DIY Seashell Candles Tutorial

Small seashell made into a candle with beeswax and a wick image.

Charlotte Anderson @ Carolina Honeybees, LLC

Make great use of those seashells you collected last vacation. With a little beeswax and some cotton wick, you can create adorable beeswax candle tealights.

5 from 2 votes

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Tools

double boiler (pot to melt wax) (or equivalent)

Supplies

3 ounces beeswax
3 pieces tealight wicks
3 pieces seashells small (any size)

Instructions

Select the right size seashell
Choose a shell that when sitting level will hold a bit of wax. I honestly never measure but let’s say a tablespoon of melted beeswax.
In general, I always use cotton core wicks of the appropriate size when making beeswax candles.
However, the pre-made tealight wicks work so well with this seashell candle that I am recommending you stick with them.
You will need one for each candle. Take them out of the bag and make sure the wick is secure on the tab and straight before you proceed.
There are many different ways of cleaning and melting beeswax. You do want clean wax for a clean burning candle.
If you are purchasing beeswax, it will most likely be ready to use. For those of you using raw beeswax, you may need to clean it a bit more to ensure any excess honey is removed etc.
The best and safest way of melting beeswax is always using the double boiler method. You can make your own with a mini-double boiler insert. I have 2 or three that I use for my wax projects.
If you choose to add a few drops of essential oil for scent. Stir it in just before pouring into the shell.
Pour wax. Carefully pour a small amount of melted beeswax into the deepest part of the shells.
I suggest you make one at a time. If you are not steady and a bit nervous (like me) you may overflow the candle. That is okay – you can wipe the excess off.
However, will the wax melt and pool out of the candle when you light it? Take care to leave a bit of shell on the rim.
The wax cools rather quickly but you have a few seconds to work. This is why it is important to have your wick ready before you start and to only pour one candle at a time.
Set down your cup of melted wax and quickly but gently insert the prepared tealight wick and tab into the melted beeswax. The tab should help anchor the wick.
Let your candle cool for a couple of hours. The time needed will depend on the ambient temperature of the room. Trim the wick to 1/4″ and you are ready to enjoy.

Notes

*Cleaning beeswax is very important for candle making. Honey and propolis residue left in the wax will clog the wick.

*If you melt your wax in the microwave (not the safest method). Do only a few ounces of beeswax in a microwave safe cup or container. Watch it closely and do not let the wax overheat.

*Wax is very difficult to remove from pots, pans, floors etc. It is best to have dedicated tools that you only use for wax crafting.

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