Looking for an easy, elegant holiday present or hostess gift? How about a homemade antique teacup candle? We made a whole batch of these last year. Very easy. Inexpensive.
First we haunted the antique malls looking for old teacups.
SuperGuy and I had a deal. None of them could be over $5.00 for this project. That just added to the fun!
I’m partial to the teacups that have pearly insides and cut outs on the saucer like this one.
Buy some container wax at your local craft store such as Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. If you’re really lucky, I’ll send my kitty over to help you make your candles too! No, I’m thoughtful that way. I can’t tell you how helpful my kitty was on this project…
Then you’ll need wicks. The ones I got are pre-waxed wire wicks, 3 1/2 inches long. They came in a pack of 12. If you want to add fragrance you can melt some fragrance in with the wax. Like this yummy coffee bean fragrance.
I got this pouring pot to use because I didn’t want to melt wax in any of my pots. Call me crazy not wanting to use my nice cooking pots.
Place wick in bottom of teacup. Press down to hold into place.
Line your pretty teacups up besides the stove with the wicks all in place.
Place pouring pitcher in a pot of water on the stove top. My wax had me melt it until it reached 180 degrees F. (check on the packaging on your wax to see if your wax melting instructions are the same as mine, if not, well…follow the instructions on your wax to melt it!). Let cool to about 175 degrees F. Add scent.
Stir well and pour into teacups. (hopefully not while trying to take a picture of the process at the same time…!!!) Save some wax. After the candles have set up for about 30 minutes, poke hole in wax near the wick to let air escape. Reheat the saved wax to about 170 F. Cap off the candles with the remaining wax. (this keeps them from having a sunken center around the wick) After the candle cools, trim wick.
I hot glued the teacup to the saucer…just in case someone (or some kitty) might knock over the teacup. It’s more secure when attached to the saucer.
They look so creamy and cute.
There you have it, a darling holiday gift. Perfect for a teacher gift, or hostess gift…or to keep one or two for yourself. I’m posting this a bit early, because if you’re anything like me, you put off doing any holiday shopping and gift making until it stresses you out. So go hit your craft stores and indulge in a fun trip to an antique store or flea market and get a jump on your holiday gifts!
Honestly, don’t you think these are just adorable? Makes me want to go set one beside the tub, grab a glass of wine and relax in a long, hot bubble bath.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Those are REALLY adorable. I collect teacups. I have ever since my grandmother passed away, and I inherited some of hers. It’s quite comforting to look at them. :wink:
I LOVE this idea! I’m going to do some this season for gifts. I have a few other items I’d like to use in gift baskets and these will go perfectly! Thanks!
Very good gift idea! I am going to have to ry that one! :wink:
i love this idea! Absolutely perfect for teachers and such! Thanks for the tutorial!
Those are so pretty. I need to get to the craft store!
That’s so cute! I love those!
I actually have one of these that someone gave me as a gift. I never thought to try to make one, though! These would make excellent gifts for some of my co-workers. Thanks for the idea!
No need to send a kitty to help, though. I have two of my own who fill that role nicely!
I’m trying to be crafty this Christmas and this is a great idea! Thanks!!
Oh, those are really lovely, Kacey. Nice.
I love these! And my horoscope tells me to take a bubble bath today. I just need one of these, and I’m good to go;)
What a wonderful idea Kacey. I have been wondering this year what to get co-workers for Christmas and this fits the bill perfectly. Thanks for the idea and the instructions.
I used to have a 1500 piece china set like your picture of the third teacup down. I miss that set of china.
Oh my! Now I know what to do with all the tea cups I have. Cute!
I collect teacups too, which is why I think these are so cute! I’m really in love with that small rose teacup. Might have to keep that one for myself!
Love them!!!
How adorable! these would fit into any decor. You are very crafty, Kacey. What other talents do you possess?
Those are so cute! I may have to show this to my mom and see if we can do this for relatively inexpensive presents….
This is the best gift idea I’ve seen in a long time (except for the photo on CG’s web site that I wanted for myself…I digress). Love the idea, Kacey! I’m going to have to copy cat (ha! I crack myself up!) your idea. Does the black kitty come with the wicks or the wax???
Deb, I have many hidden talents…some hidden more deeply than others!
Debra, I’m sure that SuperGuy would say the black kitty comes with whatever you want her to come with :wink:
I just had to say how much I love these! Thanks.
What a fantastic idea.
I have some old teacups packed away in storage downstairs and now will have something to make with them.
Thanks for the great craft idea.
Bear((( )))
This is blinkin’ brilliant!
Do you glue the tea cup to the saucer?
Those are really just wonderful!
Yes, Annie, I hot glued the cup to the saucer for more stability.
Oh, cute idea! Candles are so easy to make. Great teacher’s gift.
Hey, I love those candles, did you make them yourself or did you buy them? If you made them, I would love to know more.
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