The Mom I Want to Be

Candle Wax
Wick
Sand (you can use sand in a bucket, or even make it right on the beach)
Saucepan (or large tin can, heat near the campfire!)
Stick
shells- optional

Wet the sand and mix it for an even consistency. Scoop a hole in the sand for the size candle you want. Flatten out the bottom to give the candle a base. If you want a specific shape, use a cup, a beach toy, or other object to push into the sand and make your shape. Push the wick into the middle of the hole and tie the other end to a stick that will rest across the top of the hole to keep it taut. Roll the stick if necessary to take up the slack. Push seashells into the side of the sand if desired.

Melt wax in a sauce pan on beach grill. You can use old candles, or new wax. Add color and scent now if you like. Gently pour wax into the sand hole. Let harden. If you are making directly on the beach, stack a bunch of sticks and/or make a sign to warn people about the hot wax. The candles actually set quite quickly, but you will want to make sure that you leave them overnight to insure that they are completely hardened and cooled. Lift out of sand. Brush off loose sand. You will need to cut the wick to a reasonable length and place your candle on a surface safe for burning and collecting the wax if it runs. (I recommend a plate with a lip, add some sea shells, more rocks, and sand around it for decoration if desired.