Crafty Satisfaction: Tea Cup Candles

2009 was definitely "Year of the Homemade" in the Craft Calendar - money was tight, spending was down, and everyone was looking for ways to reuse, re-gift, and reinvent. Magazines, TV shows, blogs, and books advocated homemade meals, furnishings, decor, entertainment, and gifts. 

It was wonderful... and overwhelming! There were so many things to learn and so many ways to save - but not enough time in the day. Where to start! I can tell you where I started: sewing. Then it was soap. Then it was candles. I know, not really survival skills, but they were satisfying. And hey, in a year like last year I can live with just satisfying. 

So here's where I started with candles: tea cups! I'd seen a photo in Country Living and thought that they fit the 2009 spirit - reuse/re-gift/reinvent - and matched my own sense of craft style. A quick internet search for "tea cup candles" will get you all the instructions you need. I'm including the basic basics here - and I got great results and gifts that I was proud to give.

You need: 

Thrift Store Tea Cups
(or cups at home that you're willing to part with)

Candle Wax
(I used a craft store glass wax that is meant for containers)

Tabbed Candle Wicks
(at least a couple of inches longer that you need for the cup)

Fragrance
(I did not use a colorant, but you could!)

Glue

Pen/pencil

Double-boiler set-up

(or microwave in a pinch)

 

Make sure to clean your cups thoroughly.

Let them soak in hot water while you prepare the wax.

Melt the wax slowly in a double-boiler set-up.

You can use the microwave, but I'm always careful

of flashpoints when it comes to wax. If you do use

a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts until almost

completely melted and then stir to melt the remaining solids.

While the wax is melting, remove your cups from the water and dry.

Adhere your wick to the bottom of the cup with glue.

Next you will add your fragrance(s). Be sure to check

with the label or the manufacturer on the correct ratio of wax to scent so that you get good throw (how well the scent permeates in a room) .

Pour the wax among your cups,

making sure to leave some wax and room for a second, small pour.

 Depending on the length of your wicks, you can make sure

that it sets straight by wrapping the excess around a pen or

pencil so that it is taught and sits on top of the glass.

If your wick isn't long enough to do this effectively,

I've also heard of using clothespins from several angles to

hold the wicks straight.

Let the wax cool. Depending on the wax used, a small

"divot" will form around the wick.Using the reserved
wax, do another small pour -just enough to fill in the hole 
and cover the surface.

Trim the wick and you're all set!

These make great gifts - especially tied with ribbon

to a matching saucer or with a little gift pack of teas

or hot chocolate/marshmallows (consider a chocolate scent!).

Depending on the size of your cup, they can also fit nicely in a
Chinese take-out type box with a little shredded paper in the bottom.

And last but not least, with Valentine's Day coming up soon,

there's nothing like sharing a "cup of coffee" with a friend that is

far away, presenting a neighbor or teacher or co-worker with "warm wishes" (perhaps paired with a scarf or mittens?), sending "hot stuff" to your favorite "hot stuff" (candle with hot tamales candy or hot sauce, etc), or even gift a "cup of kisses" with a candle topped with Hershey kisses, wrapped in cello and tied with ribbon...

There are so many ideas out there - you'd better get to work :)