Give Your Old Jelly Jars New Life With These DIY Cozy Votive Candles

Reusing and upcycling ordinary containers you might otherwise throw out is a great way to not only help save the environment, but also to create unique and stylish décor. Glass containers, like jelly jars, are a particularly useful element since they can be used for storage and purely cosmetic uses that beautify your home. This includes using adorable jelly jars and additional materials to create simple DIY votive holders that complement a variety of different aesthetics, from rustic style décor to cottagecore spaces. 

Though you can easily use a variety of upcycled jars from your recycling bin to reuse around the house, jelly jars are especially excellent for creating these kinds of projects. They are often smaller and created with ribbed or faceted sides, like quilted glass, that suit candles perfectly. Jellies and jams are popular pantry items, meaning you will likely find yourself with many to create a cozy glow.

To make cute votive holders from ordinary jelly jars, clean out the containers thoroughly and remove any labels with soap and water or Goo Gone. Hold on to the original lids, since they are great for storage between uses, especially for outdoor candles to keep bugs and debris out of your holder. Some DIYers love using Bonne Maman jam jars with their signature red-checked lids, which can be great accents for outdoor picnics and holiday tables. You can also punch through any metal lid to create shapes like hearts and stars as a creative candle trick. 

Fill the partially with sand, pebbles, beads or other materials to raise the candles and add texture and interest at the bottom of the jar. Sand or sea salt will create beachy look, while pebbles offer a touch of the natural world. Add some glass beads or pearls for a more glam aesthetic. Nestle a real wax or a battery-operated tea light in the material and place the jars anywhere you need some cozy, soft lighting.

There are numerous ways to customize your jars to fit your needs and décor. Create simple, no-frills votives as above or add other elements like wrapped jute twine, ribbon, or burlap around the bottom or top of the jar for a rustic look. You can also use the exterior of the glass as a surface for decoupaging leaves, dried flowers, pretty wrapping paper, or vintage ephemera to the sides of the jar with a coat of Mod Podge that dries completely clear. Or create a mosaic effect on the glass using pottery fragments and glass beads glued around the perimeter.

You can even change the color of the jar itself using this faux-vintage decor treatment that mixes Mod Podge with food coloring or paint for transparent color. For a more solid farmhouse look, use chalk paint on the inside of the jar in white or a pale color that will glow with light. You can even create a cool vintage mercury glass effect on the jars with silver spray paint that will give off lots of light and a vintage style.