Reviving Light Into Your Forgotten Candles

We all do it, even the most organized amongst us. We have an item (or a few) we have not or barely used that we save for the “just in case I might need it” situations. For me, it’s six white candles purchased in 2011 that were used once in October of 2012 during a power outage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

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I’ve moved five times (for career opportunities) since I purchased these once used candles and yet they are still with me.  I only recently came across them while I was packing to move and I thought to myself “maybe I will find a place for them in the new home”.   But if I am being honest, I know they will just end up in a storage box again.  So I knew it was time to repurpose them from plain old candles into something new!

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First, I took a trip to Dollar Tree and picked up a few $1 glass bowls.

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Then I made a quick stop at Target for laundry detergent but passed their crafting section and you know how that goes.  It is nearly impossible to leave Target with only the items you thought you came for but it was a win-win because I was able to pick up the supplies I needed.

Supplies:

  • Glitter – Got extra glitter for future projects because who doesn’t need extra glitter?!
  • Mod Podge glue
  • Painter’s tape
  • Brushes 
  • Acrylic clear sealing spray (already had this at home)
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Not Pictured: Acrylic Clear Sealing Spray

Now it was time to start!

Glitter Glass Bowl Instructions:

  1. Wash off glass bowls and use painter’s tape to mask off areas that should not be glittered.
  2. Use foam brushes to apply Mod Pudge glue to bowl.  Be sure to apply an even coat of glue to avoid clumping. 
  3. Sprinkle glitter onto the glued area (Tip: put a container under where you will be sprinkling the glitter to save any excess).
  4. Once applied, use bristle brush to lightly pat glitter into the glue.  Add additional glitter if needed.
  5. Let dry.
  6. Once dry, spray with Acrylic clear sealing spray. Let dry again. 

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Wax Candle Instructions: 

  1. Clean off candles you are going to melt down.If you do not have any old candles, you can always purchase packs of candles at Dollar Tree.
  2. Use a Double Boiler to melt wax.I didn’t have a double boiler so I used one pan and one pot to make my own and it worked perfectly!  Add water to the pan and insert the pot – bring water to a boil.  
  3. Add candles to the pot to melt.I added the candles one at at time.
    • Be sure to carefully remove the wick and place aside to be used later for the new DIY candles.
    • As the wax melts, the color might change but do not worry. As the wax dries it will return back to the original color.
  4. Cut wick to desired length and place the wick in the glass bowl.  Center it as best you can and secure in place with a spoon (or similar item).
  5. Once melted, carefully pour wax into glass bowls.I used a glass measuring cup.
  6. Optional Step – Add drops of your favorite essential oil scent.I used Lavender from Young Living – approximately 20 drops in each bowl.
  7. Let Dry then Enjoy your new Decor!

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As Always, Live Creatively – Xoxo Joyce