Easy Upcycle: Decorative Storage Containers

by Jessica Coplen

Recently I used up the last remnants of several Bath and Body Works candles (anyone remember Caribbean Escape?! BEST scent ever, and sadly they don’t make it any more.) I was determined to use those cute glass jars for something else.
After a couple of Pinterest searches, I found a method of cleaning out the little bit of wax still remaining in the jars. In case you need to do the same thing, here’s what I did. I didn’t take any pictures of this process, but it was very simple. I poured boiling water into the candle and let it completely cool. Once it cools completely, the remaining wax will float up to the top and harden. I was able to just pop it out. Then, I pulled the metal wick pieces out. The labels pulled off easily, and a bit of Goo-Gone helped with any stubborn sticky or gunky parts! I ran them through the dishwasher, and they were ready to go!

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For my car-loving little guy, I knew I wanted to use hot wheels for his “toppers”. I thought the metallic car finish would look really neat. I used Rustoluem spray paint in Flat Antique Nickel on two old Hot Wheels cars. (I let Brady pick out two that he was willing to part with, and it was quite the ordeal!)

I attached the cars to the jar lids with industrial strength adhesive and let them dry overnight. Here is what we ended up with:

I had one HAPPY little boy, and all it took were some supplies we had around the house. I’m already thinking about all of the options as far as what you could apply to the top of the jar. It would even be cute to spray the entire lid in fun, bright colors. I’m thinking plastic animals, knobs…the sky is the limit!

These containers would be the perfect size for storing lots of things…but in this household they are currently holding excess Hot Wheels cars. I love that they are serving a purpose, but also make a cute display.