How to Make a Seashell Gel Candle

A seashell gel candle is a welcome addition to any home decor. However, it comes in even handier when you already have a beach or nautical decorating theme in place. Seashell gel candles can also be used outside to create a special ambiance on an outdoor patio or deck. Wherever seashell gel candles are displayed, they are sure to be a big hit and you can easily make one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Double boiler
• Gel wax
• Zinc wicks
• Seashells
• Decorative non-flammable container
• Glass measuring cup
• Thick metal spoon
• Cooking thermometer
• Candle dye (optional)
• Wick adhesive or hot glue
• Metal stick or skewer

1. Place the gel wax into your double boiler on the stove. The gel wax is made especially for candle making and can be found at any craft store, and at a reasonable price. If you do not have a double boiler, you can make one by placing one pot inside a larger one filled with a few inches of water. This keeps the bottom of the pan holding the gel from coming into direct contact with the heat, and keeps the wax from burning.

2. Heat the gel until it reaches a temperature of 180 degrees when measured with the cooking thermometer. You will need to stir the gel wax steadily while it is heating, to avoid clumping and to keep it from sticking to the pan. Use a thick metal spoon for stirring and not wood, as wood can make bubbles in your gel wax.

3. Attach the wick to the bottom of your decorative container using wick adhesive or hot glue. The wick adhesive can be bought at craft stores and is easier to get into the bottom of deep containers, versus a glue gun, but either can be used. Place the wick towards the middle of the container on top of the adhesive and let it fuse to the bottom of the container. Pick a container that is not flammable, and that will showcase the candle well.

4. Add craft or candle dye to your gel wax while it is cooking. Make sure the dye you use is compatible with gel candles, or it won't break down correctly and can clump together.

5. Use the glass-measuring cup to remove the gel wax from the pot, and pour it into the decorative candleholder. Be sure to hold the wick straight up when pouring in the wax.

6. Insert the seashells into the decorative container. You can either insert the seashells before pouring the wax, or you can add a small amount of wax and then some seashells, and then more wax followed by more seashells. This would create a layered effect, and all of your seashells would not be clumped together.

7. Prop up your wick with a small thin metal stick or skewer to keep it straight while the gel wax cools and hardens.

8. Remove the metal stick or skewer once the gel wax has cooled.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the wick is firmly attached to the bottom of the decorative container before pouring the wax in.
• Give your candle a more creative flair with added dye for color and a candle fragrance of your choice.
• Pour the wax at a faster rate into the container to give it a bubbly ocean water feel.
• Use caution when working with hot wax, where protective gloves to keep from getting burnt.