How to Trim a Mirror With Shells
Decorating objects with shells first became a popular pastime after the Industrial Revolution. As Caroline Green explains in her book, "Victorian Crafts Revived," a woman of the new middle class suddenly had time to produce "beautiful pieces" of various crafts including "shellwork." Shells were used in jewelry and affixed to treasure boxes and other decorative objects. A mirror decorated with shells is harmonious with Victorian, Cape Cod or tropical plantation-style decors. Brightly colored shellwork makes a great addition to children's rooms with ocean, mermaid or pirate motifs.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror with removable frame
- Plastic table cloth
- 1 2-oz. acrylic craft paint
- Four small metal cans (used or unused small cat food or olive cans work great)
- Crafter's glue
- Microbeads, tiny marbles or craft sand
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue gun glue
- Flat shells no more than 3 inches in diameter
- Towel or soft cloth
Instructions
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Decorate the Frame
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Choose a small or medium-sized mirror with a removable frame. Use a frame no larger than a 16-by-24 inches. A larger frame and mirror covered with real shells will be very heavy and require complex structural supports to assemble.
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Cover the work surface with a plastic tablecloth.
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3
Remove the mirror from its frame. Set the mirror aside in a safe place.
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4
Choose a color palette for the mirror. Paint your frame with tans, browns or pinks to reflect your shell's natural tones. Choose metallic or opaque, cobalt blue, turquoise or grass green to create a playful fantasy motif.
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Paint the frame in your chosen color with acrylic craft paint. Let dry for 24 hours.
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Raise the frame off of the work surface by placing a small can under each of its corners.
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Drip a generous amount of craft glue all over the frame. Allow it to drip off the sides of the frame with a natural, organic flow.
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Liberally sprinkle the mirror with colored or clear, microbeads, mini-marbles or craft sand. Cover all exposed glue. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
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Gently turn the frame over and shake to detach any beads, marbles, or sand that are loose. Discard, or reapply loose materials to the frame.
Add Your Shells
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Heat up the hot glue gun.
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Select a shell to place in the top center of the frame as a focal point. Choose a large attractive shell. Find a similar smaller shell to place in the bottom center of the frame.
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Place the selected shells in the top center and bottom center of the frame using generous amounts of hot glue.
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Using more hot glue, place shells around the frame in any fashion you choose. Consider patterns that are balanced, completely random, or work with a gradual decrease in size from top to bottom.
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Allow the frame to dry for 24 hours.
Check and Complete the Decorated Mirror Project
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Place a thick towel or blanket on your work surface.
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Very slowly turn the frame over close to the soft surface. Shake the frame gently to make sure all of the shells are secure. Re-glue any stray shells.
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Place the mirror back in its frame.
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Check the hangers and fasteners on the frame to be certain they can accommodate the increased weight of the project.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase cheap plastic tablecloths at dollar stores to have on hand for craft projects.
Cut the frame free with a razor blade or X-Acto knife if it becomes stuck to the work surface or support cans; do not pull it away or the decorative surface may be accidentally removed.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
