Turn An Old Jar Lid Into A Beautiful Home Decor Candle

It's almost inevitable that you'll break a ceramic or glass container from time to time, especially if you have small children in the home. Let's say you were lucky enough to spot authentic raku pottery at the thrift store — a jar with a lid, for example. Not long after you got your precious find home, you accidentally drop the jar on your tiled kitchen floor. It shatters into pieces, and all you have left is the ceramic lid. Well, guess what? Instead of breaking down in tears, you can transform that lid into a beautiful candle. All you need is some candle wax and a wick, a skewer, and a metal stand.

The beauty of this upcycling project is that you can give old or forgotten items a new life. You'll not only keep trash out of the landfill but you'll also have a one-of-a-kind candle that cost you close to nothing to make. A great choice of stand for your DIY ceramic jar lid candle is a wrought iron or brass tripod that's missing its original glass bowl. These often turn up in the decor section of thrift stores.

Alternatively, you could use a mini houseplant stand. Go ultra-modern with this Juseelen Iron Plant Frame for a bit over $6. Or channel those rustic vibes with an Alternative Imagination Wooden Tripod Display Stand for about $9. If you don't have an old candle you can melt down for the wax and wick, you'll have to buy these. A 10-pound box of Hearth & Harbor Organic Soy Candle Wax costs about $34 and comes with some wicks. With just these few items, you're ready to upcycle your spare lid into an accent candle worthy of a boutique home decor store.

Ready to create a unique candle for your cozy book nook or dinner party tablescape? First, wash and dry the ceramic jar lid, then melt the candle wax in your microwave (using a microwave-safe container), a double boiler, or a dedicated Ksedcon Wax Melter. Turn the lid upside-down and suspend a wick in the center using a bamboo skewer or pencil. Tape the wick in place while you're pouring the wax. Once the wax is runny, carefully pour it into the lid, filling it almost to the lip. Leaving just a little space at the top prevents melted wax spills. Set the new candle aside to cool and harden. Once the candle is solid, trim the wick to about ¼ inch long and place it on the tripod stand. That's it! When the candle burns down, you simply replace the wick and refill the lid with fresh wax.

Where you place your beautiful new pedestal candle is up to you. There are all kinds of beautiful ways to decorate your home with candles. Sit your creation on your living room windowsill to add some ambiance to the space, or place it on a bathroom vanity to light when you're taking a long, relaxing bath. Make a group of three candles for your mantle and surround them with festive faux foliage. You can create a calming candle by adding about 20 drops of lavender essential oil to the melted wax before it solidifies. Alternatively, the best candle scents you should have in your dining room include coffee, whisky, berries, herbs, and citrus. Give a jar lid that's seen better days a new look with a coat of spray paint, then paint the metal stand to match it.