Recycled Candle Jars

I had a bunch of good candles where the wicks had refused to stay lit, so it was time to make some recycled candles. A local restaurant gave me one of their large cans (those really big ones we sometimes see in groceries). After cleaning and flattening the top, just enough to make a "spout", this became my "candle catch-all". I tossed in my candles, wicks and all, including the leftovers from the little tea candles. Those emptied tea candle holders became the "anchors" for my new candles.To make the anchors, poke a small hole (careful, it's only aluminum foil and punctures easily), in the tealight "cup", pull some wick through the hole, far enough for your purposes, then flatten the little holder all around the wick. I did purchase wick at a local hobby store; be sure to read the details about how each size should be used, mine cost $2.49 for 18 feet.

Cut the wick to the length you need. My new candle holders are glass jars from jam, mustard, etc., cleaned and labels removed (WD-40 is great for removing glue residue). They must be sturdy enough to hold melted wax - no fragile glass here. I heat the candle "stew" enough to liquefy the wax, though it is not necessary to heat to an extremely high degree. After positioning my anchor, I pour the melted wax into the jar (have newspaper all around to catch any little drips). Looping the extra wick over a pencil, centered over the jar, will stabilize the wick until the candle is set.

Candle center will tend to need to be filled in as candle cools. I made some last evening, and they are burning well this morning.

By VBartlett from Columbus, IN