How to Reuse Broken Stemware As Garden Candle Holders

GlobeRover

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posted on 12 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Whether your favorite glass has snapped off at the stem or you need a creative way to light up the night, you can use slightly broken wine, margarita or champagne glasses as elegant candle holders in your garden. This is an adult-only craft as working with broken glass edges can cause nasty cuts.

Steps

Evaluating and Preparing the "Broken" Glasses

Find suitable broken glasses. The idea for this project is to use glasses which have broken stems or bases only and that still have intact bowls. Do not use glasses with jagged cut tops or broken shards. While you don’t need the glass to be in perfect condition, it does need to be free of cracks and other vulnerable areas that could make it prone to further damage. Also ensure that you choose the right stemware. For example : A champagne flute can't be used because it's too thin unless if you have a thin candle. There muse be enough of a stem left to stick into the ground. If not, you'll need to glue a dowel or something similar onto the glass bowl to make up for the lack of a stem.

Grab some sandpaper. Sand down the broken glass stem edge to reduce the chance for any cuts. The stem should stay sharp enough to pierce through the dirt and hold its own in your garden but not so sharp it cuts you.

Wash, clean and dry the glasses before use. Give them a quick trip through soapy water, followed by a good rinse and thorough drying.

Creating the Garden Candle Holders

Fill the bottom of the candle base with the chosen material, such as sand. Or, apply the rubber/felt chair leg protectors to the base of the candle.

Drop a candle into the glass. Move the candle into the center position, so that the flame doesn’t scorch the sides of the glass.

Setting Up the Garden Candle Holders

Identify areas in the garden that will hold the candles safely. Avoid anywhere near flammable items; greenery should be okay but don't have the flame close to anything that might burn (or use battery tea lights). Choose locations that you feel assured will not be disturbed by children or animals. If you are entertaining, you won’t be able to completely monitor the area at all times. If the soil is too loose or shallow, the glass candle holder may not be held well in that area. Check first.

Place the garden candle holder. Gently push the glass stem into the dirt and hold it in place. Remove your hand and make sure the glass is well supported in the dirt.