You can buy any number of fancy molds in a vast range of shapes (see Chapter 7, “Molded Candles”). However, you can also make many unusual candles from improvised molds, such as terra cotta flowerpots. Conveniently, these already have a hole at the bottom for the wick! If you have any lying around the potting shed, wash and dry them thoroughly before using. Or, purchase new ones at your garden center. They come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes and are quite inexpensive. And, if you don't break them, they are infinitely reusable.

Holy Moly!

Once you begin to look around for molds in which you can make unusual candles, your imagination will be ignited. Not only flowerpots, but old tin cans, Bundt cake pans, coconut shells, seashells (available in bulk at craft stores) — practically anything that has a hollow center — can be used to make unusual candles.

Great Glassware

As I was working on this section, I received my monthly catalog from the Vermont Country Store, one of my favorite places to shop. They carry all sorts of old-fashioned items that have long since gone out of stock in most stores. On one page I found a huge collection of glassware that would be perfect for container candles.

There are old-time jelly glasses, such as restaurants used to use, in six different sizes, shapes, and colors — green and sapphire as well as clear. Tall, short, squat, footed, these are all inspiring. Another glassware offered is heavy-duty footed ware, which would stand up under a melting candle.

Yet a third variety perfect for container candles is another restaurant-quality, i.e., heat-tempered, glass made originally for use in diners. These come in three sizes: diner juice glass, diner beverage glass, and diner iced tea glass. Best of all, these glasses (sold in sets of six) run from $2.50 to $3.50 each.

Another item that intrigued me as a future container for candles is the “Jelly Glass Bowl,” which holds l4 ounces. These come with plastic lids (great for gift giving — just put on the lid and tie a ribbon around it) and are listed as dishwasher-safe, which means candle-burning safe.

To reach the Vermont Country Store for a catalog, call (802) 362-8440, or visit their Web site at www.vermontcountrystore.com.