It took a while for me to figure out what I was going to do with this project. I first thought of making a wind chime out of bottle caps. However, I don’t drink anything that has a bottle cap so I didn’t really know where I was going to get those. I realized I could use empty food jars that I have in my apartment. I thought of using them as planters, but I am not really good with plants as much as I wish I was. Then I thought about just putting some sort of string lights in there and coloring it so it makes a cool pretty color. That then gave me the idea to make old jars into new candles. I really like this idea because I was just looking at the store for some candles and they were too expensive for me so I didn’t end up getting any (this was at Walgreens and they are like $20. what).

So with that being said, I plan on using old empty jars/containers and upcycling them to be used as candles or candle holders. I am thinking of using jars that I already have for food right now, and when I finish what is in them I will clean them out and use them for this project. I was also going to go look at the thrift store to see if there are any other jars that I like to use for this. For the candle part, I have a couple candles in my apartment now that are a little old and so it is hard to light them since the wax is super low in the jar. So I can use these old candles, melt the wax, and maybe add essential oils for a custom scent, and use that in my new jars. I’ll be using wooden or cotton wicks and experimenting with different decorations, painting the jars for a stained-glass effect.

My project fits perfectly into the Boho Vintage aesthetic, it combines sustainability with a mix of handmade and vintage-inspired decor. Boho style is all about creativity, reusing materials in unique ways, and incorporating natural elements—candles bring warmth, ambiance, and a cozy touch to any space. Vintage glass jars also add that nostalgic, antique feel, especially when decorated with lace or pressed flowers.

This photo above is me manifesting these sort of glasses at the thrift store for me to find. I love the look of textured glass and soft, glowing candlelight. Some of my inspiration comes from vintage glassware, old apothecary jars, and bohemian-style decor. I might experiment with adding color to the wax or decorating the jars with dried flowers to enhance the boho feel.

I also was thinking of putting colorful pebbles on the outside of one of the jars (like the photo above) to add some texture and so that when the candle is lit, the color of the light coming out of the jar is more fun than just white and the reflection is nice to look at.

Image & Idea Sources:

1. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/806988827576302432/, via pinterest

2. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/806988827576302465/, via pinterest

3. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1258716919/wine-bottle-lights?epik=dj0yJnU9b1JhWDFXaXZoc2NMVGV0VlpXTGFQSEp4ZWxOVHMwVjUmcD0wJm49a1F1ZTB0Mmh3VTlWc0ZNUFQ2S1BaZyZ0PUFBQUFBR2Vhei1j, via JenBeeGifts’ etsy shop

2 Comments. Leave new

  • This is a really interesting idea and I can’t wait to see how it turns out! I truly love that this product idea came out of necessity, so the whole story for why you are making the candle is very great. Moving forward, I understand that you want to paint the jars. Will there be any specific inspiration imagery to how you may paint them? Will it be like a design or more of a stain? How will painting them be representative of the boho aesthetic?

    I am also manifesting that you can find inexpensive textured jars at the thrift store because, I agree, they are very interesting and beautiful!

    • Arden Villanueva
      February 3, 2025 5:26 pm

      Thanks so much for your comment! When starting this I was thinking more of a stain than a paint on the jars/glasses, I should have not said paint haha. The reason I was going for a stain over a paint was to make the color of the jars a more earth tone color (like dark teak, green, or brown) to fit the boho aesthetic and vibe. Also, I actually just went to the thrift store and found a lot of good glassware for this project! Seems like our manifesting worked! 🙂

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