DIY Seashell Mirror
The seashells you found on your last beach voyage could find new life as part of a seashell mosaic mirror. Use craft glue on this project to ensure that seashells stay fixed to the mirror. If you have pets or small children, you may want to skip this project or place the mirror in a location where traffic is low. Check local ordinances before you search for seashells. In some locations, taking seashells may be illegal.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror glass
- Wooden frame
- Seashells
- Acrylic paint
- Craft glue
- Bleach
- Water
- Toothbrush
- Baby oil
- Masking tape
- Glass cleaner
- Towel
Instructions
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1
Place seashells in a solution that is half bleach and half water to remove impurities. Once most of the debris on the shells has disappeared, remove them from the bleach solution. Use a toothbrush to rub away any remaining grime. Wipe all of the shells with baby oil to create shine. Allow the shells to dry.
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2
Select a wooden frame for the mirror. It should be slightly larger than the mirror glass you select, so take its measurements. Bring the frame with you to a framing store to have the glass securely affixed to the frame.
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3
Place masking tape around the visible edges of the mirror glass. Paint the inside edges of the frames black, and paint the front of the frame to match your seashells. Remove the masking tape from the mirror glass carefully. Use glass cleaner to wipe the glass using a towel, wiping in small, circular motions. Allow the frame to completely dry.
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4
Set shells around the frame, placing smaller shells closer to the mirror and larger shells at the farther edges of the frame. Secure the shells one by one using craft glue. Allow the mirror to dry before hanging.
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Tips & Warnings
Hot glue can also be used to secure shells on this project, but avoid school glue or other lower-grade glue products. Shells that fall off of the mirror could be a choking hazard to pets or children.
There are "dead" and "live" seashells. Dead seashells are those with no animal tissue inside, while "live" seashells are taken and the animal inside killed for the use of the shell. Speak with local agencies and check local ordinances to see if it is legal for you to take the seashells you find.
References
- Photo Credit Seashells image by lynnmohd2 from Fotolia.com
