I know I’ve already made and blogged about the oyster shell candles before, but with the recent Etsy orders, I’ve really perfected the process, and it’s way better than my first attempt at making them.  Here’s the new, and improved oyster shell candle making process:

Oyster Shell Candles pt. 2

What you’ll need:

• Oyster shells with a deep shell
• Soy wax
• Wicks
• Candle pour pitcher
• Fake pearls
• Hot glue gun
• Cookie sheet
• Aluminum foil

First up, where to find the supplies.  I went to Hobby Lobby one day after work to see what kinds of wax they had since melting down tea lights isn’t really efficient.  I found a pack of unscented soy wax that looked perfect to use, plus I grabbed 8 ft of zinc core wicks, and a candle pour pitcher.

Once I had better supplies to work with, I had to prep the shells.  The first time, I tried to find shells that perfectly stayed up, which is a lot easier said than done.  I found that adding fake pearl feet to the bottom keep the shells upright, which makes less of a mess while pouring wax, or lighting the candles later.  So, hot glue 1-4 pearls to the bottom of your shells to keep them sturdy while standing upright.

Now, prepare for the candles.  Pour some of the soy wax into your candle pour pitcher, and put on your stove on low heat.  While the wax is melting, cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and put your shells on top, ready for wax.

Once your wax is melted, slowly pour it into the shells, one at a time.  I’ve learned not to try to fill the shells all the way up, and to pour some, let it sit, then pour some more to avoid spills.

As the wax cools, cut your wicks.  It seems like wicks about 1″ – 1 1/2″ are the perfect length.  I try to have some already cut, so I can quickly get them in the candles at the right time.

The wax has to be the right temperature for the wick to easily go in the wax, and remain upright.  If the wick falls in, just pull it out, and try again in a few minutes.  If the wax has already cooled too much, make a small divot with your fingernail, put the wick in, and pour a little more wax on top.

As the candles cool with the wicks in them, you can figure out if any of them need more wax.  If they do, add a little at a time, until they look full without spilling.

Let the candles cool overnight, and then they should be ready to use!  Cleo had to inspect my last batch of candles… and she agrees they’re much higher quality than the first ones I made.

Don’t want to make your own candles, but like the look? Reach out to me on Etsy — I’d be happy to make some for your event!