Turn Vintage Teacups Into Candles

7 Materials
I scored some lovely vintage teacups at a local thrift store for a mere $3. It's a happy pattern of white and turquoise daisies called "Holyoke" by Oxford (Lenox). {I also found a set of "Twilight Rose" mugs by Royal Domino for the same price. They aren't officially teacups, but they make cute candles nonetheless.}
Teacups tout a certain aesthetic charm that coffee cups just can't hold a candle to {pun intended}. They scream femininity with their dainty handles, pretty floral designs and accessorized saucers.
So let's spark new life into vintage teacups by turning them into handcrafted candles!
{step 1} Place wicks into cups by centering the metal tabs on the bottom. Secure wicks with two skewers taped on each end like a vise.
Since the mugs are deeper, I applied a glob of hot glue to the bottom of the metal tabs to ensure proper placement. I also used longer wicks, which were held in place by the same skewer method.


{step 2} Bring a pot of water to boil. Place wax in a melting container (I used a pasta sauce glass jar} and set the container in the pot of boiling water to melt. You'll need to melt enough wax to fill the teacup on the first pour and to level the wax on a second pour.
The wax will melt clear. Add fragrance and coloring at this point and stir with a wooden skewer to combine. I used pieces of crayon to color my candles - a little goes a long way and the color lightens once dry.


Safety Note: I did not use a thermometer to monitor the melting process. I did, however, attend the stove the entire time, adding more water to the pot when necessary and removing the wax promptly after it was fully melted. Please be cautious when handling the container and pouring the wax.


{step 3} Carefully pour melted wax into teacups. If you scented and/or colored the wax, be sure to reserve the remainder in order to level the candle during a second pour. Keep the skewers in place while the wax dries.
{step 4} Once the first pour is dry, remelt leftover wax using the double boiler method mentioned in step 2. Fill sink holes and level candles.
I let my first pour dry overnight and leveled them the next morning.


{step 5} Once the second pour is dry, snip the wicks above the skewers and remove skewers. Light {or gift} and enjoy!
These teacup candles are beautiful on display and make delightful gifts for any occasion. I think they'd be especially lovely paired with a bright bouquet of flowers or gourmet chocolates. So try your hand at candle making and let your light shine! -- v.
Suggested materials:
  • Vintage teacups   (thrift store)
  • Paraffin wax blocks or   (http://amzn.to/2gmURU0)
  • Soy wax flakes   (http://amzn.to/2gho9mY)
See all materials
Vernichel // created by v.
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 7 questions
  • Jody Hagan Jody Hagan on Jun 23, 2016
    Where do get E6000 at
  • Regena Regena on Jun 24, 2016
    The wax used for the candles
  • Regena Regena on Jun 24, 2016
    Could old candles be used for the new candles? I have a couple of old candles that still have wax in them but need new life brought to them.
Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 44 comments
Next