Crack leftover glassware into glowing shards on candle jars. You’ll want to gift these to everyone

Transforming leftover glassware into glowing candle votives is a creative and eco-friendly way to repurpose materials that might otherwise go to waste. This DIY project not only provides a unique aesthetic to your home decor but also allows you to create personalized gifts that will light up any room. The juxtaposition of broken glass against the warm glow of candlelight creates a captivating visual effect, making these votives a conversation starter in any setting.

These broken glass candle votives add a touch of elegance and mystery to any room. They are perfect for a modern, minimalist interior with their clean lines and striking appearance. Place them on a coffee table or mantelpiece to create a focal point, or use them as centerpieces on a dining table to add ambiance to a dinner party. The reflective nature of the glass shards complements metal and glass furnishings, while the soft candlelight contrasts beautifully with darker wood tones.

Broken Glass Candle Votives

Materials

Leftover glassware (e.g., old wine bottles, mason jars)
Protective gloves
Safety goggles
Cloth or towel
Hammer
Clear adhesive or silicone sealant
Glass votive holders or small jars
Tea light candles or LED candles
Optional: glass paint or spray paint for additional coloring

Directions

Put on protective gloves and safety goggles to ensure safety while handling broken glass.

Wrap the leftover glassware in a cloth or towel to contain shards.

Carefully use a hammer to gently crack the glassware into smaller pieces. Aim for varied sizes to add texture.

Lay out the broken glass shards on a flat surface and sort them by size and shape.

Apply a layer of clear adhesive or silicone sealant to the outside of the glass votive holders.

Carefully press the glass shards onto the adhesive-covered surface, arranging them in a mosaic pattern.

Allow the adhesive to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time.

Once dry, place a tea light candle or LED candle inside the votive holder.

For added effect, consider painting the glass shards with glass paint or spray paint before adhering them to the votive holder.

Variations & Tips

To add a personal touch to your broken glass candle votives, consider using colored glass to match your interior decor or the theme of an event. You can also experiment with different shapes of votive holders, such as cylindrical or square, to suit your style. For a more rustic look, use twine or ribbon to wrap around the base of the votive holder. If you prefer a safer alternative, opt for LED candles, which provide the same beautiful glow without the risk of an open flame. Finally, you can enhance the scent by using scented candles or adding essential oils to the adhesive before applying the glass shards.