How do I add decorations onto the outer edges of the candle (seashells, etc.) so they are still visible?

I recently began crafting with seashells, making wreaths, centerpieces, candles, and candle holders. The prettiest ones incorporate twine or raffia wrapped a couple of times around the top, middle, or bottom of the candle (covering the bottom with glue and rolling it in sand is another alternative). Then I glue (hot gun or craft glue) a shell (starfish or small sand dollars) to the twine or above it and voila! I have also glued really tiny shells to cover the entire candle or to make patterns. After a couple of failures I realized that the key is to stick to one or two shell types to avoid it looking homemade. Amazon sells super tiny starfish (100 pieces for $9.99) that I love to use.