How to Make Tea Cup Candles

Making vintage candles is a charming hobby. In this guide, I show you how to make tea cup candles using beeswax. What a wonderful way to recycle and repurpose old cups from thrift of second-hand stores. And, beeswax is a natural clean burning wax – just perfect for candle making. They are both charming and useful.

Of course, there are many fun ways to make beeswax candles. However, there is something special about giving old, elegant mismatched tea cups new life.

Beeswax Tea Cup Candles DIY

The beauty of making beeswax tea cup candles is that you will likely not have a complete “set” of the same kind of cups. Instead, expect an eclectic combination of colors, styles and sizes. This makes each one special.

Isn’t it wonderful to give new life to these old items that seemed to be at the end of their purpose. They also serve as a link to the past when you see patterns that remind you of old dishes that your grandmother used.

Choosing Tea Cups

You can make a candle in any type of tea cup. But, a cup with a larger opening works best. This allows the wick to breathe and promotes better flame.

Keep in mind – the larger the cup, the more wax you will need. A deeper cup (even with a smaller diameter) will work. However, as the candle is burned – over time, reaching down into the cup to light the wick may be a problem.

Shop around and you should be able to find some very inexpensive options. Preferably with a wider top than bottom.

Candle Wax

Bright and clean burning, beeswax has been used for making dipped beeswax candles for hundreds of years. You can purchase beeswax in chunks, bars or pellets.

If you have wax from your own beehives, or buy it from a local beekeeper – be sure to filter or clean your beeswax before making your project. Even if the wax looks clean, it may contain substances that will clog a wick and cause poor burning.

Beeswax or a Blend

I prefer pure beeswax most of the time. However, when working with container candles – pure beeswax can be a bit touchy (more on that below). The wax must be very clean of left-over honey, bee propolis, dirt, etc. 

If you do not have much experience with beeswax, I suggest you try a blend. Make a tea cup candle with only beeswax.

Then, make another with a blend of 50% beeswax and 50% coconut oil or soy wax. It will still be a beautiful tea cup candle but you face fewer burning challenges. Compare the two and decide which you like best. There is no wrong answer.

Choosing a Wick

The wick is one of the most important parts of a candle but they are often over looked. Especially, when working with beeswax – the proper wick size must be used. Beeswax burns how and requires a larger wick than conventional candles.

Braided cotton wicks work best – but what size do you need? Well, that depends on the size (width) of your candle (or tea cup). 

For the cups in this project that are around 3 – 3 1/2” wide – I am using a size 6 wick. Size 7 would be better but they are hard to find.

Pay attention to wick sizes – size 6 is not the same as 6/0. In most cases, if you read closely – wick manufacturers will provide guidance on the best size.

Gently heat your beeswax until it is in liquid form, it should not be overheated. Sometimes, I use a blend, like this beeswax candle recipe using coconut oil for a smoother burning candle.

The Process

Full instructions below but here is a brief overview of the process of making a candle in a tea cup.

1. After choosing your tea cup, measure the diameter of the top. This helps you choose the correct wick size to use.

2. Safely melt beeswax in a double boiler setup (ideal). Now, you may choose to “pickle your wick”. I don’t always do this but things turn out better when I do.

Cut pieces of wick long enough to reach down into the bottom of the tea cup with a couple of inches extra. Put the wicks in the pot of melted wax and leave them there a couple of minutes.

Use skewers or similar to remove the wicks from the hot wax and lay them on a paper to cool. Gently straighten them.

3. Once the wicks are cool. Hang them from a wooden skewer or (chop stick) down into the candle. Be sure the wick reaches to the bottom of the cup.

You can use a clothespin to hold the wick in place. Or if you pickled the wick – you can wrap one end around the skewer to hold it.

4. Slowly fill your tea cup with melted wax. Leave to cool. Once the candle is cooled you can remove the skewer at the top and trim the wick to 1/4″

Expert Tips

Remember, I said that pure beeswax can be a bit testy? I think it is worth the effort but be prepared for a few challenges. The most common problems experienced are: cracking and tunneling.

More Ideas

Today, many crafters use molds to craft beeswax candles into fun shapes. In a way that is what we are doing with our DIY tea cup candles ( we are just leaving them in the mold) 😉

And, the simplest way of making a beeswax candle is by rolling sheets. Even the kids can do these.

If you are needing a simple yet elegant light for an outdoor summer party, learn how to make citronella candles with beeswax in cute clay pots.

A Final Word

It is so easy to make these amazing tea cup candles with beeswax (or a blend of your choice). They make great gifts. Place them on a matching or complimentary saucer – glue in place and add a ribbon. Now, you are ready for the next birthday or bridal shower.