How to Shell Craft a Vase Lantern

This shell craft is similar to the tealight candle holder "How to" article I have written. This project also uses glass for the canvas, and the design uses seashells - in this case shell pieces - and sand. It is quite a bit larger since it is based on an Ivy Bowl instead of a votive candle holder. As you can see it is a very beautiful seashell arts and crafts that would fit well in any home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 glass ivy bowl
• seashells
• sand
• glue
• hobby brushes
• polyurethane
• newspaper

1. There are a couple of things you need to do before starting this project.
   
   First, clean the ivy bowl of any grease and dust. I wash the bowl by hand with soap and water. You could probably just pop it in the dishwasher. Before using it make sure it is dry.
   
   Second thing to do if you don't have shell pieces is to make some. Sort through your seashell collection for those you would not mind smashing up. Place them inside an old rag or towel. Use the hammer to break the seashells into small pieces. You want pieces that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size. Sort through the pieces and pick out the ones you want to use.

2. 
   shell craft ivy bowl seashell lantern with tealight

   This is a long project and depending on the time you have available can take a week or more to put it together. I use white glue which takes time to set so I can move the shells around if I have to.
   
   Now that you have sorted out the seashell pieces you want to use on this shell craft, start putting the design in place. Use your own design or look at the photos with this article for the design I used. Pick a spot on the glass to start and apply a drop of glue to the glass. Next place your first shell piece.
   
   Most of this design is circular. A shell in the center is surround by 5 or six other pieces. This design is repeated around the vase in various places. Leave room between the shells and more room between the groups.
   
   Add a few curving strands here and there around the ivy bowl. Start at one of the circular designs and work your way up or down setting the shell pieces in a sinuous curve on the glass.

3. Let all the seashell pieces sit in place until you can handle the ivy bowl vase without anything falling off. Now use white glue and apply drops of it on the glass between the shell pieces. Spread the glue around the glass with a hobby brush. Basically you are going to paint the exposed glass on this shell craft with the glue.
   
   While the glue is still wet, sprinkle sand on it. Make sure to cover all the glue. If you do this step over a piece of newspaper it will be easier to collect the sand that doesn't stick and reuse it. Keep applying glue, spreading out, and sprinkling sand over the spread out glue until all the bare glass is covered. That is all except the bottom of the ivy bowl vase.

4. Once the glue has totally dried you need to protect the shell craft design. Use polyurethane clear coat. I use liquid high gloss polyurethane and paint it on with brushes. You could probably use aerosol high gloss or semi-gloss clear polyurethane.
   
   This coating will not only protect the design from the elements but add a nice shine to the seashells and sand. It also helps bring out the color of the seashell pieces.

5. Well it's done. Now what are you going to do with it?
   
   Find a nice shelf or table to place it on. Light a scented tea light candle and place it inside the Ivy Bowl Lantern. The sand should give the light a nice glow and show off the pattern of the seashell pieces.
   
   They make excellent gifts for family and friends. Make a few to give out for special occasions or just because. Don't give them all away, keep a couple for your own enjoyment.

Tips & Warnings

• To speed up the process try using a faster setting glue for placing the seashell design on the glass.
• Add the glue in sections, perhaps doing inside the circles first then moving out to the areas between the circles of seashell pieces.
• If you want to burn votive candles inside the ivy bowl lantern, make sure you have a clear glass votive candleholder to burn them in.
• I would recommend against using pillars and tapers inside the lantern. Cleaning out the wax may lead to damaging the shell craft.
• When smashing the seashells, WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES. If you hit them too hard there is always the chance that a piece of seashell can fly out of the rag/towel and hit you in the eye.
• Use the lanterns carefully. Never leave unattended. Do not use under anything that may burn. Take special care with children and pets.

Resources

• Shellcraft-Guides

[cygnetbrown]

on 5/22/2009 Beautiful vase! Love the article. thanks!

[Lilfix]

on 4/11/2009 Thanks for the very detailed article on how to shell craft a vase lantern...I had never heard of this, so it was fun learning something new...Thanks for sharing! RRRC5*

[sonni57]

on 4/9/2009 Good article on how to shell craft a vase lantern.

[Belafan]

on 4/7/2009 I like the lantern idea. It is even more beautiful when the candle shines out through the shells, sand and glass. Thanks for the ideas!

[athome]

on 4/7/2009 How to Shell Craft a Vase Lantern very fun idea I cant wait to try it. 5