Vintage teacups make beautiful craft items. The vibrant colors and shapes of the cups offer visual adornment on shelves, desks and tables. Purchase vintage teacups at thrift stores, garage sales or flea markets. A matching saucer is not necessary for craft projects made with teacups but it does add another dimension is one is available.
Teacup Candles
Make a teacup candle from the left over portions of used candles. Measure the distance from the bottom to the top of the teacup. Cut a piece of candlewick approximately six inches longer than the measurement. Tie a paperclip to one end. Tie the opposite end of the candlewick to a pencil. Adjust the length of the wick so the paperclip sits on the bottom of the teacup when the pencil is placed across the brim. Use a double-boiler to melt the used candle ends. Pour the melted wax into the teacup until the wax is within ¼-inch of the brim. Allow the wax to cool completely before use.
Teacup Pincushion
Measure the diameter of the teacup. Cut a circle from a piece of cotton or cotton blend fabric twice the diameter size of the teacup. Baste stitch around the outside edge of the fabric. Stuff the teacup with fiberfill until it looks like a single dip ice cream cone. Remove the fiberfill and place it in the center of the fabric circle. Pull the basting stitch to close the bottom of the fabric ball. Place the fabric covered ball of fiberfill in the teacup. Glue into place if desired.
Teacup Floral Arrangement
Cut a block of floral foam that fits snugly into the teacup. Insert artificial, dried or fresh cut flowers in the floral foam. Add a bow if desired.
Teacup Centerpiece
Make a floral arrangement in several teacups and place them next to one another on a tray. Fill the tray completely with teacups. Use the multiple teacup arrangement as a table centerpiece.
Teacup Herb Planter
Fill the teacup to within ¼-inch of the brim with potting soil. Add herb seeds or a small herb plant to the soil. Water then put the teacup in a sunny location. Create several small herb planters and fill a window sill to provide fresh herbs for cooking.