Love and Light:
There is something inherently romantic about the flicker of candlelight against delicate, aged porcelain. If you’ve ever wandered through a thrift store and fallen in love with a mismatched set of floral teacups, this project is for you.
Transforming vintage china into shabby-chic tealights is a beautiful way to breathe new life into forgotten treasures. Whether you’re planning a whimsical garden wedding, looking for the perfect handmade gift, or simply want to cozy up your mantelpiece, these teacup candles set a scene of pure elegance.
You Will Need:
Before you begin, gather your supplies. Most of these can be found at local craft stores or repurposed from your kitchen.
Vintage Teacups: Look for interesting patterns and gold-rimmed edges.
Container Candle Wax: Soy or paraffin works well for containers.
Wick & Metal Wick Tabs: To keep your flame steady.
Coloured Dye & Scents: (Optional) To customize your vibe.
Double Boiler or Heatproof Bowl: For safe melting.
Measuring Tools: Scales and a measuring jug.
Tools: Pliers, scissors, a pencil, and Blu-Tack.
The Step-by-Step Guide
1. Measure Your Wax
Don't guess! To find the exact amount of wax needed, fill your teacup with water and pour it into a measuring jug. Subtract 10% from that volume; this is the amount of wax you’ll need to melt for a perfect fit.
2. The Gentle Melt
Place your wax into a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Safety first: Never place wax directly onto a heat source as it is highly flammable. Heat on low until the wax starts to "steam" and melt into a clear liquid.
3. Add Color and Fragrance
Once melted, add your dye. A piece the size of a small coin is usually enough for 100g of wax. This is also the time to stir in your favorite essential oils or candle scents.
4. Prepare the Wick
Choose a wick thickness suitable for the diameter of your cup. Cut the wick so it sits about 6cm (2 ¼in) higher than the rim. Thread it through the metal tab, squeeze the tab shut with pliers, and trim any excess from the bottom.
5. Secure the Base
Pour a tiny amount of wax into the bottom of the cup and center your wick tab in it. Let this set for about 15 minutes. This creates an "anchor" so your wick doesn't slide around when you pour the rest.
6. The First Pour
To keep the wick upright, Blu-Tack a pencil across the rim of the cup and secure the top of the wick to it. Pour the melted wax into the cup until it is about 1.5cm (½in) from the rim. Pro Tip: Save a little wax in your bowl for later!
7. The Finishing Touch
After 2–3 hours, the wax may dip slightly in the center. Re-melt your remaining wax and perform a "second pour" to create a smooth, professional level. Trim the wick to 1cm (½in) and let it cure for a full day before lighting.
Stylist’s Tip
"Warmly welcome guests to your wedding or dinner party by lining a long table with these cups. The variety of heights and patterns creates a stunning, layered display that feels both high-end and nostalgic."
⚠️ Disclaimer
For Creative Inspiration Only.
This post is intended for creative and decorative inspiration. The images and instructional content provided are sourced from public internet archives and are not the original property of this blog.
Safety Warning: Never leave burning candles unattended. Ensure teacups are heat-safe and placed on stable, fire-resistant surfaces.
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