Shell Craft Candleholder
Reef Design - Project 3

Materials:

1. a 5"x5" round wood base
2. a glass votive candle holder
3. a small figure of a fish - glass, porcelain, resin
4. a small figure of a crab
5. seashells 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch size
6. a bottle of Elmer's Glue-All or equivalent
7. a can of polyurethane - gloss or semi-gloss
8. sand paper - medium and fine grit
9. set of hobby brushes
10. coral pieces
11. sand - preferably beach sand

Optional:

1. Accessories such as small rocks, marbles, pearls, etc.
2. Wood stain or varnish.


Preparing the Base:

Examine the wood base. Remove any stickers. You may need to clean glue off, I use a paper towel and paint thinner.

Use the sandpaper to smooth down any rough areas as best you can. Then lightly sand all over the base to remove any discoloration and set up the shell craft candleholder to better absorb glue and stains. Dust off the base.

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.


Prepare the Glass Candle Holder:

Make sure the glass candle holder is clean and dry. Examine the glass 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.

With your idea in mind, apply glue to the first shell and set it on the glass. You may have to prop up the shell craft candleholder to keep the seashell in place. Continue the apply glue, set seashell, wait for it to dry routine until all the seashells have been applied to the glass.

After all the shells are on, and the piece is dry, it is time to apply the sand. Apply the glue in-between the seashells and use a 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 the glass is covered by the sand. Set the shell craft candleholder aside and let the sand and glue dry.

After the sand is dry, apply a coat of polyurethane to the shells and the sand. This will protect both from the elements and bring out the shine.

Putting Everything Together and Finishing:

Place the base in front of you. Place the glass candle holder, sea shells, and crab on the base to get an idea of how they will fit. Set the candle holder toward the back of the design, as centered to the design as you can get. Notice in the picture, that the glass is set so that the shells are evenly distributed to the front and sides of the shell craft candleholder.

Apply glue to the bottom of the glass and place it on the spot you have picked. Push down lightly on the glass to set it in place.

Place the larger shells and any coral pieces you've decided to use on the base, then glue them into place. Let the glue dry before moving.

Apply glue to the bottom of the crab,and put it in place. Do the same with the fish. Let them dry completely before moving the base around. Otherwise you'll come back to find they have fallen and you have to do the gluing over again.

Apply glue to the bare wood that is showing and along the bottom of the glass holder. Spread it out using a brush. Pour sand over the glue, then lightly shake off the loose sand.

Let the shell craft candleholder project dry.

Apply polyurethane to the sand and any shells. I also apply poly 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 project. This can be more shells, pearls, marbles, small polished rocks, figures, etc. Let them dry, then apply polyurethane to any shells you placed. Allow to completely dry (at least 12 hours)

Using your Shell Craft Candleholder.

Now that you have finished the shell craft 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 candles 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 2 - Palm Tree
Project 4 - Island Reef
Project 5 - Sculpture

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