If you are having a beach wedding, then here is an inexpensive favor idea that your guests are sure to love! If you live close to a beach collect a variety of shells and make seashell candles. If you are not close to the sea, have no worries! Shells can be bought fairly cheap at your local craft store. To make these candles, simply follow the directions below.
What you’ll need:
• Bar of paraffin
• Wicks
• Metal wick holders
• Double boiler with a pouring lip
• Shells
• Stubs of colored candles
Most of these items can be found at your local craft store. If you can’t find metal wick holders, remove the wicks from inexpensive tea lights. Use stubs from colored candles to make candles in various shades.
Method:
Clean shells in a 10% bleach solution. Rinse with cool water and let dry.
Cut up the paraffin block into smaller chunks with a sharp knife. Melt them in the top of the double boiler by heating the water below to a slow simmer. Use the paraffin as is, or you may wish to add bits of colored wax for different color combinations. This is a great way to use up your old candle stubs. Experiment with color blends, but remember that the wax will be a shade darker when it dries.
Cover a steady surface with plastic or newspapers. Balance one of the shells on a small cup and slowly pour in the melted wax. Immediately place the wick and wick holder in the center of the shell. Leave wax to cool for at least 30 minutes so all the wax will harden fully.
Enjoy your beautiful seashell candles!