How to Bead Seashells

Enhance the natural beauty of seashells with colorful beads.

Enhance the beauty of seashells by adorning them with beads to highlight their colors and radiance. Select beads made of natural materials, such as shell, freshwater pearl, stone or wood to maintain the organic look. To add a contemporary flair, choose beads in bright metallic or multicolored crystal. Use copper jewelry wire or select from a variety of color options available through most craft stores and online. With a few simple tools, you can create beaded seashells that you can use as a fashion or home décor accessories.

Things You'll Need

• Seashells
• Dish washing liquid
• Toothbrush
• Tape measure
• Jewelry wire
• Wire cutters
• Bead board
• Beads
• Bead stopper
• Chain-nosed pliers
• Tape
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. Remove the sand and dirt from the seashells by brushing them gently with the toothbrush. Clean the seashells with mild dish washing liquid and water. Allow the seashells to dry thoroughly.

2. Measure the seashell to determine how much wire you will need by wrapping the tape measure around the center. Continue to wrap the tape measure around the seashell in all directions, as you would need to secure it with wire. Add 4 inches to the measurement so that you have room to make the loop.

3. Cut the appropriate length of wire with the wire cutters.

4. Lay out the bead design on the bead board. Leave 2 1/2 inches at the start and end of the wire without beads to leave room for the loop.

5. Place a bead stopper at 2 1/2 inches from the start of the wire. String the beads onto the wire. Place a bead stopper at 2 1/2 inches from the end of the wire.

6. Place the seashell 2 inches below the start of the piece of beaded wire. Lay the beaded wire flat against the underside of the seashell and apply a piece of tape to hold it.

7. Bend the beaded wire with the chain-nosed pliers tightly around the seashell. Finish wrapping the beaded wire back to the top of the seashell and gather the end pieces together.

8. Sand the tips of wire with the sandpaper.

9. Make a loop by wrapping the end wires around the chain-nosed pliers twice at the top of the seashell. Wrap any remaining wire below the loop and around the wire above the seashell to finish.

10. Remove the tape from the bottom of the seashell.

11. Repeat Steps 2 through 10 for all of the seashells.

Tips & Warnings

• To add luster and protection to the seashells, paint them with a coat of clear nail polish or lacquer.

References

• Fire Mountain Gems and Beads: Wrapping Stones and Beads with Half-Round Wire
• Beadaholique: Using Wire for Wire Wrapping, Looping, and Wire Jewelry