DIY Candle Containers: Upcycling Ideas

Have you ever gazed at a half-burnt candle and wondered what to do with that leftover wax? Or found yourself holding a beautiful but empty container and thought it deserved a second life? Well, wonder no more! Upcycling old items into charming DIY candle containers is a delightful and sustainable way to breathe new life into your home decor. Let’s dive into the world of creative candle containers, where your trash becomes treasure and your home is filled with the cozy glow of homemade candles.

Why Upcycle?

Before we jump into the fun part, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of upcycling. Upcycling is all about transforming unwanted items into something useful and beautiful. It’s not just recycling; it’s taking creativity to the next level. Here are a few reasons why upcycling should be your new favorite hobby:

Environmental Impact: By reusing items, you reduce waste and the demand for new resources.
Cost-Effective: Upcycling can save you money. Why buy new when you can create something unique from what you already have?
Personalized Decor: Each upcycled item is unique, adding a personalized touch to your home.
Satisfaction: There’s a special kind of joy in creating something with your own hands, especially when it turns out beautifully.

Getting Started: Essential Supplies

To kick off your DIY candle container adventure, you’ll need a few basic supplies:

Old Candles or Wax: Gather those half-used candles or buy some wax flakes.
Wicks: Choose wicks suitable for the size of your container.
Double Boiler: For safely melting wax.
Containers: This is where creativity shines! We’ll explore different options below.
Fragrance Oils: Optional, but who doesn’t love a nicely scented candle?
Color Dyes: Add a splash of color if you like.
Glue Dots: To secure the wick at the bottom of the container.
Thermometer: Ensures the wax is at the right pouring temperature.

Now, let’s get those creative juices flowing with some fabulous upcycling ideas for your DIY candle containers!

1. Tea Cups and Coffee Mugs

Who doesn’t have a stray tea cup or coffee mug lying around? These make fantastic candle containers and add a charming, vintage vibe to any space.

Find Your Cup: Raid your cupboards or visit a thrift store.
Prep Your Wick: Use a glue dot to secure the wick at the bottom.
Melt and Pour: Melt your wax, add fragrance or dye if desired, and pour into the cup.
Set and Trim: Let the candle set, then trim the wick.

Pro Tip: Mix and match different mugs for a quirky, eclectic collection.

2. Mason Jars

Mason jars are the darling of the DIY world, and for a good reason. They’re versatile, stylish, and perfect for candles.

Clean and Prep: Make sure your jars are clean and dry.
Secure the Wick: Glue the wick to the bottom of the jar.
Customize: Add embellishments like twine, labels, or paint for a personalized touch.
Pour and Set: Pour the melted wax and let it set. Trim the wick to about ¼ inch.

Fun Idea: Use different sizes of mason jars to create a lovely display.

3. Tin Cans

Don’t throw away those tin cans from your kitchen! They can be transformed into rustic, industrial-chic candle holders.

Remove Labels and Clean: Wash the cans thoroughly.
Wick It: Secure the wick at the bottom.
Melt and Pour: Pour the melted wax into the can.
Decorate: Paint the cans or wrap them with burlap for a rustic look.

Pro Tip: Punch holes in the cans to create a lantern effect when the candle is lit.

4. Wine Bottles

Wine bottles can be cut and repurposed into elegant candle containers. This one takes a bit more effort but the results are stunning.

Safety First: Use a glass cutter and safety gear to cut the bottle.
Smooth the Edges: Sand down the edges to avoid cuts.
Wick and Pour: Secure the wick and pour the wax.
Decorate: Add ribbon, paint, or etch designs into the glass.

Interesting Idea: Create a set with different colored wine bottles for a colorful display.

5. Shells

For a beachy, coastal vibe, large shells make unique and beautiful candle containers.

Clean the Shells: Make sure they’re free of sand and debris.
Secure the Wick: This can be tricky; you might need to use putty to keep the wick upright.
Melt and Pour: Pour the melted wax carefully into the shell.
Set and Enjoy: Let it set and trim the wick.

Pro Tip: Use shells collected from your own beach trips for a personal touch.

6. Vintage Tins

Those pretty tins that once held cookies or tea can be given a new life as candles.

Clean and Prep: Make sure the tin is clean and dry.
Wick It: Glue the wick to the bottom.
Pour and Set: Pour the wax and let it set.
Decorate: Add labels or embellishments if desired.

Fun Idea: Use tins with nostalgic designs to add a touch of whimsy.

7. Flower Pots

Small terracotta pots aren’t just for plants. They make fantastic, rustic candle containers.

Clean and Dry: Make sure the pot is clean.
Seal the Bottom: Use a sealant to ensure no wax leaks out.
Wick and Pour: Secure the wick and pour the wax.
Decorate: Paint or wrap the pot with fabric.

Pro Tip: Use different sizes and colors for a garden-inspired candle collection.

8. Citrus Rinds

For a fresh, natural look, citrus rinds can be used as temporary candle containers.

Cut and Scoop: Cut the citrus in half and scoop out the inside.
Secure the Wick: Use a toothpick to hold the wick in place.
Melt and Pour: Pour the melted wax into the rind.
Enjoy: These are great for short-term use and add a delightful fragrance.

Fun Idea: Use different citrus fruits for a variety of shapes and scents.

Candle-Making Tips

Before you get started, here are a few tips to ensure your candle-making journey is smooth and enjoyable:

Temperature Matters: Pour wax at the right temperature (usually around 130-140°F) to avoid cracking.
Fragrance Ratio: Use about 1 ounce of fragrance per pound of wax for a balanced scent.
Test Burn: Always do a test burn to ensure the wick is the right size for the container.
Safety First: Never leave melting wax unattended and be cautious with hot wax.

Conclusion

Upcycling old items into DIY candle containers is a fun and rewarding way to decorate your home while being kind to the environment. From tea cups to tin cans, the possibilities are endless, and each project brings a unique charm to your space. So next time you find yourself with an empty container or leftover wax, let your creativity shine and create something beautiful and useful.

Have you tried upcycling for your DIY projects before? What’s your favorite item to repurpose? Share your thoughts and creations with us. Let’s light up the world, one candle at a time!

Also Read: OFFNOVA Candle Wax Melter Review – Handmade Candles (candlecreating.com)