Candlestick Holders

One day a customer walked into the MMDC gift shop and remarked that giant clam shells would make great candlestick holders. We set about developing a product that people would not hesitate to use at a “white tablecloth” dinner. The result (Figure 26) was a commercial as well as aesthetic success.

H. hippopus shells, particularly the richly colored ones, are especially appropriate for candlestick holders, although any of the other giant clam species could potentially be used for this purpose. We liked the H. hippopus shells for both lamps and candlestick holders because the yellow-red markings on the shells showed beautifully when lit from inside the shell.

The method for making clam shell candlestick holders varies only slightly from the technique used for making soap dishes. Both products require a larger top shell glued with a hot glue gun to a stable base shell. Candlestick holders should be assembled from two matched pairs of shells because customers like to display them in pairs and will invariably hold the shells together at the bases to see if the pairs really match. If they are not perfectly matched, you may lose a sale.

Clam shells used for candlestick holders should be chemically bleached, then acid dipped before assembly. The lips of H. hippopus shells require no grinding, but if shells of other clam species are used, a light pass on the grinding wheel may be worthwhile to improve the shape of the shell lip.

When displaying candlestick holders, always have at least one set on the table with real, unlit candles in them. Even if the label on the shelf says that the items are candlestick holders, it makes a much stronger impression on customers if they actually see candles inserted in the shell bases.

Customers have told us that giant clam candlestick holders help create a romantic and exotic dinner setting. Could one find any better reason to use them?