Save Empty Cookie Tin Lids: Reuse Them For A Unique Way To Display Candles

Zero-waste crafting doesn't have to look like it came from a kindergarten art class — it can be chic and sustainable. Shelley Carline proves that with her stunning candle tray, made from a cookie tin lid, that looks like it came directly from the pages of a Pottery Barn catalog. She glues small candle cups to the inside of the lid and pours concrete around it to create the foundation. But there's plenty of room for customization with this DIY candle tray.

You only need the lid of the cookie tin. But don't throw away the base, you can transform it into a stylish cookie tin shelf that doubles as wall décor or other décor options. Using an upside-down lid works well because it acts as a tray. The original creator uses an octagon-shaped lid, which adds to the aesthetic of the candle décor, but even a traditional round lid makes for a stunning display. It doesn't matter what colors or imagery is on the lid because you'll cover it. To elevate the display, grab some blocks of wood or large wood beads for the project.

For the basic construction, paint the lid to match your décor, or go neutral for versatility. Glue metal candle cups, like these Goohochy Black Aluminum Taper Candle Cups, to the inside of the lid. The original design features five candle cups, but you can decide on the number and configuration based on the size of the lid and your design preferences. Mix a small amount of concrete and pour it in the lid around the cups, making sure the mixture doesn't go inside of the cups. Once the concrete is dry, paint it to match the rest of the piece. Now that you have the foundation, you can customize the decorations.

You can leave this candle styling idea as-is if you want a simple, sleek look. Or, add accents to personalize the look. Gluing beads, rope, gemstones, small rocks, or other textured embellishments along the outer edge of the lid adds dimension to the tray. You can paint them to match for a monochromatic look, or choose intentionally contrasting colors to draw more attention. Another basic way to change up the look is to use this idea for different sizes of candles, like votives or thicker pillar candles. Or, use a mix — a pillar candle in the middle with votives around it, for example. Choose appropriate candle cups for the candle size.

@shelleycarline_design

A little Spring upcycle💚 . Happy Thursday! Back from an incredible 10 days in Mauritius and full of ideas for a more sustainable home and upcycling projects. . Here's a candle holder I made for which I used the lid from the empty @qualitystreetuki tin(I used the bottom for a planter). . Let me know what you think and please save and share❤️ . Right, time to catch up on the jet lag and enjoy my favourite weekend of the year- just love it when nights are getting lighter and there's the promise of warmer weather around the corner. . Happy Easter everyone! . #upcycle #sustainability #sustainableliving #sustainablehome #recyclereuse #candleholder #centrepieceideas #interiorhacksh

♬ original sound – Shelley Carline

In the original, the creator bunches faux moss on top of the concrete, but you could add other accents on top of the moss like faux flowers, wooden mushrooms, or pinecones, gemstones, and pompoms. Or, swap out the decorative element for the seasons — pine boughs for winter, for example. Skip the topper items if you use votive candles to avoid a fire hazard, or swap them out for flameless candles for a safer option.

You can also get creative with how you use the concrete. Instead of smoothing it out, create grooves or stamp shapes into it before it dries. Pressing objects, like seashells or rocks, into the wet concrete also creates a unique look. Then, slide in your candles, whether you use them straight from the store or try something creative, like transforming plain candles into twisted beauties.