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How many of you have candles that look like this?
I have an entire shelf of them hidden behind picture frames!
So in an effort to declutter and get a little things organized before we decorate for the holidays I decided to take these ugly things and make brand new layered candles.
This was such an easy project to do. I can’t believe I never did this before.
All I needed to get were these wicks from Michael’s and one new glass container. I decided to get a new glass container because it was only $1 and I needed something clean to pour the first candle in. Then you can start cleaning out the old ones and reusing those glass jars.
Step 1: Melt your first candle down completely. I put mine in a pot of boiling water. It only took about 5 minutes for the candle to turn to liquid.
Step 2: Place the new candle wick in your clean jar. I wrapped it around a popsicle stick so it wouldn’t fall over.
Step 3: Pour melted wax into new jar. Let cool completely.
Step 4: Once the first layer of wax was completely hard, I melted the next candle down on the stove and poured it over the first layer. Repeat with one more layer or until your glass container is full.
Step 5: Cut the wick. Burn and enjoy your new candle!!
I tried to combined scents that complimented each other. One candle has a layer of sparkling vanilla, apple spice and toasted cinnamon spice. The other one combined my summer scents: caribbean salsa, strawberry shortcake ad island colada.
Now I’m off to steal I mean collect old candles from my neighbors so I can make more!!
Did I mention how nice your house will smell from melting the wax on the stove? I hope you have fun creating your own upcycled, layered candles.
Regina, basically, the only way to avoid having the ‘dip’ or as you call it ‘tornado’ in the middle of a jar candle is to do a repour. Let the first pour harden, then pour a repour and it will look professional! This is how I did it when I was a candlemaker. You can do it!
I did this and used mason jars…really cute!
As I use up my candles, I throw the wax in an old crockpot that I use just for melting down wax. I have made “new” candles, and have also dipped pinecones and little twigs in there to use as fire starters.
what a great idea! I love candles and burn them all of the time! thanks for sharing and posting!
I have been making these for years! You can also use melted votive,remove the wick save it,after you pour the wax in your container put the wick back in and make large 3 wick candles!
I actually re-used the glass jars and lids for Christmas gifts – I made scented essential oil bath salts and filled the jars. Just put the burned out candle in the freezer overnight, pop the wax out with a butter knife, and clean the jar.
Great idea! I also have some smaller candles that I have received as gifts and this would be great to turn them into bigger candles that I would actually use!
Email your address to me, and I will send you -at no charge-an candle that won’t tunnel-and you wont have to de-clutter ever!
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wow, great idea, and I was just wondering recently, what to do with almost to the bottom candles! Thanks for the easy tutorial! Gonna do it!
PS I’m your newest subscriber! Couldn’t resist, LOVE your blog! found you via pintrest!
That is such a cool idea. Thanks for the tutorial.
What a great idea! Also, if there isn’t enough to melt down, and you want to reuse the glass piece, you can put the candle in the freezer for about an hour, and the wax will pop right out. Then just wash the glass and reuse! If you need to buy more candles, visit my website any time at
http://www.partylite.biz/sites/JillShannon
thanks!!! I learned something new today
I made a candle like this a few days ago, thanks for your info. I also added a few drops of a potpourri oil I have had forever and have not thrown out for some reason. It smells great! I also had my husband stop by Michael’s to get more candle jars for all of the other candles I “NEED” to make. hehe
This is a great way to use up old candles. I’ve used them with my candle making kit.
Awesome idea!
Great great great idea!
This is great!!
What about those candles that are not in a glass container, but just a block of wax wrapped in a plastic cover. How do I melt those?
Thanks!
What a great idea!!
Scentsy is outrageously expensive and not at all attractive in my opinion. I like the flicker of a candle over the bulky cord leading from an electrical outlet
I love this idea. I was just getting ready to declutter my “candle shelf” and was a little disheartened to think of all the waste. I’m so excited to get all “new” candles!