Irony in a Candle Jar

(I know, it seems ironic that my first post on a sewing blog wouldn't have anything to do with sewing, but things just work out that way sometimes!)

I love scented candles. You know the kind, those big jar candles that fill the house with delicious scents just by opening the jar. Every winter we go through a ton of them, they are lit almost from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night. The problem I have always had is that when they are all burned up you are left with a charred waxy jar that would otherwise be useful for something, and I hate to throw away something that could be useful. I decided that I was going to play with one of those jars to see what I could do with it. Maybe you'll find some use in a jar you have laying around!

Project: Repurposed candle jar.

Time: About 20 minutes actually working, more to freeze the candle

Great for: Teachers, Neighbors, Bus Drivers, Etc!

Skill Level: Easy Peasy

Take your spent candle jar and put it on ice. Literally. Put it in the freezer for at least an hour or two. Overnight works best.

After your candle has sufficiently frozen, remove it and put it on something to protect your work surface. In this case, my daughter's bib was already there so it became my cushion.

Take a dinner knife (NOT A SHARP ONE!!!) and use it to loosen the frozen wax from the jar. When the wax is frozen it usually pops out pretty easily. Break up the wax with the knife and remove it.

Make sure you get the little silver wick holder out too, it sticks sometimes. When you are finished, clean the jar thoroughly in hot water to remove all wax traces, scent, and soot. This is also a good time to remove any labels that are on the jar.

After a little elbow grease you are left with a nice clean jar. Dry well before you move onto the next step. It also helps to let it sit out open for a while before filling to completely remove any trace of scent.

Rub on decals are available at any major craft retailer. This pack was about $5, although most places have 40% off coupons all the time. I used half of one sheet for one of the jars, and a decal I already had for the other. One pack will create a lot of jars!

Add ribbon around the neck of the jar and fill with wrapped candy of your choosing! I'm going to tie a Starbucks card around each jar as well and give them for teacher gifts. Happy Holidays!