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You are here: Home / Tutorials / Simple Shell Candles {Tutorial}

Simple Shell Candles {Tutorial}

By Kim Layton 13 Comments

shellcandles-1

Got candles???  Make some of these beautiful shell candles and add a summer glow to your table any time of year!

I’ll just give you a quick how-to on creating these and then you’ll be making candles out of every shell, tea cup or old tin you find around the house.  It’s such a simple project that you can make a million of them in a day…well, almost.

First, you’ll need these supplies from a craft store…

candlemakingsupplies

  • soy wax
  • wicks
  • fragrance
  • dye

I really like the way soy wax melts so I always use it whenever I’m making candles.  A little goes a long way and you’ll want to plan on making a ton of candles or having some supplies for later.  The fragrance and dye can be used in soap making on another creative day.

  1. Find and clean a large shell.
  2. Take a glass measuring cup and melt one cup of wax to start.{Be sure to read the directions!}
  3. Prop your shell up in a dish towel to hold it level.
  4. Stir a drop or two of color and fragrance into your wax.
  5. Hold a wick in the center of the shell as you slowly pour in your wax to the desired level.
  6. Let it cool and your done!

Tips: I use just a little yellow to give it a slight color like the inside of a shell. I burn these candles with other shells around the base to hold them up straight while they are burning. Sand in a beautiful glass dish would work perfectly. Cut the wick a little shorter before burning to keep from having a large flame.

These would be wonderful for a dinner party on the porch!  The shell itself lights up so nice! Oh, and while you’re making them you can bundle up a few for gifts later on in the year.  Everyone loves shells!

shells-frame-lastone

If you have a bunch of shells left you might want to make a shell frame!

Have fun!

~Kim

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Filed Under: Tutorials Tagged With: beach, candle, diy, home decor, make candles, shell candles, soy

Comments

  1. Debbie says

    July 17, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    How cute these candles are! And it brings me to the beach in my mind, even though I’m landlocked right now.

    blessings and love,
    Debbie
    .-= Debbie´s last blog ..Blessings Keep on Coming =-.

    Reply
  2. megan says

    July 17, 2011 at 9:54 pm

    great idea.

    i use to make super thin ceramic forms that would glow with a tea light in them… i should have just created my own candles.
    .-= megan´s last blog ..Custom Order Deposit or Gift Certificate One to Two items. =-.

    Reply
  3. Michele says

    July 17, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    I have a shell frame I made years ago, but no candles!! I am a candle freak, so now I am going try the tutorial out!! THANKS!!
    .-= Michele´s last blog ..Fabulous Friday! =-.

    Reply
  4. jewelsandnails says

    July 18, 2011 at 3:47 am

    lovely idea, so cute 🙂

    Reply
  5. LeAnn says

    July 18, 2011 at 7:08 am

    Love the shell candles! Thanks.
    .-= LeAnn´s last blog ..Picnic Time =-.

    Reply
  6. patsy Evins says

    July 18, 2011 at 10:53 am

    Wonderful idea! I love shells, too! Thanks!

    Reply
  7. Carrie Hartman says

    July 18, 2011 at 11:37 am

    Love the seashell candles. Those are a must to try!

    Reply
  8. Beth says

    July 18, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    Very cool! Now, if I just had a little more time 🙂
    .-= Beth´s last blog ..Comment on New Jewelry Coming Soon! by Yvonne =-.

    Reply
  9. erin pickering says

    July 19, 2011 at 11:09 am

    These are SO cute! love the idea. Can’t wait to make them. And thinking if I add a little citronella oil they will keep the bugs away while we are on the deck.
    .-= erin pickering´s last blog ..Inspiration Monday – Hydrangeas =-.

    Reply
  10. luxury candles says

    October 8, 2011 at 1:22 am

    very pretty looking neat candles! Simple and yet classic. Luxury candles or shell candles they are such happy things! Thanks for sharing this lovely creation.

    Reply
  11. luxury candles says

    November 21, 2011 at 2:21 am

    Soy wax is excellent for these candles, use a dab of sticky wax to hold your premade wick…

    Reply
  12. luxury candles says

    December 22, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    Neat idea!! I wonder if one can by special candle wax that burns slower than normal…?

    Reply
  13. Erica says

    September 5, 2019 at 9:14 am

    I love these! They are perfect for a beach home.

    Reply
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