You finished your last Siblings candle. Now you’re staring at a cute little vessel on your shelf—maybe it’s a vintage teacup, a handmade ceramic bowl, or that random cute jam jar you couldn’t bear to toss. And you’re wondering: Can this become a candle?

The answer is almost always: yes.

And we’ll show you how.

Refilling with Siblings isn’t just about reusing our Forever Vessels. It’s about giving any beautiful, functional container a second life—with less waste, more light, and no mess.

What Makes a Vessel Candle-Ready?

Before you pour in your refill, here’s how to know if your vessel is good to go:

1. Heat-Safe Material

Stick with glass, ceramic, or metal—anything designed to handle heat. Avoid plastic, wood, or anything with delicate paint or finishes that might crack or warp.

2. Solid, Non-Porous Interior

Make sure your vessel doesn’t have cracks, holes, or an unglazed bottom that could absorb hot wax or leak.

3. The Right Size

Our Siblings refills are designed for vessels 2.5 to 3 inches wide. Too small and the wax may not burn evenly. Too large and the single wick won’t fully melt the wax pool.

Creative Vessel Ideas That Work Beautifully

Here are a few of our favorite upcycle-worthy containers:

Vintage Teacups

Charming and cozy. Perfect for gifts or a little bedside candle. Just double-check that the glaze inside is intact.

Handmade Ceramics

You know that one mug from the local pottery fair? Refill it. Handmade = high character, and most are perfectly heat-safe.

Glass Jars with Lids

Jam jars, mustard jars, spice containers… they’re everywhere, and they make great travel candles if you’ve got the lid.

Mini Planters

Ceramic planters with no drainage hole work beautifully as candle vessels. Bonus: they look great on your shelf.

Minimalist Tins

Old tea tins or matte black spice jars? So chic. Just make sure there’s no plastic lining inside.

How to Refill an Unusual Vessel with Siblings

1. Clean it out Make sure it’s free of dust, debris, and residue. Give it a wash and dry.
2. Center the wick We include a wick with every refill—peel and stick it right in the center.
3. Melt your refill Follow our usual steps: microwave the compostable bag, stir, and pour.
4. Let it set Leave it undisturbed for a few hours. Once it’s fully cooled and firm, trim the wick—and light it up.

A Few Pro Tips

• Want a snugger fit? If your vessel is slightly narrower or shorter, pour only part of the wax in and save the rest for later.
• Make it a moment: Add a little ritual to your refill. Put on a playlist, sip a drink, and turn it into a quiet act of care.
• Label it (or don’t): Some people like to reuse our scent labels on new vessels. Others prefer the clean, label-free look. Your refill, your style.

Not Sure If It’ll Work?

If you’re ever unsure whether a container is safe to refill, snap a photo and DM us on Instagram or email us. We’re happy to help you troubleshoot or get creative.

Final Thought: Refilling Is an Act of Care

Refilling a candle in a teacup, a handmade mug, or a leftover jar is about more than reusing. It’s about choosing to see beauty in what’s already yours. It’s a small, intentional act that turns an object into a ritual—and waste into warmth.

Start your next refill here. Shop Clean Candle Refills →