Design

This week we had a mishap with our tray of candles that we keep on our patio table. They melted in the 100 degree California sun and ran all over the place. I started to throw them away but then thought……..what if?  What if I re-melt the big candle and make some new candles?

First I shaved off the dirt with a peeler. Then I took the candle and put it in the microwave on the “melt chocolate chips” setting in a microwave safe dish. I had to run it through a couple of rounds until it was sitting in a puddle of wax.  I read online that it is best to have a candy thermometer to get the wax the perfect temperature, but we don’t have one so I just put in for a few minutes at a time. I had some wicks from a previous project that you can find at craft stores for about $3 for six. In a pinch, string and a pencil will work too.  All I needed was some vessels for the new candles. We had grapefruit for breakfast, so I tried that. It turned out beautiful and smelled good, too. Perfect for Halloween!

Then I tried an abalone shell we had in the backyard. This time I mixed in some patuli oil. They have candle scents at the craft stores but I think they are pretty stinky. It’s worth the investment of a nice essential oil.

Happy day! The abalone candle is so lovely and serene. So next time you have some old, dirty candles, make some new candles from them. Try using an eggshell, teacup, flower pot or coconut shell as a vessel.  I’m going to start collecting vintage glassware for this project. I hope my friends aren’t reading this because I know what I’m making for holiday presents!