12 Months of Thrifting: Recycled Candle Jar Canister DIY

This month, in honor of Earth Day, we’re challenging you to DIY or upcycle something using thrifted finds.  This episode is sponsored by Goodwill Akron. Goodwill Akron’s mission is to help…

Welcome back to the 12 Months of Thrifting challenge. This month, in honor of Earth Day, we’re challenging you to DIY or upcycle something using thrifted finds. 

Did you know that many people donate unused candles to Goodwill? Yes! It’s one of my favorite things to thrift because they cost a fraction of the retail price. 

Ever since my local recycling center stopped accepting glass, I always try to think of ways to reuse our glass bottles or jars, especially candle glasses and lids after the candle has burned all the way through. 

At first, I wasn’t quite sure what I could do with my used candle jars, and then the  end result turned out to be  somewhat unplanned – I was looking for super glue in my kitchen “junk” drawer when I came across the old hardware from a desk and thought, let’s make bathroom canisters out of these glasses! This project was so much fun for several reasons: it was practically free, I recycled the old glasses, and they look pretty!

What you need:

  • The glass of a candle + lid 
  • Small knobs (If you don’t have any lying around from an old project, check places like Goodwill, buy-nothing groups online, or home improvement stores for inexpensive knobs. 
  • Super glue
  • Spray paint (optional, I spray painted my knobs because they were old and needed a fresh coat. You can also spray paint the lid)

What you need to do:

To remove the candle from the glass completely, freeze it for a few hours then pop the candle right out. Use a knife to scrape the wick base out. Wash the glass with soap and warm water.

Spray paint the knob or lid if you choose to.

Super glue the knob to the center of the lid and let it dry for 24 hours. It’s not a bad idea to place something over the knob to secure it on the lid as it’s drying, like a book or plate.

After the knob has dried and is completely secure, fill your glass up with anything you like! Candy and cotton balls look pretty!

12 Months of Thrifting Schedule

E-course: Reduce, Reuse, Resell is now enrolling!

Thanks to this episode’s sponsor

This episode is sponsored by Goodwill Akron. Goodwill Akron’s mission is to help individuals prepare for, find, and retain employment. Learn more and find a store near you at goodwillakron.org.

About the podcast

Thanks, it’s Thrifted is a podcast about secondhand shopping hosted by two treasure-hunting friends, Dina & Shannon. Subscribe today. Follow on Instagram @dinasdays and @thanksitsthrifted.pod. For more about the podcast visit dinasdays.com/podcast.

You May Also Like
Read More

Metallic Magnets

This DIY is a Pinterest staple. I’ve seen it pinned repeatedly for the last several years and since I’m always short on magnets on our fridge and I had this…
Read More
Read More

DIY Rose Rope Garland

If you can’t tell from my Goodwill fashion show collection, I’ve been really into everything floral lately. I had a few roses left over from my party and couldn’t get…
Read More