Crafts to Make with Shells

Crafts to make with shells can be as simple or as elaborate as you want.

There are several reasons why crafters of all ages and skill levels enjoy finding ideas for crafts to make with shells.

• Shell crafts are a great way to remember a special vacation to the beach.
• Shell crafts coordinate well with other beach or nautical themed home decorations.
• Crafting with natural materials is a fun way to teach children about the importance of recycling.
• In most cases, shell crafts are also frugal craft projects that are the perfect choice for crafters on a tight budget.

Before you start your seashell craft project, it may be helpful to keep in mind a few basic tips for crafting with these natural materials. For example:

• To clean your seashells, soak them in a solution made from half bleach and half water for two to three hours. Scrub out any stubborn dirt or debris with an old toothbrush.
• Lay out the placement of your shells before you start gluing to make sure you will be pleased with the finished design.
• If you don't have enough shells for your project, keep in mind that you can purchase seashells from craft stores such as Hobby Lobby and Michaels Crafts.
• Mix and match various sizes of shells to add interest to your project. Small shells give a piece texture, while large shells serve as a dramatic focal point for the design.

If you don't have much time, or simply want a fast way to use up your collection of shells, here are a few ideas for shell crafts you can make in 30 minutes or less:

• Make a table centerpiece by filling a large hurricane vase approximately 1/3 full of sand. Arrange the shells in a pretty formation on top of the sand. If you wish, add a piece of driftwood and a few stray shells to the surrounding area to complete the effect.
• Add seashells to purchased potpourri, then fill a pretty container with the mixture to make a special air freshener for your home.
• Design a collage featuring your favorite shells, then use a shadow box to frame your artwork.
• Decorate a plain clay flower pot by gluing small shells around the base.
• Glue clip on earring backs to shells, then attach the shells to curtain tie backs, picture frames, wicker baskets or other items throughout your home.
• Create unique refrigerator magnets by arranging dried flowers, metal charms, or other mementos into the opening of a large shell. Attach a magnet to the back with a hot glue gun.
• Using a strong epoxy, attach shells to flat drawer pulls to give a tired looking dresser a bit of pizzazz.

If you're willing to spend a bit more time and energy on your project, the Internet is a great resource for finding advanced crafts to make with shells. Here are a few projects LoveToKnow Crafts recommends:

• Island Crafts has a page with several wonderful ideas for shell crafts. You can combine shells with greenery and a grapevine wreath, use them to make a unique nightlight, or press them into a can covered in clay to make a decorative pencil holder.
• Better Homes and Gardens suggests turning your favorite shells into one-of-kind jewelry by covering them in glitter and combining them with pearl beads.
• Thrifty Fun shows you how to use seashells to transform a plain dollar store mirror into an eye-catching accent for your home.
• Craft Ideas has instructions for using raffia, macramé cord, and shells to decorate a plain glass candle holder.
• Crafty Moms recommends turning large shells into containers for your handmade candles.
• WonderHowTo has a video tutorial that explains how to embed small seashells into handmade soaps.

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