DIY seashell candles

On this quiet, windy, and gloomy afternoon, I decided to make my own seashell tealight candles. Simply to bring a little extra warmth and coziness into our home.

I got the idea from a YouTube Short where a girl melted the wax from regular tealight candles, reused the wicks, and secured them with a small drop of glue. So simple, yet I am incredibly happy with how they turned out.

What makes these candles even more special is the story behind the seashells. Last year, we collected them ourselves on the beach during our holiday in Spain. Together with my daughter and the children from our community home, we walked along the shoreline searching for beautiful shells while enjoying the sunshine, the sea, and precious moments together.

Now, whenever I look at these little candles, I am instantly transported back to those wonderful beach days. It's amazing how something as simple as a seashell can hold so many beautiful memories.

And the best part? They're incredibly easy to make!

DIY Tutorial: How to make seashell candles

What You'll Need

• Seashells (small, medium, or large)

• Regular tealight candles

• The wicks from the tealight candles

• A heatproof bowl or measuring cup

• A saucepan with hot water

• A small amount of glue or a glue gun

• Tweezers or a wooden skewer

Step 1: Clean the seashells

Wash the seashells thoroughly and make sure they are completely dry before you begin.

Step 2: Remove the wicks

Carefully remove the wicks from the tealight candles and set them aside. You'll reuse them later.

Step 3: Melt the wax

Place only the wax in a heatproof bowl or measuring cup and melt it over a saucepan of hot water. Stir occasionally until the wax has completely melted.

Step 4: Secure the wick

Place a small drop of glue in the center of the seashell and position the wick upright in the middle. Hold it in place for a few moments until it stands firmly.

Step 5: Pour the wax into the shells

Carefully pour the melted wax into the seashells, making sure the wick remains centered. Larger shells can hold more wax and will burn longer, while smaller shells create adorable mini candles.

Step 6: Let them cool

Allow the candles to cool completely and harden. Depending on the size of the shell, this may take a few hours.

Step 7: Trim the wick

Trim the wick to about half a centimeter (¼ inch), and your seashell candles are ready to use.

I love DIY projects that are not only beautiful but also tell a story. These seashell candles are more than just decoration; they are a tangible reminder of a wonderful holiday, beach walks, and precious moments spent together. On a grey, windy afternoon like today, lighting one of these little candles instantly brings a small piece of summer back into our home.

Have you ever used treasures from a holiday in a DIY project? I'd love to hear about your favorite creative memory!