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.

How to Make a Teacup Candle

Melt the wax in a pot that is designated specifically for melting wax. If you don't want to ruin a pot, you can melt the wax in an aluminum pie plate, making sure there are no holes in the pie plate if it has previously been used.

While the wax is melting, tie one end of the cotton wick around the pencil and set the pencil across the teacup, making sure the wick is centered in the cup.

When the wax is melted, carefully pour it into the cup, filling the cup to 1/2- to 1/4-inch from the rim. Let the wax dry completely before removing the pencil. Trim the wick to 1/2 inch, and enjoy!

Difficulty Level: Easy