How to Make DIY Seashell Candles

This post is all about how to make DIY seashell candles. I use oyster shells specifically, but this process can be replicated with any shells.

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One of my favorite things to do is to search for seashells at the beach!

Materials

• Natural Soy Wax Flakes
• Candle Wicks
• Candle thermometer
• Wooden Skewers or Straws
• Shells (I used oyster shells but any shells that lay flat will work!)
• Tin Can (you can use a cleaned food can and remove the label)
• Pot for boiling water
• Scissors

DIY Seashell Candles: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1 – Clean the Shells

Prep your seashells so that they are clean and free of any debris. Ensure they are dry before starting your shell candles.

Step 2 – Melt the Wax

Pour the wax flakes into the tin can. Create a double boiler using a pot filled with hot water and the tin can. Place on the stove and bring the water to a boil. Stir the wax flakes as they start to melt. Continue to stir until the wax is melted is reached a temperature of 150 degrees.

Step 3 – Attach the Wick to the Shells

Wrap the wick around a wooden skewer or straw then position on each shell. Use a small dab of wax to attach the metal wick base to the inside of the seashell. Hold it in place until the wax is dry. This will keep the wick in place while you pour the rest of the wax into the shell.

Step 4 – Pour the Wax into the Shells

Once the wax is fully melted, use hot pads to pick up the tin can with the metled wax. Slowly pour the wax into each shell. Because shells do not often lay completely flat, be careful not to over pour the wax.

Reposition the wick if needed before the wax starts to dry.

Step 5 – Let the Wax Cool

Depending on the size of your candles, it can take several hours for the wax to dry. I propped my shells up on a hot pad to help keep them level while drying. Once the wax is dry, trim the wicks using scissors.

How to display seashell candles?

I love setting out these shell votives along with my coastal decor! I like to save them for when we host or have company over because they are so unique. I always get compliments on them!

These shell candles also make the best gifts for beach lovers or housewarmings!

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