How to Decorate Beach Seashells

Decorate jewelry and picture frames with seashells.

Use seashells in a variety of ways to decorate your life. At Hawaiian luaus, you can purchase seashells with beautifully carved designs, but for a more simplistic approach you can decorate a large shell with acrylic paint. String seashells on necklaces and bracelets to create jewelry with a Hawaiian theme. Decorating picture frames and mirrors with seashells is another way to give your decor a tropical theme. Consider adding a stylish touch to a plain jewelry box by gluing a few seashells on it. All of the supplies needed for making seashell jewelry and decor can be purchased at a craft store.

Things You'll Need

• Large seashell
• Permanent marker
• Acrylic paints
• Paintbrush
• Beading wire
• Beading wire cutters
• Seashell beads with holes
• Stretchy cord
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Picture frame or mirror with a plain wood frame
• Large package of miniature seashells
• Plain wood jewelry box

Instructions

Decorate Seashells with Acrylic Paint

1. Use a permanent market to draw the design you would like to paint on a large seashell.

2. Carefully paint over the lines of the permanent marker, Or, consider painting a freehand design if you want to be more spontaneous.

3. Paint Hawaiian-inspired designs such as coconut trees, sea creatures and plumeria flowers on your seashell.

Make a Seashell Necklace

1. Cut a piece of beading wire to be the desired length of the necklace---make sure to add several inches to the length for tying the necklace together.

2. Make a secure knot at one end of the beading wire, and slip on the first seashell bead.

3. Continue adding shells to the length of the beading wire, and then secure the necklace by knotting both ends together.

Make a Seashell Bracelet

1. Measure the amount of stretchy cord needed to go around your wrist, and then add a few extra inches for securing the bracelet. Cut with a pair of scissors.

2. Tie a knot at one end of the stretchy cord, and then begin stringing on the seashell beads.

3. Secure the bracelet by knotting both ends together.

Decorate a Picture Frame or Mirror with Seashells

1. Plug the hot glue gun in a wall outlet, and allow it to heat up.

2. Lay a wood picture frame or mirror on a flat surface.

3. Start by adding seashells around the inside edge of the frame with a hot glue gun.

4. Continue adding shells around the entire frame until it is completely covered.

5. Let the picture frame or mirror dry for a couple of days before hanging on the wall.

Decorate a Jewelry Box with Seashells

1. Allow the hot glue gun to heat up.

2. Glue seashells along the sides of the jewelry box first.

3. Add seashells to the top of the jewelry box once all of the sides are covered.

4. Allow the seashells to dry to the jewelry box for a couple of days before using it.

Tips & Warnings

• If the glue gun doesn't heat up properly, the seashells will not stick.

• Avoid gluing seashells on the glass of the picture frame or the glass of the mirror.

• Never glue seashells over the opening of the jewelry box.

• Consider filling a basket with seashells if you enjoy low-maintenance decorating.

• Create an inviting bathroom by using a seashell-inspired decor.

• Adults should use the hot glue gun to decorate items with seashells because young children might burn their fingers.

References

• University of California, Davis: Clams to Cash---How to Make and Sell Giant Clam Shell Products
• BBC News: Study Reveals 'Oldest Jewellry'
• Los Angeles Times: Choosing Artwork and Decor
• University of Indianpolis: 'Neo Rococo' Jewelry Art Exhibit on Display