Recycled Candle DIY

I have these orange pillar candles I bought on clearance at Pier 1 years ago. The scent was discontinued, and I'd really grown to love it. I was sad when they reached the end of their wick, so I held onto them, not wanting to throw them out. I decided I could melt them down, insert a new wick and start over. If you've got a few dwindling pillar candles, here's a little walk-through on how to turn them into new candles.

Here's a list of supplies: 
disposable foil pan
scissors
prewaxed wick and clip
popsicle stick
glass jar
hot glue gun 
foil
oven
old pillar candle(s)

Let's get started:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

2. Remove any stickers or labels from the candle and cut it into 1/2" chunks. Make sure to discard the old wick and metal clip.

    (Tip: cut over the foil pan so all the shaved off bits get in there, too).

3. Put the foil pan on a foil-lined cookie sheet for stability and put into the preheated oven.

4. While the wax melts, put a dot of hot glue on the wick clip and adhere to the bottom of the glass jar.

5. Set the timer for 5 minutes. Stir the chunks with the popsicle stick.

6. Repeat every 5 minutes, (heat, stir, heat, stir) until the wax is completely liquefied. The total time will vary depending on the amount of wax to be melted.

    (Important: don't be tempted to turn the heat up...if the wax gets too hot it can combust. Just keep it slow & steady to avoid any disasters).

7. Once the wax is completely melted, carefully pour it into the waiting glass jar.

8. Lay the popsicle stick over the top of the jar and gently bend the wick over it to hold it upright until the wax hardens.

9. Once the wax is cool, trim the wick to 1/4". 

10. Light your new old candle and enjoy.

*Wax can also be melted in a double boiler. Feel free to email me with questions.