A great way to add a cosy glow to your home is with candles, for a more personal touch try making some by hand. In-keeping with the Country Restoration theme we’re going to look at how to make teacup candles with the help of Emma, last weeks home feature guest.

Tools you will need:
A teacup and matching saucer
Wax flakes or an old candle
An old spoon
Two old pans, 1 large and 1 medium sauce pan
A pencil or skewer
Cello tape
Candle Wicks
Scissors
A strong adhesive

To start with, choose a teacup and preferably a matching saucer, quaint floral sets work well with the Country Restoration theme but any style of teacup will do, depending on your taste. Emma was lucky enough to inherit this stunning Duchess Bone China set from her grandparents, but you can easily find vintage tea-sets from eBay or from local Bric-a-Brac stores.

Next, fill your large pan with about an inch of water, put to one side whilst you prepare the wax flakes. You can buy flakes from eBay or any craft shops or if you have an old candle you can shave the candle down, be aware that the latter may take a while depending on the size of the candle. When your flakes are ready place them in the medium sauce pan and then sit the pan inside the larger sized pan. Turn the hob on a medium heat and using your old spoon stir the wax flakes, you will notice instantly that the flakes will start to melt. The process of melting wax is very similar to the process of melting chocolate when baking, it is similar to the French term called Bain-marie, a process of heating materials gently and gradually.

Tips: Wax turns from a solid to a liquid very quickly; this liquid is highly flammable and should never be left unattended at any time whilst heating.

Tips: Whilst the wax is melting, pour in a scented liquid or liquid dye for a coloured and scented candle.

Depending on the amount of wax you are melting, it will usually take about 5 to 10 minutes to melt. Once the wax has turned completely into liquid; turn off the hob and immediately pour the liquid wax into your teacup, make sure to leave some spare wax in the saucepan. Take your time when pouring as wax liquid is extremely hot and can cause injury when in contact with skin. Once you are happy with the amount of liquid wax in the cup, place the sauce pan down, you will need the excess wax later on.

Keep a close eye on the wax once you have poured it into the teacup, after a short while you should notice a fine skin developing on the top of the liquid wax as it is solidifying, at this point gently push your wick through the centre of the wax until it touches the bottom of the cup.

Tip: Whilst the wick is sitting in the wax, place a skewer or pencil across the rim of the teacup and using a small piece of cello tape, attach the top of the wick to the pencil. This will keep the wick in place and stop it from falling into the liquid wax.

After approximately 30 minutes of the wax solidifying, you may notice a well forming in the centre of the teacup, this happens when the wax cools and contracts; gently break the skin of the well being sure not to disturb the wick, do this process every 20 minutes until the wax has completely formed. Then using your excess wax from the saucepan, re-heat the remaining wax and pour into the well. Remove your skewer and snip the top of the wick with scissors.

Last but not least, using a strong adhesive, glue the bottom of the cup to the saucer.

Voilà...your candle will be ready to burn after approximately 24 hours.

We love how simple and fun this craft is, send us a picture on our Facebook or Twitter page of your home-made candles!!