Can You Burn A Candle In A Shell?

Candles are used in a variety of spiritual rituals, and some believe that the way a candle burns holds meaning. Shells are sometimes used as candle holders in these rituals. This article will examine whether it is safe and effective to burn candles in shells. We will look at the purpose and symbolism of candle burning, the properties of candles, different types of shells, safety considerations, how to prepare a shell for candle burning, making and decorating a candle for a shell, the experience of burning a candle in a shell, and the potential meanings associated with how the candle burns. The goal is to provide comprehensive information to readers interested in using shells for spiritual candle rituals.

 

Background on Candle Burning

 

Candles have a long and rich history dating back thousands of years. As noted in the Wikipedia article Candle, the earliest known candles were developed in Han Dynasty China around 200 BC and were made from whale fat. Candlemaking spread across Europe and the Middle East during the Middle Ages, and major improvements were made using beeswax which burned cleaner than animal-based tallow, as described in the articles History from the National Candle Association and A History of Candle Use from Creative Candles.

Throughout history, candles have been an integral part of cultural and religious celebrations around the world. They have been used ceremonially to mark major events like births, weddings, and deaths. Candles also became an essential source of lighting in ancient times before the invention of electric lights. Even today, candles continue to hold symbolic meaning in many rituals and ceremonies across different cultures.

Beyond their practical and ceremonial uses, candles evoke a sense of comfort, ambiance, and tranquility. The flickering flame of a candle creates a warm glow and has an ethereal beauty. Burning a scented candle can provide relaxation or increase focus through aromatherapy. For all these reasons, candles remain popular today both for functional lighting and for decoration.

Properties of Candles

Candles are made up of several key components that determine their properties and burning characteristics. The main elements are the wax, wick, fragrance, and size/shape.

Wax

Candle wax is the main body and fuel source for candles. Over the centuries, candle waxes have been developed from a variety of fats, oils and waxy-like substances derived from animals, insects, plants and rocks (https://candles.org/elements-of-a-candle/). Common types of wax used today include paraffin, soy, beeswax, and gel wax. The wax determines properties like melting point, opacity, color, and burn time.

Wick

The wick is the cord that runs through the candle wax and acts as the ignition source. When lit, the wick draws wax into the flame via capillary action and provides fuel to sustain the flame. Wicks are typically made of braided cotton or paper, but can also be lead-cored or zinc-cored. The wick thickness and type determines the flame size and temperature (https://candles.org/elements-of-a-candle/wax/).

Fragrance

Many candles contain fragrance oils to add pleasing scents when burned. Fragrances are blended into the wax or poured on top. Popular scents include floral, food, spice, herbal, and essential oils. The fragrance intensity depends on oil strength and wax compatibility.

Size and Shape

Candles come in an endless array of sizes and shapes for decorative and functional purposes. Typical sizes range from votives to pillars to large block candles. Shapes can be geometric or novelty. The dimensions impact burn time, wax pool, and aesthetic appeal.

Shell Types

There are several types of shells that can be used for candle making, the most popular options include:

Seashells

Seashells like clams, scallops, whelks, and conches make great candle vessels. They come in an array of sizes and shapes to accommodate different candle sizes. Smaller seashells work well for tealights while larger whelk and conch shells are ideal for pillar candles. Seashells have a beautiful natural look and bring a touch of the ocean to any space.

Egg Shells

Chicken, quail, and goose egg shells can be used for mini candle holders. The thin white shell allows the candlelight to shine through for an elegant effect. Craft stores sell artificial egg shells if you want to avoid cracking real eggs. Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry real egg shells to remove any residue before placing a candle inside.

Coconut Shells

Halved coconuts make tropical candle holders with an exotic vibe. Both large and small coconuts can be used. For larger shells, place a vessel inside to hold the candle wax. Smaller coconut shell halves are perfect for tealights. Scrap natural coconut husk fibers can be used for wicks. Not only beautiful but also eco-friendly.

Safety Considerations

When burning a candle inside a shell, safety should be the top priority. There are some key hazards and precautions that should be kept in mind.

Fire Hazards

Candles contain open flames, so the risk of accidental fire is very real. The shell itself can get hot while the candle burns inside it, creating a fire hazard. Be sure to place the candle-filled shell on a sturdy, flame-resistant surface away from anything flammable. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Ventilation

Burning a candle in an enclosed space like a shell means lack of airflow and ventilation. The smoke and fumes can concentrate inside the shell instead of dissipating. Be sure to keep the shell in a well-ventilated area so fumes do not build up to dangerous levels.

Supervision

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Stay nearby to monitor the candle at all times. Have a plan to quickly and safely extinguish the candle if need be. Do not burn the candle for more than a couple hours at a time.

With proper precautions, burning a candle inside a shell can be safe. But be sure to minimize fire risks and provide adequate ventilation and supervision.

Preparing the Shell

Before making a candle in a seashell, the shell needs to be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Any debris, sand, or organisms remaining in the shell can contaminate the candle wax. According to sources, there are a few easy steps to prep a shell for candle making:

First, wash the seashell thoroughly in warm, soapy water using a small brush to scrub inside the spires and crevices. This helps remove any dirt, debris, sand, or sea life from the shell. Rinse well. Sea shells have a naturally high calcium content which can leave water spots, so it’s recommended to do a final rinse with distilled white vinegar according to Carla Schauer.

After washing, let the shell dry completely before making a candle. Any moisture left inside can prevent the wax from adhering properly. Place the shell upside down on a towel or drying rack until no more water drips out. According to SheKnows, letting it air dry for up to 48 hours ensures it’s fully dried inside.

Some sources recommend lightly sanding or etching the interior surface of the shell so the wax can grip better. Use fine-grit sandpaper and be gentle to avoid breaking through the shell. Wipe away any sanding debris with a dry cloth.

Making the Candle

To make a candle in a shell, the first step is to melt the candle wax. Be sure to use a double boiler method when melting the wax to avoid overheating it. Once the wax is completely melted, prepare the wick by cutting it to an appropriate size and securing it in place inside the shell with hot glue according to your desired height and placement (Source). Position the wick carefully, as its placement will determine how the melted wax pools when the candle is lit.

With the wick positioned, slowly pour the melted wax into the shell, filling it about two-thirds full. Make sure to pour slowly to prevent the shell from cracking due to sudden temperature changes. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before moving the shell. Once hardened, you can add a second layer of wax if needed to fill the shell to the top. The candle is now ready to be decorated and burned!

Decorating the Candle

Once the candle has been made and allowed to fully set, the fun part begins – decorating! There are endless possibilities for making your shell candle unique. Some popular decoration techniques include:

Painting – Acrylic craft paints work well for painting shells. You can paint the entire outer surface of the shell or just parts of it. Painting the inside of the shell can also create a nice effect when the candle is lit. Bold colors like blues, greens, and corals complement the natural shell palette. Metallic paints add a touch of glam. Paint pens allow you to add fine details.

Embellishments – You can glue on all kinds of embellishments with craft glue like beads, shells, starfish, sand dollars, sea glass, pearls, gems, glitter, sea-themed charms, ribbon, lace, etc. Let your creativity run wild! Arrange embellishments in patterns or randomly. Themed decor like beach, mermaid and nautical motifs are popular.

Make sure any decorations added onto the candle do not present fire hazards. Avoid attaching anything flammable directly to the top where the flame will be. Shells, beads and most embellishments are safe but use good judgment when decorating.

Burning the Candle

When burning a candle inside a seashell for the first time, it’s important to monitor it closely. According to experts at Mud and Bloom, the first burn is crucial for correctly melting the wax and allowing the wick to form a mushroom shape for an even burn (https://www.mudandbloom.com/blog/seashell-candles). They recommend placing the shell candle on a fireproof surface and lighting it away from any flammable materials. Stay nearby and watch the flame to ensure it burns steadily, trim the wick if needed, and extinguish if it gets too large or flickers unevenly. The initial burn can take 30-60 minutes.

To maintain the candle flame after the first burn, continue to keep the seashell candle on a heat resistant holder. Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before each lighting to avoid emissions and uneven burning as advised by DIY experts She Knows (https://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/1044729/diy-seashell-candles/). Allow the wax pool to solidify completely before relighting, about 1-2 hours per inch of diameter. This helps prevent tunneling. Give the candle fresh air by opening a window in the burning space. Properly extinguishing the candle when finished will help preserve the seashell.

Conclusion

In summary, burning a candle inside a seashell is certainly possible with the right preparation and safety precautions. Seashells make for beautiful, natural candle holders that can create a lovely ambiance. Smaller shells like clam shells, scallops, or abalone work best to contain the flame. Make sure the shell is fully cleaned, dried, and prepped before pouring wax into it. Use 100% natural soy wax, as this has a lower melting point than paraffin wax. Decorating the outside of the shell with flowers, glitter, or paints can allow you to customize it. Place the shell candle on a heat-safe surface and away from flammable materials. Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting. Let the wax fully pool and extinguish before burning again. With the right care taken, a seashell can make a gorgeous candle holder and provides a unique, artistic touch to any space.

In the end, a shell candle combines creativity and nature for a one-of-a-kind decoration. Taking the proper safety steps allows you to enjoy these special candles safely. A shell candle makes a thoughtful gift or just a simple way to add warmth and beauty to your home.