Every year, we go to the seashore, and we always come home with lots of shells. We try to do as many crafts and projects as possible with them, and this is one of my favorites, because it is a nice way to have a keepsake from our vacations.
* Keep in mind to be as respectful as possible when collecting seashells. You can also purchase shells in stores instead of collecting them at the beach.
One of our favorite beaches ever in Tulum, Mexico!
Materials needed
~ Shells
~ Mod Podge
~ Glitter
~ Small paintbrush (preferably a cheap one you can throw away – I find cheap packs of paintbrushes at the dollar store)
~ Ribbon
~ Thread or clear thread/fishing line
~ hot glue
The kids exploring the beaches of Cancun. It is fun to bring back some mementos and create an ornament as a memory of our vacations.
Directions
Make sure your shells are clean.
Mix some Mod Podge with glitter.
I like using fine glitter, and you can use an opalescent glitter if you don’t want to add a lot of color.
You can also skip the glitter all together, but the Mod Podge will give the shell a nice shiny, wet look that brings out the color of the shell.
Paint your shell carefully, coating it evenly. Allow your shell(s) to dry on a surface it won’t stick to (e.g. plastic).
Make a small bow using a ribbon (if desired), and measure a loop of thread you wish to use to hang your shell. Attach with a hot glue gun.
Although it can be difficult, I also sometimes use a Sharpie to label the inside of my shell with the location and year. You could also make a small “label” and secure it to the inside of the shell with Mod Podge. This is a great way to make an ornament for your family or for people you have gone on vacation with, to give as a keepsake.
Check out or DIY pom pom pinecone ornament!
Thumbtacks are a good choice for smaller shells because they’re sharp, but not so powerful that they’ll break through the shell and crack it. A regular drill is very heavy and there is a good chance that trying to drill into a delicate seashell would cause the shell to break. With this hand drill, light pressure is used to slowly drill a hole into the seashell.
I know this post is old, but oh my goodness! These are stunning!!. My mom really loves the ocean and seashells. i am definitely going to make her some of these. You’re so creative. Thanks for sharing this!.
Hello
These are stunning!!. My mom really loves the ocean and seashells. i am definitely going to make her some of these. You’re so creative. Thanks for sharing this!.
Hello
I like using fine glitter, and you can use an opalescent glitter if you don’t want to add a lot of color. You can also skip the glitter all together, but the Mod Podge will give the shell a nice shiny, wet look that brings out the color of the shell.
I really love seashells!! All these ideas are a good addition for the Christmas ornaments I’m making! Thank you for the good ideas!
Hello
A regular drill is very heavy and there is a good chance that trying to drill into a delicate seashell would cause the shell to break. With this hand drill, light pressure is used to slowly drill a hole into the seashell.
I like using fine glitter, and you can use an opalescent glitter if you don’t want to add a lot of color. You can also skip the glitter all together, but the Mod Podge will give the shell a nice shiny, wet look that brings out the color of the shell.
You’re AMAZING! I love these and my mom is going to LOVE these!
Good recipe you have here.