Ever wonder why we spend $5-20 dollars on a candle to either use for ourselves or give as gifts? Yet we don’t realize that we throw out enough wax from expensive places like Pier1, Bath and Body Works, and Yankee Candle to make about 10 candles. Making your own candles is actually pretty simple. All you need is the little left over candle nubs, wicks, and a coffee can or a saucepan you hate to melt the wax in. After that, you pour your wax into a desired mold, stick in a wick, and wait a few minutes for the wax to thicken around the wick. (Wick kits cost about $3.00 and make about 10-12 candles depending on the length.)
Some cute ideas for melting down candles:
-Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with the project. Mix and match some of your favorite scents to make a candle you love. You can also try adding some spices to the candle like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.
-To make a floating candle use a burnt out light bulb or the plastic egg cartons, not foam, as your mold.
-You can also use wine glasses or martini glasses, old teacups, preferably one from a garage sale not the good china, and mini flower pots. If you’re feeling really creative try a silicone mold for ice cubes or cupcakes for your mold to make funky tea lights. Some of these might be able to float too.
Photo courtesy of ninjapotato