How to Make Tea Cup Candle Favors

Homemade gifts are a great choice for the holidays, because they communicate thoughtfulness and caring that’s difficult to achieve with a store-bought present. If you’re still looking for a handmade gift idea for a sister, teacher, or friend, why not consider tea cup candle favors? This project is easy to create and involves upcycling thrifted materials, making it affordable, practical, and eco-friendly.

Keep reading to learn more about how to turn beautiful vintage tea cups into lovely little candles.

Getting Started on Your Tea Cup Candle Favors

Supplies Needed:

For this project you’ll need to start at your local thrift store and seek out some vintage tea cups that inspire you. The rest of the supplies you need can be easily gathered online or at a nearby craft store.

●      Tea cups

●      Partially burned candles (or soy wax flakes)

●      Wicks

●      Wick holder (food sealing clips work great for this!)

●      Candle scents

●      Candle dye (optional)

Tools:

●      2 pans (for a double boiler)

●      Tongs

●      A candy thermometer

Step 1- Prep Materials

If using old candles, break up the wax and separate it from the old wicks. If you’re using new wax flakes, you can skip this step.

Step 2- Melt the Wax and Add Scent

Add water to the bottom pan of your double boiler. For the top pan in your double boiler, you may want to consider using an older pot or vessel, something you’re not too attached to, as it will soon be covered in wax.

Next, place your wax into the top pan and allow it to melt at a temperature of about 185 degrees. Add in your candle scent when your wax is approximately 180 °F. Fish out any leftover pieces of old wick using a tongs.

Step 3- Prepare your Teacups and Wicks

Now it’s time to lay out your tea cups and add in the candle wicks. Measure the depth of each tea cup and cut your wicks so they are 2 inches taller than the top of your tea cup. Use a wick holder to steady your wick in place so it doesn’t move around as your candle cools.

Step 4- Filling your tea cups

Once your tea cups are prepared and your wax is scented and melted, it’s time for the final step. Carefully pour the wax into each cup, stopping ½ inch before you reach the top so you don’t overflow the candle.

Step 5- Cool and Enjoy

You’ll want to allow your candles to cool for at least 6-8 hours before attempting to light them and enjoy.

There you have it – in just 5 simple steps you have a go-to gift idea using these tea cup candle favors!

Good Earth Candles

If you don't have time to DIY these tea cup candle favors this holiday season, you have a lot of great options for natural, giftable candles. Good Earth creates 100% natural, non-GMO, soy candles that burn slowly and evenly and won’t add toxins to your home’s air. Their fragrance options include lavender, sandalwood, sweet basil vanilla, eucalyptus, cranberry spice, and more!

Have you made tea cup candle favors? Share your favorite holiday DIY gifts with us in the comments section below.

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Photo by Soroush Zargar on Unsplash