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Across the Fence:  Need some creative suggestions for reuse  |
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dellsworth
Farmgirl in Training
27 Posts
Deanna
Blue Ash
Ohio
USA
27 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 04 2010 : 10:02:36 AM
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Ladies, I rescued an entire large postal bin full of candles from going into the dumpster at my church. They were the candles used by the congregation at our Christmas Eve service. So there are probably at least a couple hundred and they have been lighted once. My husband works part time at the church office and he kept the facilities manager from throwing them out, knowing that I would not want them to be wasted like that. Which I wouldn't. However, here's the thing. Having saved them, now what do I do with them? Obviously I could burn them. I guess we could turn the lights out around the house at night and save on the electric. (We live in suburbia and are still very far from off-the-grid.) But I thought all you gals would probably have some fabulous ideas for repurposing the wax.
Which leads me to another question. Does anybody know how I can figure out what these candles are made of? Even if I track down the person who ordered them at church, I am guessing they won't know.
Also, when I went to do this post, I couldn't decide what forum category to put it under. If somebody could educate me for next time that would help.
Can't wait to read all your great ideas. THANKS!
Deanna
Farmgirl Sister #909 |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2010 : 10:21:28 AM
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Girls Scouts and Boy scouts do lots with candles. Melt them make saw dust and wax fire starters. melt and make new candles add crayons for color add sents and you have a new candle. Use them to wax your sled runners?
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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dellsworth
Farmgirl in Training
27 Posts
Deanna
Blue Ash
Ohio
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2010 : 10:35:57 AM
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Thanks Diana! I don't know why I didn't think of the firestarters - we heat with wood. Also coloring a new candle with old crayons is a great idea. I have a batch of seriously used crayons. (I am not as bad a packrat as it sounds.....ok, I am as bad a packrat as it sounds)But my favorite suggestion is waxing my sled runners. Hee hee. I love it.
Deanna
Farmgirl Sister #909 |
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emsmommy5
True Blue Farmgirl
1547 Posts
Angie
Buckley
WA
USA
1547 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2010 : 3:51:46 PM
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There are some really cute ideas for repurposing half used candles online. I was going to attempt some for Christmas gifts... but that didn't happen. Anyway.... using old containers of different shapes and sizes, melting down the candles to make new ones. You can color them and do stripes on in a wine glass. I am not sure if you can salvage any of the wicking from the ones you have, but that would be even better! THen you wouldn't have to buy new wicking too. They would be cute around your house or given as gifts.
Do what you love, love what you do. |
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geminidream62
True Blue Farmgirl
74 Posts
Molly
Spokane
Washington
USA
74 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2010 : 3:58:12 PM
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The kids and I made pinecone firestarters years ago for gifts. We melted candle scraps and added crayon bits for color, dunked in pinecones several times and allowed to dry a bit (2 or 3 coats, I think) then placed the 'finished' pinecone in a paper baking cup. To use you just light the baking cup and it goes from there.
A non-burning idea (in case these are a petro/chemical type candle) is that you can make paper stars and then dip the completed star in the hot, melted was to make Christmas ornaments. This was a Campfire Girl craft I remember doing years and years ago. When the stars were out of the wax we sprinkled them with glitter. I bet my Mom still has the ones I made. haha
Molly
http://geminisdream.blogspot.com/ |
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dellsworth
Farmgirl in Training
27 Posts
Deanna
Blue Ash
Ohio
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2010 : 5:06:11 PM
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Molly and Angie thanks for the suggestions. In fact Angie, they were burned for such a short time, if I am careful and remake them into short candles, I might be able to reuse the wicks. However, since I am still trying to figure out if they are parafin or what, Molly's nonburning idea might be smart.
Deanna
Farmgirl Sister #909 |
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
17161 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
17161 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2010 : 9:24:10 PM
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my favorite thing to do w/candle waste(ends) is to melt them in an old clean coffee can, add 2-3 drops essential oil and pour the wax into old vintage tea cups, and sprinkle a small spoonful of lavender buds.
I have also used sea shells to pour wax into & lightly sprinkled sand over the top.
I always but new candle wicks for my projects.
have fun......
>^..^< Happiness is being a katmom.
"I've never met a sewing machine I didn't like!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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Across the Fence: Need some creative suggestions for reuse |
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Need some creative suggestions for reuse
