Portable Power Outage Candle

Candles have certain advantages* over flashlights when the power goes out. But they're a bit tricky to hold and they can be dangerous if they tip over. Placing the candle in an old mug provides a convenient handle and stable base. This method is so simple it can be made during a power outage, which is what I did last night (all of the pictures are candle or flashlight illuminated as a result).

This project uses two things which seem to accumulate much more quickly than they can be used: candles and mugs. As such the cost will likely be negligible.

Disclaimer: Even though this design has many features that make it safe, candles are still dangerous. Use common sense.

*more fun, radial light, aesthetically pleasing, no batteries, stable light source facilitates reading

Step 1 Gather and Prepare Materials

The materials needed are one candle and one ceramic mug.

Cut the bottom ~1.5" off of a candle and chop into smallish pieces. Place these pieces, wick and all, in the mug.

Comments

[chuckr44]

You can also fill your mug 3/4 of the way with sand, then put your taper candle in it. The sand will stabilize the candle and will not burn.

[Nettiemac]

This is a great idea, thanks for sharing it.