Teacup Candles

Materials:

• 2 saucepans – one must be able to fit inside the other.
• Some half used candles. Alternatively, use some cheap candles from the craft store.
• Wicks and wick sustainers (one for each teacup). They can be found in most craft stores.
• Candle thermometer (should be available at the craft store)
• Kitchen tongs
• Long wooden skewers
• Attractive teacup & saucer each. (find in second-hand shops or garage sales)

1. Take the bigger saucepan and fill it to one third with water. Warm the water over medium heat until it’s simmering.
2. Place the candles in the smaller saucepan and place that inside the bigger saucepan. The candles will melt slowly in the double bath.
3. Clip the candle thermometer to the side of the pan and keep the wax at about 180 degrees.
4. Once the candles have melted to a liquid wax consistency, pull the old wicks out with kitchen tongs. Be careful! The wax is hot. Throw out the old wicks.
5. Take one teacup. Measure a wick long enough to stick out of the top of the teacup.
6. Stick one end of the wick through the centre of the metal wick sustainer and pinch. Tie the other end to the centre of a wood skewer.
7. Holding the skewer horizontally, dip the metal wick sustainer in the melted wax, pull it out, and then stick it to the bottom of your teacup. The skewer can rest across the top of the teacup, keeping your wick vertical.
8. Pour the wax into the cup very carefully. Stop about half an inch from the top edge of the cup.
9. The candles should harden in about an hour. When they’re dry, untie the skewers and trim the wicks so they peek out about half an inch from the top of the candles.