These DIY teacup candles are scented, affordable and easy to create. They make wonderful gifts during the holidays or any time of year for everyone in your life.
It's that time of year again when I start creating special handmade gifts for the holidays. Today it's all about making scented candles from vintage teacups.
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DIY Teacup Candles
Below is a list of the supplies that I used to make my teacup candles. I ended up filling 12 cups and had enough leftover to fill two small (8 oz.) mason jars.
Obviously the teacups themselves were different shapes and sizes. And, depending on how high you fill them the amount of wax will vary. This is why I always have an extra mason jar or two around for the overflow.
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If you are unsure how much to purchase you can find a ton of great information on the Candle Science Website.
Supplies
- Vintage teacups, mugs, coffee cups, etc.
- 5 pounds Soy wax
- 8 oz Fragrance oil
- Tabbed wicks
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Straws or clothespins to hold the wicks in place
- Old pot
- Wax pouring pitcher
- Wood skewer or spoon for stirring
How to Make Teacup Candles
After you have washed and dried your cups start by placing a little hot glue on the bottom of the metal wick tab.
Then press it into the center of the teacup.
Melt the soy wax flakes in the wax pitcher that you have sitting in an old pot of simmering water. Stirring occasionally.
Once the wax has completely melted remove it from the heat and stir in the fragrance oil.
Pour the wax carefully into the teacups and use a straw or a long clothespin to hold the wick in place. I like to cut a slit in the straw for the wick to rest in.
Sometimes it works and other times the wicks pop out of the straw. No worries. Just wait 20 minutes or so when the wax begins to harden and then move it into place.
When the wax has fully hardened, a few hours or overnight, cut the wicks to about 1/2 inch.
Though most of the candles are made from old teacups I also bought these mugs without saucers from Goodwill.
I especially like the one on the right as the scent I chose for this project is called Christmas Hearth and the plain white cup is nice and deep for a beautiful holiday candle.
I plan to give these out during the holidays, however, I could certainly see them for party favors. Bridal showers, baby showers even small wedding favors.
After all, who doesn't like a good scented candle?
P.S. You can find many candle ideas on my DIY Projects Page. One of the most popular is this DIY Holiday Oil Candle. Another good holiday candle is this Bayberry Candle with a good luck folklore quote.
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DIY Teacup Candles - Scented for Holiday Gift Giving
Equipment
- Hot glue gun
Materials
- Vintage teacups
- 5 pounds Soy wax
- 8 oz Fragrance oil
- Tabbed wicks
- Straws or clothespins
- Old pot
- Wax pouring pitcher
- Wood skewer
Instructions
- Wash and dry your teacups.
- Place a little hot glue on the bottom of the metal wick tab.
- Press it into the center of the teacup.
- Melt the soy wax flakes in a pitcher placed in a pot of simmering water.
- Stir occasionally.
- Once the wax has melted remove it from the heat.
- Stir in the fragrance oil.
- Pour the wax carefully into the teacups.
- Use a straw or a long clothespin to hold the wick in place.
- Wait 20 minutes for the wax to harden and then move the wick into place.
- Let harden overnight.
- Cut the wicks to about 1/2 inch.
Ann Milson
whats a good way to clean the tea cups after use so you can use them?
Patti Estep
Ann, you can gently heat the cup by setting it in a pot of hot water or using a long lighter to melt any residual wax and then wipe it away with a paper towel. Then if it's not too delicate place it on the top rack of a dishwasher, or hand wash. Sometimes freezing works well when there is just a small amount of wax left. Again, it will depend on the fragility of the teacup.
Melissa
I simply love this DIY. I've been collecting vintage tea cups just for this, but then fall in love with the T-cups! I think I'll finally get around to doing them. Thanks Patti!
Patti Estep
Great to hear Melissa. I think you will love them!
Carole West
Great gift idea and I'm going to guess that candle making is a relaxing activity... They would look neat on a dinner table for a garden party. Or wait, do some Christmas themed for the dinner table.
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. They are pretty easy to make. Love your ideas. I mixed it up and went with floral themed cups and a Christmas scented wax.
Lara Wilson
Hi Patti
Can you tell me what oils you are using? I have tried using essential oils but the smell doesnt project when the candle burns.
Patti Estep
Lara, I used a fragrance oil from Candle Science. There's a link in the post. The scent was Christmas Hearth. I think their fragrance oils are pretty strong and the site will give you a good idea of how much to use on their facts page. I believe that 10% of oil per pound of wax is what they recommend.