How to Make a Candle Out of a Seashell

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By derbyka
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Make a Candle Out of a Seashell

So summer is coming to an end and you have all those shells from vacation and nothing to do with them. Here is a project that shows you how to create a one of a kind candle out of a seashell. You can use a store bought shell or one you found as long as it meets the qualifications for being a candle. This candle craft can be done with older kids and teenagers as a fall project to use up those shells. Or, make some seashell candles as elegant gifts!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

seashell with no holes or cracks, deep pocket, and looks like it will balance well on a ring
microwavable soy candle wax
medium or large candle wicking
candle scenting (e.g. vanilla)
small paper clip
sissors
microwavable container you don't mind ruining
raffia and container of water for soaking it
pine needles (optional for the candle base)
milk top ring if you don't have pine needles

Step 1

Soak the pine needles and raffia in water for 24 hours. They will form the core of your candle base and must be bent in a circle. If you are using the milk top ring for your candle base, wrap with raffia and skip to step 6.
Step 2

Bunch about 10 pine needles together and tie one end of the raffia tightly around around them. Then, begin winding the raffia around the needles to create the outer look of the candle base.
Step 3

Wrap the raffia tightly for about 3.5" and then trim the end of the needles sticking out diagonally into a point so they can be wrapped into the other end of the candle base.
Step 4

Tuck the trimmed ends under the opposite ends and continue wrapping.
Step 5

Wrap over the held ends to shape the candle base into a full circle.
Step 6

Tie off the raffia and cut off any extra. This finishes the candle base that the shell will sit on.
Step 7

Wash your seashell thoroughly and place on the newly made candle base so that it is level and sturdy.
Step 8

Cut about 2.5" of candle wick and tie one end to the small paper clip. This will weight the wick down into the candle. Tie the other end around the stick or straw.
Step 9

Balance the stick across the top of the shell so that the wick and paper clip hang down into the shell's hole and the paper clip rests on the bottom inside the shell.
Step 10

Follow the package directions for melting the soy candle wax in the microwave.
Step 11

Then, add in the candle scent.
Step 12

Carefully pour the hot soy wax into the shell until it is about 80% full. Use discretion based on the shell's shape how far to fill the candle.
Step 13

Let the wax harden for about an hour and, then, carefully cut the wick just below where it is attached to the stick.
Step 14

After about a day, light your new seashell candle and enjoy. There are many types of shells that will work for this project if you would like to see some examples or purchase the finished project without all of the work, see my seashell candles for sale at www.derbyka.etsy.com