DIY: Mussell Shell Votives for Dark Autumn Nights

Generously sized, with a rich indigo hue, Maine mussel shells are perfect for the table. We’ve used them as impromptu pinch pots for salt and pepper or, as here, for easy votive candles. Scatter these tea lights down the center of the table or on the mantel to keep a bit of summer going through fall and beyond. (Don’t have mussels on hand? Any substantial seashell will do.)

Photography by Justine Hand for Remodelista.

Materials:

Mussel shells
Pot for melting wax
Beeswax or soy wax
Pebbles or sand
Votive wicks

Step 1

gather mussel shells along the shore or save them from your last meal. clean th 14 — Above: Gather mussel shells along the shore or save them from your last meal. Clean the shells and dry.

Step 2

warm the wax on low heat. once it’s completely melted, immediately 15 — Above: Warm the wax on low heat. Once it’s completely melted, immediately remove from the burner. (We like to use ethically sourced beeswax with its pretty amber color, which complements the mussels’ deep blue, but you can use soy wax as well.)

Step 3

the bottoms of mussels aren’t often level; nestle them in a bed of 16 — Above: The bottoms of mussels aren’t often level; nestle them in a bed of pebbles (or sand) so they sit evenly while you fill them. Place a wick in each mussel, then carefully pour the wax over until it’s just below the edge of the shell, and allow to dry.

if your votives won’t sit level on the table, stick a bit of soften 17 — Above: If your votives won’t sit level on the table, stick a bit of softened wax to the bottom to stabilize them.

N.B.: This DIY is one of many nature-inspired projects in our book Remodelista in Maine: A Design Lover’s Guide to Inspired, Down-to-Earth Style. Find this how-to in the Autumn section, along with Easy Foraged Fire-Starter Bundles—and peruse other accessible ideas for all year round.

And for more candle ideas for the colder, darker months coming on, see:

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