Everyone has them. No one will toss them in to the recylcing bin. We’re always searching for a use and yet, those cool containers made of glass, metal or cardboard usually spend their lives tucked away in a cupboard somewheres. It hit me like a cold beer on a hot day on an empty stomach a few weeks ago, I finally thought a use for at least a few of them.

Not too long ago, Taylor & Toponia of Fatted Calf started using real
glass containers with metal screw lids for some of their products. They’d been using some inexpensive plastic ones previously, these are far nicer. These bitchen’ squat glass jars with their logo just couldn’t possibly get tossed. I kept them around, clinking in the cupboards for a few months. Then it hit me, POW. MAKE CANDLES !!!
I hadn’t made candles in a long long long long time. Mama had made a few candles a while back, she had a few supplies left. So, I hit the Internet and figured out the rest of what I needed. Some wax (special for making votive candles (in a can or jar), some dye to make them red and a handful of wicks. (there are some wonderful links on the net that will guide you through making your own candles. This entry isn’t meant to be a step by step guide) It was made quite clear that you would really want to use an electric hotplate if you have one. This way your range doesn’t get all goobered up and apparently melting wax can catch fire (not cool). Considering my ability to be a danger to myself & others, I found an electric hotplate.
After some searching, I found an old coffee percolator. This would be quite handy what with the pour spout and nice handle. The wax wants to be poured at about 190 degrees F, so I had to buy a thermometer too.
Melt that wax. About halfway through I added a large hunk of dye (looked like a hunk of crayon if you ask me).
Something I learned here, whatever you use will probably never be able to be used for anything else. So don’t use your favorite cooking implements. Eh?

While the wax is melting, set to about medium high, get your jars ready. You know, glue down the wicks, heat up the jars a bit to accept the hot wax. When the wax gets to 190 F and the dye is dispersed, pour that wax.
The instructions said to wait 30 minutes for the wax to cool and shrink a bit. Then top off the candle. I did that, once, twice, three times and probably up until 5 times. It wasn’t until then I was able to get a semi-flat top. I did it though.
Sunday was a great day filled with arty crafts & pate. Perfection for a cool wintery day. You should try it. Especially if you have any really cool old Meat containers laying about, consider making some candles!