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Have any empty candle jars laying around?  Love the art too much to just throw them away? I have a quick and easy idea for you to re-purpose your candle jars and turn them into something that will last.

How to Re-Purpose a Candle Jar into a Mini Terrarium

empty candle jar

Chances are, your candle looks about like this when it’s finished burning.  I burned my Leather + Ice candle quickly, it has turned into one of my very favorite scents (especially good while watching hockey).  All that’s left is a tiny bit of wax at the bottom of the jar, and a few dead wicks.

Step 1. Pop out the wick tab

Use a spoon or a flat head screw driver and pop out the metal wick tab at the bottom of the jar.  This is stuck on with a wick sticker, so it just needs a little coaxing to come off.  Throw this away.

Step 2. Microwave the Jar to Melt the Wax

Pop the jar in the microwave and heat until the wax is melted.  It took about 30 seconds for me.  Dump the melted wax in the trash (not down the drain).  Bonus – this makes your trash smell really nice.

Wipe out the jar with a few dry paper towels.  Just like that, your jar is clean and ready for it’s new use. You could also stop here and re-purpose your candle jar into a pen holder, votive holder, or just a cute glass container for any organizing purpose.

Step 3. Add Some Dirt and a Cute Little Succulent.

This part is pretty simple.  Fill your jar with dirt and a small succulent.  I don’t know what this particular one is called, but I thought the zebra stripes were so cool.

mini terrarium candle jar pittsburgh candle works

Just like that, you have yourself an adorable re-purposed mini terrarium.  Perfect to set by a window, on your desk or bedside table.

I hope you enjoyed this easy re-purposed candle jar idea.  I’d love to see what you create with your used candle jars.