How-To: Teacup Candles

Materials
Double boiler (or a pot and a heatproof metal or glass bowl)
Rubbing alcohol
Vintage cups or mugs
1 pound soy wax in flake form (we like the NatureWax brand)
Stove
Candy thermometer
Essential oil or candle fragrance oil
Wax dye (optional)
Candlewicks
Double-sided tape
Aluminum foil
Two knives, pencils or chopsticks per mug or cup



Step 1: Clean and dry all of your containers, then wipe down everything with rubbing alcohol to remove grease and fingerprints.

Step 2: If you don't have a double boiler, fashion your own using a pot and a heatproof metal or glass bowl. Make sure that when you put the bowl in the pot, it doesn't touch the bottom of the pot (this will bring direct heat to the bowl, which you want to avoid) and that the bowl covers the pot entirely to keep heat from escaping.



Step 3: Put water in the pot or bottom of the double boiler, and put the candle wax in the bowl or the top of the double boiler. Heat on the stovetop until the wax melts.

Step 4: Remove from heat, and wait until the wax has cooled to 170 to 180 degrees (use your candy thermometer). A higher temperature will cause the wax to burn off, while anything lower will diminish its binding qualities.



Step 5: Add one ounce of candle fragrance oil or 30 to 40 drops of essential oil per pound of wax. Mix well.

Step 6: Once the wax has cooled to 150 degrees, stir in 15 to 20 drops of wax coloring if desired. Don't use food coloring as a substitute -- it will clog your wick.

Step 7: Set your cup or mug on top of aluminum foil -- this will keep your countertops clean when you pour the wax. Place a wick in the cup, and secure it to the bottom using double-sided tape. Use two knives, chopsticks or pencils to support the other end of the wick.



Step 8: Pour the wax into the cup, until it's about half an inch from the top. We got about three candles out of the pound of soy wax, but your results might vary depending on the size of your cups. If you decide to work with more or less wax, be sure to adjust the amount of scent and dye accordingly.

Step 9: Don't touch it! Soy wax needs to cool completely -- let it sit for at least two days.

See more of Raven's creations on the Cheeky Stitch blog and shop.