Thrift Repurposing #1: DIY Candles & Event Announcement!

Well here is #1 of many fun DIY thrift projects to come! But first, I’ve got some exciting news-

Hats off to all the Thrift Repurposers out there. Thank you for utilizing your creativity to make the most of the resources on God’s green earth – and for shopping at our stores for your collections of parts and pieces! We are grateful for your inspiring blogs, pages, and boards. We are so grateful, in fact, that we will be holding an event just for you. Here are the deets:

• Food, prizes, enlightening discussion! Sat, June 21 @ 12pm.
• We value our  customers and your creativity, and would like to give you an opportunity to join a panel of repurposing thrifters.
• I’ll be hosting a luncheon just for repurposers. The objective is to share experiences and pics of projects, eat together, and  hear your ideas and suggestions.
• We want feedback from the repurposing community. Whether you recreate treasures as a trade or as a hobby, we need your input!
• LIMITED SEATING is available so first come, first served! Please comment here or contact me at mhmthriftstores@miraclehill.org to lock in your reservation. I will reply to confirm.
• Be prepared to bring a project (or pics of one) that you’ve repurposed from thrifted items and share your steps with us (you don’t have to give away any family secrets). There will be prizes!

Now, on to our DIY project – Summery Citronella Candles

(Thanks to Joshua Sarkela and Barbie Hammer for your expert help on this!)

Supplies I purchased:

• Pillar candles $1 each (@mhthrift)
• 3-wick pillar $4 (@mhthrift)
• Pot w/lid $6 (@mhthrift)
• Mason jars $1 each
• Twine (still in the package!) $.55 (@mhthrift)
• Pack of wicks $5 (@hobbylobby)
• Tiki fluid $8 (@lowes)

I melted two batches and it was just enough wax for 12 jars. Place candles (even ugly half burnt ones!) in an old pot and heat over medium until wax is liquid.

While it melts, prepare wicks. Tie a sturdy knot under the wick bases, and place a wick in each jar.

Drip some tiki fluid or drops of citronella oil into your hot liquid wax. BE ADVISED: if you add too much, your wax won’t set properly. Only a couple of spoonfuls, or 10-12 drops with a dropper. Stir over heat.

Ladle your wax into jars (it helps for one person to hold the wick as it pours). Prop the wick up and as wax begins to harden you can guide the wick into the center and it will hold.

Tie twine around the rim of each jar and be creative! Crochet or braid a bow, use old jewelry pieces to add luster. Trim wicks when wax is set. And you’re good to go for a bug-free pool party, picnic, or cookout!

PS -I’m not saying you should leave your waxed pot on the burner and forget about it. But if you do…

Just place the flaming pot beside your garden water feature for a fire-and-water touch to your outdoor party. But hose it down if small children are near.

You’re welcome. 😉

Later, crafty thrifters!