How to Recycle Old Jars and Glasses to Make Mosaic Candle Holders

Everyone is going green. Here is a unique gift idea for the holidays where you can dazzle with your creativity while reducing, reusing and recycling. With so many people on a budget this year, here is a gift that is unique and casts a beautiful glow.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jars or old beverage glasses (of clear glass votive or hurricane lamps)
• Glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Marble accents in various colors
• Tea lights or votive candles

1. Save up old canning jars or take a peak at your nearest second hand store for mismatched glasses. In a pinch you can grab canning jars at your local grocer, warehouse store or restaurant supply store. Craft stores like Michaels or JoAnne Fabrics have plain hurricane lamp or votive holders that you can decorate for the same effect.

2. Clean all of your jars thoroughly. If you do purchase anything, use an alcohol swab to take off the sticky residue left by the price tag.

3. Use the glue gun to apply the marble accents to the exterior of your canning jar. Line it from top to bottom. Make sure you place the accents where you want them, as they are difficult to shift. It cements almost immediately.

4. Place scented candles reminiscent of the season in the votives. When you light them up, not only will it smell terrific, but the holiday colors will dance on your walls.

Tips & Warnings

• If you really want to go green, look for recycled glass but make sure it doesn’t have any sharp edges.
• I like marble accents because they are polished, let light through easily and come in various shades. I found some at Michaels but you can also purchase them at a pet store in the fish décor aisle. Occasionally I will come across them at a party store in the decorating aisle.
• For a neat gift idea, use three various sizes in the same color theme that can be used as a table centerpiece. Another idea is to use all the same size containers and make one corresponding to each holiday. Orange and black for Halloween, fall colors for Thanksgiving, green, red and clear for Christmas.
• Never use plastic or a material that will not withhold an open flame. Remember, you are putting candles inside!

[static404]

on 8/15/2009 What a cool idea for making mosiac candles out of recycled jars. Your articles are so practical.

[malonedwards]

on 4/22/2009 Excellent--good, comprehensive tips too. Thanks! 5*

[sneedc]

on 1/24/2009 I lost my marbles! (in every sense possible! ha) can I use buttons!?! 5* Or what about those glass stone type things you put in planters?