DIY: Mussell Shell Votives for Dark Autumn Nights

Generously sized, with a rich indigo hue, Maine mussel shells are perfect for the table. We’ve used them as impromptu pinch pots for salt and pepper or, as here, for easy votive candles. Scatter these tea lights down the center of the table or on the mantel to keep a bit of summer going through fall and beyond. (Don’t have mussels on hand? Any substantial seashell will do.)

Photography by Justine Hand for Remodelista.

Materials:

• Mussel shells
• Pot for melting wax
• Beeswax or soy wax
• Pebbles or sand
• Votive wicks

Step 1

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Step 3

N.B.: This DIY is one of many nature-inspired projects in our book Remodelista in Maine: A Design Lover’s Guide to Inspired, Down-to-Earth Style. Find this how-to in the Autumn section, along with Easy Foraged Fire-Starter Bundles—and peruse other accessible ideas for all year round.

And for more candle ideas for the colder, darker months coming on, see:

• DIY: Black Beeswax Tapers for the Autumn Table
• DIY: Ad-Hoc (and Edible) Candleholders
• DIY: Easy Ceramic Votive Holders for a Festive Table