There’s always something special about getting a handmade gift! This DIY thrifted teacup candle makes a great holiday gift (especially for that tea-loving person in your life) or a fun activity and decoration for yourself. I’ll walk you through step by step how I made this candle with a thrifted teacup! Let’s start with the supplies you’ll need for this DIY:

Candle Container
Candle pouring pot or double broiler
Wick
Double-sided adhesion or glue
Clothespin or candle centering piece
Wax
Essential Oils (optional)

Most of these items came with a candle kit I purchased a few years ago. If you are interested in that, here is the link but as always try to use what you have!

Step One: Select your Container

First things first, you need to decide what container you want to make your candle in. I headed to my local thrift store and found this beautiful teacup that I wanted to use. There were also some mugs and cups that would’ve been cute too, so see what you are inspired by! You can also upcycle something you already have! Maybe that’s reusing a candle container you love or painting a jar, see if there’s anything you already have that you want to upcycle.

When picking a container, be sure that it’s heat-safe so it won’t break and is safe to use. The Spruce Crafts Blog has a great post with things to consider when picking a container so be sure to check that out. Here is the link to that post.

Step two: Select your wax

Candle votive: For wax, I love melting bits of candles that might otherwise go to waste. In my YouTube video, I show how I melted the end of a candle votive which is a great low waste option.
Candle in a container: If you have a little wax in a candle container, freeze the container, pop it out, and re-melting the wax!
New Candle Wax: If you don’t have the options mentioned above, head to your local craft store or shop online for candle wax. A few years ago, I bought a candle kit that came with everything, including wax, which is an option if you’d like to use that! Here is the link.

Step Three: Candle Prep

Once you’ve selected your container and wax, it’s time to prep the candle! You’ll need adhesive, the wick of your choice, and a candle-centering piece or a clothespin for this step.

Place glue or double-sided adhesion on the bottom of your container. This is to keep the wick secured, so be sure to put it in the center the best you can!
Place your wick where the adhesion was put. I used a 100% cotton and lead-free wick that came with my candle kit.
Once your wick is secured, place your candle centering piece or clothespin in the center. This is another measure to keep the wick centered and secure when you go to pour your wax.

Now your candle is ready for the wax to be added! The next step will go over how to melt your wax.

Step Four: Melt your wax

Now it’s time to melt the wax! If you’re using a leftover candle like what I’m using, check the bottom and remove any stickers. Then you can place your wax in a double broiler or a candle pouring pot like what I used. If you’re using a leftover candle, you can use tongs to remove the wick once it’s melted. You may notice some black particles in your used wax but don’t worry about them, they will simply sink to the bottom.

This part is optional, but if you’d like to add fragrance to your candle do so here! Once my wax melted I added about 10-15 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil from Perfect Blue Alchemy but you can use any essential oil of your choice.

Perfect Blue Alchemy carries different essential oils that are cruelty-free and made in small batches. If you need some essential oils, enjoy $5 off your first order with my code COURTNEYxPBA

Step Five: Pour your wax

Once your wax is melted, carefully pour the wax into your prepared container. I used an oven mitt since my candle pouring pot was hot so keep that in mind! Once your wax is poured, wait for it to be fully set. For the candle I made, it took about an hour for it to be fully set.