birthday candle wicks. [6] X Research source If you are able to find floating wicks online or in a store, you can use those instead and skip this section. They are floating metal disks with wicks inside of them.
Great types of cooking oil to use include: canola, olive, and sunflower. You should use the same type of oil later on when you go to assemble your candle.
If you are using a plastic bottle, cut the circle from the domed part. This will create a shallow cup and help it float better.
The hole must be centered, otherwise the wick may not stand upright. [11] X Research source
If you cut the circle from a plastic bottle, the shorter end should be sticking out of the domed part of the circle; the longer end should be sticking out of the cupped part.
Most jars will require 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 milliliters) of oil. [15] X Research source About 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of oil will burn for up to 2 hours. [16] X Research source Lamp oil is more expensive, but it comes in many different colors, which can be helpful, especially if you tinted the water.
Make sure that there are no open windows or vents near the candle.
Reduce smoke by trimming the wick to 1⁄8 to 1⁄4 inch (0. 32 to 0. 64 cm)
