Don't throw away your old, used-up candles! Take an old candle, a pretty container, and a little time, and you have a brand-new upcycled candle. They make beautiful, handcrafted gifts!
Don't you just love Anthropologie? The sights, the smells, and the creative, beautiful designs.
I head straight for the home and kitchen section and just ooh and ahh over every little detail. Sometimes I take pictures so I can enjoy it again later. Is that weird?
So, back to the smells. You know that Anthro smell? Like citrus, flowers, and pure happiness? Well, if you pay close attention and sniff the candles like I do, you'll know the captivating fragrance comes from this candle …
The Capri Blue Volcano Candle is divine. My dear friend Sharon bought me one as a going-away gift when I left my job a long time ago. It's hard for me to splurge on a $30+ candle, but I'll gladly accept one as a gift.
And since it was a special candle, I only burned it for special occasions, like when people came over or when I spent the day crafting at home while Miss A was at preschool. I wanted to enjoy it and not waste it!
I was so sad when it finally burned the last little bit. So sad. I've thought about buying another one many times, but I just haven't gotten around to it. I may need to drop a little hint in Coach's ear. You think? Somebody e-mail him, OK?
There was so much wax left in the jar that I never threw it away. I've been wanting to melt it down and upcycle it for months now. I finally got around to it, and here's how I did it.
I've also learned since then not to burn a candle unless I'm going to burn it long enough to melt the whole top layer. This keeps that build-up on the sides from forming in the first place. But if you're like me and didn't know this, I hope you find this tutorial helpful!
How to Reuse Candle Wax
You'll need:
1. Wick and tabs
2. New candle holder – see where I found my pretty mercury glass one below.
3. Double boiler {or makeshift double boiler, like me}
4. Pen or stick to hold up the wick
What to do with Old Candles
Scoop the wax out with a spoon. This wax is soy-based, so it's easy to get out. Place the wax pieces in the double boiler. I just used a glass bowl sitting on a saucepan with an inch or two of water in the bottom.
Make sure you get the burned pieces out.
I had a little cowgirl making sure I did everything right.
Turn on your burner and let the wax melt.
While the wax is melting, set up your candle holder. Put the tab on the end of the wick. I dripped a little wax in the bottom of the candle holder to keep the tab in place, and I draped the wick over a pen.
Then once the wax was all melted, I just poured it into the holder. Sorry for no pictures of my pouring hot wax. The two-year-old hasn't mastered her photography skills yet.
By the way, the holder is from Target in the candle aisle. I love me some mercury glass! I think it was only $6. Woohoo!
Let the wax dry, and you have a beautiful candle, and you've upcycled an old candle into a new one! {A side benefit of candle-making is that your house smells delicious.}
I also took some used spiced pumpkin and vanilla candles and mixed them together in a pretty little mini mason jar. This would make a perfect gift for a friend, sister, or teacher!
Do you throw out old, used-up candles? Or do you save them, like me, for a perfect upcycle like this one?
