Turning Dessert Jars into St. Patrickโs Day Candle
I had a few flat glass jars left over from a dessert and couldnโt bring myself to throw them away. They seemed perfect for little candles, and since I needed a few more St. Patrickโs Day decorations, I decided to turn them into DIY candles.
First I melted some clear candle wax I had on hand and poured it into the jars with wicks. After the candles set, I started decorating the outside of the jars.
For a few of them I tried Mod Podging dark green paper onto the glass and then painting over it with dark green paint. I added some copper accents which actually elevated the look a lot. For the rest, I kept it simpler by priming the jars, painting them dark green, and painting the rims copper.
Originally I wanted the wax to be dark green too, so at the end I melted a dark green crayon and brushed a little melted wax over the tops of the candles so they would match.
It ended up being such a fun little project and a great way to reuse jars instead of throwing them away!
โจ Easy seasonal dรฉcor
โจ Upcycled jars
โจ Perfect for St. Patrickโs Day
It's so satisfying to turn something destined for the trash into a beautiful, functional piece of decor, isn't it? My St. Patrick's Day candles started with just a few clear glass dessert jars, and it quickly became one of my favorite eco-friendly crafts. You don't just save money by making your own candles; you're also giving new life to items that would otherwise end up in a landfill, which feels pretty good! When it comes to DIY candles, thereโs a whole world beyond just melting wax. For instance, while I used clear candle wax here, you could also experiment with natural soy wax for a cleaner burn, or beeswax for a lovely natural scent. Make sure your wicks are appropriate for your jar size to ensure an even burn โ those little metal clips at the bottom are crucial for keeping them centered! And a pro tip: always use a double boiler method for melting wax safely; never directly over high heat. Decorating these upcycled jars is where the real fun begins! While I loved the dark green with copper accents, don't feel limited. You could try painting a glass jar dark green and then adding gold glitter for extra sparkle, or even use stencils to create shamrock patterns. Instead of Mod Podge with paper, you could also use fabric scraps or lace for a different texture. Imagine a crisp white paint base with a delicate green ribbon tied around the copper accent rim โ so chic! The key is to let your creativity flow. The melted dark green crayon wax was a little trick I used to make the wax color match the jar, and it really tied the finished St. Patrick's Day candles together. If you want to add a scent, make sure to use candle-specific fragrance oils and add them when the wax has cooled slightly but is still liquid, right before pouring. Too hot, and the scent can burn off! Once your beautiful, finished St. Patrick's Day candles are ready, think about where to display them. I love grouping three finished candles of varying heights on a mantelpiece or as a centerpiece on the dining table. They also make charming additions to a bookshelf or entryway table. Just remember, safety first: always burn candles on a heat-resistant surface, away from anything flammable, and never leave them unattended. Enjoy your festive, handmade glow!