Secular Charlotte Mason

Making Seashell Candles

Materials:

medium or large scallop seashells*

wax of your choice (we used soy although I don't recommend it)

color wax blocks

scent wax block

small tabbed and waxed wicks

Pyrex mixing bowl (can take the heat and pours easily)

mixing spoon                                                  

thermometer                                                                    

scrap of wax or parchment paper

oven mitt

newspaper

Prep:

1.Cover work surface with newspaper.

2.Shave or grate color and scent wax blocks (do not mix and be sure to grate more than you think you will need)

3.Straighten wicks and place one in each seashell.

4.Pour soy wax chips into Pyrex bowl.

Steps:

1.Follow your wax's instructions for melting, mixing and pouring temperatures. Be sure to check temperatures with a thermometer but do not microwave with thermometer in the bowl.

2.Once wax is melted and the proper temperature, add in the color shavings until the wax is the color you want. Use black or complementary colors to darken or deepen the color. Stir well but slowly. Once the soy wax starts to cool the wax block shavings will stop melting so work quickly. You can check the color by placing a drop of the colored wax on the wax paper. You will see the color once the drop cools.

3.Cool to the correct temperature and then stir in the scented wax block shavings until it's just a smidge stronger than you really want.

4.Carefully pour into the seashells. Adjust the wicks so that they stand up straight.

Notes:

When working with younger kids I prefer to use soy or beeswax since these can be melted in the microwave. I just don't feel as safe using a double boiler to melt wax when working with kids under 9.

Pour extra wax into ice cube trays and let cool. These can be used to make chunk candles at a later date. Be sure to mark what scent you used!

Wax is hard to clean off so use only equipment, and wear clothing, that you don't mind having a faint trace of wax on.

*Seashells need to have a deep enough depression to hold a pool of wax & wick tab and needs to rest so that wax won't spill out. It may be helpful to have a pan of sand or rice to rest the seashells in as you are pouring the wax.

Should have put newspapers under those seashells!

With supervision, even the young can make candles. 

Teamwork makes it more fun.