Frugal or Tight-Wad--You be the Judge!!

I have always been taught to be frugal and not wasteful--my kids call me "tight-wad!" For a while now, I have been stashing away the small bits of old candles that didn't completely burn--thinking that I would use them to make more candles. I finally got to do ti!

I gathered all my supplies--most found at Hobby Lobby. Wicking, metal wick holders and vanilla scent (one of my favorites) along with a metal coffee percolator--minus the inside--for melting the waxes.

Not quite sure exactly how to do it, but I was determined to give it a try.

Step 1 I first chopped the wax up into smaller pieces--@ 1 inch--and placed them in the metal container. I used all the white/light colors together to produce a purer color. I then set the metal container inside a sauce pan with @ 2 inches of water in it. I turned the heat to low/medium.

Step 2 I prepared all those previously used glass candle jars. (To easily remove old wax from glass containers--just put them in the freezer for a few minutes--it will pop right out.) After a thorough washing I placed a piece of wick--left long enough to wrap around a pencil into the small metal tab and squeezed it closed with a pair of pliers.

Step 3 Use a hot glue gun to attach the metal tab onto the bottom of the candle container. Wrap the wick around a pencil--keeping it tight-- and lay the pencil across the top of the candle container.

Step 4 When the wax is completely melted, add your favorite scent and stir. Pour the hot wax into the candle jars, filling to your desired level--and it's easy as that!

**Do not remove the pencil until the wax is completely hardened! I removed mine too early and it caused a well to form in the middle of the candle.**

Step 5 Remove pencil and trim wick to 1/4 inch.

I am pleased with my first attempt at candle-making and my conscience tells me: "Way to be frugal--TIGHT-WAD!!"

If there are some things that I missed or tips that I should know, please let me know for my future candle-making experiences!!

***DON'T FORGET TO PROTECT YOUR HANDS AND COUNTERTOP FROM HOT WAX!!***