Making new candles from leftover stubs

 

If you’re like me and you burn lots of candles, here’s an idea for you. Rather than throw your candle stubs out, save them and use them to make new candles! It’s so easy and half the fun of it is seeing what kind of color you end up with from your assortment of candle stubs. The batch I made this weekend turned out to be a rich brownish-red, which I just love. Here’s what to do:

Thoroughly wash and dry your containers. In a small double boiler set over simmering water, heat the candle stubs until they’re melted. The wax should read about 185° on a candy thermometer. Remove the old wicks and any debris with tongs.

Cut a piece of wicking (lead-free!) to 2” more than the container’s height. Clamp one end of the wick with a wick sustainer, then affix the sustainer to the bottom of your container (gee, that rhymes!) with tacky wax. Wrap the other end of the wick around a wooden skewer and rest the skewer on top of the container — the wick should be fairly taut.

Pour the melted wax into the container, stopping ½” below the rim. Let it stand undisturbed for about 1 hour, or until set. To even out any depression that may form around the wick, use another skewer to poke a circle of holes about 1/16” deep around the wick. Pour in more melted wax, stopping ¼” below the rim. Allow the wax to fully set before trimming wick.

When it comes to a container for your candle, use your imagination. Try vintage teacups or jelly jars — even seashells would work. For my next batch I’m going to use these two jadeite mugs that I picked up at a yard sale. You can also try adding some essential oil to the wax. I added a little patchouli oil to my spicy brownish-red candles. Be creative, have fun and — as always when it comes to candles — be safe!