How to Recycle Candles

Candles add a nice touch to your dinner table, mantle or holiday decor. However, candles can do more than just look pretty. Here are some ideas for using your candles in a variety of ways.

Instructions

1. Use a broad-based candle as a pincushion. The wax helps pins and needles glide through fabric.

2. Weatherproof mailing labels. After you address a package with a felt-tip marker, you can protect it against the elements by rubbing a white candle over what you've written. Rain and snow won't smear the address.

3. Silence a squeaky door. Remove the offending door from its hinges and rub a candle over the hinge surfaces where they rub against one another.

4. Unstick a stubborn bureau or desk drawer. Pull the drawer out, rub a candle along the runners and replace it. Set the drawer back in place, and it will glide more smoothly.

5. Mend shoelaces. When the tips come off the ends of your shoelaces, prevent fraying by dipping the end into melted wax. Twirl the end of the shoelace into a point. This will last until you can pick up a new pair of laces.

6. Let a child make "invisible art" by drawing a design on white paper with a white candle. Then cover the design with a watercolor wash. The image made by the candle is revealed because the wax will not absorb any color. Have a few kids participate and swap images before applying the watercolor.

7. Trick your fire-starter with a puff-proof candle. When you start your barbecue grill or light your fireplace, use one of those trick birthday candles that can't be blown out. That way drafts won't blow out your fire early on.