Upcycled Paper Coffee Cup Candle
Don't Toss That Cup! DIY Coffee Candles
Next time you're enjoying a hot cuppa joe from your favorite coffee spot, instead of tossing the paper container, take it home to repurpose into a homemade candle. Use leftover wax candle ends, along with a sprinkling of used coffee grounds, and you've got a fun and eye-opening candle to scent your home or give as a gift.
What You'll Need:
- Small paper coffee cup
- 1 to 2 tablespoons used coffee grounds
- Paper towel
- 1 cup wax candle remnants
- Candle wick
- Scissors
- Small saucepan
- Small metal or glass mixing bowl
Directions:
- To create the base of the candle, add 1 cup of wax candle remnants to a small metal or heat-safe glass bowl, and place over the top of a small saucepan filled halfway with water, creating a double boiler. Bring the water to a simmer and watch closely until the wax has melted, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Give the paper coffee cup a good cleaning, and wipe to make sure it's dry. Place the coffee grounds in a paper towel, and squeeze to release any extra liquid. Position the wick in the center of the cup, and sprinkle a layer of the coffee grounds at the base. You can find candle wicks at your local craft store.
- Carefully pour half of the melted wax over the coffee grounds, reserving the rest of the wax for the top of the candle. Let the wax harden for 20 minutes.
- To create the second layer of the candle, sprinkle the cooled wax with another spoonful of coffee grounds. Rewarm the wax in the double boiler, and top off the candle.
- Let the candle cool for at least an hour, and then cut away the coffee cup to reveal the finished candle. If needed, smooth the edges with a paper towel, and trim the end of the wick to fit the candle. Find the perfect spot to display your candle, and enjoy the subtle coffee scent.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Sarah Lipoff