How to Create Unique Sand Dollar and Shell Ornaments

Mother Nature decorates herself with a world of natural ornamentation, from beautifully weathered driftwood to exquisitely gnarled grapevines to geometrically eroded rocks to the most precious of glittering gemstones.

Some of the most generous displays of her natural gifts array themselves along the high tide line of most any beach. Like myriad seashells, bits of coral, starfish and sand dollars to be picked up by a fortunate beachcomber.

What are some ways that we can in turn display these bits of flotsam as the treasures that they truly are?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seashells
• Glue, Glitter, Ribbon, Paint, Brushes, etc.
• Wreath Forms (optional)
• Canvas (optional)

1. Do not throw anything away.
   
   The tiniest bits of seashell can grace an intricate mosaic or the canvas of a child's mixed media creation.

2. 
    
   Bleached White and Ready for Artistic Enhancement

   Thoroughly dry the various accumulated shells and pieces, cleaning and bleaching when necessary to rid them of any bits of organic material.

3. Assemble your materials for decorating. While some items display gloriously in a natural condition, others can be enhanced with finely applied artistic touches.
   
   You might need acrylic paints and brushes, glue, glitter, ribbon, buttons, sequins, tiny plastic beads, etc. You may also want wreath forms in various shapes and sizes, or canvas in varying textures.

4. 
    
   Tiny Sand Dollars Preserved Forever

   The smallest dried starfish or sand dollars, minuscule drills, scallops or cowries can be glued to a canvas or strung for precious stranded ornaments.

5. 
    
   Common Shells - Uncommon Keepsake

   Attach random, seemingly dull colored common shells to wreath forms for multi dimensional displays.

6. 
    

   Sand dollars and conch shells are perfect examples of "seashells" that lend themselves to ornamentation.
   
   Paint your own pictures and designs on bare shells.

7. 
    
   Sand Dollar Painted Gold - Then Designed

   Cover entire shells with glimmering paint or glitter. Then leave solid or add designs.

8. 
    
   Naturally Occurring Grooves and Shapes Glittered for Accent

   Use the naturally occurring shapes within the structure of the shells as a basis for a simple (and easy) design.

9. Suspend your sand dollar ornaments by threading silky ribbon through one of five natural clefts.
   
   Drill a hole in the lip of a conch to provide a sturdy opening for a hanger.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the "angels" or "doves" from inside hopelessly broken sand dollars to decorate tiny ornaments. These are five little winged shapes that fall out when a sand dollar is broken apart.
• Glue on tiny sharks' teeth to form shapes on small ornaments.
• Fill the clear base of a glass lamp with seashells for a unique table accent.
• Fill a dish or basket with a mix of shells and potpourri for a simple, fragrant display.
• These ornaments make unique and treasured gifts in and of themselves.

[gailM]

on 9/15/2009 Oh I forgot to tell you I just love this idea. Maybe my sister will bring me some sea shells when she come up for our October 11th book signing party.

[gailM]

on 9/15/2009 Your eHow made me wish I lived near me sister on the coast of Texas. Here in Kansas we find unique rocks and pebbles and fresh water clam and snail shells. My grandkids when they were smaller, back in 1977, did things like you describe. I have one made of 4 rocks and it looks like a circus seal with a ball balanced on his nose. Makes a great ring holder near my kitchen sink.

[LilacGirl]

on 8/16/2009 What a terrific craft idea. Nice article.

[harvard]

on 8/7/2009 Busy hands are happy hands and you must be the happiest crafter who ever combed the beach. August - September seems like the best time to find things near the jetties on the east coast when larger than usual waves wash things up.

[igislandgirl]

on 8/3/2009 Good crafitng idead.. I'll have to try I live near the beach....