Looking for a fun little project for some of your seashells? What better way to use your shells to decorate your summer tablescape than to create colorful little seashell candles.
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| From Martha Stewart Living |
First, clean the shells in a weak solution of bleach and water, and let dry. Melt paraffin wax or existing candles in the top of a double boiler (use one with a lip, if possible; it will be easier to pour from). We mixed the melted wax of pink, mauve, and yellow candles to create coral tones that complement our shells.
If a shell has a tendency to wobble, stabilize it by resting it on top of a cup. Cut the wicking to 2 to 3 inches, and attach it to a metal wick holder; set aside.
Pour the melted wax into the shell, then place the wick and holder in the bottom of the shell, being careful not to burn your fingers. If wick droops, trim slightly. Let cool until hardened, about 30 minutes.
And be careful: The top layer of the wax hardens first, but the melted wax underneath will spill out if the candle is moved before it has had a chance to cool completely.
Hope you enjoyed this little summer
project from Martha Stewart.
project from Martha Stewart.
I'm gonna try it this weekend...and see how it goes!
25 comments:
Neat! Will definitely be trying this one!
Very clever and seems simple Thanks for sharing
Helen
What a sweet idea!
love this simple idea, thanks for sharing!
cheryl x
What a GREAT idea!
I have some soy wax and scallop shells that will be perfect for this! Thanks Debbie!
I love shell candles! They add a lovely touch to a sea-inspired table design. And they are truly simple to make! I taught this craft a few years ago, as a part of one of my tablescaping classes.
Have fun making them...and using them...
Jane (artfully graced)
Those would look perfect around the beach house!
xo Cathy
Simple and pretty! I have some large cockles that would be perfect for that. Thanks for the idea!
This is a great idea and I love the look, so pretty.
I hope you enjoy your weekend!!
xoxo
I made some of these once. The only downside, they burn down pretty fast. But they make such pretty decorations anyways. Happy candle making!
Great idea! So happy I found your blog! You can find me at http://gonecoastalinaustin.blogspot.com/. Happy weekend!
Cute project..Have fun playing and I would love to try these..although I am not allowed to play with wax anymore being as I almost set the house on fire....well, who liked those old curtains anyway...and what's one little blackened wall...that's what I want to know!! xo Diana
I love the look of tea lights and these are similar...great idea. Hope you have wonderful plans for the weekend!
I think if you used a pale white beeswax (the more yellow beeswax is filtered, the lighter it becomes) these candles might burn a little longer.....
Also, I'm a little wary about using paraffin in candles, as it's a petroleum by-product.
Soy would be another great wax option, and it dyes remarkably well.
These are so cool!! Thanks for sharing!
This is such a cute idea! I love it!
Oh this is totally adorable--I can't wait to hear how yours turned out!!!
XO
Cindy
Oh I love these cute shell candles! A definite staple at the summer table =) I must try this soon, another great reason to go to the beach ;)
xox Linda
What a great idea, so simple but would add so much to an outdoor tablescape for an evening with family or friends. These are the little things that have the biggest impact...thank you for sharing.
Have a great week ahead!
Joni
Love this idea! Must try it sometime...
These are so pretty! I need to try and make some!!
Love this little craft. I think they'd make cute gifts!
Love this idea and found it just in time for the 4th of July! Shell candles will look great on our table especially since we live on Hilton Head Island!
Thanks!
great idea! two good things together :)
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