How to Make Homemade Candles in Scallop Seashells

Add a touch of coastal decor to your home with these DIY seashell candles. Learn how to make homemade candles in scallop shells with this easy step by step guide.

Our home is nestled about 20 minutes from the beautiful beaches and water of the Atlantic Ocean. We are fortunate to be able to visit the shoreline any day of the week to soak up the sunshine and watch the waves crashing along the beach.

While we don’t visit the beach as often as I’d like (Mr. ERH isn’t the biggest beach person), it’s still just a stones throw away.

Even though we have the luxury of the coastal experience anytime, you may not. If you don’t live near the coast but love the coastal vibe, I have the craft for you!

Homemade candles in scallop seashells are the perfect way to infuse your home with a little touch of the beach & the ocean. There’s something truly magical about the soothing glow of candles and the alluring charm of the seashore, so why not combine the two?

Scallop seashell candles are fun and easy to make which means you don’t have to be an avid crafter to create your own candles at home. I’ll walk you through the simple step by step process on how to make homemade candles in scallop seashells.

Let’s get crafting!

Coastal Inspiration With the Cozy Creative Collaborative 

The Cozy Creative Collaborative is a group of blogging friends who gather together once a month to share seasonal inspiration and ideas with you right here on the blog. 

This month were sharing all things coastal inspired!

If you’re joining me from Nicolle of Our Tiny Nest, thank you so much for stopping by! Nicolle’s DIY beach memory box is the perfect way to memorialize special summer moments.

After you’ve finished reading my blog post, make sure to head over to Charity of Mornings on Macedonia for DIY seashell wall decor idea.

At the bottom of this post, you’ll find links to all the coastal inspiration this month.

Finding the Perfect Seashells for Homemade Candles

The first thing you’ll need for these homemade candles is the seashells.

I purchased these scallop shells from Amazon for this craft, however you can use shells you may already have in your home that you’ve collected on summer vacations or if you live near the beach, you can go on a hunt for shells to use specifically for these candles.

Here are a few essential tips to remember when choosing the perfect shells for this DIY project:

• Intact & Unblemished Seashells: Look for seashells that are intact and free from cracks, chips, or significant imperfections. Cracked shells may not hold the wax securely, leading to leakage and an uneven burn. Opt for shells that have a smooth surface and are in excellent condition to ensure a polished final product.
• Deep & Wide Shells: The depth of the shell is essential to hold an adequate amount of candle wax. Aim for seashells with a deeper well to accommodate a sufficient amount of melted wax, resulting in longer lasting candles.
• Sturdy & Balanced Seashells: Select shells with a sturdy base that can stand upright on a flat surface. Shells with an uneven or wobbly base might not hold the wick steady during the pouring and setting process.

Cleaning & Preparing the Seashells

Make sure to clean the scallop seashells thoroughly to remove any sand, debris, or saltwater residue. Rinse the shells with clean water and gently scrub them to ensure a pristine surface.

Allow the shells to dry completely before moving on to the candle making process.

How to Make Homemade Candles in Scallop Shells

With the shells selected, cleaned, and dried it’s time to make homemade candles!

Here’s the easy step by step process that will make about 4 large scallop seashell candles.

Making the Seashell Candles

There are countless ways & various techniques to making candles at home. Here’s the easy process I used that includes melting the candle wax in the microwave.

Step 1: Melting the Wax

Place about 2 cups of the candle wax flakes in a microwavable dish. I used a Pyrex measuring cup so that I could pour the wax into the shells once it melted.

Microwave the flakes for 1 minute then stir. Microwave for another minute, stir, and then microwave the flakes in 30 second increments until the soy wax is completely melted and in liquid form.

Once the candle wax is melted, you will have about 1 cup of melted wax.

Step 2: Add in the Candle Fragrance

With a fork, mix in 1 millimeter of your choice of candle fragrance to the melted wax. I had peach fragrance on hand so that’s the scent I used.

Mix until the oil of the fragrance is no longer visible in the wax (about 20-30 seconds).

Place the scented candle wax off to the side and allow to cool slightly. Wax will become slightly cloudy as it cools.

Step 3: Place the Candle Wicks in the Seashells

While the candle wax cools, you can add the candle wicks to the inside of the seashells.

With a hot glue gun, place a dollop of hot glue on the metal bottom of the candle wick. Attach that to the deepest part of the inside of the seashell.

Once the all the wicks have been added, you can begin pouring the candle wax into the shells.

Step 4: Pouring the Candle Wax Into the Scallop Shells

On a covered surface (I used an aluminum foil lined baking sheet), prop the shells up so that they are as level as possible. I used a few paper towels on each side of the shell to make them level to ensure the wax wouldn’t flow out of the shells.

Very carefully pour the cooled candle wax into each seashell. Fill them up to the brim, leaving just a little space at the top to prevent overflowing.

The candle wax will become opaque as it cools.

Step 5: Allow the Candles to Set & Cut Wicks

Allow the candles to cool and set completely. Depending on the size of your candles, this process may take a few hours.

After the wax has solidified, trim the wick to about a quarter-inch above the wax’s surface. This step ensures a cleaner and more even burn when you light your candles.

Displaying Homemade Seashell Candles

With your scallop seashell candles now complete, it’s time to showcase them in your home.

You can get creative with your displays by placing them on a decorative tray, a seashell-themed dish, or even in a sandy glass bowl for an extra beachy touch.

These charming candles are perfect for beach themed gatherings, and make perfect gifts for friends & family.

What can I do with the seashell candles once they’ve burned out?

Once the candles have burned out, the scallop seashells can be repurposed in various creative ways.

• Clean the seashells and use them as decorative accents around your home. Arrange them on a shelf, in a glass jar, or in a shadow box to create a charming coastal display.
• Get crafty with your seashells by turning them into unique DIY projects. Create seashell picture frames, jewelry, or even a beautiful seashell wreath to continue the coastal theme throughout your home.
• Incorporate the seashells into your garden as decorative elements or markers for plant beds. They can add a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space and serve as a reminder of the beach.
• Crush the seashells into small pieces and use them to create intricate seashell mosaics on picture frames, mirrors, or wooden trays.
• Make the seashells into candles again!
• Use the shells as filler material for decorative vases or bowls. Combine them with other beach finds like sea glass or driftwood for an authentic coastal touch.
• If you have young children, save the seashells for arts and crafts projects. They can use them for school projects, creating beach-themed collages, or making fun DIY shell animals.

By repurposing the seashells from your homemade candles, you can continue to enjoy their beauty and bring a touch of the coast into your life in other ways.

View my google web story, How to Easily Make Homemade Candles in Seashells.

Shop My Favorite Products

Shop my favorite home decor & lifestyle products here, my LTK sources here, and my Amazon Storefront here. By making a purchase with one of my links, I earn a small commission which helps me continue to create meaningful content for you!

I look forward to sharing more of my home with you and inspiring you to have a well loved home! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LIKEtoKNOW.it.

xoxo, heidi

Coastal Inspiration from The Cozy Creative Collaborative

DIY Beach Keepsake | Nicolle of Our Tiny Nest Blog

How to Make Homemade Candles in Scallop Seashells | Heidi of Eleanor Rose Home

DIY Seashell Wall Decor | Charity of Mornings on Macedonia

How to Set a Casual Coastal Table | Kelly of The Tattered Pew

New England Lobster Cobb Salad | Jennifer of Cottage on Bunkerhill

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