Richard Phillips of The Soap Kitchen shares how you can make your very own scallop shell candles at home with just three simple ingredients and a bit of elbow grease…

On a recent trip to the South Devon coast, I collected a bag full of scallop shells from the beach that the local fishermen had discarded (after keeping their delicious catch). I bought them in for a brainstorming session to the creative team and, whilst thinking what to do with all these wonderful shells, we took some inspiration from our Plastic Free July efforts and decided upon a simple yet beautiful candle.

The main bit of hard work here was cleaning out the shells. As these had recently been the home of our tasty little scallops, I had to ensure that any fishy/beach residue was properly removed. Once you’re happy with your shells, get your equipment and ingredients ready.

The recipe

This recipe will make 4-5 shells, depending on their size.

What you need

• Double melter
• Stirring spoons
• Measuring spoons (15ml)
• Accurate scales
• LX8 Wicks and Sustainers
• Wick holder (handmade from wooden reeds)
• Heatproof jug
• Medium – large scallop shells
• Glass thermometer

Ingredients

• 450g Soy Wax Container Blend (Naturewax C3)
• 15ml Seaweed and Algae Fragrance
• Candle wax glue

What to do

Step 1

Attach the wick to the central (deepest) part of the shell using a small spot of candle wax glue.

Step 2

Thread the wick through the wick holder and rest on top of the shell. Repeat these 2 steps for all your shells.

Step 3

Rest your shells against some sort of block to balance them ready to pour the wax in.

Step 4

Get water in your double melter and put it on the hob, once it is hot enough, pour the wax shavings into the metal bowl.

Step 5

Keep an eye on the wax, stirring it occasionally to ensure all the wax melts evenly.

Step 6

It is quite obvious when the wax has melted, as it changes to a translucent yellow (similar to that of olive oil). Melting temperature is 68 degrees, once it has reached this temp, take it off the heat.

Step 7

Now you can add the fragrance and stir well. It is important you leave this till last to avoid the fragrance from evaporating. We chose Seaweed and Algae as this was a nice fresh beach like smell!

Step 8

Let the melted wax cool down to 51 degrees.

Step 9

Transfer the melted wax to your glass pouring jug and distribute the wax between the shells. Pouring confidently and evenly.

Step 10

Wait for the wax to solidify. C’est fini!

With thanks to Richard for sharing the original post from Soap Making Magazine, the official blog of The Soap Kitchen.

About the author

The Soap Kitchen stock an unrivalled selection of ingredients for soap making, toiletry and cosmetic making and candle making supplies. Richard Phillips and the team also run Soap Making Magazine, official blog of The Soap Kitchen, which is home to a host of information, tutorials and recipes.