Teacup Candles: Friday’s Project #12

Years ago I bought a candle in a coffee mug at a local craft fair. There is something about candles that have been poured in unexpected containers that makes me smile. A candle in a canning jar or a teacup? Yes, please!

This weekend some friends and I made candles in mismatched teacups my sister has been collecting from thrift stores. The project was both easier and less messy than I anticipated, which in my book is always good news.

You can easily find candle-making supplies at your local craft store. We used soy-based wax rather than paraffin as it burns cleaner and is more eco-friendly. I think soy wax is also much easier to work with and clean up that paraffin.

You will need:

• a variety of teacups or other container
• soy-based candle wax chips
• non-wire wicking
• metal wick clips
• tacky wax
• candle scent oil (optional)
• candle dye for color (optional)
• tape
• cardboard
• scissors
• pliers
• glass bowl with a pour spout
• metal spoon for stirring
• thermometer

1. Prep the teacups by thoroughly washing and drying them.
2. Follow the directions on the package for the wicking material, attaching the wick to the clips with pliers and securing them in the cups with tacky wax. Make sure to leave enough wick to extend about a ½” above the planned level of the wax. We found that using a strip of cardboard, poking a hole in the center and threading the wick through, then securing it with some tape, worked kept the wick centered and didn’t shift when we poured the candles.
3. Once the cups are prepared, begin melting the wax chips in a glass bowl according to the package directions, adding color and scent when the wax reaches the correct temperatures. The wax we used was made to melt in the microwave rather than in a double boiler on the stovetop. I highly recommend this process; it was much faster and less fussy than the stovetop method.
4. When the wax has reached the correct temperature, carefully pour it in the cups to the desired level. Pouring slowly helps avoid air bubbles in the wax.
5. Allow the candles to cool completely before removing the cardboard and cutting the wicks.

It took three pounds of wax to fill a dozen teacups of various sizes. This was a great project to do with friends. I hope you give it a try!

Thanks to my friend Jamie for taking pictures during the process. (I still can’t decide which teacup is my favorite).