Maddie James
Empty candle jars are a cost-effective, attractive, and creative way to decorate your home. With a little imagination, candle jars can be reused all over the house. Whether you're looking to add a decorative touch to your shelves or create a unique storage solution, candle jars offer the perfect opportunity to get crafty. From housing smaller candles or makeshift vases to storing odds and ends or displaying seasonal decorations, the possibilities are endless. So, before you toss those empty candle jars, consider the many ways they can be upcycled and given a second life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reuse for storage | Tea, coffee, pens, pencils, makeup brushes, cotton wool, screws, craft bits, coins, candy, toothbrush and toothpaste, hair elastics, cotton swabs, cotton pads, cotton balls, manicuring items, pet treats, nail polish, lotions, bath bombs, plant pots, vases |
| Reuse as a candle | Fill with sand, glass beads, or coffee beans and add a votive or tea light |
| Reuse as a gift | Fill with hot chocolate powder and mini marshmallows, cookie dough ingredients, or homemade lotions |
| Reuse as decoration | Fill with small, seasonal items such as mini pumpkins, Christmas ornaments, or Easter eggs |
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What You'll Learn
- Use jars as storage for smaller candles, tea or coffee, or cotton swabs
- Make your own body scrub or bath bombs and store them in the jar
- Use the jar as a vase or a pot for a small plant
- Make a gift by filling the jar with treats, hot chocolate powder, or cookie dough ingredients
- Use the jar as a pen or pencil holder
Use jars as storage for smaller candles, tea or coffee, or cotton swabs
Empty candle jars can be used as storage for smaller candles, tea or coffee, or cotton swabs. This is a creative and sustainable way to reuse them.
If you plan to use the jars for tea storage, it is important to ensure that the jars are thoroughly cleaned and free of any wax residue. Tea is highly absorbent and can easily take on moisture, odours, and flavours from its surroundings. To preserve the quality and flavour of your tea, it is best to store it in an opaque container that blocks out light and UV rays. Airtight containers with a tight seal, such as double-lidded metal canisters or jars with odour-free silicone seals, are ideal for keeping tea fresh.
For coffee storage, similar considerations apply. Coffee beans or grounds are also sensitive to light, heat, and moisture, so it is best to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Cotton swabs can also be stored in empty candle jars, adding a decorative touch to your bathroom or vanity area. You can find ceramic jars or containers with lids specifically designed for this purpose, or simply use clean, dry candle jars. If you want to get creative, you can decorate the jars with twine, paint, or fabric to match your interior design theme.
Small tea lights or candles can be stored in empty candle jars, especially if they have a lid. This is a great way to protect the smaller candles from dust and moisture and to ensure they stay intact.
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Make your own body scrub or bath bombs and store them in the jar
Empty candle jars can be reused in a variety of ways, from storing tea or coffee to holding hair ties. One fun way to repurpose your candle jars is to use them to store your own homemade body scrub or bath bombs.
Make your own body scrub
To make your own body scrub, mix one part granulated sugar with two parts coconut oil. Add in some lavender essential oil and pure vanilla extract, or any other essential oils of your choice. You can store this body scrub in an empty candle jar, but be sure to keep it outside of the shower and away from direct sunlight to prevent spoilage. To keep your scrub fresh for up to six months, use an airtight container and consider adding an antioxidant like vitamin E. If you're giving the scrub as a gift, wrap the jar in a beautifully decorated box with tissue paper and a ribbon, or put the jar in a drawstring bag stamped with a personalised design.
Make your own bath bombs
Bath bombs are easy to make and can be stored in empty candle jars. To make them, combine dry ingredients such as baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, and Epsom salt in a bowl. In a separate small jar, stir together wet ingredients such as water, essential oils, and coconut or olive oil. Slowly pour the liquid mixture into the dry mixture, whisking as you go. Once combined, take a small amount in your hand and squeeze it together. You can then shape the mixture using moulds and allow it to dry for 8 hours or overnight. Once dry, you can wrap the bath bombs in plastic wrap and store them in your candle jar until you're ready to use them.
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Use the jar as a vase or a pot for a small plant
If you're looking for a creative way to decorate and reuse your empty candle jars, why not turn them into miniature vases or planters for small plants? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you transform your empty candle jars into beautiful decorative pieces:
Step 1: Removing Wax and Cleaning the Jar
Start by removing any remaining candle wax from the jar. There are several ways to do this: you can place the jar in warm water, light the wick, and wait for the wax to melt, then pour out the liquid wax. Alternatively, you can freeze the jar for a few hours, after which the wax should easily chip out with a knife or similar tool. Another method is to boil water and carefully pour it into the jar. The hot water will melt the wax, and you can then pour out the wax or let it harden before removing it. Remember to be cautious when handling hot water and wax to avoid any accidents.
Step 2: Creating Drainage
Most plants require adequate drainage to thrive. Since drilling holes in glass or ceramic jars can cause them to crack, it's best to create a natural drainage layer at the bottom of the jar. Add a layer of rocks, pebbles, or glass beads to provide a space for excess water to drain and prevent your plant's roots from sitting in waterlogged soil.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Plants
When selecting plants for your upcycled candle jar planters, it's best to choose drought-tolerant plants such as succulents or cacti. These plants don't require frequent watering and will do well in containers without direct drainage holes. Avoid moisture-loving plants that prefer constantly moist soil, as they may not fare well in jars without direct drainage.
Step 4: Planting and Potting
Now it's time to add soil and plants to your jar! Choose a suitable potting mix or soil based on the plant's needs. If your plant requires moist soil, you can pre-wet the soil and allow it to drain before planting. For plants that prefer drier soil, simply fill the jar with soil and proceed with planting. Gently remove your plant from its current container and place it into the jar, adding or adjusting soil as needed.
Step 5: Care and Display
Once your plant is settled in its new jar, provide care according to the plant's specific needs. Display your new miniature planter on a windowsill, shelf, or anywhere that could use a touch of greenery. Don't forget to tag your creations on social media to inspire others!
By following these steps, you can easily transform your empty candle jars into charming vases or planters for small plants. Not only will you add a unique decorative touch to your space, but you'll also reduce waste and give new life to your favourite candle jars.
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Make a gift by filling the jar with treats, hot chocolate powder, or cookie dough ingredients
If you're looking to decorate empty candle jars to give as gifts, filling them with treats, hot chocolate powder, or cookie dough ingredients is a great idea. Here are some detailed and creative ways to do this:
Hot Chocolate Mix
Fill the jar with hot chocolate powder, mini marshmallows, and perhaps a few chocolate chips or crushed candy canes for a festive touch. Tie a wooden spoon to the side of the jar with a festive ribbon, and add a gift tag with instructions for making the perfect cup of hot chocolate. You could even include a small bag of extra treats, like candy canes or marshmallows, to be enjoyed with the drink.
Cookie Dough Mix
Layer the dry cookie dough ingredients in the jar, starting with flour, then sugar, cocoa powder or chocolate chips, and perhaps some crushed nuts or dried fruit. Include a recipe card with instructions on how to mix and bake the cookie dough, with a festive or personalised message on the back. Decorate the jar with a festive ribbon and a cookie-cutter attached with a ribbon, ready for the recipient to use.
Treats for Humans
Fill the jar with colourful candies, chocolates, or other treats. You could layer different coloured sweets or chocolates, or perhaps add some small toys or novelty items, depending on the recipient's preferences. Decorate the jar with a festive bow and a gift tag, or perhaps a small ornament that can be hung on the Christmas tree.
Pet Treats
If your gift is for a furry friend, fill the jar with their favourite treats. You could include a small toy or a personalised label with their name and a photo. Decorate the jar with a paw print ribbon or some fun, pet-themed stickers.
Tea or Coffee
For the tea or coffee lover in your life, fill the jar with their favourite loose-leaf tea or freshly ground coffee beans. Include a small infuser or a bag of filters, and perhaps some instructions for the perfect brew. Decorate the jar with a tea or coffee-themed charm attached to a ribbon, and a personalised label.
These ideas are a fun and creative way to decorate and fill empty candle jars as gifts, providing a unique and thoughtful present for any occasion.
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Use the jar as a pen or pencil holder
Empty candle jars can be used as pen or pencil holders and placed on your desk. You can decorate the jar with paint, scrapbook paper, and Mod Podge to give it a stylish look. If you want to make the jar dishwasher-safe, use a dishwasher-safe decoupage medium. Otherwise, you can lightly clean it with a damp cloth. Remove any labels and thoroughly clean the jar before applying a thin coat of paint to the inside of the glass using a paintbrush. Once dry, seal the jar with a clear enamel spray to protect the decoupage.
You can also use taller candle containers to hold longer items such as pens, pencils, and scissors. These larger jars can add a bit of colour and pattern to your desk or workspace while also serving as a functional storage solution.
If you're looking for a simple and straightforward way to transform a candle jar into a pencil holder, consider removing any labels and thoroughly cleaning the jar. You can then use paint, paper, and Mod Podge to decorate the jar and turn it into a stylish and personalised pencil holder. This is a great way to upcycle a simple jar and give it a new lease of life.
There are various jar pencil holders available for purchase, such as those made from ceramic, wood, or recycled materials. These can be found on websites like Etsy, where you can also find personalised and made-to-order options.
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Frequently asked questions
Empty candle jars can be decorated and used to store a variety of items. You can fill the jars with sand, glass beads, or coffee beans and place a small candle in the middle. You can also use them to store tea or coffee, pens and pencils, spare change, candies, or even as a toothbrush holder.
Candle jars can be decorated and repurposed to give thoughtful gifts. You can fill them with hot chocolate powder, mini marshmallows, or cookie dough ingredients. Tie a nice piece of cloth on top with twine or string for a decorative touch.
Candle jars can be decorated and used as attractive home decor pieces. You can fill them with small, seasonal items such as mini pumpkins, Christmas ornaments, or Easter eggs. They can also be used as vases for flowers or as a simple centerpiece with floating flower heads and candles.
Candle jars can be decorated and used for various crafting and creative projects. You can use them to store craft supplies such as hair elastics, nail polish, or makeup brushes. They can also be used to make new candles by adding wax and a wick, or to store homemade lotions and potions.
