How to Make Seashell Arrangements
Make a seashell arrangement to add to your decor or simply to preserve and display seashells you've collected during a trip to the beach. Creating your own arrangement allows you to control which sizes, shapes and colors of shells you use, whether you purchase them at a craft store or collect your own. Consider making a seashell arrangement for a loved one to remind them of your trip to the beach together. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Seashells
- Sand
- Water
- Bleach
- Large glass bowl or shallow vase
- Candle
- Hot glue gun
- Glue sticks
- Shadowbox
- Linen cloth or background picture
- Dried/silk flower petals (optional)
- Mineral oil (optional)
- Small paint brush (optional)
Instructions
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Candle and Sand Arrangement
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1
Pour sand into a large but shallow glass vase or bowl. Base the amount of sand you pour on your personal preference, but 1/3 to 2/3 full is ideal.
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2
Insert a plain votive candleholder in the center of the sand. Place the candle in the holder. If you're using a pillar candle, push it into the sand in the center of the bowl in lieu of the votive holder.
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3
Paint your seashells with mineral oil if you wish to preserve them in a shiny state, like they are fresh from the beach.
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4
Add your seashells. Arrange the larger ones in the back, resting some against the candle or candleholder. Insert the shells in the sand going all the way around the candle. Add starfish or pieces of sea glass if you desire different colors and textures.
Shadowbox Arrangement
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5
Glue or insert a tan linen cloth in the back of the shadowbox. Choose a color as close to the color of sand as you can.
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6
Arrange the shells in the shadowbox the way you want them displayed. Add pictures or three-dimensional letters spelling out the occasion or date when you collected the seashells such as "Summer Vacation" with the year.
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7
Close the box. If it won't close all the way, remove the shells that won't fit or arrange them so they will.
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8
Glue the seashells in place, taking care to glue the right sides so the box can close. Allow the shells to dry.
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9
Paint the shells with mineral oil if you desire, once they're dry, to create a protective, shiny coat. Close the shadowbox, and hang it up, or place it on your shelf.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Clean the shells, especially if they are from the beach, before building your arrangement. If the shells are empty, soak them for a couple of hours in 1 gallon water and 1/2 cup bleach. Rinse thoroughly. Allow them to dry completely.
Use candles and hot glue with care.
Use leftover seashells to decorate matching picture frames, and hang on either side of the shadowbox to tell the story of the shells.
Never allow children to be near a candle or use hot glue unsupervised.
