Summer Container Ideas - Shell Candles
Get creative with container candles this summer.
Before making container candles, be sure to review the article on safe containers. Click Here!
You can use everyday items to create beautiful and unique candles. This summer, we did a little experimentation and came up with this cool idea for seashell candles!
We Used:
- A seashell
- Straight Paraffin Wax IGI-1343
- C-40 Cotton Core Wick
- Ocean Fragrance Oil
- Teal Liquid Dye
- Pouring Pitcher
- Thermometer
Using hot glue, attach your wick to the inside of the shell. Heat your wax in a double boiler, add your fragrance and dye, and mix thoroughly. Remove the wax from heat and allow to cool to about 145 degrees Fahrenheit while stirring. At this temperature, the wax will start to form a skin around the edges. Stir the wax vigorously to create bubbles on top of the wax. (The bubbles will look like sea foam in your finished candle.) Quickly pour the wax into the shell and allow to cool. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch and enjoy!
Tip: You may want to prop up the edge of the shell with a small item before pouring the wax.
These candles are the perfect decorations for a summer wedding reception, luau, or beach party. The possibilities for container candles are endless, and will give your candles a unique and memorable touch.
This is such an awesome idea!
I made some of these and used them in beach themed gift baskets. They make a great gift!
thank you, it's verry beautiful
Where can I find info about making ice cube candles. Need info on temp , kind of wax needed etc. New at this. Presently have not made candles. Thank you for all the info in your pages. Mary
Mary, here is a link to the Candletech Ice Candles Tutorial: www.candletech.com/.../ice-candles
Such a good idea...
wise thinkin, i luv it how may i get the formulation on how to make such beautiful candle
wise thinkin
jeff -
The instructions on how to make them are listed above, including pictures. If you've never made a candle before, you might want to start here: www.candletech.com/.../pillar-candle-i .
The only instructions missing from the seashell candle above are the color and scent formulas. For scent, use the "Ocean" scent at 1/2-1 oz per pound of wax. For the color, use the "Teal" liquid candle dye at about 2 drops per pound of wax.
very nice idea
imagine how great they'd look on a beach or lined up on the rail of a deck
for some of us, getting the shells at the last moment can be a problem. it's not as elegant, but it works: one time I made a batch of candles the night before a summer party by pouring wax into containers I made of heavy duty aluminum foil formed into more or less a shell shape.
It was for the party only, not display and worked great - lots of candles, quick and easy, all around our deck
Nice idea...what type of seashell did you use?
I would think you might want to stabilize the base as most shells aren't going to balance perfectly. I wouldn't want it to tip and spill wax while burning.
Thinking hot glue and some kind of ring secured on the bottom.
love seeing different ideas but agree with Angela that maybe it needs to sit on something to stabilize it.