How to Glue Seashells Onto a Chandelier

Make a statement with a seashell chandelier.

Transform any room in your home into a seaside retreat with decorative accessories that remind you of the beach. Seashells are one of the quintessential elements that relate to the beach and when used as a decorative element, they automatically create a nautical vibe. If the room you plan on decorating with a coastal motif contains a chandelier, decorate the lighting feature with seashells to give it an updated look appropriate for the new design of the space.

Things You'll Need

• Seashells
• Clean, damp cloth
• Hot glue gun
• Filament (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove the chandelier from the ceiling. If the chandelier has lampshades, remove them. Clean the surface of the chandelier with a clean, damp cloth.

2. Plan a layout for the shells. Decide whether you want to cover the entire surface of the chandelier with seashells, or if you want to include only a few shells on the light fixture. Decide where you want to place different shaped, colored and sized seashells. They can be randomly placed, or set in a specific color scheme or pattern.

3. Apply hot glue to one seashell at a time. If you want the interior of the seashell to point outward, place the glue on the back of the shell. If you want the exterior of the shell to point outward, line the inner ridge of the shell with glue.

4. Press the shell onto the chandelier. Hold the shell in place for about 20 seconds to create a bond between the chandelier, the glue and the shell.

5. Continue adding seashells to the chandelier in this manner until you are satisfied with the look.

6. Add a further decorative element to the chandelier, if you wish. Cut lengths of filament. Glue a shell to the end of each length of filament. Tie the filament around the arms of the chandelier, allowing the shells to dangle off of the fixture.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow the glue to set for 24 hours before hanging the chandelier.

• Exercise caution while using a hot glue gun. Keep a bowl of cold water nearby to submerge your hands in if they make contact with the glue.

References

• I Love Shelling: Sarah's Seashell Chandelier