You Say Chipped Tea Cup, We Say Pretty Teacup Candle

My favorite teacup is dear to my heart. Decorated with big yellow roses in full bloom, it is very feminine and delicate--the quintessential lady's teacup. I'm obsessively careful with it, but not all teacups get the royal treatment. Every once in a while, a cup gets cracked or broken, and it's no longer usable. Or is it?

A wonderful way to upcycle a cracked teacup is to use it as a vessel for a homemade soy or beeswax candle. Soy and beeswax candles are a healthier, greener alternative to paraffin candles, as paraffin is made from the waste product of the oil refining process. But environmental benefits aside, this easy DIY project is stunning, and it makes a lovely gift for a dear friend or family member.

All you need is a cracked or chipped teacup, as well as a block of soy wax or beeswax and a braided cotton wick, which should be available at craft stores. You'll also need a pencil to temporarily hold the wick in place.