How to Make Jar Candles From Recycled Wax

Recycled wax candles in reused jelly or mason jars are a great solution to what to do with all those left over candle stumps lying around. Rather than throw them away, see an opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle, and make some green candles to be given as gifts or used in the home. Read on to learn how to make jar candles from recycled wax.

Things You'll Need

• Wax
• Jelly jars
• Candle wicks
• Pencil
• Wick needle
• Metal bowl
• Pot of boiling water

Instructions

1. Save all left over wax from candle stumps, jar candles or gift candles you know you will never use. Ask friends to save their leftover wax too so you can build up a collection as quickly as possible. Of course, store bought wax can be a substitute as can cheap candles bought simply to melt down and reuse, but collecting and recycling is much more fun.

2. Remove all wick stems, dust, debris and stickers from candle stumps and group according to color or scent, whichever you prefer.

3. Line up an appropriate amount of jelly jars for the amount of recycled wax and attach candle wicks to the inside base of the jars. If you cannot glue the base to the jar, try tying the top end of the wick to a pencil or wick needle and centering it in the middle of the jar.

4. Melt wax colors or scents individually using the ban marie method. A ban marie is basically a bowl over a pot of simmering hot water that allows the wax to melt without burning. Melt one color or scent at a time.

5. Pour approximately a half inch of wax carefully into the prepared jars and allow to cool. If you have wax left over you can add a little more to each jar, fill additional jars, or save it for a later layer of the same color or scent.

6. Repeat Step 5 with each color and scent of the recycled wax to create a stripe effect recycled wax jar candle. Let the candles cool completely with the jar lids off.

7. Trim wick and replace jar lids to prevent dust buildup. Present to family and friends as gifts or use around the home.