Quick Painted Vase and Removing Candle Wax

I’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.

Ever 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.

The 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.

I 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.

After 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.

But 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.

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

A few layers of tape and I was ready to spray it.

Presto chango! A quick painted vase from a candle!

Just enough color for me to debate whether or not I want to add turquoise to my living room.

Okay, 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.

That 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?