Lemongrass Scented Shell Candles

I enjoy making Christmas gifts whenever I have the time.  This year I have a few ideas up my sleeve.

This first idea was inspired by the amazing sea shells that we found this year during our stay down in southwest Florida.

Because of their shape, cockle shells make great vessels for candles. You could also use scallop shells or even clam shells for this project.

First,  I melted down some old tea light candles in my make-shift double boiler. I had to melt about 20 tea lights in order to have enough wax for 16 shell candles.

As the wax was melting, I added about 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil.

I used a coffee mug to help stabilize the shell as I poured in the wax.

Sorry about the shadowy pictures.  I did this project at night when the kids were in bed and the lighting is funky.  Somehow monkeys and melting wax did not seem like a winning combination.

After pouring in the wax, I placed a leftover wick from the tea lights into it.

I let the wax dry throughly for at least an hour, before moving the candles.

I am really pleased with the finished product, and I hope that the recipients of these beauties will be too.

Did I mention that these candles smell divine!

Hugs,

Melissa