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.
