How to Make Egg Shell Tealights

Materials

• Sewing needle
• Eggs
• Vinegar
• Food colouring
• Empty egg carton
• Double boiler or two pots
• GW 464
• Dye blocks
• Tealight wicks
• Plastic jug

Instructions

Step 1

Make a hole in the top of each egg with the needle; enlarge the holes, and pour out the contents. Cut the shells to one-third of the way down and clean the shells with the
vinegar to remove any excess egg.

Step 2

Dye shells with food colouring (follow the directions on the food colouring box). Put the shells inside the empty carton to dry.

Step 3

In a double boiler, melt your wax and and add some dye block shavings if you are using colour.

Step 4

Put an aussie stickum on the bottom of an ACS 1.0 tealight wick and place in the bottom of the shell, pressing carefully to stick but taking care not to break the shell

Step 5

Use the plastic pouring jug which has a long thin neck to fill the shells with wax. Let the wax harden. Trim the wicks to 5mm and place the candles in ceramic eggcups before lighting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop the egg shells from cracking while I work?

Enlarge the hole gently with a needle and cut the shell carefully to about a third of the way down. When fitting the wick and pouring, take your time and use light pressure. Working slowly is the best way to avoid breakages with such a delicate shell.

What wax works best for egg shell tealights?

A container-style wax suited to tealights and small vessels is ideal, as it sets with a smooth, level finish. Fill the shells using a jug with a long thin neck for better control and less mess.

How long should the candles set before lighting?

Let the wax harden and cool completely at room temperature, away from draughts, before trimming or lighting. Rushing this step can lead to an uneven surface or sinking in the middle.

How short should I trim the wick?

Trimming the wick to around 5mm before lighting helps give a cleaner, more controlled flame. A wick left too long can produce a larger flame and more soot.

What safety precautions should I take with egg shell tealights?

Because the shells are thin and fragile, always place each candle in a heat resistant holder such as a ceramic eggcup before lighting. Never leave a burning candle unattended, keep it away from anything flammable, and keep children and pets clear of the flame.