11 Simple Sand Candle Ideas for a Retro Craft Comeback in 2025

Sand candles were everywhere in the 1960s and 70s, and lately, they’ve started popping up again. That kind of comeback happens more often than you might think. Design firm Monotype notes that nostalgic styles tend to cycle back into home design when people feel oversaturated by screens and tech, which helps explain why simple, hands-on projects like sand candles feel appealing again.

When the trend first took off, sand candles were made with real beach sand shaped into simple molds. Not everyone lives near the coast or wants sand all over the house, though, so modern versions swap real sand for granulated wax that looks similar but burns like a traditional candle.

This guide to DIY sand candles covers both approaches. Whether you recreate sand candles from the 70s using collected sand or reach for a sand candles kit to make things easier, the appeal is the same. It’s a relaxed candle making project that lets you make something decorative without needing special tools or prior experience.

Jump to Section

• What Are Sand Candles
• How to Make Sand Candles
• Sand Candle Ideas to Try
• Where to Buy Sand Candles and Kits
• Sand Candles FAQs

Feature image via Abigail Daffinson on Pinterest.

What Are Sand Candles?

Sand candles are types of candles made either by using sand as a temporary mold or by layering granulated wax designed to look like sand. 

Traditional sand candles, popular in the 1970s, use damp sand packed into simple shapes to hold melted wax as it cools. They were often made right at the beach, where adding water to sand and digging a shallow hole created a natural mold for the wax.

For safety reasons, it’s better to recreate this method at home using collected sand or sand from a craft store, rather than pouring hot wax in public spaces where people or animals could be harmed. Another option is to skip sand entirely and use granulated wax, which creates the same layered look without the need for molds.

How to Make Sand Candles

Making traditional sand candles from the 1970s is simpler than it looks. If you want guided instruction on how to make candles, candle making classes in Atlanta, the Bay Area, Chicago or other cities can help you learn the basics, but it’s also easy to try at home with a few materials.

What you’ll need:

• Beach sand (or sand from the craft store)
• Wax flakes
• Candle wicks
• Plastic containers, such as beach pails
• Objects to shape your mold, such as bottles or jars
• A double-boiler or microwave-safe container 
• Wax thermometer 
• Heat-resistant utensils 
• Wax dye and fragrance oil or essential oil (optional)

Once you’ve gathered all of your materials, it’s time to get started. Follow these simple steps to make sand candles:

Step 1: Gather Sand

Pack dry sand into your container, then add small amounts of water until it holds its shape when pressed.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

Melt your wax gently using a double boiler or microwave. Soy wax works well if you want a clean, neutral color, while beeswax adds a natural tint.

Hot tip: While it’s easy to learn how to make beeswax candles, the slightly yellow color may impact the appearance of your sand candles. If you’re set on a particular shade, learn how to make soy candles instead. Soy wax flakes are white, so they won’t affect the finished product like beeswax can. 

Step 3: Create the Mold

Press a bottle or jar into the damp sand to form a cavity, then carefully remove it, leaving space for the wax.

Step 4: Insert the Wick 

Now, cut the wick to your desired length, dip it in the wax and leave it to dry. Then, use hot glue or a wick tab to secure it upright in the center of the sand mold.

Step 5: Pour the Wax

Once your wick is set, you can pour the wax into the mold. Pour slowly and carefully, so as not to disturb the sand, and leave the candle to solidify overnight.

Step 6: Remove the Candle

Once fully hardened, remove the candle from the container and gently brush off excess sand.

To make sand candles using granulated wax, simply dye the wax in your choice of colors and layer them however you like in glass jars or another transparent, heat-proof container. Then, insert a wick using the method outlined in Step 4 above and leave to set. 

Sand candles generally burn longer than traditional poured candles because the wax is contained and melts gradually. Expect roughly 10–15 hours of burn time per wick, depending on size and wax type. Granulated wax is especially practical since unused portions can be stored and reused for future candles.

Sand Candle Ideas to Try

Part of the appeal of sand candles is how easily they can be adapted. With small changes in color or container, the same technique can feel distinctly retro or surprisingly modern.

1. Layered Candles

Layering different colors of candle sand is one of the simplest ways to customize sand candles. Pre-dyed wax makes it easy, but dyeing your own lets you control the look, whether you want bold contrast or subtle gradients.

2. Themed Sand Candles

It's not that hard to create themed sand candles to celebrate holidays or special occasions if you're selective with colors and containers. Red and green layers suit the holidays, while softer palettes can be tailored to birthdays, weddings or casual gatherings.

3. Candle Sand Mason Jar Lanterns

Mason jars make the cutest home décor, especially if you like slightly rustic elements. Fill the jar with candle sand, secure the wick and keep the décor minimal so the layers and flame do the work. For something a little more cottagecore, you could decorate the jars with twine or lace. 

4. Sand Candle Terrarium

If you want to keep the sand simple, switching up the container is an easy way to personalize sand candles. Unused terrariums work especially well, since their shapes add visual interest without much extra effort.

Fill the terrarium partway with candle sand, then tuck faux plants or succulents around the edges before adding the wick.

5. Japanese-inspired Sand Patterns

Drawing inspiration from Japanese sand gardens, this idea focuses on pattern rather than color. Using a thin tool or skewer, you can gently shape the surface of candle sand into simple lines, waves or concentric circles before adding the wick. 

6. Romantic Candle Sand Display

If you need a centerpiece for a candlelit dinner with your significant other, sand candles are the special choice. Fill a heart-shaped glass or metal container with candle sand, place wicks in it and enjoy the romantic ambiance. You could even scatter rose petals around the bowl for an even more elegant look.

7. Customize the Scent

Fragrance oils or essential oils can be mixed into sand candles just like traditional candles. Light scents tend to work best, especially in smaller containers where heat builds quickly.

A quick note on fragrances: Essential oils are natural, plant-derived substances, while fragrance oils are synthetic. The other main difference between the two is that fragrance oils can replicate scents not found in nature, such as sugar cookies or cologne. Essential oils are also generally more expensive.

8. Play With Shapes

If you’re using real sand for your sand candles, one of the most unique ways to customize them is to create shapes with the holes before pouring the wax inside. The wax will harden into the shapes you made, whether it be hearts, nautical themes like starfish or anything else you can think of.

9. Sunset Candles 

This design for DIY sand candles uses warm tones like amber, red and gold layered together to create a soft ombré effect. As the candle burns, the colors blend naturally, giving the candle a changing look over time.

10. Floating Sand Candles

Create a zen, spa-like atmosphere by filling a glass bowl with water, sprinkling a thin layer of candle sand on top and placing tealights on the sand. This works best for short-term use and decorative settings.

11. Sand Candle Holder 

Sand wax can also be used as a base for tealights. Simply place sand wax (dyed or plain) in a container of your choice and gently tuck tealight candles into it. You can turn almost anything into a candle holder using this method. 

Where to Buy Sand Candles and Kits

Premade sand candles are widely available online, including through retailers like Amazon, where you’ll find a range of colors, sizes and styles. Buying them ready-made is the simplest option if you want the look without making them yourself.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, sand candle kits offer a middle ground. Kits usually include the wax, wicks and basic supplies, while still letting you choose the colors, scents and layering style. 

Sand Candles FAQs

Are Sand Candles Worth It?

Sand candles suit anyone drawn to hands-on projects with a retro design sensibility. They’re easy to customize and tend to burn longer, especially when made with granulated wax, which also reduces mess and handling.

One limitation is scent strength. Sand candles tend to have a lighter fragrance throw than traditional poured candles, so if a bold scent is a priority, soy or beeswax candles may be a better fit.

How Long Do Sand Wax Candles Last?

Sand candles generally have a much longer burn time compared to traditional candles, depending on the size of the container, number of wicks and type of wax used.

On average, sand candles burn for about 10–15 hours per wick. Larger containers with multiple wicks can last significantly longer overall, though burn time varies based on how the candle is used. 

Can You Use Any Sand for Sand Candles?

Yes, you can use real sand for sand candles, as long as it’s packed firmly to create a mold. If collecting sand isn’t practical, candle sand, also called granulated wax, is a convenient alternative and skips the molding step entirely.

Sand candles are a reminder that older design ideas don’t disappear so much as wait to be reinterpreted. With simple materials and a flexible approach, this retro technique still fits naturally into modern homes and creative routines.

For even more creative candle ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!