Easy Candle Upcycle

This DIY is brought to you by Happy Go Lucky

How many of you have candles that look like this?

I have an entire shelf of them hidden behind picture frames!

So in an effort to declutter and get a little things organized before we decorate for the holidays I decided to take these ugly things and make brand new layered candles.

This was such an easy project to do.  I can’t believe I never did this before.

All I needed to get were these wicks from Michael’s and one new glass container.  I decided to get a new glass container because it was only $1 and I needed something clean to pour the first candle in.  Then you can start cleaning out the old ones and reusing those glass jars.

Step 1:  Melt your first candle down completely.  I put mine in a pot of boiling water.  It only took about 5 minutes for the candle to turn to liquid.

Step 2:  Place the new candle wick in your clean jar.  I wrapped it around a popsicle stick so it wouldn’t fall over. 

Step 3:  Pour melted wax into new jar.  Let cool completely.

Step 4:  Once the first layer of wax was completely hard, I melted the next candle down on the stove and poured it over the first layer.  Repeat with one more layer or until your glass container is full. 

 Step 5:  Cut the wick.  Burn and enjoy your new candle!!

I tried to combined scents that complimented each other.  One candle has a layer of sparkling vanilla, apple spice and toasted cinnamon spice.  The other one combined my summer scents:  caribbean salsa, strawberry shortcake ad island colada. 

Now I’m off to steal, I mean collect old candles from my neighbors so I can make more!!

Did I mention how nice your house will smell from melting the wax on the stove?  I hope you have fun creating your own upcycled, layered candles.  

Camping, DIY Outdoor Toilet

How many of my readers LOVE to go camping but HATE having to hold it till you get to the nearest store or having to squat in the bushes?? Well, I'm bringing you a DIY on how to build your own camping toilet.

This DIY is brought to you by: Mr. Homegrown
 
 Putting this toilet together takes just a few minutes. First, find a milk or beer crate and a five gallon bucket. Make sure that the crate you use is large enough to accommodate the bucket. And note, I know of someone arrested for scavenging beer crates behind a strip club, of all places, so be discreet or ask for permission.

  Attaching the Toilet Seat to the Crate

 Next, find a toilet seat. Forage one or pick up a cheap seat at your local hardware store. In an emergency situation, you could also use the one on your regular toilet and simply bolt it back on when the zombie threat has passed and the sewage pipes are flowing again. To attach the seat to the milk crate simply position the plastic bolts and nuts that come with the lid in the center and on the short end of the bottom of the crate. Don’t over tighten.
 

 Cutting Out a Hole in the Crate

 Place the bucket so that it will be appropriately positioned under the seat. Mark the outline of the bucket on the crate with a knife and cut out a circle with a jigsaw or keyhole saw so that the bucket will fit through the former bottom of the crate.

 Attaching Legs to the Crate with Cable Ties

 Cut four pieces of scrap wood (we found some old table legs for a more finished look), and attach them to each corner of the crate so that the bucket projects about a 1/2-inch above the level of the crate. The legs will be approximately 13 1/2-inches. Make sure that the toilet seat will fit snugly against the top of the bucket. We attached the legs with cable ties, but you could also use screws or bolts.

Moving the Spacer

The last step is to move the spacer on the bottom of the lid, so that it does not hit the top of the bucket. Pop it out with a knife or chisel, drill another hole, and reposition.

Your camping toilet is now done and ready for use. Simply lift the crate off the bucket when it comes time to empty the contents.


This toilet is simple to make, easy to clean, and is made of readily available materials. I think this particular design will be useful in emergencies!

*Not sure if that is actual waste in the toilet or not*

DIY: Transfer an image to metal

Photos on metal is inexpensive!!! Metal only costs 33 cents (depending on your location!) This post will show you how to transfer pictures on to metal. It looks super easy and is a great gift idea that is definitely unique, I can't wait to try this myself!
 
Source for the DIY



1. First you’ll want to mirror your photos on your computer since it’ll transfer in reverse (especially if it’ll have words on them.) Be sure NOT to use photo paper…just use regular cheap copier paper when printing. I just saved my pictures on a flash drive, took them to a copy center like Kinkos/Staples/Office Depot and they printed them out for me rather inexpensively. I printed two photos to a page to save a couple of cents.


2. Make sure your metal shingle is clean with no oily residue. Cut your photo to fit on one of the sides of the metal shingle.



3. Spread a layer of Gel Medium onto the shingle nice and evenly. Make sure it’s not too thin of a layer but not too thick either.



4. Carefully place the photo paper starting at one end and smoothing it out little by little with your finger to avoid bubbles. Go over the paper with your finger numerous times to make sure it’s on there well but don’t use something to blunt…your finger will just fine.



5. Now the waiting game! Wait 24 hours so that it’ll dry completely.

6. Once it’s dry, dampen the paper, I reused my clean foam brush. You don’t have to drench it but it you’ll notice where it’s getting wet.



7. Start rubbing! In a circular motion, gently rub off the paper using your fingertips. Once you think you’re done, let it dry for a few minutes and check. Repeat the rubbing anywhere where there is any white residue. This might take 3-4 times.






8. You can add some stressed markings by scratching the edges with your finger nail. Start slowly with small scratches along the edges and corners.



9. Now, step back and admire your cool project. You can add Modge Podge to seal it or to make it glossy if you want.



****These shingles are perfect…they prop up all by themselves. I was even thinking one can use them as place cards. This is a picture of my sister’s cute feline that I got from her facebook and I thought it would be a great gift for her as part of her birthday. They do sell rolls of metal sheets at Home Depot that I think I’m going to get now that I know it works so I can make my Christmas cards…thought it would be cute to send those out! I wish there was a way to share how everyone’s turns out on my blog. Have fun!

The Human Jukebox

A great film of some street performers. These guys are pretty dang talented!!!

Cracking the credit card code

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