Shell Craft Candleholder
Palm Tree Project
For this shell craft candleholder project I used a glass votive candleholder, a 3x5 inch round oval wood base,and a variety of seashells.
The project started with deciding what to use on the glass for the shell craft candleholder design. I finally settled on small seashells which were to be placed carefully to create small designs around the glass. Once I was done placing the sea shells , I finished the design by adding a layer of beach sand in between the shells, covering up the clear glass.
With the glass votive designed, I turned to setting up the wood base. I placed the glass at the right edge of the top surface so that it left a bit of surface to the left of it for the rest of the design.
To the left side of the tealight holder I laid out a coral piece. I also glued the porcelain dual Palm Tree in place. Then I added the small glass red crab huddled near the coral on the left in front of the Palm Trees. The addition of a few more seashells completed the design. The rest of the bare wood is covered in beach sand to give the scene an authentic underwater feel.
To set up and design your own Palm Tree Candleholder similar to the one pictured above follow these instructions.
Materials
1. a 3"x5" oval wood base
2. a glass votive candle holder.
3. a small palm tree figure - glass, porcelain, resin
4. a bottle of Elmer's Glue-All or equivalent
5. a can of polyurethane - gloss or semi-gloss
6. sand paper - medium and fine grit
7. set of hobby brushes
8. sea shells
9. sand - preferably beach sand
Optional:
1. Accessories such as small rocks, marbles, pearls, etc.
2. Wood stain or varnish.
Preparing the Base
Remove any stickers and glue. Use sandpaper to remove any patina and rough edges. You want a fairly smooth, clean surface for this shell craft candleholder project. It also helps to make glue and items stick, and stains spread evenly.
For a natural wood look, apply a coat or two of polyurethane over the wood. Optionally you can apply a stain or a varnish to the base. While it's drying you can move on.
Preparing the Glass
Make sure the glass for this shell craft candleholder is clean and dry. Let the glass dry completely before use.
Examine the glass shape and decide on the design you want to place on it. Try some of the shells on the glass without glue to see how they can fit. See the photo above for an idea of how to place the seashells.
Start gluing the seashells to your shell craft candleholder project. You will have to glue, place, wait, do the next seashell in turn. Don't worry about minor glue ooze on your shell craft project, it will generally dry clear. You can use Q-tips or the hobby brushes to remove any large amounts
of glue that may have got on the glass.
After all the shells are on, and the piece is totally dry, it is time to apply the sand to the shell craft candleholder design. Put some glue on the glass between the shells and use a hobby brush to spread it around. Try not to get to much glue on the shells. Pour sand on the glue. Lightly shake off the excess. Continue around the glass until all of itis covered by the sand.
After it the sand is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane to the shells and the sand. This will protect both.
Putting Everything Together and Finishing
Now you are ready to make the main design.
With the base in front of you, place the glass candleholder, and your Palm Tree on the base to get an idea of how they will fit. On this size base it's best to put the candle holder on one side, and the Palm Tree on the other.
Apply glue to the bottom of the glass and push down lightly on to set it in place. Apply glue to the bottom of the Palm Tree and put it in place. Adjust both items on the shell craft candleholder to your satisfaction
Place any larger shells on the piece and glue them in place. Let everything dry.
Like on the glass, the bare wood needs to be covered in sand. Apply glue and use a brush to spread it out evenly, trying not to get too much glue on the Palm Tree or the shells you have already placed. Pour sand over the glue to cover it completely. Turn the shell craft candleholder upside down and lightly shake to remove loose sand. I use a newspaper under the base to make it easier to gather up the loose sand.
Apply polyurethane to the sand and any shells you may have used. I also apply it to the resin figures I use, but not to any porcelain or glass objects.
Apply glue to any accessories that you have decided on and place them on your shell craft candleholder project. This can be more shells, pearls, marbles, small polished rocks, figures, etc. Let the glue dry. Apply polyurethane to any shells you placed. Allow to completely dry (24 hours)
an affiliate site
Using your Tealight CandleHolder
Now that you have finished the candleholder project, give it try. Place a tealight (the kind that come inside a metal or plastic base) inside the glass. Light the candle. Enjoy!
CAUTION! TO PREVENT FIRE!
Please be careful when using. Keep away from anything that can catch fire. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Never burn unattended.
Photo Gallery
Check out the Miniature Candleholder Craft Photo Gallery. See the beautiful art I’ve created to inspire you in crafting your own shell craft candleholders.
Try Another Candleholder Project
Project 1 - Miniatures
Project 3 - Reef
Project 4 - Island Reef
Project 5 - Sculpture
A plan for starting your own money earning website plus:
hosting, website builder, site submission to search engines, traffic reports, and so much more. Free Info.
an affiliate site.
|
