How to Make a Seashell Swag
A swag is a decorative piece similar to a garland, but shorter and more compact. Swags are typically made with sprays of green foliage, and decorate a wall, table centerpiece or mantle, often during the winter holidays. Seashell swag is a wonderful variation for those desiring a nautical theme in their decorations.
Things You'll Need
- Seashells
- Water
- Bleach
- Foam block
- Hot glue gun
- Wood
- Floral wire
- Wire cutters
- Ribbon
- Foliage (optional)
Instructions
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1
Collect seashells by hand, or purchase them wholesale.
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2
Clean the shells in a weak solution of bleach and water, letting them dry thoroughly to eliminate any odor.
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3
Cut the foam block into quarters, lengthwise.
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4
Use hot glue to attach three pieces of foam end to end on a strip of wood 2 inches wide and 27 inches long.
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5
Shape a hook with the floral wire and glue it onto the back of the wood.
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6
Cover the back by gluing a wide piece of ribbon across it.
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7
Create a 4-inch-wide bow with 6- to 8-inch tails to glue at the top of your swag.
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8
Fill in the foam with shells of all shapes and sizes.
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9
Glue the large- and middle-sized shells to the center and sides before filling in the spaces with smaller shells.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Add other decorative accents to your swag, attaching sprays of green foliage, berries or flowers along with your shells.
