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

DIY Holidays: 4 Decorations to Start Now!

The holidays are here and it’s time to deck the halls and put your DIY holiday talents to the test. Even if you’re not inclined to start decorating in November, there are plenty of crafty, fun projects you can prep now. Each of these ornament projects is easy to make, looks great on your tree, and can double as a small present or gift embellishment.

Keep reading for four holiday decoration ideas you’ll love to make and share.

Mason Jar Band Christmas Wreaths

If you’re looking for a quick and easy DIY holiday project, these mason jar wreaths fit the bill. Even if you only keep a modest craft stash in the house, you probably already have everything you need! For this project you’ll need a hot glue gun, mason jar bands, twine, thin white rope, ribbon and any added embellishments you want to use.

Start by adding a dab of hot glue to your metal band and attach your wrapping of choice (such as rope or twine), ensuring you leave enough length to cover the ring entirely. Neatly wrap your band until it’s covered, gluing the end next to the spot where you started. Finish by adding a red bow to the top, some felt holly leaves, and a hook to hang your finished product on the tree.

DIY Holiday Wood Slice Ornaments

For this easy holiday project you’ll need wood slices 2 inches in diameter, black chalk paint, a power drill, twine, and white paint markers. You can purchase wood slices online or at a craft store, or simply cut your own! Start by painting the centers of your slices with the black chalk paint, leaving a thin frame around the outside.

After a few coats have dried and you have even coverage, decorate with a name, holiday shape, or saying onto your chalk paint using a white paint marker. If you’re unsure of your free hand, use a stencil! Finally, drill a hole into your new ornament and add a loop of twine to hang it on the tree or attach it to a gift.

Twig and Ribbon Trees

All you need for this project is some sturdy twigs, green ribbon in various patterns, twine and hot glue. Cut your ribbon into short pieces, but not so short you can’t knot them and tie them onto your twig, leaving at least ½ inch on the bottom for a trunk.

Tighten or double your knots to ensure they stay snug and, using a sharp scissors, trim your ribbon into the shape of a tree, heating the ends to avoid fraying. Finish by gluing a piece of twine to the top to hang your ribbon tree.

Simple Salt Dough Ornaments

This style of making DIY holiday ornaments is timeless and requires few ingredients. All you need for this project is salt, water, flour, ribbon and a few tiny evergreen boughs. Start by mixing your dough using 1 cup salt, 1 cup warm water, and 2 cups white flour. Mix your dough, turn it onto the counter, and knead for 5 minutes, the longer you knead it, the smoother it will be.

Roll out your dough and cut it into shapes with a cookie cutter, punching a hole at the top for ribbon or twine. While still wet, press evergreen twigs into the dough for a wintery, natural imprint. To finish, allow your ornaments to air dry or bake them in the oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit until dry.

What are your favorite DIY holiday projects? Tell us all about them in the comments section below!

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Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash