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June 20, 2025

Shell-abrate World Seashell Day with A Handmade Candle! 

 

The ocean offers us so many natural wonders – and seashells are some of its most beautiful gifts. Instead of buying plastic decor or mass-produced souvenirs, why not create something meaningful using shells you’ve collected? Small and beautiful, seashell candles make thoughtful handmade gifts — ideal for birthdays, weddings, hostess gifts, or decorating a beloved space with a coastal theme.  

Celebrate the beauty of the sea while using seashells you’ve collected on the beach, giving them a second life. It’s a creative way to honor the ocean — and bring a little bit of the shore into your home — without harming the habitats we love. 

HOW TO MAKE A SEASHELL CANDLE IN 5 EASY STEPS:

MATERIALS YOU’LL NEED:

  • Clean seashells (scallop or oyster shells work great!) 
  • Wax pellets (soy, beeswax, coconut, etc.) 
  • Candle wicks (pre-tabbed for ease) 
  • Wick stickers or a dab of hot glue 
  • Double boiler or microwave-safe container (or a wax melter for candle enthusiasts like us!) 
  • Old towel or newspaper to protect surfaces 

(Optional: essential oils for scent, heat safe paint for decoration) 

STEP 1: CLEAN AND PREP SHELLS

Wash your seashells thoroughly with warm, soapy water to remove any sand or residue. Let them dry completely. Choose stable shells that can sit flat to avoid spills. Consider using shells collected on a specific trip for a personalized touch.

STEP 2: SECURE THE WICK

Attach your wick to the center of the shell using a wick sticker or a drop of hot glue. Make sure it stands upright. 

STEP 3: MELT THE WAX

Use a double boiler to melt the wax slowly and carefully. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short intervals and stir often. Here at Oceana HQ, one of our crafty colleagues has a wax melter for candle making so that’s what we used, but it’s not necessary! 

STEP 4: POUR THE WAX

Carefully pour the melted wax into your shell, holding the wick upright. Leave about ¼ inch of space at the top. Let the wax cool and solidify for a few hours. 

STEP 5: TRIM WICK & WAIT PATIENTLY

Trim the wick to about ¼ inch. Place your finished candles on a heatproof dish when burning, to prevent shells from wobbling. For best results, wait a couple of weeks before lighting your candle. Enjoy the gentle glow and beachy charm — perfect for gifts, décor, or a reminder of the sea.