These candles were so fast to create and very inexpensive too.
Keep reading for the fast and easy tutorial.
A favorite pastime for our family is collecting seashells. I selected a few that had been gathered from previous outings but you can find seashells at craft and thrift stores. Make sure they are clean and then place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or foil.
Using citronella candles from the dollar store simply pop the candle out of its thin tin votive holder.
Turn the candle over and gently pull the wick out.
Set one wick inside each seashell. If the shell is quite large you may want to add a second wick for even burning.
Put all of the now wickless wax candles into a clean tin can and then place the tin can into a pan of boiling water. You may need to add a bit of weight to the top of the tin can if it bobs and floats in the water. I used my copper tea kettle. Take care to not let any water seep into the tin can as it will affect how the wax firms up. The wax melts quickly (about 2 minutes). Use tongs to remove the can as it heats up quickly. Then protect yourself while pouring by simply wrapping an old cotton cloth around the can.
On my first attempt I found that the weight of the hot wax caused the shells to tip over. Thankfully I had lined my cookie sheet with wax paper. 🙂
I recommend making each shell a little nest using a small bit of paper towel and then the shells will not topple over while being filled. The wax will harden in less than an hour.
In the meantime I gathered up various jars and vases and began filling them with sugar since I had no sand. I gently set a shell candle within each container and scattered a few small shells to surround it.
The seashell candle was the perfect finishing touch for a summertime nautical vignette.
As the sun began to set I lined the sidewalk with blue mason jars to create a midsummer night’s dream.
Wouldn’t this be a pretty party welcome?
Laura
Linking to:
Between Naps On The Porch, Classy Clutter, A Stroll Thru Life, Not Just A Housewife, A Bowl Full of Lemons, We Are That Family,Someday Crafts,The 36th Avenue, Ivy and Elephants, Savvy Southern Style, Katherine’s Corner, Posed Perfection,Craftberry Bush, Stonegable, Jennifer Rizzo, Country Cottage, The Shabby Nest, Imparting Grace,My Romantic Home,The Charm of Home,Tatertots and Jello, Funky Junk Interiors, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia,The Dedicated House, Southern Hospitality
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I love this idea and so pretty in the shells. Very creative.
How fun! I love this!
This is so fun and simple! I love how you could easily customize this for any occasion by using different color sands, vases or jars. Perfect for summer!
Oh definitely, Laura, that would be a darling party welcome. What a great and creative idea! Thanks for sharing. Susan
What a clever idea, thanks for sharing it!
It would! So pretty Laura!
Bonjour chère amie,
Une idée fabuleuse… Je vais la mettre en pratique.
Gros bisous ☼
I love this idea, it's beautiful 😉 thanks for sharing 😉
Smiles~
Mari
You never seem to amaze me with the things you come up with! Very cute idea my friend!
Very sweet (literally!). I tried to find those little citronella votives at my Dollar Tree with no luck – they're so pretty. Yes, very pretty for a midsummer's night dream welcome.
IKEA sells candles for $1 a bag and WalMart has similar options in both their Home Decor and Patio areas.
Laura these are darling summertime candles! We did not find many shells on the beach, however Isabella was given some pretty ones to bring home! I hope so much to meet you one day!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
We're headed to the Jersey shore for our usual summer vacation by the sea. Can't wait to collect more shells. Love your idea, thrifty and pretty at the same time!
xo Kathleen
Laura, what a beautiful idea! Love it!
I love them! So cute the shells in the sand. Functional with no fear of the flames.
What ambiance, lovely!
Hugs,
Patti
Love them! Thanks for sharing. I need to make a trip to DT for some of the candles. I used to make candles – many moons ago.
C'est une idée charmante. Les bougies dans l'été ont l'air de romance.
These are beautiful. Thank you!
Does the flame eventually leave char marks on the shells? Can you reuse the shells if you add another wick and more wax?
Love these candle ideas!! I'm a collector of seashells, also. I've made different crafts and decor items from seashells on my blog before…and I love candles!!
Ann @ Cairn Cottage
http://cairncottage.blogspot.com/
Good tip about the tippy shells! Your pictures do a wonderful job of showcasing just how lovely this simple project can look. I'm making it a pick of the week for my post An Ocean Breeze which will publish July 18. I couldn't use sugar though – with all the rain we've had the ant population is booming!
I'm also your newest follower!