diy | handmade shell candles


this is one of my favourite little projects I've done in a while, it's so simple and a wonderful way to make use of those shells you've collected on trips to the beach.

I saw this idea on pinterest and couldn't wait to try it, I'm a sucker for burning candles (especially at this time of year) but if you're feeling generous enough to part with them they'd make cute stocking fillers.


try and use deep shells that sit upright, the deeper they are the longer burning time you'll have.  I love hunting for shells at the beach so these came from my last holiday but you'll find plenty of them online if you don't have a stash to hand! I've use pre waxed wicks so all I had to do was glue them into the centre of the shells.


when the wicks are secure you'll need to gently melt the wax over a low heat. I've used a plain bag of wax pellets but you could used coloured wax too. 

cover your surfaces with newspaper first, if the shells are a little wobbly prop them up with some blu-tac or balance them over an eggcup before you pour in the hot wax. leave the wax to cool fully before you move them.


voila, easy peasy sea shell tealights! 

perfect for dressing up a table arrangement or even accessorising a bathroom, when they've burnt out just remove the old wick and refill them again..

what do you think.. would you try this little DIY?

caroline x

43 comments

  1. These are so, so beautiful! I definitely need to bookmark this.

    nueyork.blogspot.com

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  2. So cute! Would make a great gift :)

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    1. thanks so much eva! I think they would too :) xx

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  3. these are so lovely, such a great idea :)

    Rachel // Style Soup

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  4. Oh my, these are just so so cute! Such a fab idea x

    holljc.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. thanks holl- I loved the idea when I saw it too :) xx

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  5. awesome, so pretty i loved!!

    www.chicpineapple.blogspot.com

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  6. These honestly look so good and seem so simple for gifts xx

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  7. These are gorgeous :)

    Check out my Christmas giveaway | http://laurenslittleblogs.blogspot.co.uk/

    xx

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  8. Caroline these are so awesome! They would look really nice in the bathroom for the ultimate relaxing bathing experience .
    Amy | A Little Boat Sailing

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    1. I thought they'd be good for bathrooms- the whole beachy vibe and YES to bubble baths :) xx

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  9. This is such a cute idea and it seems so easy! They'd be fab to light when having a nice bath xx

    Love and Marmalade

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    1. 100% agree.. I will defo be doing that :) xx

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  10. These are sooo cute!!!

    --- nhengswonderland.blogspot.com

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  11. These are amazing! Such a brilliant idea!

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  12. I love these, they would be perfect as a housewarming gift!

    Maria xxx

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  13. I love nothing more than a homed candle! Such a good idea to do them in shells.

    Melissa | MELISSA LOVES THIS

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    1. perfect if you're a shell collector like me! I'm always taking them home when I go away on holiday :) xx

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  14. These are gorgeous, so simple too! Perfect for little stocking fillers.

    Love Tweet xx

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    1. thanks girl, I'd love to get them as gifts- hope you try them :) xx

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  15. Love this! ...and your blog ! x

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  16. Amazing! I have loved your blog for just about forever :)
    www.esmemadeline.blogspot.com

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  17. I love this!! I bring back so may shells from my holidays and my younger brothers do too so I have looooaaads just sitting on my shelf. doing nothing
    That's all about to change now!! thanks caroline xx

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  18. Love! What a brilliant idea. I might make some of these ad Christmas presents this year :)
    Jas } jaspooleblog.com } photographing life through stories and biscuits.

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