DIY Gilded Seashell Candles

Turn your beach finds into summertime candles with this easy DIY Gilded Seashell Candles project! They’re perfect for indoor decor or outdoor gatherings!

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You all know that I love a good candle project!  Three years ago, I launched this very project as a kit on Darby Smart.  Since I’m no longer creating projects for them, I’ve decided to recreate some of my DS projects here, on the blog, instead.  Today, I’m starting with the third project that I launched with them since it’s perfect for summer!

I have been collecting beach treasures ever since I was little.  I mean, have I told you the story about my sister and I trying to shove a large piece of driftwood into the backseat of my car?  Yeah.  That happened and it wasn’t the first (or last) time I brought an overly large piece of driftwood home!  I also enjoy scouring the sand for unique seashells to bring home from our beach visits. 

Usually, those seashells become a part of a project or display.  But since I’ve realized how easy it is to make candles out of pretty much anything, I put this little project together.  Whether you’ve found shells on the beach or while wandering around the craft store, this is an easy summer project that you can display inside or outdoors.

SUPPLIES

• 2 Irish Baking Scallops
• Rose gold spray paint
• Microwaveable soy wax
• Glue Dots
• Soy wicks
• Candle scent
• Bamboo skewers

STEPS

1. In a well-ventilated area or outside, spray the back of each seashell with a coat of rose gold spray paint.  Allow paint to dry.
2. Attach a Glue Dot to the bottom of each shell and place a wick on top of each Glue Dot.
3. Melt about a cup of soy wax according to directions.
4. Add candle scent to the melted wax and stir with a bamboo skewer.  I start off with 10 drops of candle scent and increase from there.
5. Carefully pour your melted wax into each seashell.  
6. If wick moves out of place, reposition.  Lay bamboo skewers across the top of the shell to keep the wick in place.
7. To speed up the drying time of your wax, stick your shells into the fridge until wax is fully hardened (you may need to prop the edges of your shells up to avoid spillage).
8. One wax has completely hardened, light the wick and display!

These seashell candles would be great for outdoor parties during the summer!  If you’re using them for outdoor use, I would suggest spraying them with a clear coat after painting them gold.  Also, use citronella essential oil to keep the bugs away!  If anything, this project is just another great excuse to hit the beach and collect some shells!

PIN FOR LATER

If you like this seashell DIY project, you might also like:

• Gold Seashell Necklace
• Nautical Picture Frame
• DIY Sand & Sea Candles

How do you display your beach treasures?