When I spotted these beautiful gold-trimmed antique tea cups at a flea market, I knew that I had to take them home. But how to use them? Instead of using them for a tea party, I decided to transform them into eco-friendly soy wax candles. Making them was super easy, and the most time-consuming part of the entire process was waiting for the layers of soy wax to dry. You can find all of the candle-making supplies at a craft store or candle/soapmaking supply store (such as Juniper Tree Supplies).
What You'll Need
- antique, pretty teacups, with or without saucers
- enough soy wax to more than fill each cup
- essential oil for scent (I used Lily of the Valley)
- wicks that equal your number of cups
- double boiler
- Pyrex cup or funnel
- chopsticks or wooden skewers
- stirring tool, such as a rubber scraper
- Pour the soy wax into the double boiler. Let it simmer until the wax is clear liquid.
- Center the wick in the bottom of each teacup. Put one chopstick or wooden skewer on either side of the wick, balanced on the rim of the teacup, to keep the wick centered.
- Add a small amount of your scented oil to the melted soy wax. Mix with your rubber scraper, and then pour into your Pyrex measuring cup.
- Pour the wax into the bottom of each teacup. If the wick gets a little off-center, you can reposition it before the wax sets. Let wax harden. Repeat this process until the cup is half full. Repeat a third and fourth time until the cup is full. You'll want to continue adding small amounts of the scented oil to make sure that the candle is scented throughout.
- Wipe off any spills with a warm, wet rag.
- Clip the top of the wick so it's about half an inch taller than the rim of the cup.
- Light, and enjoy.
To find out how to make it, read more.
I've found that the simplest way to clean wax out of my double boiler and other utensils is by heating them, and then wiping them down with a paper towel. This makes the clean-up really quick and easy!
Quai D'Orsay
Christian Dior
Mavi Jeans
Cute. I like using my Grandmothers tea cups for tealight candles. I also use her antique wine glasses for tealights. I like the versatility of them and they can really add to the ambience - especially of a themed setting.
1Great idea. I am always finding tea cups in thrift stores that aren't a complete set, and this would be perfect.
2Cool.
3I have a friend that did this as a gift for her bridal shower. It was really cute and everyone loved them.
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