I’m still having fun with my skull molds. The funny thing is, I’m not that into scary decor (including skulls), but I am LOVING the multitude of crafting possibilities presented by a single silicone ice cube mold from the dollar store. Today I made scented wax tarts with the skull mold. You’ll laugh when I tell you where I got the wax: I saved it from a wax-covered cheese! I deserve some kind of frugal crafting medal for this, don’tcha think? You can use scented wax tarts with those little heated potpourri pots.

If you don’t have wax from a cheese (and really, who does?), remelt the wax from a burned-down candle, or use a new candle from the dollar store. You could also use crayons (specifically the cheap ones from the dollar store because they have less pigment than the brand-name crayons), but I’m not sure what crayons would do to a potpourri pot.

You can use fragrance oil from the dollar store for this project, but I used Passionfruit Rose scented flavor oil (also safe for lip balm) from Brambleberry.

wax tarts

Project Estimate:

  • Silicone ice cube mold, on hand or $1
  • Recycled wax from a cheese (or a dollar store candle, crayons, etc.), on hand or $1
  • Recycled can, washed, on hand
  • Saucepan and stove top, on hand
  • Stirring stick (skewer, popsicle stick, plastic spoon, etc.), on hand
  • Fragrance oil, $1

Total: $1 and up


Normally, I’m a wax microwaver (when I make lip balm or candles), which is quick and easy, and seems like less trouble. If you microwave, use a pourable glass measuring cup; microwave at half power for 30 second bursts, stirring between bursts.

Today, I put my wax in a recycled can, and put the can in a saucepan with some water in it — otherwise known as a double boiler. Use a recycled can because then you don’t have to deal with wax cleanup.

Heat the water at medium-high and stir the wax intermittently as it melts.

When the wax is fully melted, remove it from the heat (use tongs if you are using this method).  Add fragrance oil at this point — for scented tarts, you will want to use a decent amount so that it is very scented. Mix well with your stirring stick.

wax tarts

Pour carefully into molds (see how careful I was??). Allow molds to cool. I put mine in the fridge for a few minutes.

Then, just pop them lightly out of the molds and stick them in your potpourri warmer.

If you enjoyed this project, don’t forget to check out all the other things we’ve made with this exact same mold, and don’t forget you can use these techniques with any silicone mold or ice cube tray: