
There are many ways to repurpose an old candle jar and transform it into a stylish makeup brush holder. Before starting, it is important to clean the jar thoroughly to ensure that any wax residue is removed. This can be done by freezing the jar overnight and using a blunt knife or spoon to carve around the perimeter to loosen the wax's hold. Once the jar is clean, there are several ways to decorate it, including using spray paint, Mod Podge, glitter, or filling it with decorative beads, stones, or craft sand. These simple DIY techniques can turn an old candle jar into a beautiful and functional storage solution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle Type | Any candle jar, including three-wick candles with lids |
| Steps | 1. Burn the candle until it's empty, or freeze overnight to remove excess wax. 2. Clean the jar by wiping away soot with a paper towel and loosening remaining wax with a knife or spoon. 3. Decorate the jar by adding glitter, paint, or other embellishments. 4. Fill the jar with decorative beads, stones, or craft sand, and place your brushes inside. |
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What You'll Learn

Clean out the candle jar
To turn a candle into a brush holder, you'll first need to clean out the candle jar. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing this:
Step 1: Freeze the Candle Jar
Place your burned-out candle jar in the freezer overnight. Freezing the jar will solidify any remaining wax, making it easier to remove. This step is especially important if your candle is infused with oils, as the wax may be tougher to remove.
Step 2: Remove Excess Soot
Once the jar is frozen, remove it from the freezer. Use a paper towel to wipe away any excess soot or residue on the jar. This step ensures that your jar is clean and ready for the next steps.
Step 3: Loosen the Wax
Use a blunt knife or a spoon to carefully carve around the perimeter of the wax. This will help loosen the wax's hold on the sides of the jar, making it easier to remove in one piece. You can also try gently tapping the jar on a hard surface to help dislodge the wax.
Step 4: Remove the Wax
After loosening the wax, it should pop out of the jar fairly easily. If needed, use a knife or spoon to gently lift and pry the wax out. Be careful not to scratch the glass during this process.
Step 5: Clean the Jar
Once the wax is removed, give the jar a final clean. Wash it with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining residue or grease. You can also use rubbing alcohol and cotton balls for this step. Ensure the jar is thoroughly dried before moving on to decorating or using it as a brush holder.
By following these steps, you'll have a clean candle jar that's ready for its new purpose as a brush holder. This process may take some time and effort, but it's worth it to create a stylish and functional storage solution for your brushes.
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Decorate the jar
Decorating your jar is a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your brush holder. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Glitter
Add a touch of sparkle to your jar by coating the inside with Mod Podge and pouring in a generous amount of glitter. Gold glitter is a popular choice for a subtle and classy look, but you can also use chunkier glitter or choose a different colour to suit your style. Just be sure to coat the entire jar before the Mod Podge dries.
Decorative beads, stones, or sand
Fill your jar about three-quarters full with decorative beads, stones, or even craft sand. This will create a fancy and functional display for your makeup brushes. You can also add a little extra wax to the jar to keep the fragrance of your candle.
Spray paint
Transform the look of your jar with a coat of spray paint. First, clean the jar thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol and cotton balls. Once the jar is dry, apply one coat of spray paint. You can then add a finish, such as brown wax or paint, to create a weathered wood look.
Frosted spray paint
For a festive touch, use frosted spray paint to create beautiful lanterns or holiday candle holders. You can even add free graphics or black lace for extra flair.
Antique world maps
Jazz up your jar by decorating it with antique world maps. You can find free printables online and then use Mod Podge to transfer the maps onto your jar or create a wrap-around design.
There are endless ways to decorate your jar and make it your own. Get creative and experiment with different materials and techniques to find the style that suits you best!
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Fill the jar with beads, stones, or sand
Once you have an empty candle jar, you can fill it with decorative beads, stones, or craft sand. You can fill it up to three-quarters of the way to the top. Then, simply stick your makeup brushes and tools inside, brush side up, and you're done! You can also add embellishments to the outside of the candle jar, but the decorative beads, stones, or sand on the inside might be fancy enough on their own.
If you want to get creative, you can fill the jar with different coloured beads, stones, or sand to match your bathroom or bedroom decor. You can also try layering the different colours to create a unique look. If you want to add some extra sparkle, you can use glitter or sequins instead of beads, stones, or sand.
If you're feeling extra crafty, you can also decorate the outside of the jar with paint, glitter, or other embellishments. You can even try adding some personal touches, like stickers or drawings. Just make sure to prepare your glass before painting by washing it with warm soapy water or rubbing alcohol and letting it dry completely.
Filling your old candle jar with beads, stones, or sand is a great way to create a stylish and functional brush holder. It's a simple project that can add a touch of personality and creativity to your space.
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Add brushes and tools
Once you have cleaned out your candle jar, you can add your brushes and tools. If you want to get creative, there are many ways to decorate your jar before adding your brushes. For example, you could fill the jar with decorative beads, stones, or craft sand. You can also add embellishments to the outside of the jar.
If you want to add some vintage flair to your brush holder, you could use frosted spray or brush-on paint. You could also use black lace to create a Halloween-themed holder. Alternatively, fill your jar with glitter. First, add a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to the inside of your candle jar. Then, pour in a generous amount of glitter in the colour of your choice. You could also use gold leaf for a more subtle, classy look.
If you want to add a rustic, natural feel to your brush holder, you could create a twig candle holder using natural materials. You could also use sea glass spray paint to create a unique effect.
For a simple, cost-effective option, you can use spray paint to decorate your candle jar. First, wash the jar in warm, soapy water to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. Then, spray on one coat of paint. Once the paint is dry, use a brush or paper towel to rub on brown wax or paint to create a weathered wood look.
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Display your new brush holder
Now that you've transformed your candle into a brush holder, it's time to display your creation! Here are some ideas for showcasing your new brush holder:
- Vanity or Sink Area: One of the most popular spots to display a brush holder is on your vanity or sink area. This keeps your brushes easily accessible and adds a stylish touch to your daily routine.
- Bathroom Counter: If you have some extra space on your bathroom counter or shelf, consider displaying your brush holder there. It can hold various toiletries and adds a unique touch to your bathroom decor.
- Dresser or Nightstand: If you're using your brush holder for smaller brushes or cosmetics, consider placing it on your dresser or nightstand. This keeps your brushes handy and adds a personal touch to your bedroom decor.
- Shelves or Display Cabinets: If you have open shelves or display cabinets, your brush holder can become a decorative accent piece. Style it alongside other decorative items or keepsakes to create a visually appealing arrangement.
- Inside Your Drawers: While displaying your brush holder openly is appealing, you might prefer to keep it inside a drawer. This option keeps your brushes organised and accessible without taking up surface space.
- Guest Bathroom: If you're particularly proud of your creation, consider displaying it in your guest bathroom. It can hold guest toiletries or decorative items, adding a unique and creative touch to the space.
Remember, when displaying your new brush holder, consider the overall aesthetic of the space and how your holder complements it. You can also experiment with different locations until you find the perfect spot that showcases your creation and keeps your brushes organised and within reach.
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Frequently asked questions
First, burn the candle until it is empty. Then, you can clean the jar by filling it with water and placing it in the freezer overnight. The next day, remove the jar from the freezer and wipe away excess soot with a paper towel. With a blunt knife or spoon, carve around the outside perimeter to loosen the wax's hold on the side of the jar.
You can decorate your candle jar with spray paint, chalk paint, or glass paint. You can also use Mod Podge and glitter to decorate the inside of the jar.
You can fill your candle jar with decorative beads, stones, or craft sand.











































