Sand Candles

Materials Required:

• Colored wax cubes or old candles
• Wick string
• Small shovel
• Pot to be used on an open flame
• Campfire or Grill (wood, matches, charcoal, etc..)
• Scissors
• Beach treasures (shells, etc…)
• Spoon
• Potholder
• Small stick
• Fresh water

Instructions:

At your local beach, build a small campfire on the sand or light a fire in one of the grills available. (Be sure to check with the beach’s regulations as to what is allowed.) Put the colored wax or old candles inside the pot and place the pot near the campfire or on the grill to allow the wax to melt. It is a good idea to put it off to the side of the direct heat to avoid scorching or burns when trying to handle the pot.

Stir the wax occasionally to melt it evenly using your spoon. Carefully remove any old wicks inside the wax if you used old candles.

While the wax is melting, encourage your child to find treasures on the beach. Look for shells, stones, sticks and possibly even fossils. When she has found a good handful, rinse them off in the water, then put them aside.

Use the shovel to dig a small hole. It can be deep or flat as desired. This will be the mold for the candle. Line the inside of the hole with the beach treasures. Be sure to put the pretty side into the sand with the back of the treasure facing into the hole. This will ensure the pretty side is facing out of the candle.

Cut a length of wick string that reaches the bottom of the hole, but has about two inches of extra length. Tie the end of the wick around a small stick and lay the stick over the top of the hole. The wick should be hanging in the center of the hole.

Using the potholder and extreme caution, remove the hot wax from the fire and carefully pour it into the hole. If your child is old enough, this might be something they can help with, but be sure to exercise extreme caution.

Fill the hole to the top and then reposition the wick in the center of the candle as necessary. Allow the candle to cool for over an hour, possibly longer, so that the wax can set. When the wax is cool and hard again, carefully cut the stick away from the wick and dig up the candle. Rinse it carefully in fresh water and enjoy your very own beach candle!