Craft projects that involve seashells are really and truly for everyone, because you can make them as simple or as complex as you wish. So, get ready to gather some seaside treasures during your next trip to the shore and turn them into keepsakes and decorative accents for your home!

Before you start

Be sure to check the shell-collecting regulations governing a specific beach and collect only dead seashells; the living ones should be eaten – or left to live!

Seashells are a smelly affair and must be cleaned thoroughly. It’s usually enough to put them into the utensil basket of the dishwasher. Alternatively, soak them in water for about one week, changing the water every day. If you use a 50-50 water and bleach solution, the soaking time will be much shorter (until the outer flaky layer falls off), but the colour of the shell may be affected. Another option is a good scrub with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

After you clean them, allow the shells to dry completely. You may buff them with baby or mineral oil for some sheen – and start on your seashell craft!

Fill a glass

This is an easy, but effective method of displaying your seashells. Simply fill any pretty glass receptacle you have with shells, making sure that the most beautiful specimens are next to the glass surface. To take things a step further, fill a shadow box with your seashells!

Make a mosaic

You can adorn mirror and picture frames with seashells. Or a wooden box. Or flower pots. The only limit is your imagination! Simply stick the shells with the help of sealant or craft glue. Some crafters like to use a low-temperature glue gun, especially for larger shells.

Design some jewellery

There are seashells that have natural holes; others need to have a hole made with a needle or a drill. Then just add one or two seashells as a pendant, or string a handful of them on a nylon thread to create a seashell necklace or bracelet.

Create seashell candles

All you have to do is melt some wax into a seashell, add the wick and a few drops of the essential oil of your choice – and you have a candleholder that brings natural charm to any table! If all you have are small seashells, you can “embed” them into candles by melting a spot with the tip of a hot glue gun. Just be sure to hold the shell in place until the wax starts to settle.

Even more ideas

Large seashells can be used as dishes: to hold soap, or salt and pepper! Small ones are just what you need for decorating your scrapbook. Seashells of any size will make lovely wind chimes.

And in the end…

What if you fall in love with your new hobby and cannot stop making seashell crafts? You will sell your best handiwork in the appropriate section of bidorbuy’s finished crafts category, of course!

All together now: “She sells sea shells on…”