Anthropologie Candle Upcycled into a Mini Succulent Garden

mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle

It's no secret Anthropologie is one of my favorite lifestyle stores. And I say 'lifestyle' because they have everything from fashion to home decor,  to even a fantastic line of organic makeup (I can't get enough of their art deco inspired lipsticks)! So it should come as no surprise that my friends find me very easy to shop for, which brings me to this Voluspa candle my friend Diana gave me for Christmas. Talk about aroma therapy! This sandalwood and cedar scent is an instant mood changer, and I'm speaking from experience here people - LOL. 

 Anyway, the candle ran out just a few days before Earth Day, and me not ready to let go of this beautiful container I headed over to Succulence (my favorite urban garden store in the bay area) and picked up some supplies for this upcyled project!  As you can see below, their wall is full of compliments...why thank you wall! 

Succulence - bay area

What You will need:

  • 3 succulents (I used the Echeveria agavoides variety)

  • Black sand (I used 1 lb.) 

  • Voluspa candle container

  • Scissors

  • Small brush

  • Paper towel (or workspace you don't mind getting a little messy)

mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle

I washed out all the remaining wax from the container by running it under warm water and scrubbing the interior. I used scissors to snip the sides of the containers, which makes it a lot easier to remove the succulents. I don't know about you, but I always worry that they will go into shock from all the movement (if that's even a thing) so I try to treat them as carefully as possible while transferring them to their new home. 

mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle

I used a brush to remove dirt from the succulent (In my head, it helps for maximum sun absorption - haha). Then I shook off the excess dirt before transferring all three to the candle container. 

mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle

Succulents need proper drainage (they don't like having wet feet, and neither would I when I get to thinking about it...) so you can either drill drainage holes into the container or you can do what I did and pour a layer of sand on the bottom.

mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle

I added arranged the succulents in the container and added all the soil that came with them, as well. Next, I covered the soil with sand.  

mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle

Again, I used a small brush to clean off any soil or sand that was stuck to the succulents. 

mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle
mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle

A new home for my miniature flamingo!

mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle
mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle
mini succulent garden - upcycled from Anthropologie candle

I love adding greenery wherever I can. So I hope this project inspires you to use to find things around your home to re-purpose! 

I'm always looking for new items to upcylcle,and I'd love to know what items you've used! Drop me a line or two! 

xo 

Enid