Creative Ways To Reuse Bath And Body Candle Jars

what to do with bath and body candle jars

There are many ways to repurpose empty candle jars from Bath & Body Works. You can use them for storage, such as for craft supplies, bathroom supplies, or pantry items. They can also be used as vases or pots for plants, especially for small cacti and succulents. To create decorative pieces, you can fill the jars with glitter, water, and glue, or adorn them with paint, ribbons, or twine. Alternatively, you can use them as luminaries by placing candles or essential oils inside.

What to do with Bath and Body candle jars

Characteristics Values
Storage Small bathroom supplies, beauty products, craft supplies, pantry storage, hair accessories, paintbrushes, washi tape, decorative sand and rocks, etc.
Decoration Paint, add glitter, adorn, add gold ribbon, wrap jute twine around the rim, add pebbles, hang from a branch or awning, etc.
Display Use as a vase for fresh flowers, fill with potpourri, place a votive candle inside and use as a luminary, etc.
Other Use as a pot for cacti and other succulents, use lids as coasters, use as containers for edibles

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Use jars for storage

Jars are a versatile storage option for a variety of items. You can use your old candle jars to store craft supplies, such as washi tape, keeping them organised and easily accessible.

You can also use jars for storing dry food items such as tea, coffee, sugar, pasta, and homemade jams. Glass jars with airtight lids are perfect for this purpose, keeping your perishables fresh and reducing the need for disposable plastic containers. Filling jars with food items also adds a personal touch to your kitchen and makes it easier to see what needs to be restocked.

Decorative jars can be used for storing small items like jewellery, hair accessories, or trinkets. You can embellish your candle jars with paint, glitter, or twine to create unique storage containers that add a rustic charm to your space.

Additionally, you can use your jars for storing potpourri made from dried flowers, orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. This allows you to enjoy the fragrance in any room and even give homemade potpourri as a thoughtful gift.

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Make a vase

Old candle jars can be reused to make beautiful vases and candle holders. Here is a simple way to make a vase using a Bath and Body Works candle jar:

Step 1: Clean the Jar

Ensure that the candle jar is empty and clean. Remove any leftover wax or residue from the jar before reusing it.

Step 2: Decorate the Jar (Optional)

You can decorate the jar to give it a personal touch. Consider painting the jar with a design or colour of your choice. You can also embellish it with glitter, ribbons, twine, or other crafty items. Be creative and make it unique!

Step 3: Add Filler (Optional)

If you plan to use the vase for fresh flowers, consider adding water and a small amount of flower food or preservative to help the flowers last longer. Alternatively, you can fill the jar with pebbles, sand, or other decorative fillers to create a base for artificial flowers or greenery.

Step 4: Arrange Flowers or Greenery

Now it's time to add your flowers or greenery. Fresh flowers or herbs from your garden will bring a natural and refreshing look to your vase. You can also use artificial flowers or dried flowers for a long-lasting arrangement. Arrange the flowers or greenery in a way that pleases you aesthetically.

Step 5: Display Your Vase

Place your new vase on a table, shelf, or any other surface that could use a touch of decor. You can also use it as a centrepiece for a dining table or a holiday decoration. Enjoy your handmade creation and consider making more to give as thoughtful gifts!

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Create a luminary

Luminaries are a fun way to repurpose your old candle jars and can be used as decorations for holidays, weddings, and home decor. Here are some ways to create luminaries using your empty Bath and Body Works candle jars:

Epsom Salt Luminaries

Epsom salt luminaries are a fun and festive option to create a snowy, frosted effect on your candle jars. First, clean the jar and apply a layer of Mod Podge or clear-drying glue on the outside. While the glue is still wet, roll the jar in a dish of Epsom salt and let it dry completely. Finally, place a battery-operated candle or tea light inside and you've got yourself a sparkling winter luminary!

Holiday-themed Luminaries

You can paint your jars with holiday-themed designs and place a votive candle inside. For Halloween, paint your jars with orange and black patterns or create jack-o-lantern faces. You can also add mini bat or pumpkin accents to the jar using stickers or cutouts. For Easter, use pastel-coloured paint paired with delicate lace for a softer look. You can also add small decorative eggs or floral embellishments. For Christmas, create a cozy winter scene by cutting out a tree-shaped stencil and sponging paint onto the jar. Add a layer of faux snow or glitter for a frosty effect.

Fabric Luminaries

Wrap a strip of burlap, fabric, or lace around the jar, making sure it fits snugly. You can alternate patterns or use layered fabrics to create a textured look. Add a ribbon or twine by wrapping it around the jar and tying it into a bow or a simple knot. Place a battery-operated candle or tea light inside the jar and your luminary is ready!

Hanging Luminaries

Hot glue jute twine around the rim of the jar, wrapping it around two or three times. Tie a length of twine to create a loop at the top. Place small pebbles inside the jar, if desired, and set some tea light candles in the jars. Hang your luminary from a branch or awning to dress up your patio or backyard!

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Use as plant pots

Used candle jars can be reused as plant pots, but first, you need to remove the remaining candle wax. Here is a step-by-step process to transform your candle jars into plant pots:

Removing the wax

  • Place the candle jar in warm water or light the wick, wait for the wax to melt, and pour out the excess wax.
  • To skip the mess of dealing with melted wax, put the candle jar in the freezer for a few hours. Once the wax has set, it should easily chip out with a knife or similar tool.
  • Alternatively, bring a pot of water to a boil and pour the boiling water into the jar. After an hour, the wax will have floated to the surface, and you can remove it. Repeat this process if necessary, and then wash the jar with soap and water.

Preparing the jar for planting

  • If your plant requires drainage, you can drill a hole through the bottom of the jar using a glass/tile drill bit. However, be aware that if the jar is made of ceramic or glass, it may crack.
  • Instead, you can fill the bottom of the jar with pebbles, rocks, or glass beads to create a space for water to drain. This is especially important if you are planting moisture-loving plants.

Planting

  • Depending on the plant, you can pre-wet the soil, allowing it to fully drain for plants that require moist soil.
  • If your plant of choice prefers drier soil, you can plant it directly.
  • Proceed with normal care as determined by your plant's needs.

Small plants such as cacti and succulents are ideal for this project, as they are easy to care for and affordable to obtain.

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Make a glitter jar

Making a glitter jar is a fun activity that can help calm you down when you're feeling stressed. It's also a great way to upcycle old candle jars and give them a new lease of life. Here's a step-by-step guide to making your own glitter jar:

Prepare the Jar

Start by rinsing out your Bath and Body Works candle jar with hot tap water. This is an important step to prevent the glass from cracking or shattering when you add the hot water in the next step.

Add Hot Water

Fill the jar with hot (not boiling) water, leaving a few inches of space at the top. Pre-rinsing the jar ensures the glass heats up evenly and reduces the risk of shattering.

Add Glitter Glue

Squeeze an entire bottle of glitter glue into the jar of hot water. Use a skewer to stir the mixture until it is fully combined. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring!

Add Extra Glitter

For an extra sparkly effect, add some extra fine glitter in matching colours. Add approximately four tablespoons, stir to combine, and wipe away any excess glitter from the outside of the jar.

Secure the Lid

Apply super glue to the outside rim of the jar and tightly screw on the lid. Let the jar cool down completely and the glue dry before handling it.

Enjoy Your Glitter Jar!

Once your jar is ready, you can use it as a fun and calming tool. Shake the jar and watch the glitter slowly settle to the bottom. You can also use it as a decorative piece, or add a tea light candle for a sparkly glow.

Get creative and make multiple glitter jars in different colours. You can even add chunky glitter for variety and fill the jar with distilled water instead to prevent mould. Enjoy the calming effects of your handmade glitter jar!

Frequently asked questions

There are many ways to repurpose your candle jars. Here are some ideas:

- Use them for storage, such as for craft supplies, bathroom supplies, or pantry items.

- Use them as vases for fresh flowers or as pots for cacti and other succulents.

- Decorate them with paint, glitter, or twine and use them as centrepieces or luminary jars.

- Fill them with dried flowers, orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to make your own potpourri.

To clean your candle jars, you can either put them in the freezer for a few hours and then use a butter knife to crack and remove the wax, or you can fill the jar with boiling water, allowing the heat to melt the wax. To remove stubborn adhesive residue, you can use acetone, Goo Gone, or WD-40.

To prevent rust, you can brush a thin coating of clear nail polish over the lids. Alternatively, you can use Bar Keepers Friend brand cleaner to remove any existing rust.

While there is currently no in-store recycling program for Bath and Body Works candle jars, you can recycle or upcycle the jars yourself by using them for storage or decoration.

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