How to Make a Shell Shadowbox
Shell collecting is a common pastime among beach-goers, but finding a use for the shells can present a problem. Creating a shadowbox is a great way to display your findings with minimal hassle or mess. You can create your own wooden and glass frame or purchase a pre-made shadowbox from any craft retailer. Once your shadowbox is on display, you can proudly remember your vacation year-round.
Instructions
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1
Boil and dry your shells. Boil for 20 minutes to ensure that all harmful substances are removed from the shells. Lay out to dry on paper towels. Ensure shells are completely dry before putting into your shadowbox.
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2
Place shadowbox glass side down on a tabletop. Remove the back of the box.
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3
Place shells upside-down on the glass of the shadowbox, so that the part of each shell you want to be on display is facing the glass. Be as creative as you wish with the placement of your shells. Create more than one layer for depth. Pack the shells tightly together for minimal shifting once the box is upright.
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4
Place one layer of cardboard on top of the shells.
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Layer quilt batting on top of cardboard until there is only enough room on top for the remaining sheet of cardboard and the back of the shadowbox. Pack as tightly as you can without damaging the shells or glass. This will help with minimizing shifting once the box is upright.
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Place a second sheet of cardboard on top of quilt batting, then put the back of the shadowbox into place.
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Slowly rotate the shadowbox upward so that you can see the glass. If shifting of shells occurs, go back in and pack the quilt batting more tightly.
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8
Hang your completed shadowbox on the wall.
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Tips & Warnings
Shells are delicate, so do not pack the quilt batting so tightly that you damage shells or the glass front of the shadowbox.
If you do not allow the shells to dry completely before use, you may get condensation inside your shadowbox.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
