In Romana’s Chronicles, we share in-depth product insights along with captivating articles designed to inform, inspire, and keep you updated on everything happening at our studio.
Romana's Chronicles - 8
Creative Ways to Upcycle Your Romana’s Jars - Give Your Glass a Second Life
Stylish, Sustainable and Simple
Candles are a beloved addition to many homes, infusing spaces with comforting scents and a warm, inviting glow. But once the flame has flickered its last, we’re often left with an empty glass jar — seemingly destined for the bin. Not so fast!
At Romana’s, we believe beauty doesn’t end with the burn. Our elegant glass vessels are designed to last, and with a little imagination, they can be transformed into stylish, functional pieces for your home. Upcycling isn’t just a fun DIY project — it’s a meaningful step towards reducing waste and embracing a more sustainable lifestyle.
Here are some creative and practical ways to give your Romana’s candle jars a second life:
Mini Planters
Perfect for succulents, cacti, or small herbs.
Give your greenery a chic new home. Thoroughly clean out any wax residue (see our tips below), then add a layer of small pebbles to the base of the jar for drainage, followed by potting soil and your plant of choice. These jars are best suited to plants that require minimal watering, such as succulents or cacti, as they don’t have drainage holes. Place on a windowsill, desk, or bathroom shelf for an instant touch of green.
Custom Vases
Beautiful for table décor or brightening up small spaces.
Empty candle jars make lovely vases for fresh blooms or dried flower arrangements. Decorate simply with twine, hessian ribbon, then add a sprig of greenery from your garden. Group a few together to create an effortless centerpiece for your dinner table or an elegant accent for any room.
Bathroom Storage
Tidy up in style.
Use clean jars to organise bathroom essentials like cotton balls, earbuds, bath salts, or makeup brushes. Add a decorative touch with ribbon, twine, or painted lids. Group them for a cohesive look on your vanity or bathroom shelf.
Desk Organiser
Stylish storage for your workspace.
Use jars to neatly store stationery and office supplies — everything from pens and pencils to paperclips, staples, and sticky notes. Glass jars help you stay organised while keeping your desk aesthetically pleasing.
Memory Jar
Capture moments that matter.
Start a heartwarming tradition by turning your upcycled jar into a memory keeper. Jot down joyful moments, milestones, or meaningful quotes on small pieces of paper and drop them in. Revisit your notes at the end of the year or during special occasions to reflect on the moments that made you smile.
Tips for Removing Wax and Labels
To prepare your jars for upcycling, try one of these simple techniques:
Freezer method: Freeze the jar for 30 minutes to harden the wax, making it easier to pop out in one piece.
Oven method: Place the jar upside down on a baking paper-lined tray and heat in a low oven (under 90°C) until the wax melts and drips out.
Double boiler method: Gently warm the jar over a pot of simmering water to loosen wax. Wash thoroughly with warm, soapy water once wax is removed. To remove sticky labels, use a mixture of oil and baking soda for residue-free results.
Happy Upcycling!
The next time you finish one of your favourite Romana’s products, don’t toss the jar — transform it!
A little creativity goes a long way in reducing waste and adding beauty to your everyday spaces.