Classic Martha: Making Sand Candles

Here’s a perfectly summery DIY idea you might want to try.  They’re called sand candles and when you’re done the candles have a lovely beachy feeling to add some casual breezy summer style to your table or mantle at home.

Created by Yu Mei Tam Compton and Hannah Milman; Photography by William Abranowicz; MSL August 2002

I think a large part of the success of this Classic Martha Stewart craft comes from the colour palette.  You won’t see any bright bold hues here – just serene bottle glass colours that make sense with the beachy direction of this look.  I also love the idea of using old glass bottles as the moulds!

Created by Yu Mei Tam Compton and Hannah Milman; Photography by William Abranowicz; MSL August 2002

The rough how-to involves:

1) melting parafin wax from a craft store in an old pot (or coffee can),

2) adding some colouring,

3) using a tub, sand and some bottles or glasses to create your candle mould,

4) using a candle wick and little metal wick base (also from a craft store),

5) pouring in the coloured, melted wax,

6) letting it cool completely,

7) unmoulding and brushing off excess sand.  And voila!

Created by Yu Mei Tam Compton and Hannah Milman; Photography by William Abranowicz; MSL August 2002

This is a really pretty tablescape with candles the colour of sunset.  The small glass pedestals and saucers are a nice touch and add height to the arrangement and keep a nice organic up and down going on.

Created by Yu Mei Tam Compton and Hannah Milman; Photography by William Abranowicz; MSL August 2002

You can also experiment with sea shells, tea light holders or juice glasses and create your own sand candle masterpieces.  Give it a try!