How to Make Refillable Candles

The truth? You can never have too many candles. The only problem is that they are often too expensive to buy regularly. And once you burn them down, you have to go out and buy more! Or you are only half-way through that $20 nine-inch pillar candle when you realize you don't like the color anymore and the scent gives you a headache.

Once you learn how to pour your own candles, however, you can buy permanent glass or ceramic containers and use them indefinitely. Get creative with colors and patterns! When the candle is burned down, simply stick the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes. Since wax contracts when its cold, you'll be able to pop it out easily and refill.

It's simple, cheap, and reduces waste. Excellent!

Refillable Candles

• 1 large coffee can (to melt wax in)
  
  
• 1 stock pot (to boil water in)
  
  
• 5 lbs container wax
  
  
• 1 oz candle scent (optional)
  
  
• coloring wax (optional)
  
  
• wick tabs
  
  
• Glass or ceramic containers
  
  
• Candy thermometer
  
  
• Something to stir with (you can use kabab skewers, chopsticks, or wooden paint stirrers)

Refillable Candles

Step 1
Place your glasses out on a flat surface with a protective covering like paper or cling-wrap.

Step 2
Place a wick tab in each glass. Secure the metal tab with tape or a piece of softened wax.

Step 3
Fill your stock pot with several inches of water. Place the empty coffee can in the water bath to create a double boiler. (Place a couple of paper towels underneath the can if you're worried about damaging the pot.)

Step 4
Put your wax into the coffee pot and turn the heat on the stove to Med/High. Monitor the wax as it melts. Add color and scent if you prefer. The effect shown in this project was achieved by pouring a small amount of uncolored wax in each glass before adding a small amount of blue coloring. Allow the temperature of the wax to reach the level recommended on the wax packaging.

Step 5
Pour the wax carefully into each glass until it reaches a quarter inch below the top of the glass, and allow to cool. Depending on the type of wax you buy, you may need to top off the wax a few times (the wax can contract as it cools and form a small "vortex" shape around the wick).