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Quick Painted Vase and Removing Candle Wax

February 18, 2015 By Colleen 5 Comments

https://www.facebook.com/Hometalk/photos/pb.201765839840980.-2207520000.1424213069./1080128508671371/?type=3&theaterI’ve been itching to change up the colors in my house lately, partly because it feels like Spring here and partly because it’s time to make my house my home.

The upstairs has been decorated all to my mother’s tastes – and it looks pretty nice for the most part – but now that she’s passed, I want to lighten and brighten. Usually I’d just add some throw pillows, which I’ll get to eventually, but I now have a ton of these candles.

quick-painted-vaseEver since she died, I’ve kept one of these dollar store candles burning by a photo of her, Hubs and my brother.

I’m amazed that I found a photo with the three of them! It was taken at my dad’s life “Celebration” back in 2001. You just never know how special photos will become until you lose loved ones. Anyway, I don’t want a huge “shrine” . . . at least not in my living room . . . but having the candle lit brings me comfort.

quick-painted-vaseThe problem is . . . . this ^^^^^. I now have a huge collection of empty glass cylinders coated in candle wax.

The DIYer in me wouldn’t think of throwing them out, knowing they’d make great vases or gifts or, well, something or other. The issue was getting rid of the wax residue.

All I needed to do was ask my blog friends. Peaches wrote this great post on removing wax from glass containers and Kim also has a post on the best way to remove wax from votives.

quick-painted-vaseI filled my teapot and boiled some water then poured it into a few test glass cylinders.

I should mention that I’d tried my own “methods” before I cried for help – stuck them in the freezer but that didn’t remove the wax on the sides, tried the microwave but the cylinders are 8″ high and barely fit. Plus you have to make sure you’ve removed the metal wick base before you try the microwave!!! (I did, don’t worry). Neither method worked, however.

quick-painted-vaseAfter the water cools, the wax floats to the top in a little disc that you just pop out. I will say that I took two times with the water to remove all of the wax on the side.

quick-painted-vaseBut you wind up with a perfectly clean glass cylinder, ready to be painted . . . or whatever. I wanted something super quick since I’m so busy with pet portraits and making painting class videos.

Anyway, when painting glass always wipe the glass with rubbing alcohol to remove any grease from your hands.

quick-painted-vaseMy mind was reeling with ideas but I just wanted something simple . . . and quick. Painter’s tape makes awesome patterns when you want something fast.

quick-painted-vaseA few layers of tape and I was ready to spray it.

quick-painted-vasePresto chango! A quick painted vase from a candle!

quick-painted-vaseJust enough color for me to debate whether or not I want to add turquoise to my living room.

quick-painted-vaseOkay, I grabbed some pillows from the bedroom and a turquoise throw to see if the color will work or not and I’m thinking I like it.

Which means get ready for more turquoise projects.

quick-painted-vaseThat is, as I get caught up with my business paintings.

I’m getting there, but it’s still slow-going. People say, “you’re doing so well!” Yeah, maybe. But being on my own, I need/want to kick into high gear to get the business up and running full speed.

But I’m still in first gear.

So while this is a simple little spray painted vase, it’s kinda a big deal for me to paint something to make the house mine. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other, knowing that sooner or later I’ll have my energy back and will be able to work longer than an hour or so.

Are you thinking of adding new colors to your house for Spring? What do you have in mind? And how do you add a pop of color quickly? 

Filed Under: Accessories, crafts, Home Decor, How To & PIY, Paint Glass, Paint Surfaces, Paint Types, Quick Stuff, Spray Paint

Comments

  1. Linda Johnston says

    February 19, 2015 at 7:40 am

    I like the turquoise! I’m thinking for Spring, it might be a change for me. Coincidentally, I too have mostly neutrals. We could use a spot of color!

    Reply
  2. Mel Swope-Johnson says

    February 19, 2015 at 8:13 am

    Hi darlin, would love to see you soon…The turquoise is great, try mixing some peacock blue and a dash of apple green in and you will be thrilled…Jazzed up a friends house for spring that had a neutral living room a lot like the pic you showed and it looks outstanding…just an idea not that you don’t have plenty of your own!!!

    Reply
    • Colleen says

      February 19, 2015 at 8:52 am

      Hey Mel! Would love to see you too!

      Yes, I’ve thought about apple green . . . maybe downstairs. Upstairs I’m considering a peach/coral on the bright side. And yes, way too many ideas. lol.

      Glad to hear you’re still creating. Still trying to get my strength back. When I do, let’s set up a lunch or coffee visit, ok? xoxo

      Reply
  3. Laura Strack says

    February 19, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    Great idea with the teapot! Good to know the glass won’t crack from the heat. Love this!!! Thank you!!

    Reply
  4. Mary says

    February 25, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    I’ve always thought having a living room with neutral components, like the sofa, is a great choice when it comes to decorating with accents pieces. With a beige or sand colored sofa, it allows you to change up the colors you chose for elements for your mantle, side tables, etc. I’m currently using shades of blue, teal, greenish blue & turquoise. Everything from the pillows and throw on the sofa to the candles on the mantle are in one of my favorite shades of blue. One of the best parts of having a neutral base color in any room is once you decide on a change—you merely need to swap out your accent pieces with a new palette of colors. Perhaps pinkish and peach will be in the next rotation—-or maybe…….

    Reply

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    About Me

    Hi there! I'm Colleen, a self-taught artist, writer and blogger, among other things. You don't get to be old enough to order off the Denny's senior menu without accomplishing a few things in life. Read More…

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