An Easy Seashell Candle To Make As An Easy Craft

With the summer coming we are going to be gather seashells on the beach again. What to do with them later on? that is the question. Of course you can make mosaic crafts for beginners with them, but making a seashell candle with them is also a fun and easy way to use those candles.

Seashells are a favorite souvenir of beachgoers. And if you’re willing to look for them along the oceanside, they don’t cost a penny. These beautiful products of nature make great souvenirs and gifts on their own, and they can also be used in all sorts of craft projects.

Have you ever seen those candles that are adorned with seashells? They can be quite expensive in stores. But you can easily make your own seashell candle at a fraction of the cost. These go well with virtually any décor, and they can also serve as decorations at beach-themed parties and weddings.

Supplies

• Cheap white pillar candle
• Hot glue gun
• Small seashells
• Water
• Bleach
• Bucket
• Old toothbrush

Instructions

1. Make a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water in a small bucket. Place the shells in the bucket and scrub them with a toothbrush to remove debris. Rinse thoroughly.

2. Place the candle on a pillar candle holder or some other surface that will not be harmed by melted wax.

3. Plug in the hot glue gun and allow time for it to heat up. Do not place a glue stick in it. Hold it over a piece of newspaper and squeeze the trigger so that any excess glue comes out.

4. Find a spot on the candle where you want to place a seashell. Place the tip of the glue gun on that spot and squeeze the trigger so that the wax melts. Move it around to melt a spot large enough to hold the shell.

5. Press the shell into the melted wax. Hold until the wax hardens enough to keep the shell in place.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until you have placed as many seashells as you like on the candle.

If you prefer to have your seashells inside of the candle, you’ll have to pour your own instead of using a store-bought one. The easiest way to do this is to make a jar candle. Here’s how.

Supplies

• Pint jar
• Candle wick
• Paraffin or soy candle wax
• Seashells
• Double boiler

Instructions

1. In a double boiler, cut the candle wax into small pieces. Heat slowly until all wax is melted.

2. Dip the candle wick into the melted wax. Let harden, and repeat several times to give it an even coating.

3. Pour a small amount of wax into the bottom of the jar. Place the candle wick into the jar, making sure it’s centered.

4. While holding the wick straight up, place some shells into the jar. Pull the wick firmly, yet not so hard that it pulls loose from the bottom of the jar. Try to keep the shells away from the center, and don’t add too many at a time.

5. Pour wax up to the top of the shells. Add more shells and repeat until the jar is filled. Let wax harden.