Looking for a candle that instantly evokes holidays, sea spray and sun-drenched coastal landscapes? The ocean candle will win you over with its coastal-inspired world and spectacular visual effect. With its combination of natural sand, shells, dried flowers and translucent water effect, this creation transforms a simple candle into a real decorative object.
Elegant, immersive and trendy, this handmade candle is a must-have for any summer collection. Its original design is an instant eye-catcher, adding a refined marine touch to any interior. It's made with paraffin gel, just like the peach iced tea candle, ideal for the summer season.
A summer candle with a strong visual impact
When the warm weather arrives, creations inspired by the sea and holidays are always a big hit. This ocean candle combines natural textures, transparency and decorative details for a result that's as soothing as it is original.
For this recipe, the "Beauté des Îles" fragrance adds a warm, exotic dimension that's particularly suited to the candle's marine universe. You can, however, personalise your creation with other summer fragrances to suit the mood you're looking for.
The essential ingredients for this creation
The raw materials
Paraffin gel, approximately 250 g
Olive wax for cast candles, approximately 150g
7% to 10% candle fragrance, in this case "Beauté des Îles
Blue colouring granules
Decorative sand
Shells
Transparent pebbles
Dried flowers - Fairy Bouquet
Accessories
Transparent container 200 mL
Transparent container 730 mL
Wick adapted to the container
Self-adhesive sticker
Wick centring device
Bain marie or melting pot
Thermometer
Steps to making your ocean candle
1. Prepare the central container
Attach the wick to the bottom of the transparent 200ml container using a self-adhesive pad. Then hold the wick straight with a centring device to make it easier to pour the wax.
Then place this container in the centre of the large 730-mL clear container. This will create a decorative effect all around the main candle.
2. Creating the marine decoration
Gently add the sand around the small container to form a natural base. Then harmoniously arrange the shells, transparent pebbles and a few dried flowers to recreate a décor inspired by coastal landscapes.
Vary the textures and heights to achieve a more realistic and refined visual effect.
3. Making the interior candle
Melt the olive wax for container candles in a bain-marie at the recommended temperatures (80°C for most vegetable waxes). Once the wax is completely melted, add between 7% and 10% of the fragrance when the wax is at 75°C, then stir gently to preserve the olfactory qualities of the fragrance.
Pour the perfumed wax into the 200-mL container and allow to cool slightly before continuing. If the paraffin gel is poured immediately around the central container, this may cause movement in the still hot wax, which could displace the wick or alter the surface of the inner candle.
4. Preparing the translucent water effect
Melt the paraffin gel in a double boiler without exceeding the maximum recommended temperature (95°C). Then add between 7% and 10% fragrance to enhance the olfactory ambience of your creation.
Pour the transparent gel into the large container all around the marine decoration without filling all the way to the top. This first layer creates the effect of crystalline water around the decorative elements.
5. Finish with the ocean effect
In the still warm gel, make sure it reaches at least 84°C before gradually adding the blue granulated colourant to obtain a hue evoking the deep shades of the ocean.
Then pour this mixture gently over the top of the creation to form a natural aquatic gradation and give the candle more visual depth.
Decorating tip
To accentuate the seaside effect, choose light-coloured dried flowers and natural shells of different sizes. The combination of translucent gel and decorative elements creates a particularly elegant look once the candle is finished.
Storage instructions
Paraffin gel is sensitive to high temperatures. To preserve the transparency of the gel and the structure of your creation, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or in a warm, closed space.
Using a protective cover or cloche will also limit dust deposits and preserve the transparency of the paraffin gel.
For more inspiration, check out our other tutorials and recipes for making homemade candles.
