Upcycle Glass and Lid From a Candle
I hate throwing away the nice jars and lids from the candles I burn in my home. So I came up with a way to revitalize them into something pretty to hold gifts or sit on the shelf for storage. I am a constant DIY'er so I have most items around the house to do this project.
I first cleaned out a used candle jar. It is best to remove the metal wick holders with pliers when the wax is hot. Scrap out the wax, remove label and clean thoroughly. You may need to use Goof Off to get rid of the label glue and the glue that holds down the wick. I like to clean them as best I can and run only the jar through the dishwasher to remove all oil. I do not put the lid in the dishwasher for fear of damaging the rubber seal.
I gathered some acrylic paints in my craft stash, Flood (Paint additive that allows the paint to flow when poured. It is found at hardware stores- cheap and good to have on hand when any paint gets thick.), paper cups and popsicle sticks. I selected some Christmas colors, added paint, about a teaspoon and poured Flood in paper cups. Probably a ratio of Flood to paint 3:1. Stir well.
It should be thin enough to run off the stick.
Next, start pouring a portion of your color selection and keep adding until all your paint is gone. Layering colors over and over.
I place the empty glass container upside down over a large plastic "Solo" type cup in a disposable metal tray. This allows the extra paint to drip off and makes clean up easy. Take your cup full of paint and begin slowly pouring on the bottom of the glass jar. Swirling the cup as you go.
Go slow and stop when the the paint has reached the edge of the glass jar and is completely covered. I allow the paint to run its course and take a popsicle stick and remove the drips from the edge periodically. Cover and let dry. I cover with a plastic storage container to prevent dust, hair and little fingers from touching as it dries. The paint drying process can take up to 48 hours. Once there is no shine at all, it is dry. I then spray with a glossy top coat. About 3 rounds.
So for the lid, I used resin, decorative glass and glitter. I resin a lot of stuff so I had some around. Make sure the lid is clean on top, and use paint tape to encircle the lid. You will want a lip above the lid. The lid should sit flush with the covered surface you are working on and the extra tape above the lid. Mix the resin according to directions. Add a small, like pea size amount of the color of paint you want the resin to be to the resin. Stir well. Pour on lid. Sprinkle with glitter and glass. Let dry 24 hours.
After 24 hours remove tape and you now have a jeweled top.
Fun ending. I have done a few more and will share below. Good-luck and good crafting!
Another update, this candle came with a stone-like top. So no work needed on it. I painted it as above, added a vinyl image for my daughter's sorority, sealed it with a glossy top coat. It's magic - she has something cool to store stuff in her dorm!
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Carrie Lee Kent on Nov 05, 2018
I too have a rather LARGE assortment if Candle jars I just cant part with be abuse they are rather attractive, they actually look more like a Small Flower vases instead of candles.
Is there a type of paint or stain I could apply to the outside of the candle jars that candle lite will dance with making the colors used on the outside of the jars when a reality candle is placed inside ?? I love your ideas, PLEASE... KEEP THEM COMING.... I STILL HAVE THE OLD SCHOOL GERBER BABYFOOD GLASS JARS IN STORAGE FROM WHEN MY DAUGHTER WAS BORN SOME 34 YEARS AGO. I LOVE THE TALLER JARS , THEY MAKE GREAT STORAGE JARS FOR TINY THINGS SUCH AS TACKS, PINS, MIS-MATCHED EARRINGS AND SINGLE BACKS TO EARRINGS, AS WELL AS STONES THAT HA E COME LOOSE AND FALLEN OUT OF CERTAIN PIECES OF JEWELERY.....
PLEASE KEEP THE IDEAS COMONG.
THANK YOU
Carrie K
Tacoma, Wa.
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Jamie Hofmann on Nov 05, 2018
Carrie,
That is a good question. I am not sure what kind of transparent paint you could use for candle light to flicker through. Might be a fun thing to work on. Thank you for your kind words.
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Rocker chick on Dec 08, 2018
What a cool effect of the layered paint! I also save candle jars with lids for storing various things and have wondered how I could color the glass. I know they make paint pens that will write on glass, but I could not get that effect. Thanks for the great idea!
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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Where do you get the decorative glass pieces to mix w/ the glitter?
How does the lid fit on the painted jar??
would this work with mason jars? would the jars need cleaned a particular way?