Candle Holders to Painted Vases

Are you like me and save your candle holders after they burn out? I have a whole box of them that I've collected over the last couple of years sitting in my craft room just waiting for a new life.  

My favorite are these five packs that have two jar sized and three votives that all match. They're the perfect set to work with after the candles are gone. 

I decided to try a new trick I seen on Pinterest, and pour boiling water into the holders to melt the wax. (I cleaned the soot off the top first with a baby wipe) 

The boiling water technique worked well, just make sure to use water that has came to a rolling boil if you do this... and BE CAREFUL!! 

Once all the wax had floated to the top and the water had cooled mostly I simply picked the wax off the top and gave the holders a good wipe down. I might use this method again but I think putting the holders in the freezer for about an hour works better.

I picked my paint colors to go with my bathroom and used Craft Smart acrylic paint.

I painted the inside of the jars and votives by squirting some paint in and turning them around and around until they were completely covered. 

By painting the inside, the outside keeps it's glossy glass finish and the paint makes it look like the glass itself is colored. 

I'm really happy with my results. They look great on the window sill in the bathroom.

Do you have any other methods for cleaning out old candle holders? I'm always on the lookout for a better way...

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my latest refashion! Have a wonderful day!