Last Project of 2010

With all the busyness of the season, I don't want to start any new projects, but I can always find something to finish or clean up. Being of the pack-rat persuasion, it's amazing what I find in the bottom of my closets or in the back of drawers. Like this collection of candle remnants, for example. What to do with this? First, it's off to Michael's to pick up some 3 1/2" pre-waxed wicks.

I had these containers on hand (yes, for another "someday" project),
but you could use any heat-resistant container.

I put a bit of glue on the bottom of each metal disk and centered the wicks in containers.

All the candle odds and ends went into the top of an old double boiler.
Please, never let the water in the double boiler run dry and never leave the pot unattended!

As the wax melts, I use metal tongs to pick out the wicks and other debris.

When all the wax is melted, I use my candle thermometer to make sure it's the right temperature for the containers.

I added a bit of cinnamon essential oil and stir it into the melted wax.

Then I pour the wax to about 1/2" from the top of the containers.

I save a bit of melted wax in the double boiler so that I'll be able to fill the depression that forms around the wick as it cools. Just make sure to heat the wax to the same temperature it was when you first filled the containers. (You may have to do this a few times before the top of the wax is level.) Trim the wick to about 1/2" above the wax.

If you have some extra wax leftover, spray some vegetable oil spray around the inside of small metal tart molds. Pour the wax into the molds and let cool. Don't pour any leftover wax down the drain! Rather, save it in a clean can for a later use.

To clean up any wax spilled on my kitchen counter, I use a blowdryer to melt the drips and then wipe them up with a paper towel.

Now, cut a circle of tea-dyed cheesecloth about 1" bigger all around than the container. Tear a strip of homespun and tie it around the cheesecloth just below the rim, inserting a cinnamon stick into the knot, just to make it pretty.

When the wax in the tart molds has cooled, turn upside down and they should slide out. You can melt these fragrance tarts in a burner designed for that purpose to fill your house with a wonderful scent!

Such a simple way to reuse and recycle.
I can't believe I didn't think of this before!