Like many people, I am guilty of enjoying the warmth and aroma of burning candles. However, so much of me hates the idea of just throwing out old glass jars and containers, and the recycling company near us has very odd rules as to what can be recycled. I have tried using them as planters, but without drainage holes plants don't love the swampy environment. So one day as I was scrolling through social media I came across a video of dollar store vase transformations. I decided to use empty containers I already had to create terracotta style vases that I would actually use to decorate my space.
Here's my process:
Removing the remains: As with most things, especially candles, after you've used them up there will be some remnants at the bottom. I placed all candles jars in the utility sink and boiled water in a teapot (anything that had food inside was rinsed well and run through the dishwasher.) After pouring the boiling water into the jars, I let them sit anywhere from 12 to 24 hours depending on my schedule, removed the floating and hardened wax that came to the surface, and repeated the process until the jars were empty. At this point I took an all purpose cleaner and wash cloth to clean up any residual wax, ash, or stubborn wicks. This was also the time to use a blow dryer on any labels or stickers to make them easier to remove.
Collecting necessary supplies:
Empty jars/containers (the more variety the better they will look)
A few different colors of paint (if going for a matte, terracotta look it is best to use more natural shades... I actually found some cool ones at Target)
Something to place under your creative area to reduce mess
Cornstarch
Cups, plates, bowls.. something to mix your paint
Sponge brushes (I used one and just washed it between paints)
Texture/accent tools (torn sponges, fine paint brushes, plastic wrap) Use whatever creative materials strike you!!
Prepare your paint: The paint will go a long way, I used about a quarter cup of paint mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch. Your mixture should be thick! If you feel you need to adjust, add more cornstarch or paint. I would say that my mixture was between the consistency of pudding and mashed potatoes. I was still able to do two coats on two containers for each color.
Start Creating!! There really is no wrong way to do this. Take your time and enjoy the process. Add one coat and let completely dry before adding the second. I truly took my time and let them dry overnight, though they probably needed an hour or two at most. Add the second coat and make sure to cover all thin spots. After the second coat is applied, add some texture with the sponge brush. Before the second coat completely dries, take a complimentary accent color (gold is always a great choice) and apply it in fun ways ( dip a torn sponge and dab across the surface, use a paint brush and plastic wrap to create a marbled affect.)
First Coat:
Final Products:
Thoughts:
This project was not only a great way to upcycle some containers, but it is also giving me some new containers for cute organization on my desk. These vases would have cost me $10-$15 dollars a piece at any home store, but now I have six decorative and helpful containers using mostly things I already had around the house. Plus, when people compliment these, it is truly something to be proud of because of the work and creativity that was put into it.
If you try this, please tag me in your posts (@midwestpoppylife or #midwestpoppylife) I love seeing how creativity strikes others!!
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