Make new candles out of old ones

Need some candles for Halloween (or any other occasion)? Here’s a way to have fun and save some money.

You know those old bits of candle you throw away because they didn’t burn down evenly all the way? When you get enough of them, all you need is a wick (buy one at a craft store or make your own) and a jar or something to hold the candle in, and you can make a new one.

I store the odd candle ends in the jar until it’s full. Then:

• Take the old wicks out of the candle ends. Some will pop right out, others will be really difficult. Generally, you can insert something like the flat end of a screwdriver under the metal tab at the bottom of the candle and pop it out. If that doesn’t work, use your screwdriver to break off chunks of the wax and then throw away the wick at the end. Note: this works best if you break the wax into little chunks, anyway.
• Put your wick in the bottom of the jar. Hold it upright and pour the chunks in around it. Try to pack it tightly. If you can’t, hold a lighter to one of the chunks (watch your fingers) and let the wax from it drip down into the spaces between chunks.
• Once it’s all in there, you can just burn it as is.

I really enjoy these for any occasion – they have an interesting patchwork, homemade look. They tend to burn down a bit faster than brand new candles, but still, you’re reusing the wax and saving a bit of money. It’s also a fun craft for kids.

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Posted in Crafts, Do It Yourself, Frugal on October 23, 2009