DIY Scented Candles In DIY Sharpie Mugs

Making your own candles is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you can create your own personalized candle vessels. In this tutorial, we will show you how to transform a plain mug into a beautiful candle vessel using some simple materials and techniques.

First, choose your favorite mug that you want to use as your candle vessel. This can be a plain white mug or a colorful one, as long as it is made of heat-resistant material. You can find a wide selection of mugs at your local thrift store, or you can use one that you already have at home.

Next, choose your favorite fragrance for your candle. Some popular scents for candles are lavender, vanilla, and eucalyptus, but feel free to use any scent that you love. You can also mix different scents to create your own unique blend.

5 oil blends for making candles that smell like food:

Vanilla latte: Combine vanilla, coffee, and caramel oils for a warm and cozy scent reminiscent of a delicious latte.

Apple pie: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple oils for a classic autumnal scent that will make your home smell like a freshly baked apple pie.

Lemon pound cake: Blend lemon, vanilla, and buttercream oils for a bright and zesty scent that will make you think of a freshly baked pound cake.

Spiced cider: Combine cinnamon, orange, and clove oils for a warm and comforting scent that will transport you to a cozy autumn evening with a mug of spiced cider in hand.

Chocolate truffle: Mix chocolate, hazelnut, and vanilla oils for a decadent and indulgent scent that will make you feel like you’re in a fancy chocolate shop.

Once you have your mug and fragrance, it’s time to start making your candle. You will need wax, a candle wick, a double boiler, and a thermometer. Melt the wax in a double boiler and add your fragrance. Once the wax has reached the desired temperature, carefully pour it into your mug.

Now comes the fun part – decorating your mug! You can use a sharpie to draw or write on the mug, creating a unique design. You can write inspirational quotes, draw pictures, or simply create a beautiful pattern. Be creative and have fun with it! Make sure to let the sharpie dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Once your candle has cooled and set, trim the wick and you’re ready to light your beautiful creation. This candle makes a great gift for a friend or family member, or you can keep it for yourself and enjoy the beautiful fragrance and unique design.

You can see the full candle making tutorial here.

Read These Next

I’ll admit it—I’m a sucker for vintage craft books. There’s something about flipping through the words of long-gone authors who took stitching very seriously (and often a little poetically) that makes me feel like I’ve joined a timeless club of thread-wielding women. That’s exactly how I felt diving into Chats on Needlework by Emily Leigh Lowes.

Originally published in 1906, this book is part history lesson, part opinion piece, and part how-to guide—with plenty of Victorian flair. And while some parts definitely show their age (in both language and perspective), it’s a fascinating and surprisingly enjoyable read if you’re into embroidery, textiles, or the roots of decorative arts.

Lowes doesn’t just “chat” about needlework—she lectures in a charming, tea-time sort of way. You get insight into historical stitching traditions from various cultures, plus commentary on the evolution of embroidery, tapestry, lace, and even ecclesiastical needlework. It reads like a stitched-together tour of museums and manor houses, narrated by someone who’s passionate, particular, and a bit sassy at times.

If you’ve ever wondered how medieval embroidery compares to Renaissance techniques—or what 19th-century women thought about machine-made lace—this book is your jam.

What stood out to me was how much Chats on Needlework made me think about the meaning behind the stitches. Lowes reflects on craftsmanship, aesthetics, and the cultural importance of handwork with a kind of reverence that honestly made me put down my current WIP and just appreciate it for a moment.

It’s not a how-to book, so don’t expect stitch diagrams or patterns. But it will deepen your love of needlework, especially if you’re the type who likes to pair your stitching with a strong cup of tea and a deeper sense of purpose.

Fair warning: Some references feel dated (as expected from a book written over a century ago), and the writing style is formal, with long-winded passages that take their time. But if you love reading about the why behind the craft, and if historical context inspires your creativity, you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.

I especially loved how she emphasized that needlework should be both beautiful and useful—something I’ve been trying to keep in mind as I mend old clothes or embroider reusable linens.

Chats on Needlework isn’t a flashy how-to or a Pinterest-ready pattern book. It’s more like sitting down for a fireside chat with your great-great-grandmother—one who had strong opinions on silk floss and medieval tapestries.

If you love textile history, appreciate slow crafting, and want to understand how embroidery was viewed before it became a hobby, this book is a little gem. It’s also great for anyone researching historical needlework for reenactments, costume work, or just creative inspiration.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely—for the thoughtful, curious stitcher who wants more than just pretty stitches. It’s not for everyone, but for the right reader, it’s pure gold (or at least goldwork).

4.5 out of 5 samplers.
(Minus half a point for the occasional archaic ramble—but honestly, that’s part of the charm.)

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