Repurpose: Wax On, Wax Off
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:
- Pour boiling water into the jar – the wax will melt and float to the top.
- Leave overnight to cool.
- Using a butter knife, cut the hardened wax in half and set it aside.
- 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.
- Separate wax into like colours and/or scents.
- Pour 2” of water into the bottom of a saucepan and place a heat-resistant glass bowl inside (double boiler style).
- Put wax in glass bowl and melt it.
- While it melts, prepare your candle holder:
- Attach the wick to the tab.
- Drop tab at bottom of jar.
- Wrap extra wick around a pen and lay pen over the top.
- Pour in melted wax.
- Let sit overnight.
- Trim the wick.
If you have multiple colours, layer the different waxes for a one-of-a-kind candle you can gift or use.