11 Decorative DIY Arts and Crafts with Shells

Using shells in arts and crafts can be a creative and dynamic way to add natural elements to your projects. You can use shells to decorate various items such as picture frames, mirrors, jewelry boxes  or even create unique mosaic designs.

Also, shells can be introduced into sculptures, mobiles or mixed media artwork for an intricate and textured aesthetic. These treasures from the oceans have been used for many years by different people in various cultures for a lot of purposes, both decorative and practical.

It’s a good point to note that shells hold a unique attractiveness that grabs the attention of artists and crafters alike. Beyond their aesthetic endearment, shells also convey a symbolic meaning and arouse a sense of connection to the ocean and nature, making them a common choice for crafting projects.

Shell Craft Ideas, Inspirations and Techniques

 

1. A Coastal Wreath

The materials needed to make a coastal wreath are:

• small wooden sign
• small grapevine wreath
• Assorted seashells
• Chalk paint in adirondack white
• A hot glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Paintbrush
• Sandpaper

Follow these steps to make a coastal wreath:

• Paint the wooden sign with chalk paint and let it dry.
• Attach the seashells to the wreath using a hot glue gun.
• Start at the end and work the way up, overlapping the shells as you go.
• Finally, add a loop of twine to the back of the sign so it can be suspended on a door or wall.

2. Decorate a Frame

To do this project, you will require:

• A wooden frame
• White paint
• Shells
• Hot glue gun

Follow the following steps to decorate a frame with shells:

• First, paint the frame white and let it dry.
• Then, start gluing the shells to the frame in any pattern of your choice
• Once all the shells are in place, let the glue dry, and your work is complete!

3. Glitter Seashell Picture Frame

This stunning, sparkly frame is also a perfect craft project to do with kids. Here are some of the materials needed:

• Shells
• Extra-fine glitter
• Mod Podge
• A plain wooden frame.

To make a glitter seashell picture frame, follow the following steps:

• First, glue the shells to the frame using a glue gun.
• Then, use a paintbrush to apply a layer of ModPodge over the shells.
• Sprinkle on the glitter and let it dry.

4. Underwater Seashell Candles

This can be a beautiful home decor. It gives a beachy touch to your living spaces. You can easily turn your ocean finds into art pieces with the right supplies. The materials needed include:

• Seashells
• Gelly candle wax
• Fragrance oil
• Gel wax colorant
• Glass jars
• Wicks and Sand

How to Make

To start, melt the wax and add colorants for the desired effect, then add fragrances of choice before pouring them into seashell molds or glass jars. Place the wick inside before it hardens, then complete with a layer of sand over the surface

5. Seashell Turtle

This DIY seashell turtle is also a fun craft for kids! It is easy to make and only requires a few supplies. And also, it makes a visually attractive piece when it’s finished.

To make your own seashell turtle, you’ll need:

• Seashells
• Green construction paper
• Googly eyes
• Glue
• Green paint
• Scissors, and
• Paintbrush

How to make

• Paint the seashells green
• Cut out a turtle’s parts from the construction paper.
• Glue the turtle’s parts onto the seashell.
• Add googly eyes to the turtle.

6. Home Decor Planters Seashell Crafts

This homemade seashell planter is also home decor. Most satisfying of all, it is simple to make with just a few basic supplies.

You’ll need the following materials:

• Terracotta pots
• Seashells
• Glue
• Succulents, e.g aloe vera plant
• Potting soil.

How to make

• First, glue the seashells around the rim of the pot.
• Next, add some potting soil and carefully transplant your succulent.
• Be sure to use a cacti mix or extra sandy soil, as succulents need well-drained soils to thrive.
• Finally, give your DIY seashell planter a little water and place it in a sunny spot.
• In a little time, you’ll have a beautiful and unique piece of home decor.

7. Handprint Shell Keepsake

This DIY handprint shell keepsake is an exquisite and meaningful gift that can be quickly made.

You only need:

• A hard surface
• Shells
• A rolling pin
• A knife
• A paintbrush
• PVA (PolyVinyl Acetate) glue, and

Drying rack.

How to make Handprint Shell Keepsake

• First, roll out your clay on the hard surface.
• Then use the knife to cut out handprints of the desired size.
• Press the shells into the clay handprints. Make sure to press them firmly so that there is a good imprint.
• Next, use the paintbrush to apply PVA glue around the edge of each shell.
• Allow the glue to dry completely before removing the shells from the clay.
• Your pretty handprint shell keepsake is ready!

8. Creative Painting Sea Shells Ideas

• Some sea shells
• Puffy paints
• A paintbrush
• You can also add white acrylic paint to give the shells a bright and cheery look.

Here are some simple steps to follow:

• Begin by collecting some sea shells. Make sure they are clean and dry before beginning this project.
• Next, choose your colors of puffy paint. You can use one color or multiple colors for this project.
• Once you have chosen your colors, start painting the sea shells with the puffy paints. Be creative and have fun with this step!
• If you want, you can also add white acrylic paint to the mix for a brighter look.
• Allow the paintings to dry completely before handling them again. And your craft is all ready.

9. Simple Mason Jar Lamp

To make a mason jar lamp, you’ll need:

• a mason jar
• A drill
• A lamp lighting kit, and a lamp shade.

Steps to Make a Mason Jar Lamp

• First, use the drill bit to make a hole in the jar’s lid.
• Next, insert the socket from the lamp kit into the hole.
• Then, screw in the light bulb and assemble the rest of the lamp according to the instructions in your kit.
• Finally, add your desired shade and some shells and enjoy your new handmade mason jar lamp! domestically assemble the rest of the lamp according to the instructions in your kit.

10. Modern Seashell Door Hanging

To make your own modern seashell door hanging, you’ll need the following:

• A Piece of Driftwood
• Seashells
• Hemp Twine and Rope
• Faux Succulents
• A Hot Glue Gun
• Scissors
• Needle Nose Pliers

Here are some simple steps to follow:

• Start by cleaning off your piece of driftwood.
• Next, thread each seashell to each single hemp twine (cut to the desired length) and tie it up at the end to secure it.
• To add a bit of greenery, glue some faux succulents (artificial cod) around the driftwood.

Once everything is glued in place, use a rope to create a hanger on the top of the driftwood. You can tie knots or use hot glue to secure the rope.

Finally, lay out your shells with a twin in a v-shaped pattern on driftwood and tie a knot to each twine.

11. Creative Painted Seashells

You’ll need the following materials:

• Some sea shells
• Puffy paints
• and A Paintbrush
• You can also add white acrylic paint to give the shells a bright and cheery look.

Follow these steps to make a creative painted seashell

• Begin by collecting some sea shells. Make sure they are clean and dry before beginning this project.
• Next, choose your colors of puffy paint. You can use one color or multiple colors for this project.
• Once you have chosen your colors, start painting the sea shells with the puffy paints. Be creative and have fun with this step!
• If you want, you can also add white acrylic paint to the mix for a brighter look.
• Finally, allow the paintings to dry completely before handling them again.

Call to Action

Create a beach-themed atmosphere with these DIY seashell arts and crafts. With just some sea shells, tools, materials and other necessary supplies, you can create your own unique and alluring decoration. These simple projects will add an elegant touch to any home while displaying your treasured souvenirs from beach holidays or outings. These crafts are for kids of all ages, and with more advanced seashell decor ideas suited for adults, everyone can enjoy them. Also, whether indoors or outdoors, these easy-to-make hand crafts will surely bring a summery charm into any space! Give these seashell crafts and ideas a try; you will love the results!

Conclusion

Seashells are beautiful and can also be used to make amazing crafts and decor. With the help of the listed easy DIY seashell crafts and decor ideas, you can create something stunning that will look great in any room or outdoor setting.

Whether you choose a wreath with shells, a handprint shell keepsake, or a unique piece of artwork made from shells, it’s sure to add a touch of beauty and freshness to your home. Even if all you do is simply scatter colorful sea shells around your space for decoration, it’s still an excellent way to bring the beach vibe into the comfort of your own home!