How to Make Candles out of Candles

How do you make candles out of candles? Easy. Much easier than making them from scratch. You know how you've always got that last little bit of wax left that is just getting plain ugly, or won't burn? Then there's the tarts that have lost their scent. These are the basis for your new candle.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• large metal washer
• wick
• fragrance oil
• large pot
• empty metal coffee can

1. 
   empty coffee can

   Keep an empty metal coffee can; the bigger the better, for the size of the can will determine the size of your candle, and we all know how much the big candles cost. Wash and dry the can well.
   Now every time you have any left over wax or tarts, drop them in the can. Eventually you will collect enough to make your candle. Depending on how often you burn candles and tarts dictates how soon this will be.

2. 
   large metal washer

   Go to step 3 and then return to step 2.
   Before proceeding to the next step, prepare your wick by inserting one end of it through a large metal washer and secure with a knot, so that the wick will not come through during the setting period. You can cut the knot later after the candle has set up. The washer is going to help the wick sink to the bottom of the wax.
   tie the other end of the wick around any object that will lay across the pot you will be using to put the can into in the next step. You have to read the next step to understand what I mean.
   The pencil will keep the wick straight while the wax is setting up.
   During the time that the wax is still liquid, but after you have removed from the heat, add a few drops of any fragrance oil that you would like.

3. 
   using a stick to hold the wick

   When you do have the can at least 3/4 full, place the can in a pan (that is deeper than the can)of water on the stove and bring to a boil. Continue boiling until the wax in the can is liquid.
   Now return to step 2.

4. 

   When the candle has completely set up, (give it at least 24 hours) place the can in a pot with hot water just until the candle melts enough to easily release from the can. Cut the knot at the bottom of the candle, so that the candle will set level. Trim you wick to about 1/2 inch above the candle and you have a new candle from the old candles that you used to throw away.

Tips & Warnings

• When the candle is about half set up, you could insert objects to float within the candle. Place them along the edges of the candle, using a knitting needle to gently push them into place.
• When it almost completely set up, you could insert objects to the top of the candle mashing down just a little.
• This would be a good activity to do with kids, with adult supervision, of course.
• Embellish the candles by gluing objects to the outside of the finished candle, if desired.
• Place the candle on a plate or candle holder.
• Never leave candles burning unattended.
• Never allow children to play with candles.

Resources

• How to Make Colorful Candle Holders

[sandhillkar]

on 4/24/2009 Recycle and save! I love making something from nothing! I have done this too!

[AmyRose]

on 4/16/2009 Very good explanation on how to make candles from candles. I especially liked the tip on using a washer to weight down the wick. 5*

[McGMom]

on 4/4/2009 Great way to recycle something that would be just thrown away. 5*s

[FrazzledNanny]

on 4/2/2009 Thanks for the article. I put this in my favorites. My whole family loves candles. 5*

[Sassy8722]

on 3/28/2009 Great article, thanks! 5*