Spring Equinox l Ostara I Vernal Equinox
We continue the transition from dark to light and find a balance in the day and night. The earth and its creatures are awakening. The (re)birth has begun.
Eggs are being laid. Bunnies are emerging. Seeds are sprouting. Bulbs will soon bloom. We are hatching from our shells, stretching our limbs and bursting with vigor.
Eggs symbolize promise, potential, creation, fertility and birth. A true symbol of spring. Make egg shell candles to embody the energy of the new season.
I made a sweet little basket home for my eggshell candles, which can be placed on a nature table, altar or even windowsill or counter, that are bursting with spring plant correspondences.
Marshmallow root acts as the binder to make this paper mache basket. Glue seeds on the bottom and spring blooms along the outside. Line the basket with cushy plants such as cleavers.
The spring blooms used are dandelion, violet, and lilac to symbolize love, protection, prosperity and rejuvenation.
I left my candles unscented, but jasmine is a perfect scent for this time of year.
*Both parts of the project take two days to make. Check out steps for day one and day two for planning purposes. If you prefer, you could make eggshell planters for the center of your basket.*
M A K E B A S K E T
Paper
Scissors
2 small bowls
Plastic wrap
Whisk
Marshmallow root
Water
Seeds
Dried flowers, such as dandelion, violet and lilac
Paint brush
Dried greenery such as cleavers or yarrow leaves.
Day one:
Cut paper into small strips.
In one bowl, whisk 2 tbsp of marshmallow root powder and 2 tbsp of water to make a glue.
Line second bowl with plastic wrap.
Drip strips of paper, one at a time, into glue, wiping off any extra moisture.
Line the plastic wrap lined bowl with strips of paper to form a basket.
Pour a little glue along the bottom of the basket and sprinkle with seeds, pressing down to secure their position.
Allow to dry overnight.
Day two:
Mix another, smaller batch of glue, 2 tsp of marshmallow root powder and 2 tsp of water.
Dab paint brush into glue and paint it onto the sides of the bowl. Press dried flowers onto the glue. Add more glue over the top of the flowers for a better bond.
Take pieces of greenery and twist them to form a circle to act as the "grass" inside the basket.
M A K E E G G S H E L L C A N D L E S
Eggs
Paring knife
Beeswax (eek, I didn't measure - perhaps 1 oz per egg shell?!)
Double Boiler
Container with sand
Wick
Clothes pins
Day one:
Using a pairing knife, gently poke the smaller tip/top of the egg.
Continue poking the knife around the top of the egg until you can remove the full circular tip of the shell.
Pour out the egg into a bowl to save for another use.
If you need to make the opening larger, carefully pinch the edges with your fingers. Be judicious as you may snip off more than you intend to.
Remove the the shell membrane, wash the shell, lay upside down and dry overnight.
Day two:
Place egg shells in a container with sand in it. Gently twist until they are in a flat and stable position.
Melt beeswax in a double boiler. If you do not have a dedicated bowl for wax crafts, line it with aluminum foil, before melting wax, for easy clean up.
Pour wax into the egg shells.
Place wick in the center. If your wick doesn't have a weight at the bottom, use a clothes pin to secure it in an upright position.
Allow to cool.
G R A N D F I N A L E
Place an egg shell candle in the center of your basket.
Choose a place to display your creation!