A DIY candle from a thrifted vessel is a creative way to reuse a decorative container and make a thoughtful handmade gift. Tea canisters, cups, bowls, jars, and small dishes can all be considered, provided they are clean, stable, and suitable for holding hot wax. This project uses a brass tea canister and leftover candle wax, but the same basic process works with other appropriate vessels.
Choosing a vessel for a DIY candle from a thrifted vessel
Look for a container with a flat, steady base and enough depth to hold the wax and wick securely. Clean it thoroughly and make sure it is completely dry before you begin. Avoid containers with cracks, loose parts, flammable lining, or materials that may be damaged by heat. A decorative container is not automatically designed for candle use, so check its condition and monitor the candle while it burns.
A brass tea canister can give a candle a distinctive vintage look. Before using any metal container, consider that it may become hot during burning. Place the finished candle on a heat-resistant surface and keep it away from children, pets, curtains, and other flammable materials.
Leftover wax from an unused or damaged candle can be reused, or you can start with soy wax flakes. If combining wax from different candles, keep in mind that the wax may already contain fragrance or dye. For a first project, using one type of wax makes it easier to get a consistent result.
Supplies
- Soy wax flakes or an old candle you are willing to melt down
- A medium-sized candle wick
- A hot glue gun or double-sided sticky tape
- Optional: candle fragrance oil or essential oil
- A wick holder, or a chopstick, pencil, pen, or straw
- A double boiler, or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water
- A dish towel or newspaper to protect the work surface
- A metal butter knife or another suitable utensil for stirring
- A clean, dry candle vessel, such as a tea canister, cup, bowl, jar, or dish
- Scissors
How to make the candle
- Prepare the container. Wash and dry the canister or chosen vessel. Cover your work surface with a towel or newspaper, and set the container on a level, heat-resistant area.
- Melt the wax. Place the wax in a double boiler and heat it gently, stirring until it has melted completely. Keep water out of the wax and handle the hot bowl carefully.
- Secure the wick. Make sure the wick is straight. Apply a small amount of hot glue to its metal base, or use double-sided tape, then attach it to the center of the vessel’s bottom.
- Keep the wick upright. Set a wick holder across the top of the container, or tape the wick to a chopstick or pencil so it stays centered while the wax cools.
- Add fragrance if desired. Use a dropper to add about 1/4 oz of fragrance per 8 oz of wax, then stir. Follow the fragrance product’s instructions, and skip this step if the wax is already scented.
- Pour the wax. Carefully pour the melted wax into the prepared vessel, keeping the wick centered. Avoid moving the container once it is filled.
- Let it set and trim the wick. Allow the wax to cool and harden for a couple of hours. Once it is firm, cut the wick so it extends about half an inch above the wax.
Finishing and using your candle safely
The finished candle can make a personal gift for a friend, teacher, or host. Before lighting it, place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface and keep it in sight whenever it is burning. Do not leave a lit candle unattended, and stop using it if the vessel becomes damaged or the flame behaves unusually. Because thrifted containers can vary in material and condition, check the vessel regularly and use extra caution with metal designs.
For a neater finish, keep the wick centered as the wax cools and trim it to the stated length before lighting. Follow any care or safety instructions supplied with your wax, wick, and fragrance.
Conclusion
A DIY candle from a thrifted vessel combines reused materials with a simple candle-making process. Choose a clean, sturdy container, melt and pour the wax carefully, and secure the wick in the center. With a little attention to heat and candle safety, a vintage canister or another suitable vessel can become a distinctive handmade candle.
