I had a couple of 3-wick candles which basically just had the edges left. I couldn’t bring myself to throw them away, because, when you get right down to it, those edges still have quite a bit of usable wax.
Over the past few years, I’ve collected a couple of etched drinking glasses and small floral vases. It occurred to me that I could totally use the containers, left-over wax, and some new wicks I had sitting in my craft closet to make new, smaller candles. I plan on giving the new candles away as gifts this year.
If you want to give it a try, you’ll need:
- Used candles or purchased wax
- Wicks
- Old jars, vases, etc.
- An old saucepan {thrift stores have these for pennies}
- A pencil or chopstick
Directions:
Start by removing your wax from your old candle. Break the wax up into smaller bits using a butter knife. Melt your wax in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring constantly.
Once the wax is completely melted, you’ll want to prepare your container by placing a dollop of wax in the bottom center of the container. Stick the base of your wick into the dollop–the melted wax will help to hold your wick in place.
Then, secure the top of the wick to a pencil or chopstick {you can use tape, if needed to secure it} and lay it over the top of the container {this will ensure your wick stays in place as you pour the wax}. Pour your wax into the container and allow it to set completely.
Then, remove the pencil from the wick, and you have yourself a new, completely usable candle.
I don’t know about you, but I think this is a way better option than tossing candles into the garbage without getting all of their use.
Keep Calm and Save On!
~Mavis
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Teresa Young says
Perfect timing! I found several taper candles that I never use – I was going to put them in a yard sale, but I think I will remelt them into container candle like these. One of the tapers was cracked & I tossed it, so I had to go dig it out of the trash 🙂
Wendy Panozzo says
I love it! I am so going to do this! Hand made gifts that are repurposed too.
Karin C says
I burn a ton of candles/tea lights . I have been remaking tea lights for years, very easy I save the tea light cups , the ones I use are usually in plastic cups, I buy the wick and clip from either eBay or craft store.
Claire says
I do this all the time, Mavis… I usually pick up some candles when they go on clearance after holidays, and then I burn them like normal. When they are spent, though, I just fill my crockpot with an inch or two of water and set the mostly dead candle in it. After the wax has melted, I pull out the rest of the old wick with a spoon. Then I pull the candle out, set a new wick in the melted wax, and let the wax harden. If I have other candles melted along with this one (I can do four or five at a time in my crockpot), I let each layer harden before pouring on the next bit of melted wax. Meanwhile, the house smells amazing! The benefit of layers with scents is that the scent changes as you burn through the new candle. I only do warm colors with warm colors (and white), and cool colors with cool ones, so I don’t end up with brown leftover wax when the next time comes to make new candles. I combine candles with my 11yo…it’s a great reuse!
Claire says
Oh, point of Claire-ification (because I can be confusing)…when putting candles in the crock pot, put them in in their original glass containers or a canning jar… You’re basically making a double boiler. After, be sure to give it a good scrub with HOT HOT water – I pour boiling water in, let it sit, and dump it twice before scrubbing, to make sure any potential residual wax is G-O-N-E.
Amy says
At my house, we pour the melted wax over cardboard egg cartons filled with sawdust to make fire starters. Allow to cool and cut apart. Makes great gifts.
Carla Edwards says
Great idea!
Alli says
We ha e been doing something like this too with a candle warmer I found at a thrift store. I love that there is no mess because I can melt them in their original container and then transfer them in to anything I want. I also use it to melt the candles a bit before I burn them so I can enjoy the scents longer!
Emily says
These are beautiful! They will make very expensive looking gifts.
Stacey says
I really love this idea. Is there any concern about what glass containers to use? I was wondering if they have to be fire-safe or something along that line of thinking.
Irma from Jersey says
Check with your local houses of worship. A few years back my church had a little blurb in the bulletin about left over candles that were available for anyone who wanted them… all they needed to do was call the church office.
Marsha says
I’ve done this for a few years, with only a slight difference- I use one-off, fancy china teacups for the “new” candle containers. I pick up the cups, usually with matching saucers, for next to nothing at thrift stores and garage sales.
Deborah says
I use cotton pads for face cleaning (new), and put melted wax on them for fire starters. I also repurpose used candles. Love them. If you want scented ones, get some candle scent. I use mine for when the lights go off, so they aren’t scented. I have some scented wax that I use.