How to Craft With Sand & Shells
Crafting with sand and shells can transform an ordinary item into a treasure or an entire room into a seaside resort, undersea wonderland or summer getaway. You can cover light switches, lampshades, candle holders, vases or entire vanity mirrors with shells, mosaic-style. You can even make wall hangings, trim garments or make jewelry using shells. Gathered shells can be used to make memorable gifts, reminding the receiver of trips or special events.
Things You'll Need
- Sand and shells
- Deep stock pan full of water
- One cup bleach or hydrogen peroxide
- Paper towels or dish cloth
- Instant adhesive
- Clear lacquer or acrylic spray paint
- Acrylic paint or nail polish
- Containers
- Shallow bowl
- Food coloring
- White glue
- Watercolor or trim brush
Instructions
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Shell Crafts
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1
Gather shells from a recent vacation or purchase sand and shells from a local craft store. Rinse away any sand, grit or dirt before bringing your shells inside.
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2
Place shells in a deep stock pan full of water and bring to a boil. This will eliminate any remaining organic matter and allow the shells to remain open if they are closed. Allow water to cool to room temperature. Drain water and rinse well. Repeat if needed.
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3
Remove pot from heat. Add one cup of bleach or hydrogen peroxide and allow to stand overnight to soak away any stains.
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4
Lay shells on a cloth or layers of paper towels to air dry. Arrange as desired on your chosen item. Glue one shell at a time in place, using instant adhesive. Allow glued shells to dry overnight.
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5
Spray entire item with several coats of clear lacquer and allow to dry overnight between coats. Paint if desired, using acrylic paint or nail polish.
Sand Crafting
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6
Divide sand into several equal amounts in containers. Add food coloring to each container and stir until evenly mixed throughout the sand.
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7
Mix thin white glue with a few teaspoons of water in a shallow bowl. Apply to the object or paper where you want to make your sand design, using a watercolor or trim brush, depending on the size of the area you are going to decorate with sand.
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8
Working from the center to the outer edges, sprinkle your chosen sand color onto the glue mixture to fill the areas of your design as desired.
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9
Allow glue to dry overnight.
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10
Shake sand-painted items to remove excess once they have dried. Spray lightly with clear acrylic to seal and protect your sand design.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use shells that are easy to find. Be selective, taking only unbroken specimens.
