Our friend Little Kevin is not little at all.
He’s 6′ tall and broad and runs marathons. But he’s also Carol’s baby brother, and we’ve known his since he was a teenager, so he’ll always be Little Kevin to us, even though he’s now an anaesthetist in his forties with adult sons of his own.
Little Kevin makes candles as a hobby. I absolutely adore how quirky all of my friends are! He took my chipped Steve Sheridan tea bowl – the one with the little frog in the bottom – and filled it with soy wax and a couple of wicks. He also took the chipped vintage jug I picked up from the Salvos (1960s Pontesa Castillian Toledo Collection, made in Spain, for anyone who’s interested) and turned that into a candle as well. It was part of a set I bought for $25 and included a coffee pot and six tea cups and saucers…
Last year, my friend Jenni taught me that it’s important to find a way to extend the life of things, even if it means finding a new use for an item that might otherwise end up in landfill. Even if it’s a use you don’t really need. So I asked my friend to turn chipped crockery into candles, even though we’ve never been big candle users, and I made cloth book covers from rescued linen, and water bottle carry bags from the sleeves of t-shirts.
It’s not just about repurposing, it really is about creative upcycling! ♥
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
And chipped bowls or jugs make nice containers for a succulent or two too.
So warm and friendly looking! Great idea.
Beautiful candles! My mom often planted cactuses in chipped dishes.
Chipped bowls and dishes always hold plants in this household, but I may have to switch over to candles instead!
You are such an inspiration Celia. Thank you for your deep well of energy and imagination to nurture our planet and great generosity in sharing your ventures. Your blogs are much appreciated ‘good news stories’.
Wonderful!