Glass Jar Candles

Do you have bunches of candles lying around that are mostly gone or the wick is too broken down to burn? Well now you can combine your old candles to make a brand new one! I personally burn candles constantly so this craft works great for me and saves me a lot of money at yankee candle.

Warning: Be careful if you intend to mix multiple scents of wax, it can be overwhelming to smell pine and apples and cotton all at once in one candle.

What you'll need:

1. Some old candles.

2. A glass jar (jam jars work great)

3. A pencil

4. A wick

5. Some tape

6. A sauce pan (preferably an old one as wax might stick to it slightly

What to do:

1. Break the wax up from the old candles into small pieces and throw them in a sauce pan

2. Stir the wax over medium heat until completely melted

3. Place a pencil over the top of your jar and drape the wick over it.

4. Tape the wick to the pencil so that it hangs down into the center of the jar

5. Pour the melted wax into the jar, saving a small amount in the pan.

6. There will be a small dip in the candle around the wick, use the small remaining part to push wax into the jar by hand.

7. Allow candle to harden and cool for several hours.

8. Remove the pencil and cut the wick to the desired length.

There you have it, no more throwing away half-used candles!

Microwavable Heating Pads

In my last post I talked about making your own stress balls as school, work and social lives get more difficult to tolerate. However, if I was too late you might need a nice warm aromatherapy heating pad to help you out with those tense neck and shoulder muscles.

Things you will need:

1. An old cotton t-shirt or cotton purchased at a store if you do not wish to cut up one of your old shirts.

2. Uncooked rice (not the instant kind)

3. Needle and thread

4. Aromatherapy oils or petals (potpourri or lavender/rose petals) - This part is optional.

What to do:

1. Cut out two pieces of fabric the shape and size you would like your heating pad to be. If you make a narrow rectangular shape it will be great for wrapping around your neck. Wider shapes are great for lower backs or stomach pains.

2. Sew three sides of the material together. I recommend sewing all the way around twice to prevent any breaks in the material. On the fourth side leave an opening large enough to pour the rice in.

3. Fill the pouch halfway with the rice and the scented oils or petals of your choice. The scents help give the pad a more relaxing sensation when used.

4. Sew the remaining portion of the pouch shut.

5. Congratulations you have a new heating pad! The pad can be frozen to be used over the eyes during migraines or when hurting a muscle. You can also microwave the pad for 2-3 minutes to have a nice warm aromatherapy experience. Enjoy!

Balloon Stress Balls

With school in full swing I'm feeling pretty stressed almost daily with tests and papers every way I turn. I've decided to make my own stress balls and I've decided to share the idea with all of you!

Things you will need:

1. A balloon (or more than one if you wish)

2. A funnel

3. Flour, sand or playdoh.

What to do:

1. Stretch the opening of the balloon over the end of the funnel.

2. Fill the balloon to the desired fullness (based on you squeezing it) with the desired material. Different fillings give different textures so the choice of filling is completely to your preference. Playdoh tends to be fun if you like to push your stress ball into various shapes for fun. I find a mostly-full balloon of flour to be the best for squeezing during times of stress personally.

3. Tie off the end of the balloon as normal.

4. Voila! You just made your own stress ball to squeeze just before that exam is handed out. Good luck!

Safety Pin Bracelets

Hello everyone! I have found something to do with my big box of safety pins that have not been used since I've given up on learning to quilt! These bracelets are very pretty and can fit any size wrist depending on how loosely you want to make it.

Things you will need:
1. Safety Pins (50-100 depending on how large of a wrist and how full you want your bracelet to look)
2. Elastic string
3. Seed Beads in whichever colors you choose

To make the bracelets:
1. Fill every safety pin with seed beads in any color or pattern you would like.
2. Cut two pieces of elastic string about 2 inches longer than it needs to be to fit the wrist of the desired person.
3. Using one piece of elastic string the pins on. It is best to have the first pin facing so that the string goes through the bottom hole of the pin. The second pin should face so that the head of the pin (the part that opens) is strung on. Alternate the pins this way but make sure the beeds are always facing out.
4. Using the second piece of string, go through the end of the pins that is not looped through the first string.
5. Tie each piece of string to itself once all pins are on.
6. Cut off any excess string and you will have a beautiful stretch safety pin bracelet.

Have a great day everyone!