I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Zero Waste candleholders, and I’ve learned that small household items can truly become stunning décor. From glass jars to citrus peels, these DIY projects have shown me that living a green life doesn’t mean giving up on style. I love pairing these with Zero Waste soy candles to make my home feel warm and cozy. Whether you are just starting out or have been crafting for years, I hope these ideas help you find your next project.
Introduction: Why Zero Waste Candleholders Matter
Candlelight is truly magic. It makes a room feel warm and soft. But many candle tools we buy can hurt our planet.
Lots of plastic and trash end up in landfills every day. But you can enjoy your candles without adding to this waste.
Zero Waste candleholders are a smart fix. They use things you already have in your house. They help keep trash away from the dump. Plus, they often look better than things from a big store.
This post shows you ten DIY candleholders that really help the earth. Each one is easy to make. They use old or natural items. They prove that being kind to the planet is a beautiful choice.
Are you ready to craft? Let us look at the list.
1. Upcycled Mason Jar Luminaries
Mason jars are a big part of the zero waste world. They are strong and look very cute in any room.
What You Will Need:
- Clean jars (any size)
- String or old ribbon
- Dried flowers or leaves (if you want)
- Tea lights or Zero Waste soy candles
How to Make It:
First, wash your jar well. Use warm water and soap to take off the sticky labels. Dry it off. Wrap your string around the top of the jar a few times. Tie it in a bow. You can tuck a dried flower under the string to make it look nice. Put your candle inside and light it up.
These look great on a porch or a dinner table. The clear glass lets the bright light shine through.
2. Citrus Peel Tea Light Holders
These might be the best smelling ones on the list. They smell like fresh fruit and you can compost them when you are done.
What You Will Need:
- Oranges, lemons, or limes
- A small knife
- A spoon
- Tea light candles
How to Make It:
Cut your fruit in half. Use the spoon to take out the fruit inside. You can eat the fruit or put it in a drink. Try to leave the white part in the middle. Let the peel dry for an hour. Put a tea light inside. You can also pour wax from Zero Waste soy candles right into the peel.
These last for one night. After that, put them in the compost. It is zero waste from start to stop.
3. Wine Bottle Candle Stands
Old wine bottles do not have to go in the bin right away. They make very tall and pretty candle stands.
What You Will Need:
- Old wine bottles
- Soap and water
- Tall taper candles
How to Make It:
Clean the bottles inside and out. Use baking soda and oil to rub off the labels. Let them dry. Put a tall candle into the top of the bottle. Most bottles fit these candles just right.
If you let the wax drip down the glass, it looks like art. Use bottles of different colors to make a nice set. Green and clear glass look lovely together.
4. Driftwood Candle Displays
Nature gives us the best tools for free. Wood from a beach or forest makes a house feel like the outdoors.
What You Will Need:
- Pieces of driftwood
- Sandpaper
- A drill
- Small candles
How to Make It:
Pick wood that sits flat so it does not tip over. Sand the wood until it is smooth. Use a drill to make small holes for your tea lights. Do not drill all the way through the wood. Clean out the dust. Put your candles in the holes.
Keep these on a safe surface. Do not leave them alone while they are lit. Every piece of wood is unique.
5. Vintage Teacup Candle Holders
Thrift stores have lots of old teacups. You can turn them into sweet DIY candleholders.
What You Will Need:
- Old teacups and small plates
- Wicks
- Soy wax
- Scent oils (if you like)
How to Make It:
Wash your cup. Put the wick in the middle of the bottom. Use a bit of wax to stick it down. Melt your soy wax on the stove. Add a few drops of oil for a nice smell. Pour the wax into the cup. Hold the wick straight. Let it get hard for a few hours.
These make great gifts for friends. They also help you use up old wax. The small plate under the cup catches any wax drips.
6. Tin Can Lanterns
Old tin cans can become lanterns with just a few tools. This project saves items from the trash.
What You Will Need:
- Clean tin cans
- A hammer and a nail
- Paper and a pen
- Safe paint
- Tea lights
How to Make It:
Clean the cans. Fill them with water and put them in the freezer. The ice keeps the can from bending when you hit it. Draw a pattern on paper and tape it to the can. Use the hammer and nail to poke holes through the dots. Let the ice melt and dry the can. Paint it if you want.
Stars or dots look great when the light shines through. The light makes fun shapes on the walls.
7. Concrete Votive Holders
Concrete looks modern and lasts a very long time. These are strong and heavy.
What You Will Need:
- Concrete mix
- Old plastic cups to use as molds
- Cooking spray
- Sandpaper
How to Make It:
Spray the inside of a large plastic cup with oil. Mix the concrete and pour it in. Fill it about halfway. Push a smaller cup into the middle to make a hole for the candle. Hold it down with a rock. Let it sit for a day or two. Take it out of the mold and sand the edges.
These look great with Zero Waste soy candles. The grey color looks good in any home.
8. Seashell Tea Light Holders
Shells from the beach are perfect for holding small candles. You do not have to change them much at all.
What You Will Need:
- Large shells
- Tea lights or soy wax
- Wicks
How to Make It:
Wash your shells with soap and let them dry. You can just put a tea light right in the shell. Or, you can put a wick in the middle and pour in melted wax. Let the wax get hard.
These bring a beach feel to your room. Use shells you found on a trip to remember the fun times. Only take shells that are empty and do not have life inside.
9. Terracotta Pot Candle Holders
Small clay pots are cheap and look very natural. They are made of earth and can be recycled.
What You Will Need:
- Small clay pots
- Paint
- A small plug for the hole
- Soy wax and a wick
How to Make It:
Plug the small hole at the bottom of the pot. Paint the outside with dots or stripes. Put a wick in the center. Melt your wax and pour it in. Let it sit until it is firm.
Place a few of these together. The clay can take the heat, so they are safe to use.
10. Fallen Branch Candle Centerpiece
This project uses wood from your yard. It looks like something from a fancy shop.
What You Will Need:
- A thick tree branch
- A saw
- A drill
- Small candles
How to Make It:
Find a branch that has fallen down. Cut it to a size that fits your table. Use a drill to make holes for your candles along the top. Sand the wood so it is not rough. Put your candles in.
This brings a bit of the woods to your table. It is perfect for a big dinner or a holiday.
[IMAGE: Natural bark-covered branch centerpiece with multiple candles flickering along its length, placed on a dining table]
Conclusion: Small Changes, Beautiful Impact
Making Zero Waste candleholders is a fun way to be creative. It helps you see new uses for old things. It is about making good choices for the world.
Each holder you make is one less thing you have to buy. It keeps jars and cans out of the dump. When you use Zero Waste soy candles, your whole home becomes greener.
Some of these take five minutes. Some take a whole weekend. Just start with the one that looks easiest to you. Tell your friends and show them what you made.
Do not worry about being perfect. Just have fun. Your handmade items have a story to tell. They show that you care about the earth.
Get your tools, light a candle, and start making. The earth will be happy, and your home will look great.
References
If you want to learn more about being green, check out these sites:
- EPA – Reducing Waste
- National Geographic – 10 tips to reduce plastic pollution
- Ocean Conservancy – 4 Ways to Help Protect the Ocean
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