We’ve been relaxing a bit around here and having a little fun! I hope you all had a chance to enjoy being outside over the long weekend.
Here’s a little project that would be great to do yourself or with your children over the summer. What a wonderful way to remember a day at the beach!
These shells were found on the beaches of Captiva, Cayo Costa, and Sanibel.
Living in Florida and boating on a regular basis, we get to go shelling a lot! I love it! It’s one of the most relaxing things in the world…just strolling along the beach with the sun shining down, the waves lapping against the shore, and the birds flying overhead. All the while looking through piles of shells on beautiful white sand. Always looking for one more shell before stopping to turn back to the boat.
Have you noticed all the new shell home decor coming out in the stores? Well, I’m going to show you how to make your own shell frame today! This can all be done at a fraction of the price you would pay in a store, and you’re being so creative!! That’s a good thing!
I keep clean shells in boxes so I can start a project with shells without having to wash and dry them. These have a thin coat of clear on them already.
You can purchase shells, but just make sure you get plenty. It takes quite a few shells to make this frame. I always end up using more than I planned on when I started. Good thing I’ve got boxes of them!
First, you start with a frame. A large flat surface works best. Remove the glass until you’re finished.
Make sure all your shells are clean. Now, it’s best to find shells of a similar size for the base row. This can be done with all white or whatever shells you have. Just try to keep a uniform look on this part.
Use a hot glue gun to secure them to the frame. You could stop right there and call it a day. It’s a nice shell frame already. But to make it extra special, let’s add more.
Start by finding shells to fit in the empty spaces. Don’t glue yet, just move them around until you have about 10 or so in place. Go ahead and glue them down before you knock them off and don’t know where you had them. {That’s never happened to me…I’m just saying.}
It takes time to find a shell to fit just right in each spot. It’s kinda like a puzzle. Keep working on it until you love it! Add one here and there. Then check it from all angles to see what it looks like. When you’re done, you’ll know it!
When you are finished spray it will a clear glaze. {The glaze is thicker and has more of a shine than regular clear spray.} This will bring out all the colors in the shells! It also hides some of the extra glue that you might see. Let it dry. Add a photo!
Not too hard, but it does take a little time. Enjoy creating something beautiful!
Did you make anything over the weekend?
~Kim
I’m SOOO jealous. Some of my best childhood memories are of collecting shells.
Pretty frame!
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I just came back from Sanibel…can’t wait to make one of these; oh, and can’t wait to go back to Sanibel! 🙂
So beautiful. Now you’ve got me inspired, as I got reminded of the childhood memories walking at the beach collecting shells.
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I love this! Gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing!
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You have some of the prettiest shells! I have only collected around Gulf Shores, AL, and they are not known for their shells! I would love to go to Sanibel. They have the best shelling beach in the country, but I’m sure you already know that! : )
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I do these as well. I live in St. Pete, FL and collect shells on every beach day. Michael’s has good frame sales, so I bulk up there and make these as gifts.
Love the frame! I am going to do one all in white for my bathroom mirror!
I paint glass ornaments and always wanted to do a wreath with small glass ornaments. I am going to do it now using this method! Thank you for the ton of inspiration.
These are some of the cutest shell frames I’ve seen!
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Beautiful! I love decorating with shells…I have a whole bathroom dedicated to them since we were married on the beach! You did a great job on the frame, thanks for sharing the tutorial.
Oh, I love this. The beach bum in me is tickled pink (we must be kindred spirits). Will be on the hunt for shells on our 4th of July trip to the beach, though I am quite sure we don’t have amazing shells like you. Awesome pictures.
Love the idea!
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This is so freakin cute! This would make a great gift for friends.
Love this Kim. I have tons and tons of shells around the house too. We are heading down for our annual Boca Grande vacation June 12, so I know I’ll be adding to my stash. 🙂
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I am green with envy….but I do have my own shell boxes and just blogged about some beach/summer things I made even though I’m 4+ hours from the sand. Hope you’re not in the oil path.
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Hello;
When you write clear glaze, can you tell us where you get it, as well as a particular brand. The same goes with ‘glue gun’.
thank you,
joe