Sea shell candles are easy, fast, and fun to make! 

Start with shells shaped like the ones pictured below. 
Cebu Clams, big cockles, and large scallop shells work best.

 
     Large Cebu Clam Shell                  Large natural Cockle
         (approx. 8 inches)                     (approx. 4 - 5 inches)


Materials needed:  shell, beeswax, wick, oven proof pyrex
measuring cup, and a few drops of your favorite scented oil

Directions:  
1.  Preheat oven to 250 degrees.  Place your shell on a small bed
of salt to level it & keep it from moving. Pre-position wick in the
center of shell.  Set aside.

2.  Then cut the beeswax in chunks (makes it melt faster) and put it in the pyrex cup.  Set the cup on a cookie sheet & pop it in the
oven.  Check the wax every 2 minutes because wax melts really
fast.  When melted, remove from oven.  Slowly stir your favorite
scented oil into melted wax.

3.  Immediately pour the wax into your shell, slowly in a layering
sort of way.  I always begin around the wick and work my way out to the outside.  Voila! 


 
This is a 4 1/2 inch wide cockle shell candle.
Time to make:  15 minutes

Variations: 
1.  Press a few beads or small shells in the wax before it sets.

2.  If you're in a hurray, simply add a small floating candle & a little
water to a cockle shell and you have an instant candle because
cockle shells are deep OR place your favorite small voilte or
tapper candle in the middle of a big shell & secure it with a little
melted wax.  Add a few shells or sea glass.  Instant candle!

Favorite uses:  Everywhere because I love candles. 
But most people use them as centerpieces, general room decor,
and at summer outdoor gatherings.

NOTE:  Shells are usually reusable. Make sure shells are at room
temperature before you use them for your project.  Extreme
temperature changes will cause your shells to crack.


Want to learn how to make more things out of sea shells
such as sailor's valentines, shell mirror, and more?

My store has a shellcraft projects page.