I'm broke and didn't feel like spending much money on friends anyways, so I thought making tea cup candles would be a great idea for my lovely girlfriends!
What you need:
-tea cups (I went to Salvation Army and bought some for approximately .75)
-something to stir the wax (I just used a few plastic knifes and tossed them in the bin afterwards)
-wax flakes (I bought 2 lbs.. I have some left over but I will use it for later!)
-melting pot (That is preferred, but if you have a tin can per colour that's fine along with a pan)
-scented oils (You won't need a lot per candle.. I bought two different flavours for eight candles!)
-colour block (I bought two...however purchase more if you want a deeper colour)
-wicks (The size doesn't really matter, but I got a medium size.. also try and buy the ones with wick stems)
(nix out the thermometer, I realized after I didn't need it.. and I didn't have the melting pot at the time)
TIPS:
-if you are using multiple colours, it is best to do one colour at once and then another.
-make sure to cut the end of the wick off AFTER the candle has moulded completely
-quite a blunt tip, but in order to clean out the wax, use hot water
-using a plastic knife is fine in order to stir the wax, but you may have to go through a couple!
-it is preferred to use a melting pot because it is a lot easier!
-tin instructions at bottom of DIY
FIRST STEP:
-measure wax: fill volume cup 1.5x
The first step is to measure the amount of wax that needs to go into each cup. In order to do so, I took the flakes and poured it into the cup. After it was filled to the top, I dumped that into the tin/pot, and then filled the cup with another half of wax. I do this because the wax melts (obviously) and so it condenses. Then pour that other half into the tin or pot.
SECOND STEP:
-prep the cup
Before putting the wax into the tea cup, you have to make sure your wick is in it! I took a pen and wrapped the extra long wax around it and put the stem in the bottom. I did not use any tape or anything to put the stem down, however in hindsight I probably should have! Anyways, Leave it so it's basically over the middle so it is possible to pour the wax in the side of the cup. (Do you like my zebra pen? :p)
THIRD STEP:
-prep colour/scent
I used blocks, however beads or whatever can still work for colour! I purchased pink and purple, and they turned out quite pretty :) The blocks I purchased came with 8 separate slices in them, and I used two per candle. For the scent, I had two little dropping thingies, of which were vanilla and citrus. Before melting the wax, slice your chosen amount of wax, and put it on the counter beside the wax. And have the scent ready to go!
FOURTH STEP:
-melting the wax + colour + scent
Put the stove on medium to low (depending how patient you are!) and off we go. Wait until the heat really hits the pot, and begin stirring. This will smooth the wax out and fasten the pace of the melting! Once completely smooth and melted, add the colour blocks in. After that has melted and has mixed in completely, turn off the stove and quickly add the scent in! Stir it around a tad, and voila- you are now ready to pour into the tea cup!
STEP FIVE:
-finishing product!
I waited a day until I touched it just to make sure there would be no bubbles or anything! After that, I cut off the wicks, and then I had eight beautiful tea cup candles :-)
TIN INSTRUCTIONS:
I put a little foil thing underneath the tin just in case of any spillage because cleaning off the wax can be a trouble! Use the same colour one after another, and then dispose of the can. Don't try cleaning off one colour of wax that had stuck to the tin because it is literally impossible! After that, just follow the same instructions above!
Hope this helped :-)
Stay Classy Planet Earth,
Rose Sylvia xx
