We made these floating walnut candles for winter solstice, which I think will become a tradition in our family. They were really simple to make, and they are beautiful to watch float over the water as you reflect on your year, state your intentions for the future, or observe a moment of quiet. The boys are too young to prepare the wax, but they loved popping the walnuts with their wooden mushroom nutcracker. We have also made orange peel candles to celebrate summer solstice. These walnut candles only require a small amount of beeswax, so if you would like to do something else with the remainder, try making beeswax letters.
Supplies
Instructions
- Carefully split the walnuts in half. You can do this with a nutcracker, or a very sharp knife. While the nutcracker didn’t get them perfect every time, I found the knife to be precarious. Using the nutcracker is a great way to involve small children in this craft.
- Boil water in a pot, then add beeswax to your double boiler. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can use any stainless steel bowl. Be very careful removing it as to not let water in or burn yourself.
- Put a wick in your walnut shell. Prop it up so it doesn’t fall in.
- Once the beeswax is melted, pour into your walnut shells.
- Let harden.
- Float over water and light!
Important note: only use these candles in a bowl of water and under immediate supervision.
