Candle Jar Craft
Project 5
Clam & Scallop Seashells
Introduction
This candle jar craft project was started with the intent of using up some of the clam seashells found on beachcombing expeditions. Along the way it developed into this decorative jar that uses both clam seashells and scallop seashells. On the back is a pattern made of seashell pieces.
All of the seashells used in this project were found on the beach. They have been naturally polished by sea, wind, and sand. Only the scallop seashells were painted with a bit of clear polyurethane paint. It helped bring their rich colors.
Materials
1 de-waxed and clean candle jar with lid
(see how to recycle a candle jar below)
18 to 20 clam seashells about 1/2 inch wide
6 clam seashells about 3/8 inch wide
2 long clam shells (such as Venus clam shells)
4 scallop seashells about 1 inch wide
a bunch of seashell pieces
glue, white
Candle Jar Project Steps
Start by wiping down the jar, to remove any oils and dust.
Pick a spot to begin the design. This spot will become the front of the project. The candle jar I used has lines running on either side, so I picked a spot more or less at the center between the two lines.
We are going to start with the circle of clam seashells that go all the way around the jar . Glue a clam shell around the edges and place it in the center spot so the bottom edge is about ½ inch from the jar bottom. If it is stable enough, add a clam seashell to either side.
Unless you used some fast drying glue, you now need to wait a bit for the glue to set. Otherwise the seashells will move from where you put them. I just do something else while waiting for the glue to dry.
When you can, glue another clam seashell to continue the pattern on this candle jar craft. You should be going around the jar. If you glue the clams one to each side as you go along, eventually you should end up with a small gap between the last two that is just about opposite of the first clam seashell.
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To set up the front focal point for your candle jar craft, glue a scallop seashell above the center clam seashell. To either side of the scallop, place one long seashell.
Now make an arc over the scallop and long seashells using more clam seashells. Place a center clamshell above the scallop. Then place a clamshell slightly above each of the long seashells. Now add the final two clamshells in-between the circle of clams and those above the long seashells.
To either side of the center focus group of seashells, glue a scallop seashell. Each should be more or less above the last clamshells you glued down with the round part of the scallop pointing at the center scallop.
To make the spine for the candle jar craft, use seashell pieces. The ones I used are from the beach and have been smoothed and polished by nature. You can always break up some unwanted seashells to make pieces but they will probably have sharp edges. Or if you have a bunch of small seashells, use them.
Start by making a column up the back side, then two side branches on either side of the spine. Watch the side branches for sliding shells.
Let the candle jar craft sit and dry. If you used white glue, it will turn clear when completely dry. Clean up any messy areas by scraping with a knife or similar object. Then clean the glass of any particles, fingerprints, and smudges.
To make the lid for the candle jar craft, use the 3/8" clam shells and the remaining scallop seashell. Place the scallop in the center of the lid. Then place the 6 clamshells evenly spaced around the scallop. Let dry and clean in the same way as the jar.
You have completed the candle jar craft. Use it to store items like your collection of seashells, marbles, polished stones, etc. Or use it as a lantern by placing a lit votive candle in a votive holder inside. Just place the lid on the side if that is how you plan to use it.
CAUTION!
Never use cracked or broken jars. You could end up with a bad cut.
If young children are involved, please provide adult supervision. The small seashells could be a choking hazard if swallowed.
When used as a lantern, the glass of the candle jar craft may get hot. Be careful handling it so as not to burn yourself.
Tips
Use an old towel fluffed around the jar to keep it stable.
If your seashells are dull, you can brighten them up by painting with a clear gloss polyurethane. Use a brush and liquid poly if brightening them after you have applied them to the jar. Poly makes glass look dull.
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Enjoy your candle jar craft and make a few more for your friends.
Try Another Jar Project
Project 1 – Horizontal pattern
Project 2 – Vertical pattern
Project 3 - Jar Lid
Project 4 - Coquina Flowers
How to Clean & Recycle Candle Jars
Return to Main Jar Page
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