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Your Candle Has Completed its Final Burn: What are you to do about it?

Updated: Feb 5, 2023

10+ Ways to Reuse a [Gorgeous] Candle Vessel


Give your candle vessels a new purpose in life! [And also buy a new candle bc... you deserve it!]


Concrete is a durable material that can be used to create many different home decor items. The versatility of concrete candle vessels makes them an ideal material for reusing and repurposing existing pieces. For example, you can use concrete candle vessels to create unique and stylish containers for just about anything you can think of!


I live by the old recycling motto - reduce, reuse, recycle and honestly, I can't think of anything better to reuse. I've used this hack for years and concrete candle vessels just add an extra touch of luxury to any and every application. The fact that these are sealed on the inside also increases the possibilities.


Oh! I should probably mention the prep steps before we get into the fun... how to clean your vessel:

  1. If you're on your last burn, just after you've blown out the wick, pour the hot, melted wax into a heat resistant vessel for disposal.

  2. Wipe with a cloth or paper towel. (proceed to step 3 below)

OR

  1. Once your candle is burned to less than 1/4 inch full, pour a small amount of almost boiling water into the vessel, swirl a bit and let cool.

  2. Remove the wax from the top and wick(s)/ crystals/ botanicals then wipe with a cloth or paper towel.

  3. Wash with soap and water or wipe with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to remove any residual wax or soot residue and repurpose your vessel

Your gorgeous Aura by Portia vessel and base/ top is now ready for a new life and purpose in your home or office -- need some inspiration on how to upcycle/ repurpose our vessels, bases/ tops? Try these luxe and functional alternatives:


Use #1 - Planter for Succulents, Herbs, Veggies, Flowers


This is honestly my favorite use - the design of these candles are perfect for set-in potting for succulents, house plants, fresh herbs or vegetables as each vessel is sealed inside. Simply set the entire small nursery pot inside the vessel which also helps with drainage OR plant directly in the vessel. [I'll make a full blog post about this one!]


Also, place it on your desk, table, island, bookshelf, credenza, etc. as a vase for artificial or fresh picked flowers.



Use #2 - Organizer of All Things


We all have those areas that just get overwhelmed with things... try putting your candle vessel:

  1. On your desk as an office supply organizer for pens, pencils, paper clips and binder clips (bonus tip: use the vessel and base separately for added function and storage!)

  2. In your bathroom for cotton balls, cotton swabs/ Q-tips, bobby pins/ hair ties and clips, make-up brushes, face/ body masks, bath salts and scrubs

  3. On your entryway table for spare change, car keys, wristlets and sunglasses

  4. As a gratitude jar or love note collector - keep all of your lovely feel goods in one place!



"Together, we can upcycle everything. The world will be better for our positive visions and actions." – William McDonough


Use #3 - Functional AND Pretty


  1. In your pantry/ kitchen for special salts, herbs and seasonings (bonus tip: use the base as a top!)

  2. As the holder of your emergency chocolate/ candy stash [bc we know this is a necessity!]

  3. At your bedside/ vanity or in your closet for jewelry, nail polish, make-up

Fun fact about me -- I'm a big over-thinker that takes wayyyyyyy too much time making decisions, especially when it comes to getting ready. To balance myself, I make sure I prepare in advance - pick out my clothes for the next day and use these vessels to hold matching nail polish, jewelry, accessories, etc.



Use #4 - Empty Vase Decor


  1. On your bookshelf/ open shelving as bookends or decorative elements

  2. On your ottoman/ coffee table tray as a decorative element



Use #5 - Don't Burn It

::shrug::

Actually, I lied -- this might be my favorite... just don't burn your gorgeous Aura by Portia Candle and proudly display it quite literally anywhere. It's sure to be a topic of conversation!



It's the win - win, for me


Share these tips so friends and family can upcycle with us. It's an easy way to reduce waste, better the environment, promote sustainability, save your hard-earned money and keep at touch of luxe to your space.


If you do choose to burn yours, you can always snag more candles of course. Leave a comment below to let me know how you plan to reuse your candle vessels or not!


We'd LOVE to see how you've upcycled and/ or designed your Aura by Portia candle and your potted plant babies! Tag us on Instagram, Tik Tok and Pinterest @AuraByPortia

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