little wren

I love teacups. There I said it. I love teacups and I’m not a little old lady. I don’t love them because they’ve resurged in popularity over the past few years (just check out any wedding blog for proof of this) though it makes me happy to see others are finding a new appreciation for lovely teacups too. I’ve admired them since I was young and would have (supervised) tea parties using my great grandma’s teacup collection – I can still remember my favourites. Since then they’ve always had a place in my heart… plus I just think they’re pretty.

I found the idea for teacup candles a few years ago when I received one for Christmas from a friend. Although I thought it was a super cute idea I didn’t really give it much thought other than just enjoying my present. Fast-forward three or four years, when I was the proud owner of a plethora of teacups (thanks to my other love of thrifting and flea markets) that were just collecting dust, and taking up a lot of space in my little room… so I decided to make them in to candles.  Admittedly I got a bit candle-making happy and now wish I had kept a few more, but am comforted by the fact that they all went to good homes.

some of the candles almost done...

Although a bit pricier, I chose to use natural soy wax since it burns clean and won’t damage or stain the lovely teacup (which, lets be honest, would be sacrilegious). I cheated a little and bought wax that was already cut up and ready to go. Then to melt the wax, I put it in a large measuring cup (so it would be easy to pour) on a cookie cutter of all things in a boiling pot of water – i.e. a makeshift double boiler.

Once the wax was melted completely, I poured it in to the teacups. I first put the wick in the teacup and secured it with bamboo skewers so it would stay centred while I poured the liquid wax in – as you can see below.

Then all I had to do was sit back and wait for the wax to dry (I gave it overnight) and then the candles were good to go!

the finished product

Above are some of my finished teacup candles, alongside some fabulous Pontouf headbands and hair bows. I think they turned out pretty well don’t you?

One word of warning, if you’re planning on undertaking a teacup candle making session, although fun, it’s not as easy as you might think… well at least it wasn’t as easy as I first thought it would be. It turns out melted wax can be messy – go figure. I would also encourage you to do ‘batches’ of a few candles or more each time, if you just do one it will likely turn out to be a rather expensive candle after you factor in all the supplies. From my experience, I would recommend against using real essential oil – just use the candle scenting stuff – I tried to use real essential oil and the result wasn’t as fragrant.

If that just seems like far too much work for you, and you’re interested in buying one of the teacup candles, you can do so at Barefoot Contessa.

Tags: DIY, tea cups, teacup candles, teacups, vintage