DIY Shell Mirror
Decorating a mirror with shells is an inspired way to infuse a room with color and texture. Whether you have an ocean-themed room or simply appreciate the aesthetic of shell-rimmed mirrors, you can find shells that will suit your decor. If you already have a seashell collection leftover from your last trip to the beach, you are already ahead of the game, since you already have the most significant component. This craft is straightforward enough for children and provides the perfect opportunity to sit down and reminisce about days spent seaside.
Things You'll Need
- Undecorated mirror, framed or unframed
- Seashells
- Water
- Ruler
- Dry-erase marker
- Hot glue
Instructions
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1
Select a mirror to embellish. The size of the mirror will determine how many shells you need.
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2
Select and acquire shells for the project. Select one kind or mix-and-match different shells. Refrain from choosing large, broad shells unless you are decorating an exceptionally large mirror.
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3
Clean shells that you acquired at the beach. Rinse the shells with water. Check to make sure there is nothing inside of them. Dry them.
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4
Arrange the shells around the edge of the mirror for practice before you start gluing. When you execute such an unrestrained project, you sometimes hit your stride after you have begun crafting the items.
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5
Measure the width of the intended shell border from the edge of the mirror with a ruler. Mark guide points with a dry-erase marker to ensure you place the shells correctly.
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6
Apply a narrow line of hot glue that is 1 or 2 inches long. Create the innermost edge of the border first. Use our smallest shells to make it.
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Press the smallest shells into the short line of glue. Continue applying short lines of glue, then shells until you have completed a continuous ring.
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Apply glue and shells in the same fashion -- a little glue, then a few shells. Create a uniform, continuous pattern or free-flowing pattern, based on your preference.
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Attach the largest shells first, then fill in gaps between the large shells with the smaller pieces, if you are using shells of varying sizes.
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Tips & Warnings
Though shells may complement your decor nicely, less is more. The exception to this is if you are using large, flat shells in an overlapping pattern, with few or no other shells present on the mirror.
