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Take one box of old candles that are burned too low to light again.
Scrape out the wax.
You can combine similar colors, or mix it up. You can always adjust the color later by adding candle dye if you like.
You might also want to combine similar scents. Since I usually gravitate to “food” scents like apple, vanilla, cinnamon, pumpkin pie, etc, those blend well. (If you’re not recycling from strongly-scented candles, you might need to add more scent as you may “cook” the scent out while re-melting the wax. Add scent at the last minute. The candles I was recycling were strongly-scented, so I didn’t add any more scent. They came out smelling nicely spicy! Like I was baking ten different things in my kitchen at the same time.)
Be sure to separate out all the old wicks and tabs.
Old jars can be repurposed, too. After being scraped out well, they clean up easily with a little hot soapy water.
Re-wick your clean, dry jars. Place salvaged wax in a double boiler and bring to pouring temperature. (See How to Make Container Candles.)
Check out your mystery color. I used a spoon to dip some wax out and let it dry a few minutes so I could see what color it would be when it set up.
I didn’t like it that much, so I added a bit of red candle dye.
That’s more like it!
Pour candles, supporting wicks while candles set up, and topping off as needed. Look at all these virtually free candles!
This is the price I like to pay for Yankee candles.
Along with using repurposed jars, I used some other things from around the house. This is a little toothpick pot that goes with my set of “Texas Wildflower” hand-thrown stoneware.
This making candles thing is dangerous if you’re a candle addict like me. If I keep up at this rate, candles are going to take over my house. There will be candles towering in stacks along the walls, piled on every table, usurping good jam space in my pantry. Clover may have to give up her goat house for candle storage. Maybe there’s some help for this. Some kind of medication. I’m in trouble here!
Love,
Candle-Crazy in West Virginia
P.S. Send matches.
P.P.S. Also see So You Want to Make Candles–Basic Supplies to Get Started and Fun with Container Candles.
Posted by Suzanne McMinn on February 9, 2009
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I can get used candles at garage sales fo next to nothing and make lots of new ones.
I have considered doing this remelting, blending thing with other items, like lipsticks and soap pieces. I never thought of doing it with candles. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
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xo,
Kim
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Kris7
Working hard at http://www.sccworlds.com
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I have another idea for containers for you. I drink irish cream in my coffee every morning. So I have quite the supply of drink glasses as they are two in each 1/5. So I plan on using those for holders.
Now if you get to many of your gorgeous candles, you might give some away for a drawing here.
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I was wondering about where to get a metal pitcher as well so I am glad that you will do a post about supplies.
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wick up while pouring.
Also, should smaller containers be used to hold the candle?
I tried to repour in it’s original glass jar and can’t find the wick inside. I’ll have to start all over now.
Dee
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I did this years ago with a girlfriend and we had SO much fun doing it. Reading this reminded me of just how fun it was. Thank you.
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jojo
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Thanks!!
Keep the precious pics coming!
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My favourite way to recycle candles is using an “Everlasting Garden Candle” .
This is a metal cylinder filled with paraffin and an everlasting wick. You can put it in a bowl and add old candle stumps. They will melt and feed the candle. You can add more leftover candle stumps when the level in the bowl gets too low.
It looks great on a summer evening on your table.
Regards, Maria
Oh, you can find them here: http://shop.ebay.com/smarter_deals/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686
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