This is very beautiful and quaint. I make the same things to sell in my shop, but I use teacups. My "filler" is steel wool because it sharpens the pins everytime you put them in and pull them out. One just can't get it wet. If you want to be sure, use a plastic scrubber for dishes on the inside. Directions? Inset your filler with hot glue at the bottom only. Add your favorite fabric for the top (I choose ultra suede because it looks more like coffee and tea, to me). Tuck the edges of the fabric inside the cup. A dot of hot glue all around between the fabric and the cup will hold it in lace for years. Insert pins that enhance the look (flat heads, corsage pins, regular yello pins, etc.). Voila! You have a sweet gift. If the saucer is independent of the cup, be sure to glue them together with glass glue or 'poxy.