Walnut Wish Boats

Light these beauties and make a wish as you launch it on the water.

What you will need:

• Sharp knife

• 6 walnuts in the shell 

• 2 white wax candles, each 8 to 10 inches long, or 1 sheet beeswax 

• Microwave-safe dish Microwave, or hair dryer 

• Scissors

• 12 (1.5-inch) pieces cotton string (if using beeswax)

• Matches

Split the walnuts into perfect halves by inserting the tip of the knife into the wider end of the nut and twisting slightly. Pick out the meat from the halves and save it to eat. Scrape out the shell with the knife. If you are using candles, cut them into 12 approximately 1-inch pieces. Place each piece into a walnut shell half, and set in a microwave-safe dish. When 4 or 5 of the shells are filled, place the dish in the microwave and zap for 30-second increments. The wax does not need to melt all the way; you can begin to press it into the shell when it is warm and pliable. Make sure there is enough wick for easy lighting. 

If you can get your hands on a sheet of beeswax, it is even easier. Warm the wax using a hair dryer until it is pliable. Cut a 1-inch strip with scissors, press a piece of string in the middle, and roll the wax into an oval-shaped ball with the wick poking out. Press the warmed ball of wax and wick into the shell. 

On the beach, or a lake, find a calm launching place without big waves. Light your candle and place the boat into the water. Make a wish!