Revamp, Reuse, and Repurpose: The Best DIY Trends for Candles

Candles are a staple in many households, providing a warm, relaxing, and inviting atmosphere. There are many creative ways to repurpose or reuse candles, jars, and containers and transform them into decorative accents for both indoor spaces and outdoor activities. Explore some of the easiest and quickest DIY trends for candles and gear up for your next weekend project.  

Top Ten DIY Trends for Candles 

From drawing and painting to crocheting and creating lanterns, the creative possibilities with candle decor are endless. Here are our top ten DIY trends for candles to inspire you and light up your world. 

1. Paint or Draw

Decorating candle jars is a great DIY activity, especially if you write a special message for someone or create a unique gift. You can use paint, markers, or pens to customize your candle jar designs. Let your creativity shine with these painting and drawing ideas:

• Use acrylic paints to create original artwork on the jar. You can use different floral patterns, geometric art or abstract designs. 
• Use chalkboard paint to a section of the jar and create a reusable label area.
• Use stencils and paint to create clean, repeating patterns.  

2. Crochet a Candle Cozy

Create a fun candle cozy that can be used over and over again. You can braid or crochet it together to fit your specific candle jar. You can purchase a cord at a local craft store or from an online vendor. Why not kick it up a notch and dip dye your candle cozy? It will add personality and style to your candle display. Below are the ones we embroidered recently. These make for a great home decor enhancement to any candle.

3. Repurpose Your Candle Jar

If you have an empty candle jar, don’t throw it away. Repurposing your candle containers is a great DIY for candle jars. It is the perfect way to keep enjoying them after the wax is burned. Here are a few ideas to get you started after the vessel has been fully cleaned:

• Sponge/kitchen scrub holder: Reuse colorful containers like dish scrubbers and sponges to store kitchen cleaners.
• Flower vase: Add some fresh spring flowers.
• Makeup brush holder: Hold your go-to makeup brushes in a really cute and accessible way.
• Kitchen storage: Store everyday essentials like coffee beans, quinoa, rice, or nuts.
• Pencil/pen holder: Give your pens a comfy place to live in a chic vessel.
• Travel jewelry tin: Take your jewelry with you in style by reusing your tins as a home for your rings and accessories when you travel.
• Piggy bank: Use a candle jar to store your coins. 

 4. Create a Candle Wall Sconce

Transform your candle into a wall sconce by attaching a metal or wood frame to your candle vessel, then hanging it on the wall using a hook or nail. This will create a cozy and decorative ambiance in any room.

5. Make Your Own Wax Melts

If you have leftover wax from previous candle-making projects, don’t let it go to waste. Get creative and make your wax melt by melting leftover wax and pouring it into small silicone molds (candy molds are a great option). Once hardened, pop the wax melts out of the molds and place them in a wax warmer for a lovely scent. Or put them in a gift bag to bring as a host gift.

6. Use Your Candle as a Wax Seal for Crafts

Use your candle as a wax seal for various crafts, such as sealing the edges of a ribbon or fabric to prevent fraying. Candle wax is often made of organic materials like beeswax or soy wax and has excellent sticking capabilities. You can also use the wax to seal a small bottle or jar for a homemade gift. This will add a personal touch to your craft projects.

7. Make Floating Candles

Use mason jars and tea lights to create exquisite home decor pieces using dyes, fruits, spices, and botanicals. Floating candles make eye-catching centerpieces and are a low-cost way to update your candle decor for each season frequently. See how to make floating candles here:

8. Create a Candle Lantern

Create a beautiful and unique candle lantern by attaching a metal or glass frame around your candle. You can use wire or hot glue to attach the frame to the candle vessel, and then hang the lantern from a hook or tree branch for a welcoming outdoor ambiance.

9. Make Stunning Ice Lanterns

Ice lanterns make beautiful containers to light up outdoor spaces for weddings, events, or home entries. Learn how to make them using items you may already have on hand:

10. Transfer a Photo onto Your Candle Vessel

Customizing a candle with a special photo is an excellent way to turn an ordinary candle into a heartfelt keepsake. Photo transfer candles make great gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents’ Day, birthdays, and many other holidays. This simple DIY activity can even be done by children with some adult help. Watch how to create a photo transfer candle:

Start Your First DIY Today with CR Candles and Gifts 

DIY pushes you to think outside the box and push your creative boundaries. Every project presents an opportunity to acquire new skills and learn how to use new tools. DIY trends for candles not only help you to personalize your space but also let you turn your love for DIY candles into a source of income. Ready to start your first DIY project? CR Candles and Gifts is the best place to get started. Explore our selection of unique gel candles and pie candles to bring your creative vision to life.