by Molly Carter

Created on: December 19, 2008   Last Updated: August 26, 2011

How to Recycle Old Jars and Glasses to Make Mosaic Candle Holders

Everyone is going green. This Christmas, join in the craze. Here is a unique gift idea for the holidays where you can dazzle with your creativity while reducing, reusing and recycling. With so many people on a budget this year, here is a gift that is unique and casts a beautiful glow.

What you will need:

• Any jars or old beverage glasses (you can opt for clear votive or hurricane lamps also)

• Glue gun

• Glue sticks

• Marble accents in various colors

• Tea lights or votive candles

Next time you empty that spaghetti sauce jar, set it aside. Save up old canning jars or take a peak at your nearest second hand store for mismatched glasses. In a pinch you can grab canning jars at your local grocer, warehouse store or restaurant supply store. Craft stores like Michael's or JoAnne Fabrics have plain hurricane lamp or votive holders that you can decorate for the same effect.

If you really want to go green, look for recycled glass but make sure it doesn't have any sharp edges.

Never use plastic or a material that will not withhold an open flame. Remember, you are putting candles inside!

I like marble accents because they are polished, let light through easily and come in various shades. I found some at Michael's but you can also purchase them at a pet store in the fish décor aisle. Occasionally I will come across them at a party store in the decorating aisle.

Use the glue gun to apply the marble accents to the exterior of your canning jar. Line it from top to bottom. Make sure you place the accents where you want them, as they are difficult to shift. It cements almost immediately.

For a neat gift idea, use three various sizes in the same color theme that can be used as a table centerpiece. Another idea is to use all the same size containers and make one corresponding to each holiday; orange and black for Halloween, fall colors for Thanksgiving, green, red and clear for Christmas.  To add a little element of surprise place a scented votive in each holiday themed candleholder; evergreen for Christmas, pumpkin spice for Thanksgiving, apple pie for Fourth of July, etc.

These candleholders are all unique, come from the heart and when made with recycled materials help you do your part to save the environment. They cast an amazing light show when they are lit. They are sure to please.

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