How to Make Shell-Cast Candles

Making shell-cast candles is a fun project for a kid or adult who wants to experiment with the art of candle making. Shell-cast candles are candles created in a mold or cast that retains a certain shape after you pour in the wax.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cast
• Wick
• Double-boiler
• Paraffin wax
• Thermometer
• Kitchen tongs
• Wax paper
• Cooking spray
• Mold seal
• Stick

1. Cut a wick 4 or 5 inches longer than your cast.

2. Melt wax in double-boiler over medium to low heat. Use a thermometer to make sure the water temperature doesn't exceed 200 degrees F.

3. Soak the wick in melted wax for about 5 minutes. Remove the wick with kitchen tongs and lay it on a sheet of wax paper to dry. Keep straightening the wick as it dries.

4. Spray the cast with a light coating of cooking spray to ensure easy removal of your candle when you're finished.

5. Attach the wick to the bottom of the cast with mold seal. Wrap the other end around a stick and lay it over the opening of the cast. Pull the wick tight with the stick to keep it straight while you pour in the wax.

6. Pour wax into the cast slowly and allow it to cool. Jar the side of your cast a few times to release the air bubbles as you fill the cast.

7. Use the stick to pull the candle out of the cast when it's finished cooling. Make the edges smooth by submerging the candle in warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't allow the water to boil too rapidly in the double-boiler. It may cause water to splash onto the melting wax.
• You can use crayons to color your homemade candle by adding them to the melting wax.
• Never use your fingers to remove the wick from melted wax. Only use kitchen tongs or a similar utensil.