How to Decorate a Mirror or Picture Frame With Seashells

Seashells can add a unique touch to a picture or mirror frame. The finished product will allow you to keep a part of the ocean in your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seashells
• Glue Guns
• Glues
• Picture Frames
• Wall Mirrors
• Wall Mirrors

1. Collect or buy seashells.

2. Clean and dry the shells carefully.

3. Select a wall mirror or picture frame with a flat frame. If you use a picture frame, remove the glass before decorating it. If you use a mirror and it is not removable from the frame, cover the mirror surface with newspaper stuck under the edge of the frame to protect it from the glue.

4. Choose a frame that is made of wood or plastic for the best results.

5. Sort through your shells and lay them on the frame in different arrangements to see what you like best. Consider decorating a frame with shells of one type or mixing and matching many kinds.

6. Space the shells apart if you would like to see the color of the frame as a background. Arrange them tightly together if you do not wish to see the frame.

7. Try to place the flattest part of your shell against the frame so it will attach easily.

8. Pick up the shells one by one and spread glue on them using a glue gun or a tacky craft glue.

9. Press the shell against the frame and hold it for a second before moving to the next shell.

10. Remember that until the glue sets, the shell will move if you bump it.

11. Allow the glue to dry completely before standing the frame up or hanging it on the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• This project is a great way to create a memento of a beach vacation.

on 7/8/2006 Another thing, to add a little extra attraction to your shells, is to glue glitter on them!

on 11/22/2005 If you are wanting to capture the memories of a trip to the beach, a neat idea I have found is collecting sand from the beach and mixing it with glue and putting it on the frame as the background as well as the shells! It makes for a beautiful frame!

on 11/22/2005 If you use a glue gun or tacky glue, the shells will easily break off. A superior glue to use is Crafters Goop. It not only holds the shells much better while your working, it has a flexible hold when dry and will not easily break.