What are sculptural candles made of?

Votive sculptural candles are handcrafted from 100% natural soy wax with cotton wicks and phthalate-free fragrance oils. We use no paraffin wax and no synthetic additives — every piece is hand-poured in small batches in Orlando, FL.

Are sculptural candles safe to burn?

Yes. Votive sculptural candles are fully functional and safe to burn when placed on a heat-resistant surface. For best results, burn in a candle-safe dish to catch melted wax and preserve the sculpture's shape longer. Never leave a lit candle unattended.

What makes Votive Candle Co. different from other candle brands?

Votive Candle Co. combines fine art sculpture with eco-conscious candle making. Every piece is inspired by classical art — Greek mythology, 19th century marble sculpture, and figural forms — and hand-poured in small batches using 100% natural soy wax and phthalate-free fragrances. Made in Orlando, FL.

Are Votive candles pet- and child-safe?

Yes. Our candles are made without paraffin, toxins, or harmful chemicals, making them safer for homes with pets and children. As with all candles, keep them out of reach and never leave them burning unattended.

How long do soy wax sculptural candles burn?

Burn time varies by size. Small sculptural candles (2–4 oz) burn 20–30 hours. Medium pieces (6–8 oz) burn 40–60 hours. Large sculptures (10–14 oz) burn 60–90 hours. For best results, burn until the entire top surface melts edge-to-edge on the first burn.

How long does shipping take?

Every Votive piece is handmade to order and ships within 3–6 business days from our Orlando, FL studio. US shipping is $7.95 flat rate, free on orders over $100. International shipping is available — rates are calculated at checkout. We accept returns within 7 days of delivery for unused items in original condition.

Do you offer local pickup?

No, we do not currently offer local pickup. All orders ship from our Orlando studio. Contact us at contact@votivecandlestore.com with any questions.

Are soy candles better than paraffin?

Yes. Soy wax burns cleaner, longer, and is plant-based. Paraffin is petroleum-derived and can emit toxic compounds including toluene and benzene. Our candles use only 100% non-GMO soy wax.

Are scented candles toxic or harmful to breathe?

Not ours. Votive Candle Co. uses only phthalate-free fragrance oils or therapeutic-grade essential oils. We never use synthetic additives or biohazard-labeled compounds, so our candles burn clean and safe indoors.

How do I care for my candle to avoid tunneling?

On the first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edges before extinguishing — this sets the memory ring and prevents tunneling. Trim the wick to 5mm before each burn. For sculptural candles, limit burns to 1 hour at a time to preserve the shape.

Are Votive candles safe around children and pets?

Yes. Our candles contain no paraffin, lead, heavy metals, or phthalates, making them safer for households with children and pets. As with any open flame, never leave a burning candle unattended and keep out of reach.

Mermaid Shell Candle - Sculptural Soy Wax

Art: VTV-M-BP-02927

Mermaid Shell Candle - Sculptural Soy Wax

Art: VTV-M-BP-02927

$40.00

Product details

Height5 in

🌿 100% Natural Soy Wax✦ Handcrafted🕯 Phthalate-Free♻ Clean Burn

Color:

Scent:

🚚 Ships in 3–6 business days · Every piece handmade to order · Free shipping over $75

Mermaid Shell Candle - Sculptural Soy Wax

$40.00

5.0★★★★★5.0 out of 5 stars based on 273 reviewsVerified

✦100% natural soy wax — cleaner burn, longer-lasting, no toxic byproducts
✦Phthalate-free fragrance — safe for homes with children and pets
✦Gift-ready packaging — add a handwritten note at checkout for $4.99

DescriptionCandle CareFAQs

✨ Free shipping on orders over $75 · Phthalate-free · Gift-ready packaging

✅ 100% natural soy wax — no paraffin, no toxins
✅ Phthalate-free fragrance oils
✅ Lead-free cotton wick
✅ Handmade in Orlando, FL

Shells have been objects of fascination since antiquity — the form that appears in Botticelli's Venus, in classical architecture, in the recurring decorative vocabulary of coastal art. The Mermaid Shell Candle renders that motif in soy wax: a sculptural piece with the spiral depth of a real shell, hand-finished so candlelight catches every ridge the way natural light catches the real thing.

Hand-poured from 100% natural soy wax at our Orlando studio, individually hand-finished. At 343 g, it is a substantial display piece that works alone or grouped with other coastal sculptural candles. Available in 10 colours — choose at checkout.

Available scents: Palo Santo & Sandalwood · Musk · Coconut Lime · Herbal. Each fragrance is crafted from phthalate-free oils chosen to complement the sculpture's character.

Product details

Weight: 343 g
Wax: 100% natural soy wax
Wick: Lead-free cotton wick
Origin: Handmade in Orlando, FL

100% natural soy wax · Phthalate-free fragrance · Cotton wick · Handmade in Orlando, FL

Perfect for

Coastal and ocean-themed interiors
Shelf groupings with the Clam with Pearl and Conch Shell candles
Bathroom and spa styling
Gifts for sea lovers and anyone who decorates around nature
Summer and coastal gift guides

Candle care

✂️ Trim the wick to 5 mm (1/4 inch) before every burn — a trimmed wick burns cleaner, brighter, and longer.

⏱️ First burn matters most — let the wax pool reach the full edge before extinguishing to prevent tunnelling on future burns.

🕐 Keep burns to 2–3 hours per session. Beyond that the wick can mushroom, the wax overheats, and fragrance throw drops.

📍 Find a stable, flat surface away from draughts, fans, and open windows. Moving air causes uneven burns and soot deposits.

🛑 Stop burning when 1 cm of wax remains. The wick can overheat the vessel base below that level.

☀️ Store away from direct sunlight and heat. Soy wax is temperature-sensitive — a cool, dark spot preserves the fragrance and the sculpture's colour.

🔥 Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep away from children, pets, and flammable materials. Always burn on a heat-resistant surface.

Candle care FAQs

Can I burn the Mermaid Shell candle or is it decorative?
Both. The shell detail holds as the wax melts. Many customers light it for the scent and the atmosphere, then keep the shell form on display.

Why soy wax instead of paraffin?
Soy wax burns cleaner — no toluene, no benzene — and holds fragrance better at lower temperatures for a more nuanced scent throw.

How do I choose a scent?
Coconut Lime is the most coastal option — bright, tropical, summery. Musk is clean and cool. Palo Santo & Sandalwood is warm and grounding. Herbal is green and fresh.

What does phthalate-free mean?
Phthalates are sometimes used in synthetic fragrances to extend longevity. We use only phthalate-free oils — same scent throw, without the compounds.

Does it come gift-ready?
Yes. Every order ships in gift-ready packaging. Add a note at checkout.

Can I pair it with other coastal candles?
Yes — the Clam with Pearl and Conch Shell candles make a natural coastal grouping. All are in 100% natural soy wax and available in matching colours.

✂️Trim the wickTrim to 5 mm (¼ inch) before every burn. A properly trimmed wick gives a clean, steady flame and prevents mushrooming or excess soot.
⏱️First burn — the most importantOn your first burn, let the wax pool reach all the way to the edges of the vessel before extinguishing. This sets the memory ring and prevents tunnelling for the life of the candle.
🕐Burn sessionsBurn for a maximum of 3–4 hours at a time. Allow the candle to cool completely before relighting. For sculptural pieces, we recommend 1-hour sessions to best preserve the form.
📍PlacementPlace on a heat-resistant dish or tray. Keep away from draughts, open windows, and air vents — these cause uneven burning and excess smoke.
🛑When to stopStop burning when approximately 1 cm of wax remains. Burning to the very base can overheat the container and damage the surface beneath.
☀️StorageStore in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Prolonged UV exposure can fade the colour and affect fragrance strength.
🔥SafetyNever leave a burning candle unattended. Keep away from children, pets, and flammable materials. Always burn on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface.

How do I prevent my candle from tunnelling?

The most important step is the first burn. Let the wax melt all the way to the edges of the vessel before extinguishing — this sets the memory ring. If the candle tunnels from a missed first burn, a longer subsequent burn session and a candle warmer can help recover the pool.

Why is there white powder or bloom on my candle?

White bloom (frosting) is a completely natural characteristic of 100% soy wax. It happens when the wax recrystallises — especially in temperature changes. It does not affect burn quality or fragrance throw. It is actually a sign that your candle is made from natural soy, not a blend.

My candle is producing black soot — what should I do?

Soot is almost always caused by an untrimmed wick. Extinguish the candle, let it cool, and trim the wick to 5 mm before relighting. Also check for draughts — any air movement can cause an unsteady flame and excess carbon deposits.

Can I burn sculptural candles or will they melt out of shape?

Yes, they are fully functional. Sculptural candles are designed to be burned, though the form will gradually change as the wax melts. For display longevity, keep burn sessions to 1 hour. Place on a heat-resistant dish to catch any pooled wax and protect the surface beneath.

Are Votive candles safe around pets?

Yes. Our candles use phthalate-free fragrance oils, lead-free cotton wicks, and 100% natural soy wax — no paraffin, no toxins. As with any open flame, keep candles out of reach of animals and never leave burning candles unattended in rooms where pets are unsupervised.

How long will my candle burn?

Burn time depends on size. Small pieces (2–4 oz): 20–35 hours. Medium (6–8 oz): 40–60 hours. Large sculptures (10–14 oz): 60–100 hours. Keeping the wick trimmed and avoiding draughts will maximise burn time.

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Mermaid Shell Candle - Sculptural Soy Wax

Mermaid Shell Candle - Sculptural Soy Wax

Product details

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