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For the past couple of years, I’ve found a special way to celebrate Ostara, the spring equinox, by embracing eco-friendly practices in my home.
One of my favorite traditions is creating a beautiful egg shell candle centerpiece. This isn’t just any centerpiece; it’s made from saved wax melts, remnants of old candles, and various bits of recycled wax I’ve collected over time.
Ostara symbolizes renewal and growth, making it the perfect occasion to repurpose and give new life to these materials.
This year, I want to share this sustainable and creative idea with you. Let’s skip the store-bought decorations and make our own stunning egg shell candle centerpiece together, using materials we’ve saved and recycled. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate the season of renewal, and I can’t wait to dive into this craft with you.
Materials for Egg Shell Candle Centerpiece
- Cracked eggshells
- Cardboard egg carton
- Wicks – I use beeswax coated hemp
- Toothpicks
- Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and pot
- Wax (beeswax, soy wax, or recycled wax)
- Essential oils (optional)
- Scissors for trimming wicks
- Dried flowers, herbs, moss etc. (for decoration)
Instructions For Egg Shell Candle Centerpiece:
Step 1.
Getting Your Eggshells Ready: Start by gathering and cleaning enough eggshells to fill a standard cardboard egg carton. Make sure to wash them well and allow them to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step. I will admit, I didn’t wash these very well, lol.
Step 2.
Setting Up Your Candle Bases: To prepare each eggshell for the candle-making process, attach the wicks by wrapping them around a toothpick. Then, position the toothpick across the top of the eggshell, ensuring the wick hangs down and touches the base of the shell.
Step 3.
Wax Preparation: Using a double boiler setup (simply place a heat-resistant bowl over a pot of gently simmering water), melt your chosen wax. If you’d like your candles to be scented, feel free to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil into the mix, though this is entirely optional.
Step 4.
Filling the Shells with Wax: Once your wax is melted, carefully pour it into each prepared eggshell, making sure to leave a bit of room at the top for the wick to stick out. Then, give the wax ample time to cool and harden, which might take a few hours.
Step 5.
Bringing Your Centerpiece Together: After the wax has set, remove the toothpick from the wicks and trim each wick down to about 1/4 inch in length.
Step 6.
Adding the Final Touches: Now for the fun part – decorating! Surround your eggshell candles with a variety of natural elements like dried flowers, herbs, moss, or even small stones and twigs to create a charming spring-themed display. This is your chance to let your creativity shine, so enjoy experimenting with different arrangements.
Tips:
- Use a variety of eggshell sizes and colors for added visual interest.
- Experiment with different colors of wax or essential oils to personalize your candles.
- Ensure the egg carton is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface before lighting the candles.
- Never leave burning candles unattended.
Making this DIY eggshell candle centerpiece is a delightful way to honor Ostara in an eco-conscious and creative manner. It’s more than just a craft; it’s a tradition that brings joy and a sense of accomplishment, especially when these candles light up our family’s Ostara gathering outdoors. The warmth and glow of our handmade candles create a magical atmosphere that connects us to the spring’s renewal and each other.
For more inspiring ways to celebrate Ostara, I encourage you to explore our other articles. Dive into the traditions, crafts, and ideas that can make your celebration even more special.
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