Repurpose: Wax On, Wax Off

By / Food / February 17th, 2014 / 3

Candles are subtle accents in attractive jars. Unfortunately, no candle is ever completely used – it just becomes hard to light. Instead of burning your knuckles, repurpose the jar and wax.

Remove the remaining wax:

  1. Pour boiling water into the jar – the wax will melt and float to the top.
  2. Leave overnight to cool.
  3. Using a butter knife, cut the hardened wax in half and set it aside.
  4. Wash jar in warm, soapy water.

Here are a few ideas for your new, clean jar:

Vase

Fill a few small, wide jars with water and float a single bloom in each for simple yet elegant accents.

Match Book

Fill with matches and store it with your still-usable candles for an easy-to-find match book.

Memento Box

Sea shells, stones, coins – whatever your collection, store it in the jar and set it proudly on display.

Toiletry Case

Add it to your organized small bathroom – store makeup brushes, lipstick, eye liner, mascara, q-tips and more.

Candle Holder

Yes, a candle holder! Buy a new candle or repurpose the old wax to create your own candle. In addition to the left-over wax, you’ll need wick and tabs, available at most craft stores.

  1. Separate wax into like colours and/or scents.
  2. Pour 2” of water into the bottom of a saucepan and place a heat-resistant glass bowl inside (double boiler style).
  3. Put wax in glass bowl and melt it.
  4. While it melts, prepare your candle holder:
  5. Attach the wick to the tab.
  6. Drop tab at bottom of jar.
  7. Wrap extra wick around a pen and lay pen over the top.
  8. Pour in melted wax.
  9. Let sit overnight.
  10. Trim the wick.

If you have multiple colours, layer the different waxes for a one-of-a-kind candle you can gift or use.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A freelance writer and editor, Lisa Hoekstra loves learning and trying new things. She can be found with her nose in a book or multiple tabs open on her browser as she researches the latest and greatest in the world of food, style and everything in between.

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