Introduction
As the holidays come to an end, many of us are left with leftover candles that we are unsure what to do with. While it may be tempting to throw them away, there are actually plenty of ways to upcycle and repurpose old candles! From turning candle jars into storage containers to creating oil lamps and crafting wax seals, there are a variety of options available for those looking to get creative with their old candles.
Upcycling Old Candles into New Decorative Pieces
One of the most popular ways to repurpose old candles is by transforming them into decorative pieces. With some creativity and imagination, candle jars, holders, and melted wax can all be upcycled into new home decor items.
Turning Candle Jars into Storage Containers
Candle jars can easily be reused as storage containers for small items such as jewelry, coins, paper clips, and more. Simply remove the remaining wax from the jar, clean it out, and use it to store whatever you’d like in a stylish way.
Repurposing Candle Holders
Candle holders can be reused in a variety of ways, such as vases for flowers, planters for succulents, or even as catch-alls for keys and other small items. If the holder is made of glass or ceramic, you can also use it to store pens, pencils, makeup brushes, and other beauty tools.
Creating Home Decor with Melted Wax
Melted wax can be used to create unique home decor pieces such as wax art, wax sculptures, and wax candles. You can even use it to fill small containers to create votive candles. With a little bit of creativity, you can turn your old candles into beautiful pieces of art.
Repurposing Candle Wax for Arts and Crafts
Candle wax can be used for various arts and crafts projects, from making soap to crafting natural wax candles. Here are some ideas for how to use your old candles for creative projects.
Making Homemade Soap
Homemade soap is a great way to repurpose old candles. All you need is a few simple ingredients such as beeswax, essential oils, and shea butter. You can melt the wax, add the other ingredients, pour it into molds, and let it set. Once hardened, you have your own homemade soap.
Crafting Natural Wax Candles
You can also use the wax from old candles to make new ones. Start by melting the wax and adding essential oils for fragrance. Then, pour the mixture into candle molds and allow it to cool and harden. Once complete, you will have your own natural wax candles.
Crafting Wax Seals
Wax seals are a fun way to add a personal touch to cards and letters. To make one, simply melt the wax from your old candles, pour it into a seal mold, and press it onto the paper. You can even use cookie cutters to create shapes such as stars or hearts.
Making a Homemade Candle Wreath
A candle wreath is a great way to decorate your home for the holidays. All you need is a few old candles and some basic supplies. Follow these steps to create your own candle wreath.
Gather Materials
First, gather all the materials you need, including old candles, a foam wreath form, hot glue gun, ribbon, and scissors.
Create a Base
Next, use hot glue to attach the candles to the foam wreath form. Make sure to leave some space between each candle so that they don’t overlap.
Arrange Candles
Once all the candles are attached, arrange them in a pattern that you like. You can also add some ribbon or other decorations to the wreath if desired.
Finishing Touches
Finally, finish off your wreath with a bow or other embellishments. Your homemade candle wreath is now ready to hang up and enjoy!
Creating Scented Sachets with Melted Wax
Scented sachets are a great way to make your home smell nice without using harsh chemicals. To make one, all you need is some melted wax, essential oils, and a few other items.
Gather Materials
Start by gathering all the materials you will need, including old candles, essential oils, molds, twine, and fabric.
Melt Wax
Next, melt the wax from your old candles. Add in a few drops of essential oil to give the wax a pleasant scent.
Pour Wax into Molds
Then, pour the melted wax into molds. Allow the wax to cool and harden before removing it from the molds.
Create Sachets
Once the wax has cooled, place it into a piece of fabric. Secure the fabric with twine. You now have your own scented sachet.
Using Candle Wax to Make Fire Starters
Fire starters are a great way to start a fire quickly and easily. All you need is some melted wax and a few other materials.
Gather Materials
Start by gathering all the materials you will need, including old candles, kindling, paper, and molds.
Melt Wax
Next, melt the wax from your old candles. Be sure to do this in a safe place away from flammable materials.
Add Kindling and Paper
Once the wax has melted, add in some kindling and paper. This will help the fire starter burn longer.
Package Fire Starters
Finally, pour the wax into molds and allow it to cool and harden. Once hardened, package the fire starters in airtight containers. You now have your own homemade fire starters.
Transforming Old Candles into Oil Lamps
Oil lamps are a great way to add ambiance to any room. With some old candles and a few other supplies, you can easily transform your candles into oil lamps.
Gather Materials
Start by gathering all the materials you will need, including old candles, lamp oil, wick, and matches.
Remove Wick
Next, remove the wick from the candle. This will allow the oil to flow freely when lit.
Fill Jar with Oil
Fill the candle jar with lamp oil. Be sure not to fill it too full so that the wick is able to draw up the oil.
Insert Wick
Insert the wick into the oil and allow it to soak up the oil. Make sure that the wick is standing upright.
Light Lamp
Once the wick is saturated, light the lamp. Adjust the height of the wick to control the size of the flame.
Conclusion
Old candles can be upcycled and repurposed in a variety of ways, from turning them into storage containers to creating oil lamps and crafting wax seals. With a little bit of creativity and imagination, you can transform your old candles into something new and exciting. Be sure to follow safety precautions when working with melted wax and always practice caution when lighting oil lamps.
