Don't toss out old candle jars. Use them as indoor planters instead.

Upcycling is all about bringing new life to something used. This DIY celebrates the essence of that spirit by infusing an old candle jar with new plant life. Then, paint makes the jar look even older than it is. It's a trick of the eye that magnifies the beauty of using old items in new ways.

This little planter is delicate enough for indoor use but durable enough for outdoor decor. This makes it a versatile item that's perfect as a housewarming gift. It's also a project you can make over and over again, adding new plants to your home each time you use up a candle.

- Old candle jar, cleaned and dried
- White chalk paint
- Cup to hold chalk paint
- 1/2-inch paintbrush
- Sandpaper
- 4 round wooden beads
- Hot-glue gun

1. Pour chalk paint into the cup.

2. Use your paintbrush to apply a coat of chalk paint onto the entire candle jar, including the bottom. Use one coat of chalk paint for a slightly transparent look, or two for a more opaque look.

3. Gently scrub the dried paint with sandpaper to create a vintage appearance.

4. Turn the candle jar upside down. Apply a dot of hot glue to each "corner" of the base. (To find the "corners," imagine a square drawn into the center of the circle.)

5. Place one wooden bead on each dot of glue.

6. Add soil to the jar.

7. Plant your favorite small succulent or other plant in the jar.