Wedding ideas

These candles make unique decorations for a birthday party or wedding. To make candles in containers you'll need to use special container wax that won't pull away from the sides as it cools. Soy wax is kinder to the environment and it's much easier to clean up. Any utensils you use can be washed simply with hot soapy water or put in the dishwasher.

Step 1: You can find teacups in charity shops or at a car-boot sale - check that they are not cracked.

Step 2: Cut a wick 2in longer than the depth of the cup. Tie one end to a pencil and rest the pencil across the cup so the wick hangs down in the centre.

Step 3: Put candle stubs or wax in an old pan. Put this in a larger pan with an inch of water in the bottom. Heat gently until the wax is liquid, then turn the heat off.

Step 4: For scented candles, add a few drops of essential oil, then pour the wax into the cup.

Step 5: Leave to harden, then trim the wick until 1cm is left. Leave for at least 24 hours before lighting.