Craft beer cans gain a new life by rising from the ashes of its predecessor.

The Phoenix Candle Shop proudly sells 100% soy wax candles handmade from recycled beer cans, giving the can a second life. The can enjoys yet another life once the candle is burned down. Fill the can with dirt and then place the seed paper tag on top to grow a lovely arrangement of wild flowers.

The origin story of The Phoenix Candle Shop is one of personal rebirth. I first learned how to make candles when I had moved back in with my parents after my short-lived marriage and heartbreaking divorce. It was the middle of a long winter and I needed something to keep my mind occupied, if only for a few hours. Another emerging hobby of mine was tasting new craft beers and admiring the beautiful artwork on their labels. (It helped that my best friend lives next door to the Treehouse brewery and would get me a case whenever she went!) Instead of giving the cans to the trash can, I started to save them and turn them into candles as gifts for friends.

Alongside this new craft adventure, I was also trying to find my way in this new life. I thought I knew what my life would look like far down the line after getting married and it was all wiped away in an instant. So I carved out a new vision for myself, really learned to love who I am, dug in hard at work, and eventually moved back in Boston. I felt like a new woman and the best version of myself I had ever been. It was as if I had died a fiery death and was reborn from the ashes, better than before. Hence the Phoenix analogy! Much to my parents’ dismay, I was convinced I was going to get a tattoo of a phoenix on my thigh on my would be one-year wedding anniversary. Thankfully before I committed to the tattoo, I realized that it could be the name of my candle company! These cans are used up after people enjoy their beer and then are given a new life as candles. After the candles have been burned down, the can gets a third life as a vase for the wildflowers from the seed paper tag.

I have been a crafter all my life and sincerely enjoy the process of making these candles, probably even more than the final product or selling them! But I thought that it would be lovely to keep these cans out of the landfill, spread some joy and warm wishes, and grow something out of the ashes. I hope you enjoy your Phoenix Candle and all the little pleasures of life <3.

How will you give the can its next life?